THE BEATLES [AKA: THE WHITE ALBUM]

If Sgt. Peppers was the most experimental album, and Magical Mystery Tour was the most psychedelic, than The White Album is easily the bands most diverse album. This double album is packed with a ton of different styles and sounds, some of which are new for the band, and many of which are familiar.

I would consider this mostly rock-oriented, at least much more than previous albums. The rocking 'Back In the U.S.S.R.,' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' and the metal-approaching 'Helter Skelter' are good examples.

But there is also a strong folk inflection in songs like 'Rocky Raccoon' and 'Mother Natures Son.'

There is some orchestral work in 'Good Night' and 'Piggies.'

They even went Avante-Garde in Revolution 9, though I woudn't consider it a song persay.

Surprisingly enough the pop is really limited to 'Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da,' 'Martha My Dear,' 'Blackbird,' 'I Will,' and 'Julia,' most of which have McCartney as the driving force.

I've read the band was disjointed during this time, but it's hard to tell with the quality of this album, as this is one of the most eclectic albums I've heard. Though none of the songs really stand out individually, this is easily one of the group's best overall albums.

8/10