REACTING TO RUBBER SOUL by The Beatles | Side I Listen & Analysis

[@falcon215]

Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys) recalled once how he saw the Beatles on the last leg of their last U.S. tour in '66, exhausted and frazzled from three years of constant touring and at the end of performing 'Nowhere Man' amid the incessant screaming from fans Paul still found the strength to nail that high note to harmonize and watching John acknowledge him with a smile and a wink. Always the consummate professionals.

[@speedy3702]

Yeah, this album also inspired Brian Wilson to do "Pet Sounds". He was really obsessed about "Rubber Soul".

[@albertschepis]

That's a nice note about the wink and smile. (Plant also did that to Jimmy at the end of The Rain Song at the Unledded performance with the London Metropolitan Orchestra in Morroco 1994). Consummate professionals all - lots of love and respect for each other, with good cause.

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

This is the album where the Beatles entered a realm of music that no one else has ever attained, even 57 years later. Almost every song is a wonder, with nooks and crannies full of musical detail and invention. My desert island album.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

They entered a realm that no one had before ventured and still remains isolated to this day… who will dare be brave enough to walk in these diamond footsteps and seek out this musical treasure again?

[@bookman7409]

@@CrystalMarieShannon ELO took a good stab at it, and more recently, Fallout Boy have done their best. I think they fell a bit short, but not for lack of effort, but just because you can't match the talent doesn't mean you lack any talent. Then there's the laundry list of artists who drew inspiration from the Fab Four, and you can fairly say that all of them carved out their suburbs in Beatlesopolis. They may have mined out the riches vein in the seam, but the seam itself still contains treasures yet to be discovered. Also, you might appreciate Godhead's cover of Eleanor Rigby. Can you imagine it as a metal track? Bonus trivia, that single was released about a month before I was born. Yellow Submarine, too, of course. 😉

[@EliWurth]

I think it's better than St Pepper, Revolver and Abbey Road...

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

“Rubber Soul” and “Revolver” are my two favorite Beatles albums. I grew up listening to the US version of it. We didn’t get the UK version until the CDs came out. I got mine for Christmas and I loved it. Every song is fantastic and it’s a transition to the beginning of the next phase in the Beatles career where they were becoming more artistic. Even the album cover reflects that. I’m going to predict today that we will get a Deluxe Edition of “Rubber Soul” this fall and it will be remixed just like “Revolver” was. It only makes sense because many people consider this album to be one of their best. I certainly do.

[@rydelldownward7808]

“Drive My Car” is a freakin’ masterpiece.

[@Gianluca-u6p]

Ehi sono i Beatles.

[@tunanorth]

Here's how great this album is, and how impossibly great The Beatles were. "Michelle" won the Grammy for "Song of the Year", and "In My Life" is considered one of the greatest songs ever written. Both would have been guaranteed #1 singles, but the band thought releasing singles off of albums was cheating the fans, so neither was released as a single. They had another 20 songs [at least] that were guaranteed #1 hits, but they never bothered to release as singles, and they STILL have more #1's than any other artist.

[@neilloughran4437]

It's true that the Beatles on the whole didn't release singles of tracks that were on LPs but in this case it seems in some countries Michelle was released as a single... can you imagine if Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields were on Sgt Pepper?

[@stephenkanaris9779]

@@neilloughran4437 yeah, I think that and I think initially they wanted them on, they are a perfect fit for that album, but would have made Sgt Pepper unbearable brilliant… drop mic.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

WOW!! YES GO MICHELLE! Song of the millennium in my playbook! And I completely agree with In My Life being one of the greatest songs to ever exist! Truly magnificent! Thank you for sharing the knowledge. I appreciate you tuna north (also hardcore name LOVE it)

[@JayAr709]

Convincing!

[@Andyvan92110]

"Rubber Soul" is even more impressive when you realize that they spent 1 month recording it. That's the only gap they had in their schedule. They had to scramble to get enough songs, though you can't really tell.

[@kurtlarson6678]

Every song on this album is completely different from the other tracks, but each song is a timeless classic. Thanks for the video!

[@Musicpaulryan]

'Think For Yourself' is massively underrated in my opinion. Putting some love and appreciation in for George ❤

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

As a George stan, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@Musicpaulryan]

@@CrystalMarieShannon haha! If you ever get around to solo stuff. React to 'All Things Must Pass' one of my favourite albums. Would love you to react to my music one day too 😊

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

@@CrystalMarieShannon I love the fuzz bass that Paul plays on this track.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@CrystalMarieShannon stan?

[@Duglor1]

I LOVE Think For Yourself. My #3 George Beatles song after While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Here Comes the Sun, and before 4. Something.

[@comedyriff5231]

George himself admitted he wasn´t a good songwriter early on, he just didn´t have the experience of John and Paul. Over the years George got better and better, and they let him have more songs. People give John and Paul shit sometimes, but if you look at the history of Beatles ... John brought a talented Paul into his band. Early on Lennon sang most songs, then he allowed Paul to take the lead in more and more songs. Then John and Paul allowed George to get more songs, and they even let Ringo (who can´t sing!) lead on songs. Which other band have ALL the members sing lead? It´s extremely rare. So I think John and Paul should be credited for giving up the spotlight, because I don´t see many other bands do that. John might be one of the most inclusive creators and leaders of a band ever. It was a good call, because all band members contributed to Beatles greatness.

[@dcmitchell8008]

The Band is the only other great group that comes to mind that has at least three hall of fame caliber vocalists.

[@pauldupont1821]

10cc had every band member sing lead part

[@hw343434]

Yes, John’s generosity sharing the spotlight is what made The Beatles the greatest band ever, more than the sum of their parts

[@bluengrey1]

McCartney says "Michelle" originated when John invited him to his art school parties when they were young and Paul would bring his guitar and play an early version of the song while singing random French words. Apparently he was hoping to fool the artsy-minded college girls into believing he was French. John later reminded him of that "French thing you used to do at parties" and encouraged him to finish the song.

[@markwood3389]

Yeah, both John and Paul made up shit in their interviews, most art students in England would have learned some French in grammar school so Paul wouldn't have fooled anybody, and they weren't in art school very long before they quit to form the Beatles, so I'd give this story about a 10% chance of being true.

[@bluengrey1]

@@markwood3389 If the story is a lie I think it's one that Paul has come to believe is true. Paul has told it multiple times (including in a 60 Minutes interview) and the latest was during last years' McCartney 321 special that ran on Apple TV.

[@Kieop]

@@markwood3389 He said he did it. He never said it worked. ;P

[@markwood3389]

@@Kieop yeah, he said a lot of things. That's the point. He made up stuff in those interviews, especially those early ones. They all did. That was the zany, camp humor of the Fab Four. hehe. Anyway, it shouldn't diminish our enjoyment of their music.

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

What makes the bassline for Drive My Car so effective is because George is doubling it one octave up on guitar (Paul plays lead guitar, bass, and piano on this song). As for the solo glissando you were mentioning, Paul is playing slide - that is sliding into the notes on the string with either a metal or glass tube. For You Won’t See Me, The Summer of Love and psychedelia were two years away. The dark guitar sound in Think for Yourself you referred to is actually Paul’s bass plugged into a Tone Bender (the first guitar distortion pedal and possibly the first time a bass was plugged into it).

[@lloydster9000]

I’ve been having a really crappy couple months, but your Beatles reviews always bring a smile to my face. Thank you, Crystal. #teamgeorge #numerocuatro

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Wow Alex, that is probably the nicest thing you could’ve said to me. I appreciate you coming on here to watch and giving my videos your time and you sharing a positive attitude with me, despite going through a rough time. I can absolutely relate to the crappy feeling and I can tell you that making these videos has helped me so much, somewhere in between losing myself in the music and working to figure out how to edit and put it together (which is a struggle for me as i’m not proficient with technology whatsoever) my mind, heart, soul and spirit get a tiny break from hurting so much.

[@charlesbunch8383]

Alex Lloyd, yes her joy in the music is infectious, and she's a great singer too!

[@lloydster9000]

It’s my pleasure. I know you’ve been through a lot lately, too, and it’s great that you have a creative outlet that helps you overcome the pain. You’ve inspired me to keep on singing, even though I don’t think I’m that great at it despite having perfect pitch. Keep up the awesome work. I’m really looking forward to seeing the video for side two of Rubber Soul. ❤️

[@robertbanden8117]

I am constantly amazed at how you are able to shed new light on songs that I have heard a zillion times. For example, your reaction to 'You Won't See Me' and your comments about melding different musical eras in a single song was a total revelation to me! You are absolutely right but it never occurred to me or to anyone else who has commented on this song that I have ever encountered. It is your fresh insights into music that blows me away. I love every one of your video postings.

[@camc5483]

Norwegian Wood is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written

[@danielhamilton6958]

One of my favorite Beatles albums! Thanks for sharing your perspective on it :D. Those boys sure knew how to have fun. Nowhere man is such a classic.

[@jeffwoollen1366]

Crystal, just thank you for your authentic reaction to some of the best music ever conceived/recorded. Your musical knowledge and commentary is so meaningful to us. I am a producer / recording engineer / songwriter / studio owner / Voting Member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), I admire and follow your work, introspection, emotional response and knowledgeable reaction to the greatest music ever created! You are now on my 'Follow' list!

[@wpl8275]

To me, the sound quality of Rubber Soul is really unmatched. It is so crisp, clear and beautiful. Each song is separate and cared for. You just don't get that kind of sound today in any album.

[@LeathanL]

15:50. That electric guitar is actually Paul on a fuzzed-out bass.

[@erikdolnack846]

"Rubber Soul" is the album where the Beatles started really elevating their song-writing to the next plateau. It was quite a leap from their previous albums. Billy Joel described "Rubber Soul" as his all-time favorite album and I can see why. There are so many gems on this album. Rubber Soul was a real game changer in late 1965 when it was released. Even the cover photograph was extremely influential, inspiring myriads of psychedelic album covers in the succeeding two years. "In My Life" is probably my favorite song on the album. The melody hits me so deeply. Lennon's vocals on In My Life are superb. "Norwegian Wood" is also an astounding milestone. Rubber Soul is when the Beatles ceased being seen as a cute boy band for screaming teenage girls and started being taken seriously by many people in the music business and critics alike.

[@jamesknighton5887]

I can not find the appropriate words to describe how much I enjoyed watching you interpret The Beatles Rubber Soul album. It was truly fun and uplifting. You truly are amazing, Crystal. 🤗❤️✌️

[@Rasmuth]

And Think for Yourself....that tune has enamored me for decades

[@walterpanovs]

Delightful and insightful!! Thanks. John's "Nowhere Man" recall's his "Help!" from the previous album. He was not in the best frame of mind at the time. He was able to disguise his despair with some engaging pop/rock. He would "disguise" his feelings less and less as time went on, culminating in his masterfully-honest and raw Plastic Ono Band album.

[@billythedog-309]

l should read Psychoanalysis for Dummies too.

[@walterpanovs]

Better off reading a John Lennon interview (or two or three).

[@jamesduggan7200]

Yeah, I would agree, for the most part, tho tbh I think maybe John wrestled with paranoia at times, and as he aged typically his disappointment with his failing senses led to even more feelings of guilt. He blamed himself for weakening eyesight, and in my humble opinion I think maybe his hearing near the end was not quite as sharp as it was closer to the beginning.

[@dennydowling2169]

There is one little note in 'Nowhere Man' that always delights me. It is that single 'ding' of a bell about a minute into the song before the second verse. I don't know why. I have always found it to be magical. That fact that it never repeats also helps.

[@jo1334]

C'est la guitare de George, jouant une harmonique à la fin du solo 🙂. C'est brillant. Dans tous les sens du terme 🤩

[@Andyvan92110]

That's a harmonic. You play it by lightly touching the string with the left hand (if you're strumming with your right hand).

[@NigelT57]

It is indeed a 12th harmonic, and bloody difficult to get exactly right. :)

[@deniscastellanos9895]

The vocal harmonies is one of the best things in the Beatles work, I love the harmonies on The Word song.

[@anthonys.2365]

Rubber Soul, the “pot” album, the precursor to Revolver, the “acid” album. Think For Yourself I believe was the first time a fuzz box was used on a bass and the bass was the focal, rather than the guitar. Nowhere Man and Norwegian Wood are my top two.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Ahhh that’s a cool distinction! The real question is which is the wine album, that’s what i’d like to know?! “My booze don’t need no buddy!”

[@anthonys.2365]

@@CrystalMarieShannon Let it Be…plenty of wine and tea during the sessions…so Let It Be (wine album).

[@andrewbowman4611]

@@anthonys.2365 No, that's Let It Beer. What you're after is The Wine Album (aka The Bottles).

[@InaudibleWhisper]

@@CrystalMarieShannon Abbey Road is their wine album. It's mature, and songs like Sun King, Golden Slumbers, Something, You Never Give Me Your Money, Here Comes The Sun are just begging to be heard laid back with a bottle (or two haha). Even the heavier songs like I Want You and Come Together have a seductive groove that pairs well.

[@JustineLaLoba]

And Pepper................their masterpiece.

[@patricktyner1410]

You've done it again Crystal! Love the musical analysis. Not being musical myself - it helps highlight things I might not otherwise notice. And you've reminded me how much I love The Word - not sure why, I just love that song. It has a slight Gospel feel to me, but I am certainly no expert. Bring on Side 2 please. I shouldn't say it, but I am already looking forward to Revolver, my personal favourite Beatles album. Thanks again

[@ArniePorter]

My favourite Beatles album. It was always between this and Revolver but this album just brings out the emotions. So cool to watch and hear your breakdown and thoughts on it. Thanks

[@tmountain1]

Crystal, I'm delighted you brought up synesthesia, especially in the context of George's sitar on Norwegian Wood. As a child the Beatles made me experience things I didn't know had a name, but now I know I'm synesthetic!

[@mgonzales56]

It's funny, I'm sitting here in the den watching you react to Rubber Soul, and I look up to the corner of the room, and I see this large mirror that has the Rubber Soul album picture on it. I bought this mirror back in the 1970's, on a trip to Astroworld in Houston. We drove from San Antonio. I bought it early in the day, then had to carry it throughout the day getting on and off rides. It was a miracle it didn't get broken. Love Rubber Soul, and love you and your reactions.

[@Lona_Chess]

My mom had exactly that mirror of the Beatles when I grew up. That's amazing you have one, too!

[@deniscastellanos9895]

I love this, great album, that fuzz bass riff at 14:55 is so epic.

[@DavePigott2000]

This album was such a turning point for the Beatles. You can see the roots of Sgt Pepper and The White Album in here. One of my favourites.

[@3John-Bishop]

An underrated album is Magical Mystery Tour.

[@gibiscus]

And you can see the roots of Rubber Soul on Beatles for Sale...

[@davidl9771]

I've just found this channel. I love the Beatles but haven't listened to the albums in years. Thank you for helping me rediscover these masterpieces again.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Thank you for joining in on our party and being a part of this with us David! I highly appreciate your appreciation for the Beatles and their marvelous music. I didn't know it when I first started diving into them and taking deeper listen to their masterpieces but I have truly needed them as I am currently going through the darkest moments of my life so far and I believe they are helping in my steps to healing. I have made en entire folder filled with all of the videos I have dedicated to the Beatles, which is your favorite album? Also, I just uploaded the Anthology 1 disk 1 listen, I still have more to go so if you stick around, we have more Beatles content coming your way. I am also starting to branch out into other artists I am trying to make this as exciting of an era as possible. :) Glad to have one more friendly face on our side.

[@davidl9771]

@@CrystalMarieShannon sorry to hear you are having a bad time. Music has helped me get through bad times. Although time doesn't make the pain go away, it does make it easier to deal with. I enjoy your analysis and your way of describing how the music makes you feel. I feel exactly the same but you have a wonderful way of putting it into words. Going to have to admit to Abbey Road being my favourite Beatles record. Stay strong x

[@kurniadi9829]

My love for Paul's bass lines started from Michelle. And since then, Paul never stops amaze me with his bass lines.

[@Lona_Chess]

I wish this Beatles journey with you would never end. Your reactions and commentary are phenomenal. A true bright spot in these difficult times. Can't wait for your Side 2 reaction to Rubber Soul!

[@MichaelLantz]

The Distortion you hear in "Think For Yourself" is Paul playing a fuzz bass played thru a Vox Tone Bender Fuzz Pedal.

[@bobcharles1204]

I got to see Paul a couple times a few years back. Bonnaroo was wonderful with his 4 encores, but in Washington DC he actually sang Michelle for the First Lady!

[@michaelzzzzzzzzzzzz]

The Harmonies on Michelle are Beautiful

[@albertschepis]

I come back and listen to you often; you're so tuned in and funny as well. Such a joy and yes, probably my favorite Beatles album though that gives me anxiety to have to pin that down. You are my favorite music reviewer though, hands down.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Wow that is extremely high praise! Thank you Albert! Sending love your way! I have to agree with you on choosing a favorite Beatles album being extremely anxiety inducing, and mine is ever changing! I have to agree with you again about this one being a #1 (tied with Abbey Road) 💚

[@BillySBC]

59 years ago, some young guys about the age of this girl went into a primitive recording studio by today's standards and created something that a person her age would still think is amazing... And that's amazing.

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Yeah have to agree Michelle is another one of those McCartney magic moments like Yesterday and Long and Winding Road and Let it Be.. and a few others. It is astounding that even one of these songs came out of such a young guy with no musical training but also when you consider how many it is just mind blowing.

[@jwb932]

My favorite Beatles album is currently Abbey Road. But that may change tomorrow. But yes, Rubber Soul is in my top 5. And here's the amazing part about it: it was a rushed album. The Beatles were expected to come out with two albums a year from 1963 to 1965. So in 1963, they came out with Please Please Me and With the Beatles. Then in 1964 they released A Hard Day's Night and Beatles for Sale, with Beatles for Sale being their "for Christmas" release and being somewhat rushed, forcing them dip back into covers they had done on stage during their dance hall days to complete the album. In 1965, they released Help! then did some touring in America, then late in the year got to work on Rubber Soul and came out with it very quickly for Christmas. (They spent only a month working on it in the studio, compared to four months for Help! and A Hard Day's Night) In fact, some of the music on the album was literally recorded just a couple weeks before the records hit the stores. And yet of the three "for Christmas" albums, Rubber Soul is heads and shoulders above the rest, and you'd never know any of it was made on the fly with the Beatles frantically trying to get something out in time. After Rubber Soul, they switched to doing only one full album a year, with Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine being partial albums.

[@tunanorth]

John Lennon wrote the lyrics of "In My Life" at the age of 25 which does not seem possible.

[@Archipelington]

Well what a pleasant unexpected treat to see you back again so soon 🙂

[@ChrisJohnsonChannel]

Glad I’ve been here with you through this wild rollercoaster of Beatles albums ✌🏻you are awsome and I have so much respect ✊ for you because you toook this ride and never looked back

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

I’m grateful for your presence on here Chris! A wild rollercoaster it absolutely has been! But I really wanna drive the point home that it will not end with the Beatles, i’ve opened a door i’m not closing, endless more bands to watch and review, more music to discover… more rock to roll!

[@crookkid6791]

Great video! By the way, the heavy gritty "guitar" on Think For Yourself is actually a bass hooked up to a fuzzbox that made it sound like a heavy distorted guitar, which was groundbreaking for pop music at the time

[@CowmanUK]

Another great reaction/analysis video Crystal! I love to see someone truly appreciate The Beatles, they've been most of the soundtrack to my life. I'm torn between Michelle and Nowhere Man as my faves of this side of Rubber Soul, but then I don't have to pick one really, do I? Hope this year is a great one for you!

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Thank you Ian! What a beautiful soundtrack you have, I am a fan of your life then! And YES YES! I’m 100% with you there! Two of my top three for this album!

[@Goodall10]

I feel you on the Top 10 anxiety. Someone asked me what my favorite Beatles song(s) are over Christmas and I almost had a stroke. It's like picking a favorite child. But there's no way I can't mention "In My Life" when that comes up, so maybe that's my answer. :)

[@Marc-vk7rl]

Yeah man. My top 10 changes every day but "In my Life" is always in there

[@amymills2413]

Rubber Soul is a great album. Excellent review of the songs as usual !

[@Dench999or911]

My favourite Beatles album is Help! I don't even think it is their best, but I always get nostalgic vibes when listening to it as I was brought up watching the film Help! Could listen to Side A all day and the second side has some classics as well. Keep up the good work Crystal!

[@ianbarron606]

I love the smile back in your eyes, and your voice 🥴 Your editing is fantastic

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Thank you Ian!!! I appreciate you very much (btw that emoji: 🥴 was my dad’s fav! LOL)

[@LunaPaul77]

George’s tracks are absolute bangers on this Album!

[@michaelt6218]

Feliz Año Nuevo, Crystal!

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

I’ve been sick all week and your video is the best medicine I’ve received this week. 😊 I ❤️ “Rubber Soul”. George Harrison said it and “Revolver” could be considered Volume 1 and Volume 2. I agree. They’re both my favorite albums of The Beatles.

[@barrymuller5131]

It was amazing that album is recorded in perfect stereo. If you listen to one side without the other you will notice that each side of the stereo is unique. No sound from one side is on the other yet they meld perfectly into each other. Beautiful!

[@mpRamosgroove]

Have you ever heard the story behind Michelle? According to Paul McCartney the chord progression was something he made up to play when they would hang out in coffee shops and he'd try to impress the French girls. Years later John reminded him of and told him he should write some lyrics for it.

[@vickjr98]

That's so cool. Michelle ma belle

[@Nextgen04]

Michele is also one of my favorite songs. It's just amazing, it is so different from other Beatles songs. That French vibe you get from the song goes hard lol

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

To sum it up, I love you.

[@mikeanton9125]

Keep blessing us with your videos especially about the Beatles and 2022 will be a great year for all of us. Excellent analysis.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Thank you for blessing us with your presence! Your kindness and enthusiasm make this experience all the more worth while… and in the fragile state i’m in, I gotta say it really helps.

[@mikeanton9125]

@@CrystalMarieShannon ❤️

[@TorpedoJoe]

"Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble Tres bien ensemble" literally means, "These are words that go together well, together very well"...this is a reference to the phrase, "Michelle, ma Belle." ( "Michelle, my beauty", or "my beautiful one" )

[@Wungolioth]

You Won't See Me has always fascinated me just because of the time signatures, they seem to almost spiral down at times, which I believe is an illusion caused by differing time signatures between the instruments, especially during the "time after time..." section.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Yes! The use of polyrhythm here is remarkable!

[@SteveWeintraub346]

YWSM is a very influential song-it directly inspired Chicago's “Saturday in the Park”, was a big hit for Anne Murray, and those “ooh-lala's” make an appearance in School of Rock 😀

[@TheAerovons]

The entire song is in one time signature, 4/4.

[@Wungolioth]

@@TheAerovons In various articles I'm reading there's conflicting information, but the general consensus seems to be that the piano and bass are playing at different tempos, and the tempo either appears to drag because of this, or the tempo on the piano is constantly changing throughout the song. I'm sorry if I'm confusing terminology here, I'm not a musician, but I maintain that something is shifting in this song to create that "drag" effect, which I think is genius as Paul is actually singing about how time drags since the girl has left. I would genuinely love to know if this was something Paul thought of as he was writing it, or was this a George Martin innovation, I haven't been able to find anything with enough detail.

[@Wungolioth]

@@TheAerovons I wasn't going to address this, but it won't stop bothering me until I do. We were having a discussion about a song we liked and an aspect that we liked about it, and @oceantracks walked into this discussion with a fact to debunk and stymie that discussion, instead of something to add to it. That really is sad, and I think we're all guilty of it here or there, but I do try not to do that.

[@dennisberceles7387]

The Song of Songs: John's "In My Life" and his merciless (super beautiful) "Girl", and "Norwegian Wood" as well as his "Nowhere Man" which has a beautiful guitar riffs that i can't forget until today. Paul's "You Won't See Me", "I'm Looking Thru You" and "Michelle" add kaleidoscope colors to John's songs. Plus George's "If I Needed Someone".

[@zachary8196]

It has been Rubber Soul for the past 53 years, I'm almost 65 yrs old now. Somebody, when I was 11, gave my cousin 5 or 6 Beatles albums, we stayed up all night listening to them.

[@t.r.1708]

Thx! I’m only 65 years but even as a boy I recognized their greatness! You point out things I hadn’t noticed before so I’m lovin’ this!

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

Paul used a different bass for this album, a Rickenbacker. He also started to play more melodic basslines inspired by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Crystal, I highly recommend checking out “Pet Sounds” by The Beach Boys after this.

[@knockknock705]

Please do not forget the influence that James Jamerson(Motown's great bassist) had on Paul either.

[@georgecindyaustria4995]

Love your analysis of this landmark album by the greatest band in history of rock music.

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

“Drive My Car” has a very big Motown influence. The riff is similar to “Respect” by Otis Redding. “Norwegian Wood” was allegedly written about an affair. “You Won’t See Me” is very Motown, too. Very similar in vein to “It’s The Same Old Song” by The Four Tops. “Nowhere Man” has always been one of my favorites. “Think For Yourself” is, too. You can hear George’s evolution. “The Word” is the precursor to “All You Need Is Love”. “Michelle” is such a lovely ballad with a rare bass solo.

[@MisterWondrous]

Synesthesia I did not to expect to encounter in a discussion about Beetle and this new whippersnapper music of theirs. Your analysis is, as always, delightful and informative, illuminating and enlightening. We at David Beckwith think Beetle, and you, will go far. I once had a Beetle. Several actually. And they went far. Why rock and roll the boat? Love your show, and music.

[@squidkid2]

Great to hear another of your reaction videos. The early Beatles begin to stretch out and get really creative. How could they produce all these jewels? If an album today contained even one song that was as great as Nowhere Man it would be considered a songwriting tour de force but all the songs on this album are classics. They seem to have struck some songwriting mother lode. I'm sure at the time other songwriters were just blown away and green with envy. This is like a master class in how to write a song.

[@emre_7575]

You need to listen to George Harrison's All Things Must Pass. For many the best post-beatle album of all time. There are many outstanding tracks, and one of George's best ever. Some of those were even rejected by Lennon and McCartney like the titel track. Definetly a masterpiece.

[@billythedog-309]

There are a few good tracks and quite a lot of filler songs.

[@emre_7575]

@@billythedog-309 Yeah of course there are Apple Scruffs and I Dig Love for example but there are so many outstanding songs like: My Sweet Lord, I'd Have You Anytime, All Things Must Pass, What Is Life, Beware Of Darkness, Run Of The Mill, Awaiting On You All, Behind That Locked Door, Isn't It A Pity. Just too many good songs and I personally don't skip a single song because songs like Apple Scruffs, I Dig Love and Isn't It A Pity 2, that I don't like as much as the other ones, are still not that bad If you hear them often. It gives some extra spice to the album. With 5 instrumentals as the last 5 songs, the album ends in an genuin way and I really like Out Of The Blue for example. It is just class, it should be bought on Vinyl and heard often. It is a masterpiece by George

[@knockknock705]

After listening to audio tapes of the Let It Be sessions, many people believe there does not seem to be any proof that Lennon and McCartney rejected the song All Things Must Pass. The podcast "Pop Goes the Sixties" did two videos that did a deep dive into this theory that John and Paul dismissed this song and believed that this to be another Beatles' myth kzbin.info/www/bejne/o16QmHyXiqqNqqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ_FlWZogpyLrdE Links to the Pop Go the Sixties videos on this subject.

[@Kieop]

After watching Get Back, I'm not sure I believe it was rejected as such. There is a scene where John and Paul worry that they don't have enough songs, and I think Glyn Johns passes them his list of what they have so far. Paul reads out the list and there is one that is mislabeled so that no one recognizes it at first (even George), but then Paul suddenly realizes that it is All things Must Pass. I take that to mean that he was familiar with it enough and liked it enough to do so. Also that was the song he chose to sing at Concert for George, so I believe that Paul, at least, has always liked it. I don't know why it never made it onto a Beatles album.

[@Jamthecoolerator]

There's no way on Earth All Things Must Pass is the best post-Beatle album. That's just frickin' ridiculous. Stop it. Just stop it right now.

[@robriceridge]

Most memorable tracks for me on the different American release were Michelle and You Won't See Me. In America Drive My Car was on Yesterday and Today.One Chord (G) in Norweigian Wood?

[@applefortynine8207]

Heeeey! I totally wanted to hear what you had to say about the lyrics of Numero Cinco: “Think for Yourself!”

[@dantofthegenxfamily9529]

Ok, the "You're Mean" part. Was hilarious!

[@neilloughran4437]

Yeah Michelle was always a favourite of mine. Such beautiful chord changes and the way the backing vocals move was very original for a pop song at the time... Lots of 7th chords, diminished chords and 6ths.. no surprise a lot of jazz vocal groups did Beatles songs with their own stylings... you should check out Singers Unlimited versions of "Michelle" and especially "Fool On the Hill" which have such beautiful harmonies...

[@neilloughran4437]

Michelle - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKbCkHhor9WHb7s

[@neilloughran4437]

Fool On the Hill - kzbin.info/www/bejne/opq8amVji9OIo8U

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

Michelle always sounded depressing to me.

[@neilloughran4437]

@@jeffreykaufmann2867 I suppose melancholy is part of a lot of the Beatles experience.

[@genebaughbba]

I hope you don't mind but I'm going to watch all of your reviews sometimes maybe multiple times. Can't wait to get your reaction to rubber soul.

[@Deebhoy]

After listening to this reaction, even though its side 1, I think Rubber Soul could be my favourite fab four album. Love this and such a great analysis. Thanks for taking time to put this together.

[@paulhoward6158]

Thank you so much for your wonderful and insightful analysis. I've been listening to the Beatles since 1964 and you always provide something new to my understanding and appreciation of them. I always look forward to your next video.

[@shemanic1]

I hope too, Crystal, that 2022, my 71st year on this planet, will be a whole lot better for us all & the planet. My love of the Beatles started with their hits, but Rubber Soul was the album that sold me on their variety, & I then bought more. My Top Beatles album now is Abbey Road followed by Sgt; Peppers, then Rubber Soul., The White album & maybe HELP! Thanks for your reaction & love of music

[@Andyvan92110]

"Think for Yourself": For years, I heard the lyric wrong. "Although your mind's opaque" I heard as "Although your mind's OK".

[@Kieop]

Me too!

[@keymack2477]

Another fantastic job of reacting to and explaining the beauty and mystery The Beatles! I can't help but feel this is one of the most under appreciated, unknown channels on all of KZbin! Your reactions are so good and so spot on that you should have hundreds of thousands of views for each video you put out! I know you are drawing towards the end of your journey through Beatles music, so, if you don't mind, I would like to put in a plug for a few albums from three groups I would love for you to react to one day! No hurry, or anything, but if you could put them down somewhere on your list I would be grateful!! Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen (especially the first five albums - hardly anyone does anything off the first three and they are amazing) and Supertramp from Crime of the Century through Breakfast in America (four LP's total)! Thank you for brightening my day again!

[@Andyvan92110]

"You Won't See Me", "I'm Looking Through You": Every time Paul had an argument with Jane Asher, we got a good song out of it. ;-)

[@johnpress]

Dang it is raining Crystal bombs! I'm starting to get 'we're getting near the end of the series anxiety.' But, let's enjoy the moment. Thanks, Crystal.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Thank you John!! The Beatles series is coming to a closing soon but I will keep the musical analysis going on for as long as I can, I hope we can continue this journey together! 😊

[@johnpress]

@@CrystalMarieShannon You would love, I would love it if you could do Bowie! He's so genius and every album is so different. That would be my dream come true!

[@jajak6634]

Just finished watching get back and it really brings me back old memories. Thanks for breaking down the beatles album for me. Keep it up

[@willhorowitz8806]

Two live albums I'd recommend for you are George's "Concert for Bangladesh" (1971) and the tribute "Concert for George" (2002).

[@ervbefelnareik7604]

I always shed a tear to Concert For George! Such a moving tribute.

[@johngoddard2270]

And Wings Over America surely?

[@mauchihoang9472]

Wings over America is best.. Sir Paul is the man

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

This is the beginning of The Beatles “middle years” period. No longer the cuddly mop tops, they were evolving as singers, songwriters, and musicians. The lyrics were getting more sophisticated and so was the music.

[@gibiscus]

I'd argue it began with Beatles for Sale or even A Hard Day's Night...

[@josehugodeoliveirainconfid7144]

That distorted guitar sound on George's "Think For Yourself" is in fact the bass guitar through a "fuzz" distortion pedal, overdubbed by Paul.

[@drdavid1963]

You're on a roll, Crystal. Smashing these Beatles analysis videos. Go girl!

[@YN97WA]

I don't envy you trying to pick your ten favorite Beatles songs. That would be an impossible task for me. There are so many great ones. I would put While My Guitar Gently Weeps at the top, but it would take me years to find the next nine. I love these videos of yours. Hopefully, you will react to All Things Must Pass in the near future since you seem to have a soft spot for George. It's a brilliant album! Peace and love, Crystal ✌️💚

[@1317TM]

Fall has come And I think this Beatles album vibes with this season the most❤

[@rollotomasi4045]

Hey Crystal, here are some random albums from the past that may appeal to your musical sensibilities. The opening track on Joni Mitchell's album Blue is a standout. I appreciate all of the time and hard work you put into these Beatles discog videos! Your analysis is insightful and enthusiasm is infectious! '60s Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Waters Beach Boys - Pet Sounds Crosby, Stills and Nash - Crosby, Stills and Nash '70s Elton John - Tumbleweed Connection Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman Joni Mitchell - Blue Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Bee Gees - Saturday Night Fever The Doobie Brothers - Toulouse Street Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life The Eagles - Hotel California Queen - A Night At The Opera '80s Prince - Purple Rain Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA Police - Synchronicity Elvis Costello - Trust Tears for Fears - Songs From The Big Chair Paul Simon - Graceland U2 - Joshua Tree '90s Weezer - Blue Album Nirvana - MTV Unplugged R.E.M. - Out of Time Bjork - Debut Alanis Morrissette - Jagged Little Pill Flaming Lips - Soft Bulletin Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication PM Dawn - Of the Heart, Of the Soul, Of the Mind Los Lobos - Kiko Fugees - The Score '00s Fountains of Wayne - Welcome Interstate Managers Ben Folds - Rockin' The Suburbs Norah Jones - Come Away with Me Alicia Keys - Songs in A Minor Beck - The Information The Killers - Hot Fuss MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

[@andrewbowman4611]

The French lyrics of Michelle were provided by the wife of John and Paul's friend Ivan Vaughan, who taught French at school. Ivan Vaughan, of course, was the person who first introduced John and Paul to each other.

[@deniscastellanos9895]

Yes it is, Paul tells the story to Rick Rubin in the documental McCartney 321.

[@andrewbowman4611]

@@deniscastellanos9895 It's been a short while since I've it, so no doubt you're right. I mean, I've known that story since at least the '90s, during the Anthology project. I suspect I knew before that, even, but I can't remember that far back!

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

To me, “Rubber Soul” is The Beatles taking control of their musical destiny. Even the album cover was different and their idea. The photographer accidentally elongated the photo and they loved it so much they kept it. Musically and lyrically, this album is light years ahead of “Please Please Me” and it only gets better on the next album with “Revolver”.

[@fredkrissman6527]

What happened to the many comments you promised to give us on "Think for Yourself"??? I was ready for a very erudite analysis of a very deep Harrison tune! Thanx so much for the side one reaction to one of the Beatles most seminal lps...

[@ChrisJohnsonChannel]

I think John played a Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar on Norwegian Wood..

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

Ahhh well it was certainly exquisite

[@stevenschmidt3464]

So glad your favorite song is Michelle. Such a overlooked song. I sang it to my little cousin (Michelle) when she was a little girl and since then the beatles are her favorite band. Also Crystal, you have a beautiful voice, i wouldnt mind hearing a slowed version of Norwegian Wood from yourself with the piano.

[@richardfehlmann4593]

I like your review 👍😊 My favourites on this album: In My Life, Nowhere Man, Girl, Michelle ♥️👌

[@neilloughran4437]

exactly mine too.

[@richardfehlmann4593]

@@neilloughran4437 👍😊

[@ags8294]

Excelent video as usual, Crystal! Rubber Soul is a high point in Beatles career and your analysis reflects it perfectly. I don't know if someone has already commented about it, but in George's song what you thought it was a rock guitar sound, it actually wasn't: it's fuzz (a lot of fuzz) bass, and it's used as playing the role of a lead guitar. Waiting for your side 2 review! (I would add that maybe R S it's not their best album, but its side 1 is their most solid side 1 of all)

[@stevea6307]

As you say in the description, in my top 5 Beatles albums - the order of which changes daily! The big 5 are, of course, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, The White Album, and Abbey Road.

[@CrystalMarieShannon]

mine do all the time too!! at the moment revolver & the white album are in a tie for first & second place (can’t decide today) abbey is at third place, rubber soul at fourth and S.P.L.H.C.B. at 5th. This is subject to change the next time I get in the car though 😂😂😂 All the music is so good & it hurts to think For Sale, and A Hard Day’s Night weren’t mentioned! By tomorrow the top five will change and Please Please Me might even be included!

[@stevea6307]

Can’t argue with those choices Crystal!

[@betsyab121]

I am glad to read someone else has rotating favorite Beatles albums! Mine also change with my mood. Top four are Sgt Pepper's, Revolver, Rubber Soul and Abbey Road, all which change position frequently. The best thing about The Beatles is that each album is so distinctive in its style that you never get tired of listening to them! Keep up the good work, Crystal! I am enjoying your reaction videos very much.

[@peterobrien1499]

I dig the fuzz bass on Think for Yourself. George is playing that bass line. And I forget Th Word. Sublime.

[@markee1010]

Now...imagine growing up with the Beatles as the soundtrack of your life. That is one of the things I'm most grateful for. It makes me appreciate what it must have been like to attend a live concert by Mozart in the 1780's. Fortunately, we were able to record the Beatles, and hear their performances. Folks will be analyzing their creativity and musicality for decades to come. And none of them could even read music. There was a story about John and George going into a music store and seeing the first published book of their music around 1967, and George told John. "So THAT was the name of the chord I was playing?" They all grew up so infused with music, and absorbing so many multi-generational approaches to songwriting, and paying so much attention what makes a song good, that it shows up in nearly everything they wrote. That's certainly genius.

[@genebaughbba]

Yeah that's a good way to do it We want to see the first time you heard it and the second time and maybe the third time because these songs grow on you every time you hear them.

[@vickjr98]

Really love how you react to music, new subscriber here for sure

[@josephbelcher2568]

Paul McCartney was one of the earlier users of a fuzz pedal on bass on Think For Yourself.