Numbers, Colors & Music

Episode 25

The new Beatles double album is here!

On November 22nd, 1968 the band released their 9th full­ length studio recording, the self­-titled behemoth colloquially known as "The White Album". The follow­-up to Sgt. Pepper was a dramatic departure from the acid­ drenched sound paintings of the year prior and offered the most variety in song styles ever seen (either before or since) on a Beatles recording. Fans and critics alike were confused by the tonal shift, but as with any Beatles album commercial success was soon to follow.

While Revolver and even Pepper were more unified efforts, in many ways the double album was a showcase of four different musicians who were serving each other's songs. Paul's contributions include instant classics like "Blackbird," "Mother Nature's Son," "Back In The USSR" and "Ob La De Ob La Da" ­­ as well as thunderous rockers like "Helter Skelter" and "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?". John's tracks pointed the gaze inward, with a clutch of songs many consider some of the finest of his entire career.

"Happiness Is A Warm Gun," "Julia," "Yer Blues" and "Sexie Sadie" run the gamete of style and substance, while "Glass Onion" shows a rare tip of the hat to Paul for helping steer the Beatles' ship since the death of Brian Epstein.

Ringo Starr's very first original composition, "Don't Pass Me By," signaled the dawn of a fourth songwriter in the group, while the masterpiece "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" showed the band and the world exactly what George Harrison was capable of.

Enjoy!

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