1. Revolver (1966)
Best Song: Tomorrow Never Knows Worst Song: And Your Bird Can Sing The game changer album. It marks the end of an era for the Beatles, the end of touring, and the end of simple recordings. Songwriting excelled on Revolver with each member was at the top of their game, inspired and ready to start experimenting in the studio. Harrison's strong willed and witty "Taxman" opens the album, while taking at the government taxes the band was paying. The haunting "Eleanor Rigby" has McCartney weave a story about a fictional character who lives a life with no purpose and died alone. Critics over the years have praised the arrangement of the strings section and lyrical imagery. The psychedelic gem of the album She Said She Said fills your ears with one of Harrison's best opening riffs. McCartney penned two songs relating to his relationship with girlfriend at the time. "Here, There and Everywhere" was the beautiful love song about his devotion to her, and the parallel For No One where he doubt the relationship lasting. Starr first writing credits appear in the sing along "Yellow Submarine". "Tomorrow Never Knows" closes this number one album, and what a fantastic an exciting ending it is. Lennon's nasal vocals are backed by an eruption of backwards guitars and multiple tape loops. Revolver is the best Beatles album because it contains everything that makes the Beatles music great. It has something for everyone, each member has their moment to shine. The diversity heard across each track is very well balanced, ranging from opinion based tracks, love ballads, and imagery filled narratives and psychedelic recording studio moments of genius. Which Beatles album do you think should have come top in this run-down? Share your own thoughts below in the comments thread.