SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

So much has been written about this album that I will refrain from any of my usual descriptors and simple give opinions. First, it is undeniable that this album blew open the boundaries of what rock music could be unlike any single album ever. It employed new explorations in recording, composition, style and as a piece of progressive history is probably more important than even King Crimson's debut. Without Sergeant Pepper, it is possible that the expansion of the genre into what we call progressive may have never happened. For this alone, it deserves the title of masterpiece of progressive rock music. No other album deserves that title more than this one.

At the same time, the experimentation here sometimes goes over the edge, which is no surprise considering the massive amount of psychedelics being consumed by the band at the time. The perfect example is "Day in the Life" which some claim to be the best song ever written, but which in fact is two very good but unfinished songs taped together with a wonderful interlude and some of the most revolutionary recording tricks of the time.

On the other hand, I simply don't enjoy the English whimsy that much, so the title tune and Mr. Kite, though strong enough songs, just don't connect with me even to the extent that a pop song like "Drive My Car" did. McCartney's larger role has mixed results as well, with the wonderful "Fixing a Hole" sitting along side the too sing-songy "When I'm 64." The latter became a bit of a template for Paul, and almost all later albums would suffer from this step down in songwriting sharpness that was present when the team actually did write songs together.

In the grand scheme of things, Rubber Soul is a much better album than this, but it's less important historically. So in a strange twist, I feel I have to give a higher rating to my less favorite album. I still enjoy it quite alot, and reluctantly award it the 5 stars it earned.

Share this THE BEATLES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Negoba
• Report this review (#222031)
• Buy THE BEATLES music online with PA partners
• Show all THE BEATLES MP3/Stream
• Go to THE BEATLES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for THE BEATLES related discussions