Decca Beatles Albums

 

Decca Beatles Albums

1962, The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records. However, the band was dropped by the label thus resulting in The Beatles signing on to Parlophone Records at EMI. This label change also affected the lineup as the drummer, Pete Best, was dropped and was replaced by Ringo Starr. But... What if they weren't dropped? What if The Beatles made albums on Decca instead? And what if Pete Best was still in the band? We hope to answer those questions today with this post.

Their first album, Introducing The Beatles, is released to limited fanfare. In this timeline, The Beatles are just another British invasion bands in a sea of hundreds. The Rolling Stones achieve great success with their first album on Parlophone, which intern influences The Beatles to make their debute.

Their first single from this album Twist And Shout only reach #115 with many of the pressings even misspelling the band's name as "The Beattles" or "The Beetles"

The Beatles - Introducing The Beatles (1963)

1. Like Dreamers Do
2. To Know Her Is To Love Her
3. Anna (Go To Him)
4. Chains
5. A Taste Of Honey
6. Baby It's You
7. Memphis, Tennessee

1. Sure To Fall (In Love With You)
2. Besame Mucho
3. Three Cool Cats
4. Crying, Waiting, Hoping
5. Take Good Care Of My Baby
6. The Sheik Of Araby
7. Searchin'
8. Twist And Shout

Their second album was like their first. Although John and Paul were slowly developing as songwriters, they still found it hard to shake off the rock n roll covers. Pete album gets his first vocal spot on this album with the track Matchbox, a song he was known for playing in the cavern.

The Beatles - Meet The Beatles (1963)

1. It Won't Be Long
2. Roll Over Beethoven
3. Till There Was You
4. Hold Me Tight
5. Matchbox
6. The Hippy Hippy Shake

1. All My Loving
2. You Really Got A Hold On Me
3. Too Much Monkey Business
4. Lucille
5. Little Child
6. Please Mr. Postman
7. Money

In 1964, there were plans thrown around to star The Beatles as guests to a movie featuring their songs. However, this plan was quickly dropped due to no movie director wanting their music in their films because of the lack of popularity. The Beatles did see some success though with this album, The singles A Hard Day's Night and Can't Buy Me Love both reached the top 20 charts for the first time. Despite the hits, this album was bogged down again for the weird track list choices which includes dated covers like Johnny B. Goode.

The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night (1964)

1. A Hard Day's Night
2. Lend Me Your Comb
3. I Got A Woman
4. Slow Down
5. I Got To Find My Baby
6. Can't Buy Me Love

1. I Call Your Name
2. I Forgot To Remember To Forget
3. Long Tall Sally
4. Things We Said Today
5. Shout!
6. Ooh! My Soul
7. Johnny B. Goode

The Beatles were now influenced with folk music such as Bob Dylan. This can best be seen by the first two tracks off this album. However, this direction eventually led to The Beatles' demise as when the recording session for their next unnamed album began, The Beatles were constantly dealing with the record company, which eventually led to their breakup.

The Beatles - Beatles For Sale (1964)

1. No Reply
2. I'm A Loser
3. Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry
4. Baby's In Black
5. Rock And Roll Music
6. Mr. Moonlight
7. Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey

1. Words Of Love
2. Honey Don't
3. Carol
4. Sweet Little Sixteen
5. Lonesome Tears In My Eyes
6. Boys
7. What You're Doing

*John sings on Honey Don't and Pete sings on Boys as seen by his 1964 single