LP Review: Yellow Submarine – The Beatles

Love Me Do reviews The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine LP, with songs such as Yellow Submarine, All You Need Is Love, Hey Bulldog and All Together Now.

Released on 17th January 1969 in the UK and on 13^th January in the USA, The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine LP stands as a distinctive entry in their catalog, partly due to its hybrid nature of half Beatles songs and half orchestral compositions by producer George Martin. As the soundtrack to their animated film of the same name, this LP features a blend of the whimsical, the experimental, and the symphonic, creating a unique listening experience that deviates from their traditional studio LPs.

The LP is admittedly a bit thin, with only four new Beatles’ songs, although that is all they were asked to supply for what is very much a contractual obligation release.

“We All Live In a Yellow Submarine…”

The LP opens with the eponymous Yellow Submarine, a song that is nothing short of iconic. Sung by Ringo Starr, this track encapsulates a sense of childlike wonder and adventure. The catchy chorus, playful lyrics, and nautical sound effects make it an instant sing-along favorite. Though originally released on Revolver, its inclusion here underscores its thematic significance to the film and LP.

Only a Northern Song, written by George Harrison, adds a touch of cynicism and wit. With its dissonant melody and reflective lyrics, the song critiques the music publishing industry. The use of unconventional instruments and studio effects, including a distorted organ and brass, adds to its psychedelic atmosphere, making it a standout track.

George’s Only a Northern Song was recorded during the sessions for Sgt. Pepper but was rejected for inclusion on that album.

All Together Now

Next comes All Together Now, another whimsical track that showcases Paul McCartney’s knack for simple, yet infectious melodies. The repetitive chorus and upbeat rhythm create a sense of communal joy and togetherness. It’s a song designed for participation, inviting listeners to join in the fun.

Hey Bulldog, often considered one of The Beatles’ underrated gems, is a powerful rocker driven by John’s energetic piano riff. The song features clever wordplay, dynamic vocals, and a tight instrumental performance, making it a high-energy highlight of the LP. The interplay between John and Paul during the song’s coda adds to its charm and spontaneity.

Yellow Submarine Songtrack front and back covers — Yellow Submarine Songtrack

A better buy is the Yellow Submarine Songtrack, released in 1999, which omits the instrumentals but retains the six original songs and adds remixed recordings of nine songs heard in the film, including Eleanor Rigby, Nowhere Man, When I’m Sixty-Fur and With a Little Help from My Friends.

George’s Second Song

It’s All Too Much, another Harrison composition, is a psychedelic tour de force. The song’s lush, layered arrangement, complete with brass fanfares and swirling guitar riffs, creates a sense of euphoria. George’s lyrics, which celebrate the overwhelming beauty of life, resonate with the LP’s overall theme of joyful exploration.

It’s All Too Much was recorded in late May 1967 at the De Lane Lea Studios in central London.

All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love, a track that hardly needs an introduction, closes out The Beatles’ contributions to the LP. Originally released as a single, this anthem of universal love and peace is quintessentially Beatles. The song’s simple message, combined with its grandiose arrangement, makes it an enduring classic.

By the time the film came out in July 1968, The Beatles were already hard at work recording The White Album.

Yellow Submarine Side Two

The second half of the LP features George Martin’s orchestral pieces, which underscore the animated film’s narrative. Pepperland, the first of these compositions, sets a whimsical and idyllic tone with its lush string arrangements and gentle melodies. It’s followed by Sea of Time, a more atmospheric piece that captures the mystical journey through time.

Sea of Holes continues the experimental trend with its minimalist approach, creating a sense of spatial disorientation. Sea of Monsters brings a sense of urgency and danger, with dramatic orchestration that evokes the perilous encounters faced by the film’s characters. March of the Meanies is a more martial, ominous piece that underscores the villainous Blue Meanies’ menace.

George Martin wrote almost all of the second side, including Sea of Monsters in which he incorporated the beginning of Bach’s Air on the G String. If you listen closely to the other tracks you’ll hear echoes of some of The Beatles’ songs.

The orchestral suite concludes with Pepperland Laid Waste, a darker, more somber variation on the Pepperland theme, reflecting the film’s climax. Finally, Yellow Submarine in Pepperland brings the suite full circle, revisiting the iconic melody with a triumphant and celebratory arrangement.

While Yellow Submarine may not be the most cohesive Beatles LP due to its split nature, it offers a fascinating glimpse into their versatility as artists. The combination of catchy pop songs, psychedelic experiments, and symphonic compositions creates a diverse and engaging listening experience. It’s an LP that invites listeners to dive into a world of imagination and wonder, much like the film it accompanies.