I figured that for my second review i would do Sgt. Peppers. Why? because it was recorded at the same time in the same studio as Piper. In fact, Pink Floyd got to watch The Beatles record "Lovely Rita". so what do i think of Pepper's? I think it's overrated. that's not to say that it's not revolutionary or that i don't like it, because it is revolutionary and I do enjoy it. I simply feel that The Beatles have done much better work than it. In my mind "most revolutionary" does not equal "best" (well, with Piper it does)
My main fault with the album is John's songwriting. Normally I tend to like John's songs the most but on Pepper's i feel his song writing here is weak for him. "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" has to be one of the most overrated Beatles songs ever. When i listen to it it just makes me wish i was listening to "I Am The Walrus" instead. "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" and "Good Morning, Good Morning" aren't really worth mentioning in my opinion other than the awesome guitar solo on "Good Morning, Good Morning". In fact i think the majority of John's psychedelic songs on Magical Mystery Tour are better than the ones here. That's right! I praised Magical Mystery Tour while critizing Pepper's! Sue me! But in all seriousness i'll take "I Am The Walrus" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" over the songs i just mentioned here anyday.
Paul's songwriting here is stronger than John's in my opinion (shocking, right?). the opening track (and by extention it's reprise) is a good rock number, i just wish the guitar was stronger. "Fixing A Hole"is good but not great. "Lovely Rita is another good song". "Getting Better" and "She's Leaving Home" are personal favorites of mine, especially "She's Leaving Home" which is simply beautiful. despite all this Paul still manages to write the worst song here. What is the worst song here? Why it's "When I'm Sixty-Four", of course! granted it's not as bad as "Od-La-Di, Od-La-DA" or "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", but it's still my least favorite here.
George's sole song here, "Within You, Without You" is another of my favorites off the album. some people don't like his sitar music but i do. then there's the Ringo song "With A Little Help From My Friends" (he didn't actually write it but he sings it so i consider it his). this song is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I know I should hate it since it's Ringo, but i enjoy it.
There is one more song i haven't mentioned yet, "A Day In The Life". this one starts out as a John song, then goes to a Paul song, and then goes back to the John song (think "Bohemian Rhapsody"). this is the definate best song on the album. it is simply a masterpiece that everyone must hear at least once in their life.
so while Pepper's is a good album, it is not The Beatles best (that honor goes to Abbey Road). still it is essential and one you must hear, so go downloa... I mean legally purchase it today
Best Song: A Day In The Life
Worst Song: When I'm Sixty-Four
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