The Making Of The Everly Brothers’ Track “Step It Up And Go.”

December 2, 2024

The Making of The Everly Brothers’ Track “Step It Up And Go”: An Analytical Exploration

In the pantheon of rock and roll, few sibling duos have managed to encapsulate the essence of American music quite like The Everly Brothers. Their harmonies, crisp and emotive, served as the groundwork for countless artists who followed, paving the way for the likes of Simon & Garfunkel and the Beach Boys. Nestled within their storied discography is Step It Up And Go,” a track that, while not as widely celebrated as their hits “Bye Bye Love” or “Wake Up Little Susie,” reveals critical insights into their musical evolution and the cultural milieu of the late 1950s.

Step It Up And Go” was penned by the prolific songwriting team of Don and Phil Everly, along with the accomplished producer and songwriter, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. Recorded in 1960, the track is emblematic of the burgeoning rockabilly sound, tinged with the rhythm and blues influences that were increasingly seeping into mainstream American music. Lyrically, the song captures the essence of youthful rebellion and restlessness, themes that would resonate throughout the decade. Yet, it is the mastery of the Everly Brothers’ harmonies that elevates the composition, creating an auditory tapestry that feels at once familiar and fresh.

The instrumentation of Step It Up And Go” is notable for its straightforward yet compelling arrangement. Lively guitar riffs punctuate the verses, driven by a rhythmic vitality that invites listeners to tap their feet along. The song features a syncopated backbeat, emblematic of the rock and roll genre, yet what truly sets it apart is the interplay of the brothers’ voiceseach note a conversation, a call and response that ebbs and flows with infectious energy. Here, the brothers do not merely sing; they engage in a musical dialogue, reflecting the camaraderie and playful rivalry that characterized their relationship.

Contextually, the recording came at a pivotal moment in history, when rock and roll was solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The late 1950s were marked by a seismic shift in popular music, with entrenched styles of the past yielding to new expressions of freedom and individuality. The Everly Brothers, often described as the bridge between country and rock, deftly maneuvered through these changing tides, and Step It Up And Go” stands as a testament to their ability to meld diverse influences into a singular vision. Their collaboration with the Bryants further underscores this point, as the duo brought the catchy melodic hooks that would become synonymous with the Everlys’ sound.

Interestingly, “Step It Up And Go” also reflects the socio-political climate of the time. As America teetered on the precipice of the civil rights movement, the song’s themes of liberation and defiance took on deeper resonance. The exuberance of the track, with its upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation, mirrors the growing calls for change and the desire for personal and collective freedom. In their own way, the Everly Brothers contributed to this narrative, utilizing their platform to articulate a youthful spirit of rebellion that aligned with the aspirations of a generation.

In conclusion, while Step It Up And Go” may not occupy the same revered space as some of the Everly Brothers’ more prominent hits, its significance cannot be overstated. The track encapsulates a moment in time, merging the quintessence of rock and roll with the nuances of cultural change. Through their intricate harmonies and evocative lyrics, The Everly Brothers crafted a piece that, though often overshadowed, continues to resonateserving as a reminder of the artistry and ambition that defined an era. As we revisit this track, we gain not only an appreciation for its musicality but also an understanding of its place within the broader tapestry of American music history.