The Beatles' Vocal Division of Labor: A Look at Lennon, McCartney, and More
The Beatles had a clear division of labor when it came to singing their songs. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were the main lead singers, while George Harrison and Ringo Starr usually had one song each per album or performance. The rule was simple: whoever wrote the song would sing it. In the early days, Lennon and McCartney often wrote songs together, but each would sing the parts they wrote, as seen in tracks like 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'I've Got a Feeling'.
One exception to this rule was 'Every Little Thing' from Beatles for Sale, written by McCartney but featuring Lennon on lead vocals. Another instance was during the recording of 'Oh! Darling' for Abbey Road, where McCartney struggled to get the right vocal take. Lennon felt he could have sung the song better and regretted not taking a crack at it. Despite the internal debate, the track remains a classic bluesy number that showcases McCartney's vocal style.
The Beatles effortlessly delivered smoky and bluesy numbers, with 'Oh! Darling' being a standout example. McCartney's vocal performance shines on the track, although Lennon felt he could have done it better. The song remains a timeless classic, showcasing the band's versatility and musical prowess.