Listening Framework
Anna - The Beatles
Instruments Used
- Vocals
- Rhythm Guitar (acoustic)
- Lead Guitar (electric)
- Drums
- Bass
Vocal or Instrumental
- Vocal
Acoustic or Electronic
- Acoustic
Performance
- This is a live performance in the studio, where everything was recorded at the same time.
- Anna by the Beatles is not an overly dynamic song, maintaining an upbeat theme throughout the song. It accomplishes this by keeping a moderately fast tempo and having all instruments playing more or less at the same time. This allows the song to stay calm and cool, which suits the message the song is conveying.
Music Theory
- As aforementioned, this song does not have any huge dynamic changes apart from a slight level increase and backing vocals in the bridge.
- The tempo is constant throughout the song. It is not very fast, but not slow either.
- The melody of the song is basic, which allows listeners to easily remember and sing along with it.
- Structure-wise, the song begins with a 4 bar intro leading into a 12 bar verse and a 10 bar second verse. It then continues with a 16-bar bridge, 8 bar third verse, 16 bar bridge and ends with a 12 bar fourth verse.
- The song is in the key of D Major and revolves around the D major scale.
> The verse chords include D Major, the I chord of the D major scale, and B minor, the VI chord of the D major scale. In the last few bars, the chords E minor (II chord of D major scale) and A major (V chord of D major scale) are used.
> The bridge uses the chords G major (IV chord of D major scale), D major (I chord), E7 (dominant II chord), A (V chord) and A7 (dominant V chord). The dominant chords create tension which is afterwards released as the verse returns.
- The song is in the time signature 4/4, as is standard with most popular western music.
- The song is played with a straight rhythm and is not swung. The vocals are sung in a simple rhythm, following the chords.
- The lyrics of Anna portray a sad breakup between the singer and his partner. It is evident that Anna has found another lover, and the singer is expressing his discontent with her decision to leave him. The lyrics are simple which aids the song in being catchy and memorable. The name 'Anna' is repeated a plethora of times throughout the song, reinforcing who and what the song is about.
Technology
- Analogue effects have been used such as reverb and EQ.
Historical Context
- This song was originally written by Arthur Alexander in 1962 about his current wife's previous relationship with her ex-boyfriend. It does not convey any deeper meaning.
Anna - Arthur Alexander
Similarities
- Both songs have been written in 4/4 time in a similar, medium-paced tempo.
- The songs use the same chords and are in the same key.
- The structure of the song remains the same between the two versions.
- The dynamics are very similar between the two songs - they are moderately loud in the verse parts and louder in the bridge parts.
- The melody line, lyrics and rhythm are very similar between the two versions.
- Both songs use analogue technology due to the time period they were created.
- Both songs have vocals and are not instrumentals. They are acoustic-based songs.
Differences
- Instrument-wise, Arthur Alexander's version has keys instead of an acoustic guitar. In this version, the electric guitar part acts as the rhythm and the keys act as the lead. There are also strings in Alexander's version, which play during the bridge.
- Arthur Alexander's version has a fade-out, whereas the Beatles song simply ends.
- The songs have a slightly different length, Arthur Alexander's version being 6 seconds longer than the Beatles'.
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