The Beatles put out an immense catalogue of 213 songs, the vast majority written by the band. Nowhere is a demonstration of the skills of Lennon and McCartney more apparent than the often hectic “White Album”. Leading on from the first track, “Back in The U.S.S.R.” is a true gem, Dear Prudence.
Written whilst in their stay in India with Maharishi Marhesh
Yogi, Dear Prudence is a plea to Prudence Farrow, sister of the actress Mia
Farrow, who was on the trip with the Beatles. A plea for her to come out of her
room. Ms Farrow was too busy meditating alone in her room to see the world outside.
Lore aside, it starts with the fingerpicking style Lennon
uses across the album, with the bass playing a gentle drone as Lennon starts
singing. As McCartney’s drums join in, McCartney, also on the bass, plays a moving
line. For the second verse, this moving bassline comes at double rhythm.
As the bridge begins with an electric guitar, we are greeted
by a chorus of vocals repeating the refrain “look around”. Against this
backdrop, Harrison plays bluesy guitar licks. Heading into the final verse,
hand claps fill out the percussion section, giving the song a real communal
vibe.
In the final section of the song, the bass sounds
wonderfully percussive. McCartney twinkles away at the piano as the music
escalates. Towards the climax, McCartneys bass plays in an almost walking fashion.
But my favourite part of this section is the piano. McCartney (have I said his
name enough) plays simple chords. But before the final “Why won’t you come out to
play”, a crescendo happens on the piano, inverse to the rest of the band. What
a fantastic detail!
So, for my final thoughts, I must say this is the Beatles at
their best, even unfortunately without Ringo. But man, Paul! He plays one of the
best basslines of all time, and so much more, on a “John song”. I can’t give much
higher praise to any other song.
Final Rating: (10/10)
Comparative Ranking List
1. Dear Prudence: 10/10
2. Rachmaninov Prelude in G (Original): 9/10
3. Hollywood Heart: 8/10
4. Make It Easy on Yourself 8/10
5. It’s Your Move (Parkinson) 7/10
6. It’s Your Move (Vaporwave Version) 7/10
7. It’s Your Move (Ross) 7/10
8. Rachmaninov Prelude in G (VSO): 5/10
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