Rubber Soul is The Beatles' first true masterpiece and is a favorite for many. The songs sound lively and spontaneous and shimmer with originality, both in composition and in sound and arrangement. It is a perfect reflection of the vital spirit of the 1960s, which The Beatles managed to capture like no other. Indian music (the sitar) is prominent for the first time in Norwegian Wood, which is also
… a highlight in Lennon's work due to its cynical text. Bob Dylan was clearly a source of inspiration here; but also Stax-soul (Drive My Car), The Byrds (If I Needed Someone), Debussy (Michelle) and The Beach Boys (You Won't See Me, Nowhere Man) can be traced as influences. Lennon and McCartney both blossom as songwriters on Rubber Soul, but Lennon impresses most with the socially critical Nowhere Man, the villainous Girl (with naughty tit-tit-tit choirs) and the moving In My Life. McCartney is increasingly asserting himself on the bass guitar (previously an underappreciated instrument in pop), with the distorted bass part of Think For Yourself as the highlight for now. Above all, Rubber Soul is considered the first album that was more than a collection of singles with some fillers. The pop album as an art form was born with this record. (MS) Above all, Rubber Soul is considered the first album that was more than a collection of singles with some fillers. The pop album as an art form was born with this record. (MS) Above all, Rubber Soul is considered the first album that was more than a collection of singles with some fillers. The pop album as an art form was born with this record. (MS)more
