LP Review: Rubber Soul – The Beatles

Love Me Do reviews the Beatles LP Rubber Soul with track highlights such as Norwegian Wood, Michelle, Nowhere Man, Girl, Drive My Car and In My Life.

Rubber Soul, released on December 3, 1965, marks a turning point in The Beatles’ career and is often hailed as one of their most innovative and influential LPs: the groundbreaking Revolver would come next. It was only their second LP, after A Hard Day’s Night, to be made up of entirely original material.

The US version of Rubber Soul only had ten of the fourteen tracks that were on the UK release, plus two songs that had been left off the earlier Help! LP.

Rubber Soul showcases their musical evolution, expanding beyond the pop-rock framework of their earlier work to incorporate a broader range of styles and themes. With Rubber Soul, The Beatles began to assert their artistic independence, setting the stage for the experimental and groundbreaking LPs that would follow.

The LP was recorded after their August 1965 tour of North America, during which they met two of their musical heroes: Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. The songs were also influenced by the soul music they heard in the USA, especially from Stax and Motown.

Rubber Soul Track Highlights

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)

One of the standout tracks, Norwegian Wood, features the distinctive sound of George Harrison’s sitar, marking one of the earliest uses of the instrument in Western pop music. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and ethereal melody create a dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting The Beatles’ growing interest in Eastern music and philosophy. Lennon’s introspective storytelling and the song’s innovative arrangement make it a timeless classic.

Norwegian Wood coupled with Nowhere Man was released as a single in Australia, where it went to Number One.

Drive My Car

The LP opens with the upbeat and catchy Drive My Car, a track that combines witty lyrics with a Motown-inspired groove. McCartney’s lead vocals and the driving bassline set the tone for an LP that is both playful and introspective. The song’s infectious rhythm makes it an instantly memorable track.

Drive My Car was dropped from the US version of Rubber Soul but popped up later on the Yesterday and Today collection.

Nowhere Man

Nowhere Man is a reflective and introspective song that departs from the group’s usual love song formula. Lennon’s contemplative lyrics, paired with lush harmonies and intricate guitar work, create a sense of melancholy and existential questioning. The song’s universal themes and sophisticated production exemplify The Beatles’ maturation as songwriters.

John Lennon said that he had been at home struggling for a few hours to write a song when suddenly Nowhere Man came to him virtually complete, perhaps because of its personal nature.

Michelle

McCartney’s Michelle is a beautiful ballad that blends English and French lyrics, adding a touch of continental flair to the LP. The song’s gentle acoustic arrangement and McCartney’s tender vocals make it a standout track. Its romantic melody and poetic lyrics have made it a beloved classic.

Paul McCartney had written a simpler version of this song in the late 1950s. During the recording sessions for Rubber Soul, John Lennon helped him to finish it. It was released as a single and went to Number One in several countries.

In My Life

In My Life is often considered one of The Beatles’ greatest songs. Lennon’s nostalgic lyrics, reflecting on past experiences and memories, are deeply personal and poignant. The song features a harpsichord-like solo played by George Martin, adding a classical touch to the arrangement. In My Life is a masterclass in songwriting, combining heartfelt emotion with musical sophistication. It was paving the way for personal songs about the group’s lives in Liverpool, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever.

John Lennon called this his “first real major piece of work”, and it harks back to his Liverpool childhood before fame took him away from his roots.

If I Needed Someone

Harrison’s If I Needed Someone showcases his growth as a songwriter and his ability to craft memorable melodies. The song’s jangly guitar riff and Byrds-inspired sound add a layer of richness to the LP. Harrison’s contributions to Rubber Soul highlight his emerging voice within the group.

This track was also omitted from the US release of Rubber Soul and included later on the Yesterday and Today LP.

Rubber Soul’s Overall Impact

Rubber Soul is a cohesive and groundbreaking LP that represents a significant departure from The Beatles’ earlier work. The LP’s title, a playful nod to the soul genre, reflects the group’s desire to explore new musical territories and push the boundaries of pop music. With Rubber Soul, The Beatles began to experiment with different instruments, recording techniques, and lyrical themes, laying the groundwork for their future innovations.

The LP’s production, overseen by George Martin, is characterized by its clarity and depth. Martin’s ability to enhance the group’s evolving sound while maintaining their accessibility is a testament to his skill and vision. The innovative use of instruments, such as the sitar on Norwegian Wood and the harmonium on The Word, adds a new dimension to The Beatles’ music.

Rolling Stone ranked Rubber Soul fifth on its 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Sergeant Pepper was Number One and Revolver was Number Three.

Lyrically, Rubber Soul delves into more mature and introspective themes, reflecting the group’s growing awareness of the world around them. Songs like Nowhere Man and In My Life reveal a depth of emotion and introspection that was previously unheard of in their work. This shift in lyrical content marked a new era for The Beatles, one that would continue to evolve in their subsequent LPs.