Aidan Reynolds

Ubriaco 4B

Extended Learning: Album Review

The Beatles have always and most likely will always be my favorite band of all time.
Being the Beatles geek that I am, I decided Id review one of my favorite Beatles albums
or any album for that matter, their 1967 classic, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
Band. Most look at this album and as soon as they see the cover they may begin
judging it. If you havent seen the cover, theres quite a lot going on. The Beatles are
dressed in colorful uniforms, surrounded by a number of pop culture figures including
Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, among many others. The background behind
all this is all a little odd. Early on in their career, they were mostly identified as the
fabulous four mop-top Liverpool boys we all know and love. But most only know them
for their early work, while only some fanatics will appreciate their works going into the
late 1960s. In 1965, the Beatles decided theyd try and expand their horizons by
writing less love ballads and receding away from their touring years when they
released another one of my favorite albums, Rubber Soul. They later went even wider
in their songs in their 1966 album, Revolver. In 1967, the Beatles officially ended their
years of touring and attempted to create works that were not capable of being
performed before an audience. Thats when the idea of an alter-ego form of the Beatles
was hatched. The Beatles were tired of being known exclusively as immature boys, and
so they decided to form a band never seen live and they would name it, Sgt. Peppers
Lonely Hearts Club Band. This album was outstanding, featuring the Beatles like no
one had ever seen before and winning the 1968 Grammy award for Album of the Year. I
will review each song in order, with a description, my thoughts, and my rating for each
song on a scale from 1-10, along with a concluding paragraph.

1. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

About this song: This is the title track for the album and it is a great way to open up
the album with a bang. Its basically the band inviting and greeting you to their show.
Thoughts: The guitar in this song is exciting and leaves you wanting more music. Its a
pretty easy song to play some air guitar to (if youre asking the right guy).
Lyric example: Were Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, we hope you will enjoy
the show
Rating: 9.5/10

2. With a Little Help From My Friends

About this song: The previous song flows into this second song. There isnt much of a
meaning behind this song other than relying on your friends to help you through
whatever you may need.
Thoughts: This is a semi-rare song being that Ringo Starr takes lead vocals, as hes
usually found sitting quietly behind a drum set. But I do enjoy the song, especially the
bridge because of how catchy it can be.
Lyric example: Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Rating: 7.5/10
3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
About this song: Due to its psychedelic sound and lyrics, and the unusual title, some
at the time speculated that the song was referring to the feeling you get when you take
lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or acid. Another piece of evidence was
that the title, when abbreviated, spelled out L for Lucy, S for Sky, and D for Diamonds,
LSD. The group denied it until Paul McCartney confirmed that the song was heavily
influenced by the drug in a 2004 interview.
Thoughts: This is definitely one of my favorites off Sgt. Peppers. It is very catchy and I
enjoy the psychedelic sounds that can be heard.
Lyric example: Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and
marmalade skies
Rating: 10/10
4. Getting Better
About this song: This track just acts as a reminder that no matter how bad your
situation may be, its always getting better.
Thoughts: It isnt my favorite but it can still tend to be catchy and the backing vocals
of John Lennon are a nice touch to the song.
Lyric example: Ive got to admit its getting better, a little better, all the time
Rating: 7/10
5. Fixing a Hole

About this song: The song is about how fans would stand outside of Paul McCartneys
house and he uses metaphors to give his perspective.
Thoughts: The song is catchy but, again, it isnt a favorite of mine, despite the fact I
like McCartneys vocals in this.
Lyric example: Im fixing a hole where the rain gets in, and stops my mind from
wandering
Rating: 6.5/10

6. Shes Leaving Home

About this song: McCartney wrote the song based on a true story he heard about in
the news, describing the story of a teenager who ran away from home to be with her
older boyfriend.
Thoughts: This is one of my favorites off the album just because of how nice it sounds
and its use of the harp. The story is also devastating but still interestingly interpreted.
Lyric example: Quietly turning the backdoor key, stepping outside she is free
Rating: 9/10
7. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
About this song: John Lennon was inspired to write this song based purely upon a
circus poster he saw.
Thoughts: This song is very catchy and gives you the exciting feel of being at the
circus, watching death-defying tricks being performed.
Lyric example: For the benefit of Mr. Kite, there will be a show tonight on trampoline
Rating: 8/10
8. Within You Without You
About this song: After six weeks of meditation in India, George Harrison was inspired
to write the song due to Indian influence and Hindu principles he was taught.
Thoughts: I really like the use of the Indian sitar in this song throughout the
background.
Rating: 8/10

9. When Im Sixty-Four
About this song: This song was written by Paul McCartney when he was sixteen and it
is the featured love song on Sgt. Peppers.
Thoughts: This is one of my favorite love ballads by the Beatles. Its pure, coming of
age Paul McCartney.
Lyric example: Will you still ned me, will you still feed me, when Im sixty-four?
Rating: 9/10
10. Lovely Rita
About this song: McCartney wrote the song about a meter maid who issued him a
ticket outside the Beatles studio.
Thoughts: This is anoter one of my favorites off the album, with great backing vocals
and a catchy tune.
Lyric example: Lovely Rita, meter maid, nothing can come between us
Rating: 9/10
11. Good Morning Good Morning
About this song: Good Morning Good Morning describes the boredom of a normal,
unsatisfactory life.
Thoughts: Of all the tracks this one is probably my least favorite, but its not a bad
song. I enjoy the variety of sound effects.
Lyric example: Everyone knows theres nothing doing, everything is closed, its like a
ruin
Rating: 6/10
12. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
About this song: This song just acts as an interlude before he final track. The group
says goodbye and wishes their audience the best.
Thoughts: The songs is just an interlude so there isnt much to say.
Lyric example: Were Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, we hope that you
enjoyed the show
Rating: 5/10

13. A Day In the Life

About this song: A Day In the Life is widely regarded as the Beatles all-time best song,
featuring 30 bars of a full orchestra playing from its lowest to its highest and a
booming E chord to end the song.
Thoughts: This is another fantastic song and it perfectly concludes Sgt. Peppers using
a wide variety of instruments.
Lyric example: I read the news today, oh boy
Rating: 10/10

To conclude my review, I believe Sgt. Peppers will always be known as one of the
greatest and most influential albums to ever be recorded.