Introduction:
“Something” is a song of immense significance within The Beatles’ unparalleled catalog, not only for its exquisite beauty and timeless appeal but also for its pivotal role in establishing George Harrison as a songwriter of equal stature to John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Often hailed as one of the greatest love songs ever written, its journey from a nascent idea to a global hit underscores Harrison’s burgeoning talent and the band’s continued artistic evolution in their final years.
- Year Released: 1969 (single released October 6, 1969, in the US; October 31, 1969, in the UK)
- Album: Abbey Road
“Something” was released in 1969 as a prominent track on Abbey Road, The Beatles’ eleventh studio album. While Let It Be was the last album completed before the band’s eventual break-up in April 1970, Abbey Road was the final album they recorded together, making it a poignant farewell. The album was primarily recorded between February and August 1969 at EMI Studios (later renamed Abbey Road Studios) in London. “Something” holds the distinction of being the first Beatles song written by lead guitarist George Harrison to be released as an A-side single. It was issued as a double A-side with John Lennon’s “Come Together,” a rare move for the band, and the first time in the UK that The Beatles released a single containing tracks already available on an LP album.
Harrison began writing “Something” in September 1968, during sessions for The Beatles’ self-titled double album, commonly known as “the White Album.” He recalls working on the melody at a piano while Paul McCartney was recording overdubs in an adjacent studio. Initially, Harrison set the song aside, concerned that the melody came to him too easily and might have been unconsciously borrowed from another piece of music. The opening line, “Something in the way she moves,” was indeed inspired by the title of a song by James Taylor, an artist signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records at the time. Harrison also stated that he imagined Ray Charles singing the song, which influenced its soulful feel. While Harrison later offered alternative inspirations, the song is widely interpreted as a love song to his then-wife, Pattie Boyd, who also inspired Eric Clapton’s “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight.” Despite initial disinterest from Lennon and McCartney, and producer George Martin, Harrison persevered, and by the time Abbey Road sessions began, his confidence in his compositions, including “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun,” ensured their inclusion.
Genre of Music:
“Something” is a masterful blend of rock and pop, infused with significant elements of soul and balladry. It showcases Harrison’s growing sophistication as a songwriter and his ability to craft a song that was both commercially accessible and artistically profound. Key genre characteristics include:
- Rock/Pop Foundation: The song maintains a solid rock foundation with its classic instrumentation of guitar, bass, drums, and piano. However, its melodic structure, harmonious vocals, and polished production lean heavily into pop sensibilities, making it widely appealing.
- Soulful Influence: Harrison’s vocal delivery and the song’s overall feel are deeply influenced by soul music, particularly the style of artists like Ray Charles, whom Harrison admired. This is evident in the song’s emotional depth, the subtle inflections in Harrison’s singing, and the rich, warm instrumentation, including Billy Preston’s Hammond organ.
- Ballad Structure: At its core, “Something” functions as a classic ballad, focusing on themes of love, admiration, and devotion. Its relatively slow tempo, soaring melody, and expressive guitar solo contribute to its romantic and introspective mood. The song builds emotionally, culminating in a powerful and memorable instrumental break.
- Orchestral Arrangement: The song features a lush orchestral arrangement by George Martin, which adds a layer of sophistication and grandeur, elevating it beyond a simple rock song. The strings complement the band’s performance without overpowering it, a testament to Martin’s production genius. Harrison’s iconic guitar solo is a standout feature, widely considered one of his finest and a highlight of the track.
Achievements:
“Something” achieved remarkable critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying its place as one of The Beatles’ most enduring and beloved songs, and a crowning achievement for George Harrison:
- Chart Topper: The single “Something” / “Come Together” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, marking the first time a George Harrison composition reached number one on the US charts while he was still a member of The Beatles. In the United Kingdom, the double A-side peaked at No. 4 on the Official Singles Chart. Its commercial success was notable, especially given that both tracks were already available on the Abbey Road album.
- Critical Acclaim: The song received widespread critical praise upon its release and has continued to garner accolades over the decades. John Lennon famously called it “about the best track on the album” (Abbey Road), high praise from his often-critical bandmate. Paul McCartney also considered it a “wonderful song.”
- Ivor Novello Award: In 1969, “Something” received the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically and Lyrically,” recognizing its exceptional songwriting craftsmanship.
- Most Covered Beatles Song (Second Only to “Yesterday”): By the late 1970s, “Something” had been covered by over 150 artists, making it the second-most covered Beatles composition after “Yesterday.” This remarkable feat speaks volumes about its universal appeal and timeless melody. Notable artists who have covered the song include Frank Sinatra (who called it “the greatest love song of the past 50 years”), Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey (who had a top-five UK hit with her version in 1970), James Brown, and Smokey Robinson.
- Recognized by Industry Organizations: In 1999, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) named “Something” as the 17th-most performed song of the twentieth century, with over 5 million performances. It has consistently appeared on “greatest songs of all time” lists, including Mojo‘s “The 100 Greatest Songs of All Time” (No. 14 in 2000) and Rolling Stone‘s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” (No. 110 in 2021).
- Posthumous Tributes: Following George Harrison’s death in 2001, “Something” became a poignant tribute. Paul McCartney famously performed it on ukulele (an instrument Harrison loved) at the Concert for George in 2002, a moving homage to his late bandmate.
In conclusion, “Something” by The Beatles, released in 1969 on the Abbey Road album, is a masterful rock/pop ballad with soulful undertones. Written by George Harrison, it marked his emergence as a primary songwriter, earning critical acclaim and topping charts globally. Its enduring popularity, evidenced by its status as one of the most covered songs in history and its consistent recognition on “greatest songs” lists, solidifies “Something” as a timeless classic and a cornerstone of The Beatles’ legendary legacy.