Aside from almost every song still being under 3:00, this was probably the album that took the Beatles from being the mop-top-pop act to being a real band. Great songs, all written by the band. The Dylan (and Byrds?) influence certainly becomes more evident. Rubber Soul is (for many) a better true recording of the true band than Sgt. Pepper's - which is heavily orchestrated and sound effect laden. One of the best records of that era by any band! The Beatles get a lot of rear window flak - people question their musicianship, etc. Personally, I think they smithed out some very fine songs and paved the way for all that came after in rock music.

Aside from almost every song still being under 3:00, this was probably the album that took the Beatles from being the mop-top-pop act to being a real band. Great songs, all written by the band. The Dylan (and Byrds?) influence certainly becomes more evident. Rubber Soul is (for many) a better true recording of the true band than Sgt. Pepper's - which is heavily orchestrated and sound effect laden. One of the best records of that era by any band! The Beatles get a lot of rear window flak - people question their musicianship, etc. Personally, I think they smithed out some very fine songs and paved the way for all that came after in rock music.

I read a quote recently by Lennon in which he said that Sgt. Pepper was overrated and that The White Album is a much better record. I agree with him. Pepper is good of course, but it was never one of my favorite Beatles records. Revolver and Abbey Road are also right up there, for me. Been spinning The White Album a lot lately as well as Rubber Soul.............I forgot what an incredible record it is. By far, the most PERSONAL record The Beatles ever made.

[Edited on 9/5/2015 by robslob]

I'd place Rubber Soul #3 after Revolver (#1) and Abbey Road.

Rubber Soul flip flops with Revolver as my top 2 albums of all time.
This was really their breakout record for me, the one that cemented them as my favorite band

And I agree. I like SP but I would put it far down my list of fav Beatle albums

Rubber Soul flip flops with Revolver as my top 2 albums of all time.

And I agree. I like SP but I would put it far down my list of fav Beatle albums

Beat me to it. Those and Abbey Rd are tops for me

Will be giving Rubber a listen today (not that I forgot any of the songs). I think Revolver is Outrageous. My 2 cents about Sgt. Pepper - I think half the songs are incredible masterpieces. The remaining are good, but filler, album cuts. I'll probably get tar and feathered for saying that. Rubber Soul is one of their best. One thing about The Beatles, they always seem to have "a few best of Everything". I still think they are the best all time band - mainly for recording and songwriting. I still think Duanes' ABB and the present day ABB were the best bands in the world.

I'd place Rubber Soul #3 after Revolver (#1) and Abbey Road.

I like the way you think! Sgt. Pepper most certainly is a masterpiece. But like Pet Sounds - with the band giving way to orchestra and over the top production. I'd never dis' Sgt. Pepper in the slightest! Probably one of the records (along with Pet Sounds) that gave rise to the entire "concept" album movement. Perhaps a bit bombastic for folks who like straight ahead rock and roll bands.

Yes I agree it was a watershed album that changed the pop landscape. Kind of spooky, when you look at where pop was before 1965, then splashdown!, Rubber Soul dropped out of the sky. Truly a mysterious and giant leap. Incredible.

Gave Rubber Soul a spin yesterday. One thing that popped out at me was that Ringos' drumming was perfect on that album, incredible. It wasn't just the beats, but also the tone color of his drums matched the songs perfectly. He certainly must be, or was the best simple, basic drummer. I would also say that it was the first album, Beatles or otherwise, that started the serious music trend. It got quite a bit deeper, and much more varied then the present day popular rock music. Revolver followed that trend even more so. Just my 2 cents again but I think "I'm Looking Through You" is one of the best songs on that album. Although, take into consideration that The Beatles had many "bests". Also, take into consideration that the EMI (Parlohone) CD had 2 more songs (Drive My Car, and Nowhere Man) from the Capitol Yesterday and Today album. Some of you probably have the Capitol CDs. I remember when RS came out. It was the winter of '65, 50 years ago!! I was only 15. Can't believe it's That long.

[Edited on 9/7/2015 by spoonbelly]

wow - 50 yrs ago

I was 7 and already a dieheard Beatles fan ever since my Grandmother got me Meet the Beatles when I was 5.
My dad brought RS home to me and I still remember my 1st listen and thought wow - this is different. The sitar, the falsetto harmonies (ex The Word), a somewhat "trippy" sound (wouldn't have put it that way back then) the prominence of acoustic guitar. I loved it. Some of my friends didn't, but, hell, we were only 7. I loved every tune.

Agree with the comments on Ringo's drumming. Not technicaly challenging (althoug some of his earlier, up tempo stuff requires chops) but extremely musical. I've always admired his musicality and always strived to achieve that in my own playing.

[Edited on 9/7/2015 by stormyrider]

Speaking of Ringo - It's great to see him in the present day Sketchers commercial on TV. WOW! 50 years after Beatlemania!