The Beatles – ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
Where do we even start with how much The Beatles were able to change the way people looked at music? They didn’t just make innovations within sound, but also within the way that people approached recording, releasing and embodying the music they made. However, despite a career of achievements, the way they opened up the public’s perception of psychedelic rock remains one of their greatest.
This track was arguably one of John Lennon’s crowning achievements, as it combined his experimental approach to songwriting (which he didn’t get to use enough in The Beatles) with his devotion to finding the truth and memories within his music. It showed people how psychedelic elements of music, with clear direction, could create a layered sound with atmosphere. Many bands owe a great deal to how the Beatles changed people’s perceptions of psychedelic music with this song.