Song #152 - "We Can Work It Out" - The Beatles

Recorded - October 20 and 29, 1965. 

Released - December 3, 1965 (UK), December 6, 1965 (US)

#1 for weeks of January 8, 15 and 29, 1966.

     Another historic single release, not just because it's a great song (and it is), but because it was the first double A-sided single. Previously, the flipside of the single was almost always the weaker song. However, due to John Lennon's insistence that "Day Tripper" be the A-side, The Beatles compromised and both Day Tripper and "We Can Work It Out" were considered A-sides. Both songs reached #1 in the UK, but due to the American Hot 100 not yet recognizing double A-sides (they wouldn't until 1969), "Day Tripper only got to #5. As for "We Can Work It Out", well, I'd hope you know what chart position that got to!

     Both of these A-sides were recorded during the sessions for Rubber Soul, an album that remains one of my top three Beatles albums. The Beatles frequently left singles off their respected albums and "We Can Work It Out" is no exception. Regardless, due to both this song and its parent album's liberal use of folky acoustic guitar, you can consider it the unofficial fifteenth song on Rubber Soul. 

     "We Can Work It Out" was started by Paul, then he and John composed the middle. Finally, an uncredited George Harrison offered the idea of the song shifting back and forth between standard 4/4 meter and a 3/4 waltz. Musically, I absolutely love the way the harmonium (The accordion-sounding organ), and Paul's lead vocals meld into each other. Lyrically, it is hard not to relate to "We Can Work It Out". However much you and your friends, lover, or spouse have bickered, there always is a way you can settle differences. 

     By 1965, The Beatles were growing exhausted due to the strenuous touring, and the fact that they were only given a month to record Rubber Soul. Their December 1965 tour of Britain would be their last in their home country. The Beatles would then take three months off, reconvening in April for their next groundbreaking album. More on that when we get to review #162!

Final Verdict - Just like Rubber Soul, "We Can Work It Out", is full of rich sounds. It contains a great vocal performance, with timeless and relatable lyrics, and it's another wonderful Beatles classic. 

                  Coming Up Next - "My Love" by Petula Clark. 

Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and when it comes to my opinions, "only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong" -