SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

This is not my favorite Beatles album, but this is the album that has been called the "blueprint" for Progressive Rock and based on influence, it gets 5 stars but, lets get some background. In 1966, The Beatles gave up touring cause their experimental songs like Tomorrow Never Knows and Eleanor Rigby could not be performed live(Plus there was the Bigger than Jesus controversy, but that's for another day) so, they locked up in Abbey Road Studios with George Martin for 4-5 months crafting this album, working out every kink. This feels like their "magnum opus" but enough blabber, lets get to the songs.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: The title track opens this album with some nice power from the guitars and the orchestra tuning up, this gives the album a feel like this is a live concert in the studio. One of my favorites from the album and a simple but effective guitar riff at 0:56 in.

With a Little Help from My Friends: Getting Ringo's bit out of the way either, I kid. It's a nice track with a slow, boppy, psychedelic feel to it. Plus, I love Ringo's voice, it has a real quality to it. Great singing song

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds: Another Lennon psychedelic song but what a stunner, not his best(yet) but a great song with lyrics that make no sense, in that way only Lennon could do. Great chorus by the way.

Getting Better: An upbeat Paul number about how life is getting better every day. Sounds corny I know but Paul's immaculate charm lifts this one up and of course, the band can play together almost perfectly. People forget that, they could play together, near perfect.

Fixing a Hole: Paul's attempt at being psychedelic and works out quite well. Not as memorable as LSD or TNK but still quite well done

She's Leaving Home: An acoustic/orchestra driven song. Of course, you're gonna think of Yesterday and it feels like that, to be honest. Not bad but just ok

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!: Has a 19th century fairground feel mixed with LSD and weird studio effects. I love how they were able to use the studio as an instrument and show people what can be done inside a studio than just containing a band. Has always been a favorite with a crazy instrumental mid-section.

Within You Without You: George has been slowly getting into Indian music around this time and it culminated on this wonderous track. The sitar work is excellent, the percussion is a perfect compliment and the orchestra get into that Eastern feel and make this a very experimental, world music song. One of George's and The Beatles most creative songs.

When I'm Sixty-Four: I'm not sure what to make of this song. It has an old school maybe jazzy ragtime feel but slowed down and is almost like a ballad with the lyric about how this man hopes his woman with take care of him at 64, apparently an old age back then, I like it but I don't know how to describe it.

Lovely Rita: Kind of your standard Paul McCartney number, not a bad thing at all but is a catchy pop song. GASP, the dirty word of POP.

Good Morning Good Morning: The only song that feels half-assed. It feels like they just threw it on without any real thought. It has a rushed quality to it and I usually skip this one.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise): A hard-rocking reprise of the title track that has the same qualities as the aforementioned track. This, of course, surges right into.................................................................................................................................................... A Day in the Life: I LOVE this song! This is the Prog Beatles song if it exists. There is a reason why this is considered the Greatest Beatles song ever. The band is in full form and has all the great qualities the later career had and stands as a masterpiece. Only down side, George doesn't play guitar on this, just maracas, but great job!

Overall, I feel quite humble discussing this album because it is held in such high regard. One would call it overrated(hipsters) but, it is a strong album that holds up well to the hype. 5 stars. Highlights: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help from My Friends, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Getting Better, Fixing a Hole, For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, Within You Without You, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise), A Day in the Life