SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE BEATLES – RUBBER SOUL – SPECIAL EDITION (SUPER DELUXE)

THE BEATLES
RUBBER SOUL – SPECIAL EDITION (SUPER DELUXE)
APPLE/UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Rubber Soul is a very interesting album in The Beatles catalogue. It is arguably one of their most important, as it was a bridge to Revolver from their early days. And from Revolver, The Beatles changed all the rules in rock ‘n’ roll. But, then again, by 1965 they had already changed the world, and although Rubber Soul was recorded relatively quickly (it was recorded in a little over a month, for the most part), the album was and is an incredibly influential album. Rubber Soul, in some ways, picks up from the Help! Album. Unlike Help!, there are no covers and George Harrison and Ringo Starr contribute songs.  Given the short time The Beatles had, there was an incredible leap forward with the music and lyrics. One look at the front cover (it was a rarity not to have the band’s name on the front) really told listeners a great deal. The Beatles were growing, experimenting and breaking new ground.

“Drive My Car” kicks off the album in fine style. It is a hard rocking number with a memorable introductory guitar lick and from there the album goes in all sorts of directions, from the use of sitar on “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” to McCartney’s fierce bass on “Wait” (which has never sounded better than the 2026 mix). The Beatles were branching out and trying new sounds. And Giles Martin (son of their producer George Martin) has put together a stellar 2026 mix. The album has never sounded better. He brings out the rhythm section so one can hear Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.  The vocals and guitars are crystal clear. Rubber Soul also marked the first time Starr was given writing credit, as a co-writer for the country flavoured “What Goes On” (Lennon and McCartney were the other two composers). Once again, listening to the new mix and in 2026, the song sounds fresh.

This is the beauty of Rubber Soul, going from rockers to country to folk, all within one 14 track album. And as brilliant as the album is, perhaps the most exciting thing about the new box set is the glimpse behind the curtain. The second CD is a treasure chest of previously unheard demos, outtakes, and alternate takes.  From the first track, “Wait (Take 3 – instrumental backing track)” to the last song on the CD, the 2023 remix of the “We Can Work It Out,” it is a wonderful excursion behind the scenes. It is fascinating to hear a rehearsal for the guitar for “Michelle” or how “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” evolved into the masterpiece it is.

Perhaps the biggest selling point is the inclusion of a previously unheard John Lennon song, “Little Girl.” The song has never been heard before, including on bootlegs. While the song has the musical tones that would be incorporated into “I’m Only Sleeping,” a year later, it is incredible to hear it. It is a very gentle and sweet love song from Lennon. “In My Life” with an extended organ solo that was removed adds a new dimension and feeling to the song.

George Harrison once said that Rubber Soul was his favourite Beatle album. Listening to the expanded box set, one can understand his position. It is not possible for me to pick my favourite, but listening to this deep dive into Rubber Soul gives me new appreciation for an album that I have enjoyed for nearly 55 years (I was 6 when I got my copy). One can hear how this album came together and get a glimpse into The Beatles’ creativity.

It is about time that Rubber Soul received the Super Deluxe treatment. This release is long overdue. Of course, there are different versions, but the box set is a thing of beauty, with an incredibly informative book. The addition of the “Day Tripper” and “We Can Work It Out” single is the essential addition to make this whole set as close to perfect as anything can be. Listen to this box set and understand what all the fuss is about.

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