Rubber Soul

Released in December 1965, Rubber Soul marked the moment the Beatles stopped being simply a brilliant pop group and became album artists. Recorded in barely a month at EMI’s London studios, it traded Beatlemania’s screaming energy for introspection, irony and textures: George’s sitar on “Norwegian Wood”, the sped-up piano masquerading as harpsichord on “In My Life”, the folk-rock jangle of “If I Needed Someone”. Lennon’s lyrics turned inward; McCartney’s “Michelle” flirted with French chanson.

The album inspired Brian Wilson to make Pet Sounds and, in turn, pushed the Beatles towards Revolver. Its warmth and restraint still feel remarkably modern.

An expanded Special Edition arrived on 2 October 2026, newly mixed by Giles Martin and Sam Okell in stereo and Dolby Atmos, alongside the original mono mix, the Capitol US version and the “Day Tripper”/“We Can Work It Out” single.

Go Listen.

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