I Need You: Introduction
“I Need You” is a Beatles’ song that appears on their 1965 album, “Help!” It also appears in the film of the same name.
In Detail
- Publisher: Northern Songs
- Released: August 6, 1965
- Recorded: February 15 and 16, 1965
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Pop rock
- Track Duration: 2:28
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriter: George Harrison
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- George Harrison: double-tracked vocal, acoustic rhythm guitar, also a twelve-string lead guitar
- John Lennon: harmony vocal, also the snare drum
- Paul McCartney: harmony vocal, also the bass guitar
- Ringo Starr: acoustic guitar, percussion, as well as a cowbell
**The unusual arrangement above comes from George Martin’s notes
Where To Find “I Need You”
You can still buy this track on the following albums:
I Need You: Background
Written by George Harrison, “I Need You” was his second composition on a Beatles’ album. In this case, it appears on The Beatles’ fifth studio album, “Help!” Harrison’s first composition on a Fab Four album was “Don’t Bother Me” on the 1963 release of “With The Beatles.”
It was also the second video recording featuring Harrison singing in a movie, the first being “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” from the 1964 film “A Hard Day’s Night.” Harrison wrote the song for his future wife (Pattie Boyd), who also had a part in that film.
In the film “Help!” we see The Beatles sing “I Need You” in full on Salisbury Plain in the shadow of Stonehenge while surrounded by the British Army. They needed protection from the eastern cult, which was still trying to get the ring from Ringo Starr’s finger. It was a cold day, and you can see the band members shivering, in particular Ringo Starr.
Shortly after they sing this song, they go into their other number, “The Night Before” which also has “She’s A Woman” playing on a tape recorder underground during the same sequence.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “I Need You” on February 15, 1965, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30 p.m.–5.45 p.m. session. They recorded five takes that day, which was also the first day of recording for the new Help! album.
On take five, they overdubbed various vocals and further instruments until they got it all in place by the end of the next day. In the “Help!” film, you see Ringo Starr playing on a drum kit; however, he only used the back of a Gibson Jumbo acoustic guitar as well as a cow bell.
Take A Listen
Finally, press the play button, take a listen, and then leave your thoughts below.