Who Was the Better Songwriter: Paul McCartney or George Harrison?
When it comes to the timeless debate of who the better songwriter was between Paul McCartney and George Harrison, as members of the legendary band The Beatles, the answer is anything but definitive. This article explores the subjective nature of this question, delving into personal rankings, expert opinions, and the unique contributions each made to the band's output.
Ranking Songs: A Personal Perspective
The most direct way to determine the better songwriter is through personal rankings. Pick a number you're comfortable with, say 20, and list that many Beatles songs you consider best. Then, go through your list, deciding which song is better than another until you've ranked them. Count up and see who has the lowest score.
For me, it's McCartney every time. Whether I try to rank the songs, or even if I stick to a simple total count of compositions, Paul McCartney always prevails. This is especially true given that Arthur Lee, a trusted music critic, once ranked ldquo;Imaginerdquo; by John Lennon as number 1. This shows a wider individual preference for McCartneyrsquo;s body of work. McCartney's ability to compose compelling tunes, despite the Lennon/McCartney tag, is evident in his solo career, which continued with Wings and produced outstanding music.
Expert Opinions: The Wisdom of the Crowd
An alternative approach to assessing the better songwriter is through the wisdom of the crowd. List your trusted favorite music critics and poll their opinions. Results vary, which is expected in such subjective matters. However, the cumulative analysis of multiple opinions tends to favor McCartney, confirming his impact on the music industry.
Experts such as Arthur Lee and many others have consistently shown a preference for McCartneyrsquo;s songwriting. This collective opinion underscores his enduring impact on the Beatlesrsquo; legacy.
The Legacy of Paul McCartney
Paul McCartneyrsquo;s songwriting abilities, along with those of John Lennon, are arguably the best we have seen and heard in the modern era. McCartney continued his songwriting career with Wings, consistently delivering good songs that have stood the test of time. His song ldquo;Sweetest Hindrdquo; and the evocative ldquo;Fox on the Run,rdquo; among many others, demonstrate his songwriting prowess beyond the Beatles.
While George Harrison was undeniably a pillar of the band, his contribution to the Beatlesrsquo; songwriting is less emphasized. His ability to create unique compositions, such as ldquo;While My Guitar Gently Weepsrdquo; and ldquo;Something,rdquo; was unparalleled. However, when it comes to sheer volume and impact, McCartney may have the edge.
Personal Grit and Makeweight
When considering the Beatlesrsquo; songs, a definable distinction can be made between the contributions of John and Paul. John's songs are often described as ldquo;grittierrdquo; and more complex. Paul, on the other hand, brought a more polished and commercially accessible sound to many of the bandrsquo;s hits that became immensely popular.
Regardless of the individual ranking, one must recognize that the songwriting partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney was a dynamic one that elevated both of their work. They complemented and challenged each other, creating some of the most memorable and influential songs in popular music history.
Conclusion: No Limit to Greatness
The question of who the better songwriter was between Paul McCartney and George Harrison is ultimately subjective. While McCartney's contributions might be seen as the most significant when evaluated both within the context of the Beatles and as a solo artist, both Lennon and Harrison were indispensable to the band's success. Their collective legacy is a testament to the power of great musical partnership.
It is evident that when several people can truly resonate and create together, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Whether through personal preference or expert consensus, both McCartney and Harrison are celebrated for their unique contributions, and their impact on the music industry continues to be felt to this day.