Rubber Soul (1965)




Release date: December 3, 1965 (original), September 9, 2009 (remastered).

Length: 35:50

Notable songs: "In my life", "Nowhere man", "Michelle", "The word" , "Think for yourself", "Norwegian wood (this bird has flown)".


The Beatles fifth album, demonstrates a mature evolution in the lyrics —specially Lennon— and composition, where they leave their "Yeah, yeah" trademark from previous songs, and juvenile love themes as well, in favor of more deeper themes and concepts. It´s an attempt to prove they have grown. 

Released just in time for Christmas, Rubber Soul went through many recording sessions —and days as well— sometimes, with recording sessions lasting till midnight; in order to demonstrate maturity in sound techniques, lyrics and composition. During this hectic time, they recorded "Day tripper" and "We can work it out" , which they were released as a double A side singles, coinciding with the album´s release date. 

Rubber Soul starts in an energetic way with "Drive my car" with a sticky and memorable guitar riff . The rhythm changes from a loud and vigorous track into a calm, relaxing balad, "Norwegian wood", where John tries to tells us a story about a relationship, which seems to be something murky on it, this track is accompained with George playing the sitar.  Moving forward, we have two contributions from George, "Think for yourself" and "If I needed someone", when he tries to prove himself as a composer and songwriter as well. The album reaches its peak when "Michelle" and "Girl" take place, offering a calm and relaxing melody. Ringo´s contribution appears in "What goes on" in the lead vocals. But, definitely, "In my life" could be the climax of the album. Here, John tries to tell us part of his life and memories, well implied in the lyrics and melody —probably being his masterpiece. After this track, the album experiments a "soft" slope with "Wait" and "Run for your life", this one, probably the worst track of the album due its lyrics, despite having a good riff. Nonetheless, is a step forward in the Beatles maturity and evolution in their composition and writing style. It is the first production with themes of their own. 

OUTCOME:

With some "silly" songs, Rubber Soul demonstrates the lyrical skills from Lennon and Mccartney —passing through Harrison as well— to compose "mature" themes of their own. The album feels a little bit hasty, but it does not disapponit. This album marks the beginning of a new age from The Beatles. 

SCORE:

🌟🌟🌟