The Beatles, “Hey Jude” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 126^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Hey Jude” by the iconic British band, The Beatles.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 126^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Hey Jude”, performed by 🎙 The Beatles.

Theme & Lyrics ✍

“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better / Remember to let her into your heart / Then you can start to make it better.” Sigh, I’m not sure if you have heard or not, but 🎙 The Beatles, well, they are kind of a big deal.  Hits upon hits upon hits – 20 no. 1 hits to be precise! Honestly, they are one of the most important music acts of all time.  One of the very best songs in a stacked catalog from 🎙 George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr is 🎵 “Hey Jude”.   “Hey Jude” was written by Lennon and McCartney and spent nine weeks at no. 1 on the pop charts.  Take one listen and it is easy to hear and see why “Hey Jude” was such a dominant, timeless record.  Need further validation? What about the numerous covers of the classic by the likes of 🎙 Elvis Presley, 🎙 Maynard Ferguson, my personal favorite, 🎙 Wilson Pickett.

Paul McCartney sounds absolutely terrific handling the lead on “Hey Jude.” For much of the song, he compels with an easy going sound that suits the message and theme of the song.  What is the background, you ask? McCartney had Lennon’s son, Jules (Julian) in mind when penning it.  Why? Julian’s parents were in the midst of divorce, so, Paul intended to comfort him. It makes perfect sense on this epic seven-minute-plus record when you hear and read the lyrics.  Of course, Jules/Julian became Jude lyrically:

“And anytime you feel the pain, hey, Jude refrain

Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders

For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool

By making his world a little colder

Na-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na.”

Indeed! The outro of the song is epic to the n^th degree. The supporting instrumental is ear-catching, while  McCartney is more assertive and truly lets loose.

Final Thoughts 💭

🎵 “Hey Jude” is the crème de la crème when it comes to The Beatles catalog.  It has a strong case as their very best no. 1 hit (Yes, I realize, 🎵 “Let It Be” might take issue with this) .  Long songs may often drag on but “Hey Jude” feels right from start to finish.  Great vocals, awesome music, thoughtful message, and a surefire rock/pop classic for all time!

🎙 The Beatles • 💿 1 • 🏷 Apple Corps Ltd. • 🗓 2000

The Beatles, “Hey Jude”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 126 (2022) [📷: Apple Corps Ltd., Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype]