Though the Fabs' tenth album is actually self-titled (as The Beatles), it is more commonly known as its appropriately-dubbed name The White Album. Whilst the plain cover itself is somewhat bland, there is a key feature unique to an album cover. On the sleeve for all the original records released the title "The BEATLES" is embossed, rather than printed, and each album has an individual serial number. Additionally special to this album is the fact that it is a double album, and one of the first to be released by contemporary popular artists (other artists such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan released double albums around the same time). The White Album was released on November 22nd, 1968, being the only album for the group that year.
Being a double album, it contains double the amount of songs than a regular album - 30 in total (disc one has 17, disc two has 13). Most of the songs were recorded with less than all four members performing, and many were 'solo' recordings. Ringo left the band briefly (but was coaxed back), meaning that Paul had to play the drums on the two opening tracks, "Back in the U.S.S.R." and "Dear Prudence". Everyone was basically doing their own thing and exploring their individual talents. The White Album introduces Ringo's first solo composition, "Don't Pass Me By". He also lends his vocals to last track "Good Night".
Previously only getting one to three of his songs on an album, George contributed four to the double album: "Savoy Truffle", "Piggies" and the often overlooked "Long Long Long". One of the most-loved and famous Beatles songs, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", is his fourth contribution. Eric Clapton plays lead guitar on the track. Third track "Glass Onion" references earlier Beatles songs "I am the Walrus", "The Fool on the Hill", "Fixing a Hole", "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Lady Madonna" (released as a single in 1968).
Some of the songs were written whilst The Beatles were visiting the Maharishi in India. These include Lennon's "Sexy Sadie" (originally titled "Maharishi" with crude lyrics), "Dear Prudence", (written about Mia Farrow's sister) "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?" and "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill" (which marks the only occasion when a female sings lead at all on any Beatles songs, with Yoko Ono singing the line "Not when he looks so fierce"). The album also includes the highly experimental track "Revolution 9", which is referred to as a 'sound collage'.
Four songs were recorded during the White Album sessions which were released as 1968's singles - "Revolution", "Hey Jude", "Lady Madonna" and "The Inner Light" (a Harrison composition featuring the sitar). "Hey Bulldog" was also recorded at this time but wasn't released until the following year on the Yellow Submarine album.
Unique to this Beatles album: The Beatles is the only double album released by the band.
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