The Beatles (White Album) Review: A Sprawling Double Album of Everything
9/10 — The Beatles - The Beatles (White Album) (1968)
Pros
- Remarkable variety
- Great songs like 'Blackbird'
- A snapshot of a band at a crossroads
Cons
- Overlong
- 'Revolution 9'
Known as the White Album for its plain sleeve, The Beatles was recorded as tensions grew within the group. Its 30 songs include folk, blues, music hall, hard rock and avant-garde experiment.
What works
‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, ‘Blackbird’, ‘Dear Prudence’ and ‘Helter Skelter’ show the range, and the sheer variety is thrilling. Ringo Starr’s ‘Don’t Pass Me By’ and Paul McCartney’s ‘Back in the U.S.S.R.’ add playfulness.
Where it falters
It’s overlong, and ‘Revolution 9’ tests patience. Trimmed to a single disc it could have been tighter.
Verdict
Uneven but essential, with enough great songs to fill several albums.
