RUBBER SOUL

Rubber Soul was a major leap forward in the already high-quality Beatles output. Maturing studio and playing abilities as well as exploring LSD did contribute to the legendary position of Rubber Soul. Starr showed promising drumming treats coming out of his comfort zone. Lennon/McCartney provided excellent vocals in tandem. Harrison grew as a songwriter and guitar player. Bass playing by Macca from now on deserves increased attention.

Rubber Soul is a quite a mixed bag of styles - rock'n'roll, folk rock, country and a bit of psychedelia. "Drive my car" is a bit dissonant song for their standards and features a great rocking vocal seconded by the playful bass. "Norwegian wood" is one of the best folk-rock Beatles numbers with exquisite vocal harmonies. "You won't see me" is the longest track on the album although far from the strongest one but let me highlight Starr's tasty fills and detailed cymbal work as well as solid harmonies and bass. "Nowhere man" captures attention by the guitar solo, lyrics and vocal harmonies. "Think for yourself" was, for me, the best and most sophisticated piece written by Harrison back in 1965. Bitter lyrics, brilliant rhythm section and fuzzed guitar are the highlights. The rocking "Word" has a simple 3-chord structure but shining Starr/McCartney on instruments joined by harmonium (Martin) at the end. The composition retains a soul-rocking charisma. "Michelle" and "Girl" are two excellent ballads. Harrison country guitar style shines on "What goes on". He actually still uses some pre-1965 guitar licks but they fit well in. "I'm looking through you" has two McCartney's vocal extremes - tender and lovely in the beginning soaring to a dirty loud in the end suiting the lyrics. "In my life" is the most progressive song on the album with its double-speed piano borrowing from classical scales. "Wait" is a fine McCartney-Lennon collaboration and a well developed composition, I like its groove. "If I needed someone" is a rather conventional pop song by Harrison focusing on melody. "Run for your life" has an excellent emotional vocal by Lennon that stands above the average song structure, guitar solo and ideas.

Even though Rubber Soul is a dated effort, its level of musicianship is astounding even today.