Every Beatles Album's Opening Track Ranked From Worst To Best
8. Yellow Submarine - Yellow Submarine
The soundtrack to The Beatles’ animated film of the same name technically counts as one of their studio releases. Thankfully, it kicks off with an absolute banger.
Though Yellow Submarine had debuted a few years earlier on Revolver, it got the honour of starting off this record. That means that Ringo got a turn on the opening track!
Hooray!
Honestly, what is there to say about this utterly delightful gem?
It’s silly beyond belief, telling the tale of the crew of a magical aquatic vehicle with enough funny noises and interludes to thrill even the grouchiest of six-year-olds.
Producer George Martin had spent some time working with radio comedy troupe The Goons, so his expertise was essential in bringing this zany idea to life. He probably raided Spike Milligan's tape collection for some of the sound effects.
Hardcore music snobs might dismiss it as tat, but they’d be totally missing the point. This is gibberish in its purest form; Edward Lear-inspired nonsense from some of the best nonsense writers of their time.
Is it an artistic triumph with a deep message? Absolutely not. Is it bucketloads of fun to kick off an album to an animated children’s movie?
Yes.
Yes it is.