The two Beatles songs that convinced Steely Dan that rock could be sophisticated art

Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, creators of Steely Dan, have always had a complex relationship with traditional rock. Before they found their own musical identity, there were aspects of the genre that didn't completely impress them. That view began to change thanks to two Beatles songs: "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "A Day in the Life." The tracks showed future members of Steely Dan that rock could go far beyond simple structures and repetitive formulas. "Tomorrow Never Knows", released in 1966 on the album "Revolver", impressed with its sonic experimentation. The use of loops, studio effects and influences from Indian music created something radically different from what existed at the time. "A Day in the Life", featured on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from 1967, drew attention for its artistic ambition. The combination of different musical sections, orchestral arrangements and enigmatic lyrics demonstrated that rock could reach levels of sophistication comparable to those of other art forms. For Fagen and Becker, these songs helped broaden their view of the genre's creative potential. Years later, they would apply this same search for complexity and refinement to classic Steely Dan albums such as "Aja", "Pretzel Logic" and "Gaucho". The Beatles' influence ended up playing an important role in the formation of one of the most sophisticated bands in the history of popular music.