Dylan makes an impression
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In November 1964, the Beatles released the single I Feel Fine, which was followed by the album Beatles
For Sale (US: Beatles
'65) in December.
This album
marked a shift in the song writing of Lennon and McCartney.
The lyrics became more personal, often expressing loneliness.
Song titles such as No
Reply, I'm
A Loser and I
Don't Want To Spoil the Party really speak for themselves.
The Beatles
For Sale was the group's fourth record in 21 months (they
aimed at releasing two albums per year.) At this point,
the band was exhausted from constant touring, and this affected
the mood of the record.
The influence
of Bob Dylan also made an impact. The Beatles' lyrics had
taken a more narrative approach, adding more detail and
meaning. Dylan's influence can particularly be traced in
Lennon's I'm A Loser.
 Although
Beatles For Sale featured a string of fine new songs, it
was still a minor disappointment considering the group's
recent form and progress. Lennon and McCartney had not been
given sufficient time to write new songs, and the Beatles
had to rely on old cover favorites in order to fill the
album.
Beatles For Sale was still a commercial success,
topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
>> Next Chapter - A new direction
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