Rubber Soul (Album): Introduction

Here we highlight The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” album. This was The Beatles sixth studio LP, of course. Now we see The Beatles diversifying a little more in their music and studio experimentation. In fact, click the button further down to hear clips from all the tracks and see for yourself.

In Detail

• Release Date: December 3, 1965
• Recorded: October 12–November 11, 1965 (June 17, 1965 for “Wait”)
• Record Label: Parlophone
• Studio: EMI Studios, London
• Album Duration: 34:55
• Genre: Folk rock, rock & pop
• Producer: George Martin (also some mixing)
• Engineer: Norman Smith (also some mixing)

Performers And Instruments

• John Lennon: vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, Vox Continental organ and tambourine
• Paul McCartney: vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, as well as the piano
• George Harrison: vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, sitar and tambourine
• Ringo Starr: vocals, drums, cowbell, tambourine, maracas, percussion, bells, as well as the Hammond organ
• George Martin: piano, harmonium and tambourine

Other Performers

• Mal Evans: Hammond organ

Rubber Soul Album: The Songs

Side One

Side Two

LP Cover

Of course, it was Robert Freeman, the famous Beatles photographer, who took the picture for the LP cover. The image is being stretched slightly to achieve a “rubbery” look to it. As a result, the faces on the Fab Four appear longer.

Only John Lennon is looking directly into the camera, while the other three are looking in the same direction.

Hence, the name of the album comes from that moment.

Charles Front was the designer of the rubber lettering, and now we finally see a cover with just the title of an album and the faces of The Beatles. However, we still see the lads with a surly look. But the rubbery look of the cover doesn’t seem to overly exaggerate their looks.

The writing style became a beacon in psychedelic designs, and it was also a way in which the “flower power” generation would make their poster art.

Recording The Rubber Soul Album

The Beatles recorded Rubber Soul between October 12 and November 11, 1965. But the song “Wait” is from June 17, 1965. John Lennon said that this was the first time that The Beatles were in full creative control in the EMI studios. In fact, the band was becoming increasingly attracted to the many “exotic” instruments in the studios.

Obviously, the Fab Four introduce us to the sitar on “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”. Then we hear the harpsichord on the track “In My Life.”

But all is not what it appears to be on that track! This is because when John Lennon played a piano solo, after a suggestion to sound like Bach, George Martin recorded it at half-speed. When played back at normal speed, it sounded like a harpsichord; thus, they began to use the recording studios as a musical instrument.

From now on, the complexity of The Beatles’ music is going to develop even further. Not only that, but we are about to see the development of the individual characters in The Beatles.

The Sounds

With the introduction of different sounding instruments and experimentation in the recording studios, some of the songs on Rubber Soul break free from their stereotype pop music. Indeed, this was a natural progression for The Beatles and something that they wanted to do after a few years of making popular music.

In short, the album marks the beginning of a new venture in which The Beatles were to excel themselves. Indeed, Paul McCartney even said that the band didn’t want the sound of the Mersey Beat in all their songs. He continued by saying he wanted every song to sound different, and this is the result.

Of course, The Beatles toured America in August 1965, with an appearance at the Shea Stadium. But they also met Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, too. Moreover, The Beatles heard a lot of soul music on American radio stations. So, when recording “Rubber Soul,” they came equipped with a whole new perspective on music to help with their transition period.

Rubber Soul (Album): Chart Success

“Rubber Soul” replaced their last LP, “Help!” at the top of the charts, spending 9 weeks there. However, the album was to remain on the charts for a total of 42 weeks. No tracks from Rubber Soul became singles in the UK, and this was the case with the albums “With The Beatles” and “Beatles For Sale.”

However, during their sessions, they did manage to record their first double A-side, which they released on the same day as the album. This record was “We Can Work It Out” and “Day Tripper,” which went to number one in the UK as well as many countries around the world.

Have Your Say

Obviously, you may comment on this amazing album here at the Cavern Club. However, we also have a massive Beatles forum. Not only that, but this album has its own dedicated forum post. So, now you have the best of both worlds. Before you comment, though, please listen to the album below.

Take A Listen

Click the play button to listen to the song snippets, then leave us your thoughts below.