Recording: You Really Got A Hold On Me, Money, Devil In Her Heart, Till There Was You

Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith

The Beatles began work on their second UK album With The Beatles on 18 July 1963, recording four songs in just under four hours.

The first song to be attempted was Smokey Robinson’s ‘You Really Got A Hold On Me’. The Beatles recorded seven takes, four of which were complete. These were followed by four edit pieces, in which the group taped the word “Baby” and the final descending notes. John Lennon took lead vocals and George Martin added a piano part.

The Beatles then turned their attentions to ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’, another Motown song led by Lennon. Six takes were recorded along with an edit piece.

The third cover version was ‘Devil In Her Heart’, originally recorded as ‘Devil In His Heart’ by girl group The Donays. The Beatles taped three takes, after which they added three overdubs including a maraca part from Ringo Starr.

The group also taped a version of ‘Till There Was You’, with Paul McCartney on lead vocals. They recorded three takes, one of which broke down, but The Beatles decided to leave the song until their next session on 30 July.

Last updated: 28 June 2022
Radio: Easy Beat
The Beatles live: Ritz Ballroom, Rhyl
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