1968′s The White Album: The 4 Sides

The Beatles legendary self titled 1968 album is better known as The White Album for it’s purely white cover except for “The Beatles” in black print. As a double album it had four sides (two sides on each LP.) As the album was originally intended to be heard in this way I think it’s interesting to think of each of the four sides separately. That’s what this article is about. Each of those four sides. Not necessarily which one is the best and which one isn’t quite as great and so on but more just a look at the feeling that each of the four sides creates.

Side 1 of The White Album is outstanding. In fact if I had to think of just one side of all of the Beatles studio albums to take with me on a deserted island it may very well be this one (or maybe side 2 of Abbey Road.) The opening sequence of “Back in the USSR” into “Dear Prudence” is amazing and it ends just as amazingly with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.” In between that “Glass Onion” which is a very cool unique track and the very well known sing along tune “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” which does catch a fair amount of hate but I think it’s unwarranted. It’s a great tune. If the side goes wrong anywhere it’s with “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” but even that one has really grown on me over the years. And yes, I dig “Wild Honey Pie.” If it were longer it may get a bit old, but it’s the perfect length.

Side 2 is as beautiful as Side 1 is brilliant. “Blackbird” has to be one of the most ultimate acoustic guitar songs ever written. “I Will” is a stunning ballad. “Julia” is poignant and touching. “Martha My Dear” is a great tune with a unique vibe to it. Not that the entire side is dedicated to beauty. There’s the raw “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road?” and the somber “I”m So Tired” along with the silly (and very charming) “Rocky Raccoon.” Really I don’t think this side makes a single misstep with the possible exception of “Don’t Pass Me By” which does limp through the finish line a bit!

Side 3 is a combination of the quiet and pretty (“Long Long Long” and “Mother Nature’s Son”) with the loud heavy rockers (“Helter Skelter,” “Yer Blues,” & “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey.) Like the rest of the sides on this album, it seems to have it’s own identity. It’s own feeling. In a lot of ways it’s the side that keeps on revealing more and more over the years.

Side 4 includes a few songs that many people have trouble getting into including the last two “Revolution 9″ and “Good Night” and “Honey Pie” and “Savoy Truffle.” For me, “Revolution 9″ has never been a problem. I love it. I think it’s fascinating and I’m glad that they included it on the album. For those who just don’t get it. Well, keep trying. When you crack it, it will be worth the effort. I must admit that “Good Night” doesn’t do it for me, it has to be one of my least favorite Beatles songs. “Honey Pie” and “Savoy Truffle” are certainly not among The Beatles greatest songs but I quite enjoy both of them now. One song that many Beatles fans like myself do seem to get a big kick out of is “Cry Baby Cry” and I must say, it’s awesome.