The Beatles (The White Album) Songs Ranked
The Beatles, also known as the White Album, is the ninth studio album and only double album by English rock band the Beatles, released on 22 November 1968. Its plain white sleeve contains no graphics or text other than the band’s name embossed, which was intended as a direct contrast to the vivid cover artwork of the band’s previous LP Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Beatles is recognized for its fragmentary style and diverse range of genres, including folk, British blues, ska, music hall, and the avant-garde. It has since been viewed by some critics as a postmodern work, as well as among the greatest albums of all time. The Beatles received favorable reviews from most music critics; detractors found its satirical songs unimportant and apolitical amid the turbulent political and social climate of 1968. It topped record charts in Britain and the United States. No singles were issued in either territory, but “Hey Jude” and “Revolution” originated from the same recording sessions and were issued on a single in August 1968. The album has been certified 24× platinum by the RIAA. Here are all of The Beatles’ (The White Album) songs ranked.
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15. Glass Onion
“The strings in particular have been given a new life, spread far and wide and very well rounded in the bottom. Similarly the piano is displaying rich lower mids that were not previously this obvious. One thing I noticed about this is that when both of these things disappear at the end of a chorus it does leave something of a hole in the bottom end of the soundscape, although the more I listen the less obvious it become”
14. Long, Long, Long
“The haunting crescendo at track’s end, reportedly a wine-bottle atop a piano shaking back and forth like the very cup of trembling, is one of the best single moments in The Beatles’ oeuvre.”
13. Yer Blues
“A perfect example of how blues rock should be. Also I personally think one of their rawest and hard hitting tracks. Way more raw and gritty than Helter Skelter in my opinion, that song kind of sounds like it’s trying too hard to be hard and raw.”
See more: The Beatles Albums Ranked
12. Martha My Dear
“Possibly the cutest song I’ve ever heard. He wrote this for his dog. Love the brass sections and the piano, as well as the adorable lyrics. Not the best song on the album but I love it so much.”
11. I Will
“One of my favourite songs, although it’s more simple, it’s beautifully executed and criminally underrated. If I ever had a wedding I’d want this played I think it encapsulates what love means beautifully.”
10. Julia
“It’s a really soul-full song by John Lennon. It is about his mom Julia Lennon. You can really see john’s personality from this song The greatest ballad I have ever heard.”
9. Revolution 1
“Revolution 1″ is a political tune by Lennon that criticizes the radical movements going on around him, and oddly enough, gets him labeled as such”
8. I’m So Tired
“John’s vocals are amazing. You can really feel him getting more and more frustrated being sleep-deprived. “And curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid get” is one of the Beatles’ best lines. Probably the most underrated song of the Beatles.”
7. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
“”Ob-la-di…” was probably the poppiest track on the White Album, a fun reggae number which Paul enjoyed a lot more than the rest of the band if studio reports of the time are to be believed. Scottish band Marmalade covered it immediately in the UK and hit number one with it.”
See more: The Beatles Songs Ranked
6. Dear Prudence
“First, the guitar arrangement on the intro. Calm, natural, mostly charming. Then the bass came in as a compliment at first, and on the second round the bass became alive to prevent the sweet song to became a major boredom. The dynamic between band members were great in this song. It blended very well. I also give George Martin (the producer) a big credit”
5. Back In the U.S.S.R.
“”Back in the U.S.S.R.”, which opened The White Album, is a great rocker almost in the same vain as The Beach Boys, at least with the chorus. Always liked the track for some reason, maybe because the guitar sounds so good. No Ringo here, McCartney plays the drums, and does a good job at the kit.”
4. Blackbird
“Backbird” embodies McCartney’s support for civil rights in America in an ever-so-pretty fingerpicking ballad, the better for its simple but effective guitar and vocal rendition. “Blackbird” is such a simple song…yet it is incredible at the same time. Just McCartney singing and playing an acoustic guitar, tapping his foot, and blackbirds chirping…such a relaxing song.”
3. Helter Skelter
“The ascending vocals in the beginning of the song are so awesome. Influenced rock for the years and decades to come especially led zeppelin. Very challenging but so fun and hard. The best hard rock song ever made by the Beatles, and Paul’s raw lyrics make for a classic.”
2. Happiness is a Warm Gun
“This song is different because it tells a story. The begginging is a musician writing poetry that nobody knows for sure what it means, but can all interpret. The next section is depression. Raw self loathing and hate. The next is suicide. The bliss of leaving is fufilled with the final snare at the end. I know it’s just how I interpret it, but that’s what this song means to me. It’s one of the greatest ever.”
1. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
“Its an awesome song with a great descending guitar sequence and a achingly beautiful lead played by Clapton. The staccato piano part played by McCartney adds to the drama and grandeur of the song with Harrison putting in a strong vocal performance enhanced by McCartney’s superb harmonies. Starr’s drumming drives the song onwards towards its wonderful fading conclusion. It’s so good it makes you want to weep…”