I might get some flak for this, but are the Beatles really that great?

The popular theory is that there are basically four kind of people in the musical world. Probably 75-80% are a fan of either Elvis or the Beatles. The other 25% is divided between people who like both but really wouldn't call themselves a "fan" of either one and people who couldn't care less about the question. So... I'd say the Elvis fans and that 25% who are relatively indifferent would agree with you.

In answer to your question, yes in my opinion they were that great. I understand where you are coming from and everyone is entitled to their opinion. Many will agree with you but having said that people often say - was Elvis that great? I would say he was good but not great. If you think back to the 60s, I wasn't born until the late 60s everyone comments about how advanced the Beatles ideas were and how it came through in their music, some revolutionary musical ideas. Apart from the Rolling Stones, I would say there was little to touch them during that era. Their legacy has continued through to the current day. You only have to look at the new video game "Beatles Rock Band" to back that statement up. Have a nice day!

The Beatles hit America just as I was entering my teen years (I'm not really that old LOL). What I noticed above any other band at the time or since then is that they were very much in touch with the changes in our society at the time and also had great influence on the changes. Their music progressed. It did not sound like the same old stuff album after album. Each member was unusually gifted in their own right which made the group really pop when they worked together as a team. It was always an adjustment to listen to their new albums. They were progressively different. If you would have grown up during that time, you would be able to readily remember historic events and correlate their music with the event. I'm not saying all their influence was positive but it was creative. It was absolutely wonderful to experience history in the making as these events occurred.

I know a lot of people who would openly agree with you on the Beatles being over rated. I personally think they were amazing because I wasnt even around during their rein on the world but when I listen to their music I can close my eyes and feel like I'm there. Feel like all the cares in the world are melting away. It may sound stupid because sure their technical stuff was'nt 100percent great. They werent the best musicans around at the time or even now but they did know how to move people. To make people think about life, like really sit down and think. They lived to the level they wanted to live to and I can still feel that in their music today, years later.