The Beatles: 10 Perfect Non-Single Tracks
6. Back In The U.S.S.R.: The Beatles (1968)
Testimony to the brilliance of the Beatles, even during their most fracture moments they were still putting out highly polished album tracks.
Following the success of the concept album, Sgt. Pepper's, they changed tack with their self-titled ninth studio album. Whereas Sgt. Pepper's was a fairly concise record - with each track conforming to fairly similar themes and styles (despite its experimental nature) - the White Album was an expansive double album exploring a multitude of genres. The fragmented nature of the record also reflected the fragmented state of the group at the time.
The recording process was preceded by a trip to India to study meditation - it did not have the desired effect of bringing the group together. When they finally got into the studio it wasn't long before the cracks appeared.
Each member started bringing their respective partners to the sessions, resulting in a breakdown in communications. By the time it came to record "Back in the U.S.S.R." Ringo Starr had quit the group, with the remaining members forced to fill in on drums. Even without "Ritchie" on the sticks, the Beach Boys parody is a classic.