Thursday 18 July 1963 | Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London
On 18 July 1963, The Beatles began work on their second UK album With The Beatles, recording four songs in just under four hours at Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road. The session was produced by George Martin and engineered by Norman Smith.
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You Really Got A Hold On Me
The first song attempted was Smokey Robinson's You Really Got A Hold On Me, originally recorded by The Miracles. The Beatles recorded seven takes, four of which were complete, followed by four edit pieces in which the group taped the word “Baby” and the final descending notes. John Lennon took lead vocals, with George Martin adding a piano part.
Money (That's What I Want)
The Beatles then turned to Money (That’s What I Want), another Motown-rooted song led by Lennon. Originally recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959, the track was a staple of the group’s live set. Six takes were recorded along with an edit piece.
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Devil In Her Heart
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.
Till There Was You
The group also taped a version of Till There Was You, the show tune from The Music Man, with Paul McCartney on lead vocals. They recorded three takes, one of which broke down. The Beatles decided to leave the song until their next session on 30 July 1963.
Session Details
| Date | Thursday 18 July 1963 |
| Studio | Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London |
| Producer | George Martin |
| Engineer | Norman Smith |
| Album | With The Beatles |
| Songs recorded | You Really Got A Hold On Me (7 takes + 4 edit pieces) Money (That’s What I Want) (6 takes + 1 edit piece) Devil In Her Heart (3 takes + 3 overdubs) Till There Was You (3 takes — left incomplete) |
| Session duration | Just under four hours |
| Next session | 30 July 1963 |
Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London — where The Beatles recorded the majority of their studio catalogue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did The Beatles start recording With The Beatles?
The Beatles began recording their second UK album With The Beatles on 18 July 1963 at Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London. The first session lasted just under four hours.
What songs did The Beatles record on 18 July 1963?
On 18 July 1963 The Beatles recorded You Really Got A Hold On Me, Money (That’s What I Want), Devil In Her Heart, and began work on Till There Was You, which was left incomplete and finished at a later session on 30 July 1963.
Who produced the With The Beatles recording sessions?
With The Beatles was produced by George Martin and engineered by Norman Smith at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London.
Who sang lead vocals on You Really Got A Hold On Me?
John Lennon sang lead vocals on You Really Got A Hold On Me. George Martin also added a piano part to the recording.
Who originally recorded Devil In Her Heart?
Devil In Her Heart was originally recorded as Devil In His Heart by girl group The Donays. The Beatles changed the gender in the title for their cover version on With The Beatles.
→ 18 July in Beatles History
→ July in Beatles History
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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