Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A priceless step in the Beatles' progression
After 1965's adventurous "Rubber Soul," The Beatles upped the ante and released an album that branched out even further in both writing and production. At once highly artistic and commercially accessible, "Revolver" starts the era most modern rock artists are surely referring to when they cite a Beatles influence. Stylistically fearless, the Fab Four break new ground with the greatest of ease: the lovely, Gothic "Eleanor Rigby" flows like a concerto, "I'm Only Sleeping" could just as easily be cited as blues as it could be country, and "Love You To" was an early glimpse of World Pop. Also ahead of its time was "Tomorrow Never Knows"...who'd have guessed that the rhythms of the drum-&-bass movement in 90's dance music was experimented with over thirty years ago by Ringo Starr? (And let's not forget the track's trippy sonic boom, either, falling somewhere World Music and acid trip.) "Revolver" is also responsible for the genre-busting, sea-shanty-on-hallucinogens "Yellow Submarine," the granddaddy of far-out rock fiction that still remains a relentlessly singable treasure. There's still plenty of straight-ahead pop to be had, however: "Good Day Sunshine" and "Got to Get You Into My Life" each boast some of rock's brightest shuffles, and "Here There and Everywhere" is another gorgeous Lennon & McCartney chestnut that manages to sound beautifully simple in spite of its sophistication. The changes within the Beatles cache that subtly began on "Rubber Soul" were forwarded here, and also dropped hints at what was to come on the likes of "Sgt. Pepper" and "The White Album." As fresh as it is classic, "Revolver" remains one of rock's standout recordings.
Rating: - Top To Bottom - Revolver Stands Alone!
#1 on my list of Beatles' albums, Revolver showcases each Beatle at peak performance. But you don't realize it while listening to the album because everything is blended so perfectly. From the opening jam Taxman to the closer Tomorrow Never Knows, Revolver turns out one great song after another. There are no chart-toppers on this one, but each song can certainly stand on it's own. Taxman is relentless, with catchy guitar hooks and an awesome bass to accompany Harrison on lead vocals. Eleanor Rigby, well what can you say, it was before it's time. Yellow Submarine is a classic sing-along that's impossible to get out of your head, certainly Ringo's best contribution on vocals up to that point. And Your Bird Can Sing is a spirited and uplifting song while Gotta Get You Into My Life simply swings. I could go on and on but it is best if you listen for yourself. This is the Beatles at their recording best...immaginative and amusing with moments of gentle ballads and hard-rocking songs. Revolver has it all. You get the feeling that the musicians are having as much fun as the listener while listening to this one. Take a listen and you'll find that it really grows on you.
Rating: - The Beatles reach their height
This is their greatest album. While age has somewhat tarnished the genius that was "Yellow Submarine" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" you still drop your jaw on the floor when you hear these songs today. Paul McCartney dabbled in his own minimalism with "For No One" and (John Lennon's favorite "Revolver" tune) "Here, There, and Everywhere" with stunning and beautiful results. You FEEL this music. George truly begins his life as a songwriter, contributing three well crafted songs made great with George Martin's brilliant production. "Taxman" rings truer and truer as the years roll by, and no one has ever not experienced the feelings "I Want to Tell You" give. Lennon begins writing acid-rock, "Dr. Robert," "And Your Bird Can Sing," and "She Said She Said" showcase a stripped-down version of where they were headed with "Sgt. Pepper" while "Tomorrow Never Knows" is just pure magic; avant garde mastery with a brilliant vocal performance singing metaphorically...you simply cannot ingnore the song. So many tricks. The album is simply perfect, with something for everyone (though it is thoroughly acid-soaked.) Unfortunately, it also shows the very different directions they were heading in that would lead to their split, but for now they're at their height as a recording group and at the height of their creativity. Though not a concept album as their next magnum opus would be, this is quite possibly the most thoroughly influential album in the catalog.
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![: Revolver [UK]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002UAR.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)