Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“What Kind of Girl Are You?” is one of the lively, playful tracks recorded by The Everly Brothers during their early career, showcasing the duo’s skill at blending rock and roll energy with the sweetness of their signature harmonies. While not as internationally recognized as their massive hits like “Bye Bye Love” or “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” the song is a charming example of the Everlys’ ability to take lighthearted subject matter and turn it into a memorable piece of pop-rock. Its lyrics humorously question a girl’s behavior in love, pairing teenage curiosity with catchy phrasing, while the brothers’ delivery balances fun with sincerity.
Origins of the Song
“What Kind of Girl Are You?” was recorded in the late 1950s when The Everly Brothers were firmly established as rising stars on Cadence Records. By this time, they had already proven themselves with a string of chart-topping singles, and their producers and songwriters encouraged them to expand their repertoire with songs that explored different moods and themes.
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Like many of their tracks from this period, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” reflected the teenage concerns of its audience—romance, confusion, and playful banter. Though not penned by Don or Phil, the song fit perfectly within their style, combining a clever premise with a melody designed for vocal harmony.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “What Kind of Girl Are You?”
The Everly Brothers released the song to appeal directly to their teenage fan base, which was hungry for music that captured the ups and downs of young love. At a time when most rock and roll songs were either about heartbreak or celebration, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” carved out a humorous middle ground, poking fun at the unpredictability of romance.
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The track also gave them a chance to showcase a lighter side of their artistry. While they excelled at tender ballads, songs like this emphasized their versatility, showing they could handle playful material without losing their musical identity.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The lyrics of “What Kind of Girl Are You?” focus on the confusion and curiosity that often accompanies teenage romance.
Key themes include:
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Romantic Curiosity: The narrator wonders about the girl’s true intentions, reflecting the uncertainty of young love.
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Playful Humor: The tone is not bitter or angry, but lighthearted and teasing.
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Innocent Relationships: The song reflects the typical experiences of dating in the 1950s, filled with questions and uncertainties.
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Youthful Relatability: Teenagers could easily see themselves in the narrator’s shoes, dealing with similar doubts.
The song’s humor and charm ensured it resonated without alienating audiences who preferred wholesome themes.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” fits seamlessly into the Everly Brothers’ early catalog.
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Vocals: Don and Phil’s harmonies are sharp, clear, and perfectly timed, enhancing the playful back-and-forth of the lyrics.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement relies on jangling guitars, a steady rockabilly rhythm, and a light percussion backdrop, typical of their Cadence-era recordings.
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Mood: Light, fun, and slightly mischievous.
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Style: A mix of early rock and roll, rockabilly, and pop, underscoring the brothers’ ability to balance genres.
The recording keeps the energy high without overcomplicating the arrangement, ensuring the vocals remain the focal point.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” was not one of the Everly Brothers’ major charting singles. However, it contributed to the overall success of their early albums and helped maintain their reputation as versatile performers capable of handling both serious and playful material.
Culturally, the song reflects the innocence and humor of 1950s pop music. In contrast to the rebellious image of artists like Elvis Presley, the Everlys often presented teenage romance in a way that was acceptable to both young audiences and their parents. This balance made them one of the most accessible acts of the era, and songs like this contributed to that appeal.
Legacy of “What Kind of Girl Are You?”
Today, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” is remembered as a lighthearted gem in The Everly Brothers’ catalog. While it never reached the legendary status of their biggest hits, it demonstrates their ability to take even simple, humorous material and elevate it with tight harmonies and engaging performances.
For their broader legacy, the track underscores their importance as artists who captured the full range of teenage emotions—from heartbreak to humor. It also illustrates their skill at adapting different songwriting styles into their distinctive blend of country, pop, and rock and roll.
More broadly, the song highlights the Everlys’ role as not just hitmakers but interpreters of the teenage experience. By recording tracks like this alongside their ballads, they painted a fuller picture of youth in the 1950s, leaving behind a catalog that feels varied and authentic.
Decades later, “What Kind of Girl Are You?” continues to delight fans who dig deeper into their discography. It may not have changed the direction of popular music, but it adds color to the story of The Everly Brothers, proving that even their lighter, lesser-known tracks carried charm, sincerity, and lasting appeal.