Every Beatles Album's Opening Track Ranked From Worst To Best
7. Help! - Help!
Some cries for attention are subtle.
Not this one.
The Beatles are literally calling out for help at the start of their fifth album, as the relentless touring schedule and pressure of fame had finally made them crack.
Help! serves not only as the opening track to the album of the same name, but also the title song for The Beatles’ second film, which is about a strange cult chasing Ringo around because he’s got a magic ring stuck to his finger.
It’s just as bonkers as it sounds.
Help! doesn’t muck about, getting straight down to business from the opening note. The multi-man cry that kicks the song off sets the energy bar extremely high and it only gets higher as the track wears on.
Lennon’s main vocal line of a man reflecting on his past is matched perfectly by McCartney and Harrison’s epic backing, one of the best examples of this during the band’s early days.
Help! does everything that a good opening rock song should do. It sets the tone of the album, catches your attention from the very start, and stays in your head long after it’s over.