Wherein Capitol records decides the Beatles aren’t making them enough money (even with this being their fourth album released in 1964), put them in movie, sell soundtrack as “New Beatles Record,” which was just one of the many schemes the record company had to make as much money from their flagship as possible (see also: removing songs from UK version, releasing it in the US on another disc, marketing as new album). But oddly enough, even as padding for rec-execs, (and with the randomly inserted orchestral pieces, which make up four of the twelve songs), it’s completely satisfying as an early Beatles album.

While just as brief as Meet The Beatles (29:29 to Meet’s 27), A Hard Day’s Night shows a remarkable growth spurt. It’s made clear here that the Beatles were interested in more than just selling records. They also wanted to make good music. And while Meet was good, A Hard Day’s Night shows a band that months of touring and writing had transformed from winsome, energetic youths to competent songwriters and musicians. From the increased presence of acoustic guitars to the varied subject matter to Ringo’s restrained hand, there’s a sensibility here that far surpasses Meet The Beatles (released just five months prior). This album also marked the first appearance of some classic Beatlisms, like the Indian-flavored guitar solo and witty wordsmithing and phrasemaking of the title track.

If Meet the Beatles was an introduction to the group, A Hard Day’s Night was a taste of things to come. While it retains much of the same fast/loud energy of Meet, its clever lyricism, sophisticated ballads, and universal relatability hint at the form of the future for the Fab Four.