I think the only way to start this review is to make my readers mad. I absolutely detest the song “Come Together”. Don’t get me wrong… it’s a cool song. The instrumentation is absolutely unique and psychedelic, but the lyrics feel forced, or clumsy, or both (and stolen from Chuck Berry). So coming into this album I was fully prepared to hate it.
But dear reader, I’m ready to eat crow when it’s necessary. And trust me, as you read this I’m getting knife and fork ready. Because boy… this album is really good. If Revolver came across as a band trying to dabble in psychedelics, and subsequently how to translate that experience into music, this album does so flawlessly. Turns out the key isn’t to force it, but to be it. Every single song (yes, even the opening track) does a brilliant job of creating a floating, dreamy soundscape without trying to be druggy. Where Revolver felt like an album playing tug-of-war between the pop rock of its time and a new psychedelic vision, Abbey Road leans wholeheartedly into psychedelics while exploring more blues, rock, and even hard rock (There are even moments when McCartney screams on this album!) all while encapsulating the sonic flavors of the time of its conception. While its predecessors feel like they’re reaching, this album has reached. Ultimately, this album is a masterpiece of 60’s (and a hint at 70’s) rock. If I’m going to love Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust… it’s absolutely because of the influence of this album.
My Rating: 5/5
The Word and The Song 