The Beatles aka The White Album

Artist: The Beatles
Released: 1968

Far too much ink (or bytes, I suppose) has been spilled upon the Beatles. Everyone knows the songs, the stories behind the songs, the stories behind the stories behind the songs, Ringo’s favorite cereal, etc. This is especially unfortunate for me, since I have to review 21 of their albums for this blog. I’ll do my best to keep it fresh. So, without further ado, the “Five Worst Songs On ‘The White Album.’”

Honorable Mention:
Wild Honey Pie
You know, the Pixies covered this song. That’s kind of funny, right? I mean, the
world certainly doesn’t need another version of “Yesterday.”

5. Revolution #9
I give John Lennon mad props for placing this unwieldy nine minute sound collage on
the album, and in turn frightening countless numbers of Beatles fans. Unfortunately, it’s
still a sound collage.

4. Piggies
A painful attempt at social commentary by George Harrison. This is one area where the
Kinks could kick the Beatles’ ass on a regular basis.

3. Cry Baby Cry
Lennon’s “I need to have as many cuts as Paul on the album” song. Let’s see…”The king
of Marigold was in the kitchen / Cooking breakfast for the queen / The queen was in the
parlor / Playing piano for the children of the king.” Donovan called. He wants his outtake
back.

2. Good Night
Proof that Lennon could outschlock McCartney on any given day.

1. Honey Pie
Manages to encapsulate every bad tendency in McCartney’s writing – Tin Pan Alley
melodies, simpering vocals, and a dreadful narrative lyric. Paul would eventually become
even more cloying on subsequent albums.