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I’m on kind of a Beatles kick after seeing Love in Las Vegas, so I think I’ll plow through all the Beatles albums and post some thoughts. Since the songs are so familiar to me, I’ll rate each from one to five stars, and generate an amusing “Best Beatles Songs” list.

My ratings may seem a bit harsh - but they’re relative to other Beatles songs - two or three star ratings appear often because the four and five star songs are so incredible.

This is album number six for the fab four, and the one where the extra time in the studio and away from touring made a huge difference. The sound is finally moving from the straight-ahead rock and roll into something… different. The subject matter of the songs, although still mostly girls and love, also shifted - to metaphors about girls and love.

Other things I notice upon listening to Rubber Soul is a tightness and dedication to beat and rhythm. The bass playing of Paul is more melodic and at times a new voice in its own right. Ringo’s drumming is also at another level. Lastly, George chimes in with some incredible guitar work - his solo on Nowhere Man is perfection. There is some Beatles gold here; songs that I can’t imagine living without.

Drive My Car

= 5 stars

What’s not to like about this? A nice guitar lick, a bluesy piano, some nice harmonies, and John acidly chiming in with “and maybe I’ll love you,” after the girl takes up the pick-up line.

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)

= 5 stars

This song is notable for several reasons: John is really getting into the laid back Dylan thing, telling a complete story, loaded with metaphors (if still sexual ones). The second is the introduction of the sitar, an Indian instrument that George would take to and run with (perhaps too far) for the next few years. A perfect song, and I can’t think of another that sounds quite like it.

You Won’t See Me

= 3 stars

Paul’s coming in with some interesting piano and Ringo drumming. His bass playing is also starting to take off in the melodic direction. Bored of singing ordinary background vocals, John comes up with some “ooh la la las.” and mumbled, contrasting “no, I wouldn’t.” But it’s ultimately a bit down tempo and doesn’t really go anywhere.

Nowhere Man

= 5 stars

This song is a shining example of all that I love about the Beatles: magical harmonies and supporting background vocals. This is an instance where the guitar solo is note-perfect and adds another level to the song. Also note the neat way the middle builds through the bass, guitar, drums, and background vocals, finally collapsing back into the verse. The subject matter is also intriguing - John guiding someone towards inner happiness. I wish I had an extra star for this one.

Think For Yourself

= 2 stars

George is still getting better, but this isn’t quite it either. The fuzzy guitar bugs me, and also the strange meandering chords of the verse. There’s also a point where Paul seems to choke on the word-stream out of exhaustion. The cutting and holier-than-thou lyrical stance George would reassert in Revolver.

The Word

= 3 stars

An ode to the power of love, with a renewed, tightly wound beat. But although nice, I can’t help but think the future “love” odes like All You Need Is Love render this song a bit tame. The section where John sings alone also sounds rather mean.

Michelle

= 5 stars

Some may disagree with my giving this song 5 stars, but it’s not as schmaltzy as Paul’s later cheese-fests, and has some gorgeous harmonies. I’m also continually fascinated by the guitar solo and outro with their meandering melodic lines of guitar, bass, over slowly sinking chords. How do mere mortals come up with this stuff?

What Goes On

= 2 stars

Ringo takes a turn into the “corn”-er store and I get off, here.

Girl

= 4 stars

A beautiful song from John, almost like his version of Michelle. I deduct one star for a few reasons: the abrasive drum part on the guitar solo bugs me, and the guitar line that appears about two thirds way through is just askew. The heavy breathing is rather odd, too.

I’m Looking Through You

= 4 stars

I’ve always liked this song, but not enough to give it 5 stars. Probably because the hyper-organ and yanky guitar seem a bit inappropriate.

In My Life

= 5 stars

I don’t know what kind words I can say to elevate this song above what place it has in my soul. I can’t even really write about it objectively since it’s come to mean too many things. I love how the subject matter is nostalgic, and the sped up piano (sounding like a harpsichord) sounds like a nod to pre-rock and roll music. Also shining is the minor chord upon which John stunningly reaches for a high note at the song’s end, foreshadowing some of his solo work. Several times before I mentioned a “secret weapon” of John on lead with Paul and George behind - this song is an awesome example of this trinity. I don’t have enough stars for this one, either.

Wait

= 4 stars

I like the cascade of drums that bring us into the chorus and the tambourine hits, kind of like a variation on Ticket to Ride. The Paul middle part unfortunately is the genesis of that hang-dog McCartney - the same guy who sings “woah, woah, woah,” in My Love.

If I Needed Someone

= 4 stars

Finally, a great George song, if a bit obvious. A neat Byrds-y guitar lick, some nice harmonies from John and Paul, and a middle that doesn’t drive me up the wall. The only thing missing? A decent guitar solo, How ironic.

Run For Your Life

= 1 star

I’m not really a fan of John the stalker here, threatening to hunt his lover down. It also has that country twang I’m disliking more and more. In comparison to everything else on this album, it sounds like an afterthought.

Wikipedia: Rubber Soul

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