Like many musicians, the Wilson sisters’ love for The Beatles is well-known, and they’ve never felt the need to justify their appreciation for the Fab Four. Nancy Wilson once summed up their admiration succinctly by stating it was an “obvious pattern” because, as she put it, “obviously.” For Ann Wilson, The Beatles represented a unique combination of groundbreaking collective talent and exceptional individual artistry.
Ann Wilson’s Perspective on The Beatles’ Genius
To Ann Wilson, an industry-defining act like The Beatles is one that transcends cultural norms and defies musical constraints. This perspective likely fueled her admiration for other iconic bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Cure, but it also deepened her appreciation for The Beatles. Rather than simply enjoying their infectious melodies, Ann delved into the layers of their music, analyzing what made each band member shine.
The Beatles’ extensive discography offers a treasure trove of inspiration for both music fans and musicians alike. Whether it’s the clever wordplay of Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s songwriting partnership, Ringo Starr’s distinctive drumming style, or George Harrison’s melodic guitar work, The Beatles provide a masterclass in the craft of contemporary music.
This depth is perhaps why, when asked to reveal her favorite records, Ann Wilson chose The White Album. Known for its stylistic diversity, lyrical complexity, and innovative recording techniques, The White Album stands as one of The Beatles’ most technically sophisticated works. “It’s so diverse, and it shows each one of them just really stretching out,” Ann shared in an interview with Goldmine. “I love that record. Yeah, I’d take it to a desert island, if I had to go.”
Nancy Wilson’s Affection for Revolver
Interestingly, Nancy Wilson has expressed a similar reverence for The Beatles, specifically citing Revolver as one of her favorite albums. For Nancy, Revolver exemplifies The Beatles’ ability to push the boundaries of the cultural landscape while showcasing the individual talents of each band member. She described the album’s impact, saying, “The sound of this record was smashed into the grooves so deep it felt physically mind-altering. You could feel the air move. You could feel their collective consciousness, leaning toward new heights of greatness.”
Why The White Album Stands Out
While both Revolver and The White Album are exemplars of The Beatles’ craftsmanship, Ann Wilson believes that The White Album holds a special place due to its overt eclecticism. Tracks like “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Helter Skelter” highlight The Beatles’ raw rock ‘n’ roll energy, while songs like “Blackbird” and “Julia” offer more delicate, acoustic-driven arrangements with deeply introspective lyrics.
The Wilson sisters’ love for The Beatles isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a profound appreciation for the musical innovation and artistic excellence that the band brought to every project. Their favorite albums, The White Album and Revolver, remain timeless examples of how The Beatles balanced their rock roots with more experimental and diverse musical explorations.
