LP Review: The White Album – The Beatles

Love Me Do reviews The Beatles’ LP known as The White Album with such tracks as Blackbird, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Bungalow Bill, Julia and I Will.

Officially titled The Beatles, the double LP commonly known as The White Album is one of the most iconic and complex records in the history of rock music. Released on November 22, 1968, this LP captures the essence of The Beatles’ creative genius, showcasing their ability to experiment with various musical styles while reflecting the tumultuous period during which it was produced.

The White Album was eagerly anticipated as the follow-up to Sgt. Pepper, and though vastly different in style, it did not disappoint. The cover was minimalist i comparison to the multi-coloured psychedelia of Sgt. Pepper. Original releases were numbered, as with a limited edition work of art. The Beatles themselves received numbers 1-4.

The White Album

The White Album is a sprawling collection of 30 tracks that span a wide range of genres, from rock and folk to avant-garde and blues. This diversity is both a strength and a challenge, as it offers something for everyone but requires listeners to navigate a multitude of musical landscapes. The stark, minimalist white cover, designed by Richard Hamilton, contrasts sharply with the vibrant and varied content within, emphasizing the LP’s enigmatic nature.

This was the first LP release by the group’s newly-founded Apple Records.

Back in the USSR

The LP opens with the explosive Back in the USSR, a high-energy rocker that pays homage to the surf rock sound of The Beach Boys while poking fun at Cold War tensions. Paul’s rollicking vocals and driving piano set the stage for the eclectic journey ahead. Following this is John’s Dear Prudence, a delicate and hauntingly beautiful song inspired by the group’s time in India. The fingerpicked guitar, gentle harmonies, and evocative lyrics create a sense of serene introspection.

The LP was recorded at Abbey Road from May to October 1968, and Yoko Ono became the first Beatle wife to sit in on recording sessions, which caused friction in the group. Tensions got so bad that Ringo actually quit The Beatles for two weeks in August but The Beatles united in persuading him to come back.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da brings a burst of infectious, reggae-inspired joy. While sometimes criticized for its lightheartedness, the song’s catchy melody and whimsical lyrics make it a memorable standout. In stark contrast, George’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a somber, bluesy masterpiece that features Eric Clapton’s searing lead guitar. George’s introspective lyrics and the song’s emotive arrangement showcase his growth as a songwriter.

Of the thirty songs, an incredible nineteen of them were written in March and April of 1968 while the group was on a retreat in India.

Blackbird

Blackbird, one of Paul’s most-loved compositions, is a simple yet powerful acoustic ballad. The song’s gentle guitar picking and poignant lyrics, inspired by the civil rights movement, resonate deeply with listeners. John’s Happiness Is a Warm Gun is a multi-part epic that shifts seamlessly between different musical styles, from doo-wop to hard rock. Its surreal lyrics and dynamic structure reflect John’s penchant for pushing creative boundaries.

The same recording sessions also produced Hey Jude, but this was kept off the album for release as a single.

Helter Skelter

As the LP progresses, listeners encounter a variety of musical experiments. Helter Skelter is a raw, proto-metal track that showcases The Beatles’ ability to embrace a heavier sound. Paul’s aggressive vocals and the frenzied instrumentation make it one of the LP’s most intense moments. Revolution 9, an avant-garde sound collage, is perhaps the LP’s most polarizing track. Its chaotic blend of spoken word, tape loops, and dissonant sounds challenges traditional notions of what a song can be.

The Beatles did 102 takes of a George Harrison song, Not Guilty, then left it off the LP. It eventually appeared on Anthology 3. George eventually rerecorded it for his 1979 release, George Harrison.

Ringo’s Contribution to The White Album

Amid the experimental tracks, there are moments of pure pop brilliance. Martha My Dear, a charming piano-driven tune, and Honey Pie, a nostalgic nod to the British music hall tradition, highlight Paul’s melodic prowess. Savoy Truffle, another George composition, is a funky, horn-infused track inspired by Eric Clapton’s love of sweets. Ringo’s contribution, Don’t Pass Me By, is a country-tinged number that adds a touch of whimsy to the LP.

Only sixteen of the thirty tracks have all four Beatles on them.

The White Album is not without its darker moments. Yer Blues, with its raw, emotional delivery and heavy blues influence, captures John’s feelings of isolation and despair. I’m So Tired, another John composition, is a weary lament that conveys a sense of exhaustion and longing. These tracks, along with the hauntingly beautiful Julia, dedicated to John’s late mother, add emotional depth to the LP.

The LP has been certified as 24xPlatinum for sales of over 12 million copies in the US alone.

The White Album Summed Up

Overall, The White Album is a testament to The Beatles’ unparalleled creativity and versatility. Its eclectic mix of styles, moods, and influences reflects the group’s willingness to take risks and explore new artistic territories. While the LP’s length and diversity can be challenging, it is precisely this ambitious scope that makes it a fascinating and enduring work of art.