The Beatles may have been rushed to release a certain album.
Still today, The Beatles continue to trend and that will only continue. Paul McCartney in particular still had plans for a final Beatles song. As most fans are aware, The Beatles made a fortune thanks to their albums and hits, Yesterday alone made a fortune, banking over $30 million.
In the following, we’re going to take a closer look at The Beatles worst album of all time, at least from a fan and media perspective. We’ll reveal what went on with the album, and what the intent was according to Paul McCartney. We’ll also reveal what the group’s greatest album of all-time might be, and why it was so successful for the iconic band. Let’s get started!
Paul McCartney Revealed Yellow Submarine Was A Children’s Record, But There Are Other Theories
It was the tenth studio album for The Beatles at the time, getting its release in January of 1969. The album got off to an awkward start given that weeks prior, the White Album was also released.
Paul McCartney discussed the intent of the Yellow Submarine song, along with the album. “‘Yellow Submarine’ is very simple but very different. It’s a fun song, a children’s song. Originally we intended it to be ‘Sparky’ a children’s record. But now it’s the idea of a yellow submarine where all the kids went to have fun. I was just going to sleep one night and thinking if we had a children’s song, it would be nice to be on a yellow submarine where all your friends are with a band.”
Song Facts indicates that there may have been other inspirations when compiling the album and song. The publication writes, “As with just about every Beatles song, there’s a lot that can be read into this one if you look hard enough. One possible interpretation: Once famous, The Beatles were forced to stay in hotel rooms and live under pressure = Submarine. Because they were having a great time it was Yellow (friends are all aboard). Sea of green = money.”
There are several other theories out there but ultimately, the album was viewed as the worst from The Beatles.
Yellow Submarine Featured Leftover Songs And Was Intended For The Film
Take a look at several lists compiled, and it is evident, Yellow Submarine is typically viewed as the worst album. According to most publications, the album featured leftover songs and in addition, the intent was for the film more than anything else.
Ultimate Classic Rock writes, “The soundtrack to the animated Beatles movie (which they didn’t provide the voices for, by the way) includes two previously released cuts, a handful of leftover session tracks from the era and an entire side of orchestra music from the film. Completists probably need the four new songs; everyone else can skip them.”
The Mary Sue also put together a list of their own, with Yellow Submarine once again finding a place at the very bottom of the list.
Author Madeline Carpou writes, “I still can’t believe this was an actual studio album. What a new load of trivia for me: the boys were contractually obligated to record this album for the animated film of the same name, with four new songs and some original soundtrack pieces. Ultimately, though, they’re just kitschy songs to accompany a narrative constructed through pre-existing Beatles songs you can find on all the other albums on this list.”
Although this one lands on the bottom of the list, it was a different story for the other albums. When looking among the top of all time, Revolver is usually considered among the very best.
Revolver Is Considered The Best Beatles Album Of All Time
Released back in 1966, The Beatles’ Revolver album isn’t only debated as the group’s best album, but some consider it the greatest album of all time. The album typically receives praise given that is exemplifies exactly what The Beatles would turn into, and every member of the group made their own unique contributions.
Far Out Magazine took a deeper dive into the album, explaining how it stuck out a little more compared to some of the other albums released.
“Revolver is the point where The Beatles became the group that they were going to become later down the line,” Far Out Magazine writes.
The publication continues, “As Martin noted the vast experimentation on the project, every major songwriter was presenting something new to the table, from McCartney finding his place writing ballads to Lennon finally being unafraid to put his own thoughts and feelings into his music. Right behind them was Harrison, always approaching songs with grit and determination while introducing the sounds of Eastern music to the Western music scene.”
