While the Beatles still largely stuck to love songs on Rubber Soul, the lyrics represented a quantum leap in terms of thoughtfulness, maturity, and complex ambiguities. Musically, too, it was a substantial leap forward, with intricate folk-rock arrangements that reflected the increasing influence of Dylan and the Byrds. The group and George Martin were also beginning to expand the conventional instrumental parameters of the rock group, using a sitar on "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," Greek-like guitar lines on "Michelle" and "Girl," fuzz bass on "Think for Yourself," and a piano made to sound like a harpsichord on the instrumental break of "In My Life." While John and Paul were beginning to carve separate songwriting identities at this point, the album is full of great tunes, from "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" and "Michelle" to "Girl," "I'm Looking Through You," "You Won't See Me," "Drive My Car," and "Nowhere Man" (the last of which was the first Beatle song to move beyond romantic themes entirely). George Harrison was also developing into a fine songwriter with his two contributions, "Think for Yourself" and the Byrds-ish "If I Needed Someone." ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
Arguing that this or that Beatles album is their best is just silly. They were, almost without exception, all fantastic, so it's just a matter of taste and preference. And I'd have to go with "Rubber Soul" or "Revolver" - never can make up my mind for certain.
I love this album!! This was my favorite beatles album when i began to listen to their music every day!! "In my Life" & "Michelle" are my favorite tunes!!
"I've Just Seen A Face" and "It's Only Love" were originally included on side 2 of the UK "Help!" LP, which, unlike the crappy US version, contained 14 BEATLE songs (2 covers:"Act Naturally" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"). By the way, "Yesterday" made its debut on side 2...as a ALBUM TRACK...of the UK release of "Help!"
"I've Just Seen a Face" and "It's Only Love" are both missing from the UK/CD version. Wikipedia says Capitol added them to the US LP since they were more "folky" love songs, and omitted a couple of the more upbeat ones. Personally, I find that restoring the UK song lineup makes it a stronger album.
This is the ultimate 'transition' album, separating the early Beatles from the later Beatles. Unlike most other performers though, the Beatles had churned-out masterpieces on both sides of that division! And I actually remember when people thought the fab four had reached a low point... almost a death blow with Rubber Soul. Now, the only way one can view this album is with 'superb, masterpiece, fantastic, etc, etc'!
Whatever happened to the song "I've Just Seen a Face", on the original US LP, but apparently left off the UK version &/or every subsequent reissue? It was a great song, perfect as the opening number.
I believe this may be my favorite Beatles album. It just has that charm and mellow feel to it that hardly ever gets old. The album is bouncy, poppy, sad, poetic, and very catchy all the same. Was also a turning point for the Beatles.