Buy New

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
Buy Used
Used - Good See details
$4.84 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Sold by jlt51.

or
 
   
Sell Us Your Item
For up to a $0.35 Gift Card
Trade in
More Buying Choices
The_Media_S... Add to Cart
$21.31  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

The Beatles (The White Album)

The BeatlesAudio CD
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,380 customer reviews)

Price: $21.61 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Only 1 left in stock.
Sold by Big_Box_Bargains and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it tomorrow, June 20? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
The Beatles Starting at $12.99
Now through July 21, save on classic albums from the Beatles, from Please Please Me to Let It Be and everything in between. Learn more
There is a newer version of this title:
The White Album The White Album 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,380)
$18.19
In Stock.

Amazon's The Beatles Store

Music

Image of album by The Beatles

Photos

Image of The Beatles

Videos

Beatles 2012

Biography

"The story began in Harold Macmillan’s “never had it so good” ’50s Britain. It should be fiction: four teenagers with no more than eight O’Levels between them, running and biking and busing and busking all over Liverpool in search of new chords and old guitars and half-decent drum kit and any gig at all.
They were determined to amount to something – ... Read more in Amazon's The Beatles Store

Visit Amazon's The Beatles Store
for 213 albums, 43 photos, 10 videos, and 31 full streaming songs.

Special Offers and Product Promotions


Frequently Bought Together

The Beatles (The White Album) + Abbey Road (Remastered) + Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Price for all three: $47.40

Buy the selected items together


Product Details

  • Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
  • Number of Discs: 2
  • Label: Capitol
  • ASIN: B000002UAX
  • Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,380 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,684 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Disc: 1
1. Back in the U.S.S.R.
2. Dear Prudence
3. Glass Onion
4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
5. Wild Honey Pie
6. Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
8. Happiness Is a Warm Gun
9. Martha My Dear
10. I'm So Tired
See all 17 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2
1. Birthday
2. Yer Blues
3. Mother Nature's Son
4. Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey
5. Sexy Sadie
6. Helter Skelter
7. Long, Long, Long
8. Revolution 1
9. Honey Pie
10. Savoy Truffle
See all 13 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Better known as the "White Album," this was meant to be the record that brought them back to earth after three years of studio experimentation. Instead, it took them all over the place, continuing to burst the envelope of pop music. Lennon and McCartney were still at the height of their powers, with Lennon in particular growing into one of rock's towering figures. But even McCartney could still rock, and the amazement on "Helter Skelter" was that he had vocal cords at the end. From Beach Boys knock-offs to reggae and to the unknown ("Revolution #9"), this has it all. Some records have legend written all over them; this is one. --Chris Nickson

Product Description

Audio CD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
512 of 555 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars You'll never crack the code May 14, 2003
Format:Audio CD
There are a few albums from the rock era that I feel I've been in a relationship with since the first day I got them. "The Beatles" is one of those albums. I found it under my Christmas tree in 1968, and I've been engaged with it at some level ever since. It is not the best Beatles album, objectively; nor is it my favorite. But it has always compelled my attention.

At the time it came out, I was 12, but even then it was clear that we were no longer in Pepperland or on a Magical Mystery Tour. This album wasn't yet more "progress" toward some new musical form. Musically, it embraced values never before associated with the Beatles as I understood them: Parody, pastiche, rock and roll revivalism, music-hall nostalgia, avant-garde experimentation, political agitation, intimate confession, trivial nonsense. It is, simply, a series of highly personal statements from the three songwriters, coalescing around no particular theme other than the right to personal expression.

"The Beatles" is not, to me, "the sound of the Beatles breaking up." That's the storyline a lot of Beatle historians apply to this album. If they're basing this judgement on the fact that the individual songwriters' imprints are on each song, you'd have to argue that the breakup began much earlier, around the time of "Beatles for Sale" or "Help!" Lennon-McCartney were rarely a songwriting "team" in the sense of George and Ira Gershwin. Their partnership was always about strategy, i.e. how to ensure that third-rate songs would not be included on albums just for the sake of fairness. "The Beatles" instead simply shows the evolution of each of the three songwriters (on this album, George emerges dramatically) as they each embraced new musical ideas and applied their life experiences to their art....

Lennon's direction was to become more nakedly confessional, as befits someone who was dealing with such turbulent emotions at the time. He gives us some of his most beautiful songs, like "Dear Prudence," and some of his most intense, like "I'm So Tired," "Revolution," "Yer Blues," and "Sexy Sadie." Often, as in "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill," "Glass Onion," or "Everybody Has Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey," he seems to be writing in code, and that sense of allusiveness gives the album much of its cracked character. And of course, he's the guy who assembled the collage, "Revolution 9," which is to rock and roll what "Finnegans Wake" is to English literature--a dream that floats between meaning and nothingness.

George seems to be captured here in a moment of great self-discovery as an artist; you can hear his talent finally come together in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which I remember at age 12 was to my ears the best thing on the album--and still seems to be so. Prior to the White Album, he had these cautious little songs on the early albums, and then embraced India, which while sometimes satisfying seemed weird and out of place. His songs here sets the stage for "Something," "Here Comes the Sun" and then his monumental early solo work. At age 12, I thought "Long, Long, Long" was a emotional powerhouse--and I still do.

A few months after I got "The Beatles," the Charles Manson murders took place, and eventually the DA made the case that somehow, insanely, the murders were inspired by songs on this album. Around the same time, the media were full of bizarre speculation that Paul McCartney was dead, and that clues were all over this album. It's no accident that half-insane people might mine "The Beatles" for hidden messages and evidence of conspiracies. The world it depicts is strange and almost claustrophobic--all the more so for its haphazard approach and its odd switches in tone from childish delight to fiendish paranoia. But even those of us who live normal lives and dream normal dreams can acknowledge that "The Beatles" has a hold on your consciousness that is unlike anything else the group did, and unlike anything else that came out of the rock era. Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
131 of 140 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars NOT REMASTERED March 15, 2000
Format:Audio CD
To all the golden eared audiophiles who can hear all the differences in this 30th Anniversery reissue, I say, what a bunch of whooee. This is the EXACT SAME MASTER as the 1987 release. No difference...NADA. Please notice, the Amazon listing has been changed from "remastered" to "original recording." It's amazing how much psycology is at work when people listen. If they believe it's remastered, their ear will trick them into believing it sounds different. Don't believe it.

So, that means all of us Beatle fans have forked over thiry-some odd dollars for the exact same product that we had. The question is, Capital/EMI, why the H didn't you remaster this? The white album is one of the most poorly remastered discs in the Beatles catalog (but it's got some stiff competition, the first four albums for starters). It's unfathomable to me that Capital/EMI would ask Beatles fans to shell out that kind of money for an unimproved product, and a product that sorely needed improvement. What, we're supposed to be happy to pay over thirty dollars for ridiculous miniture artwork which you need a magnifying glass to read and see? Come on, Capital/EMI! That's highway robbery, and you know it! With all the money you've already made on the Beatles' catalog, this is a particular heinous crime.

So, Capital/EMI, what about actually remastering the Beatles catalog? They are only considered the greatest musical force of the last half of the 20th century. The Who's catalog has been remastered; the Byrds catalog has been remastered, even the Hollies catalog was wonderfully remastered for their box set (by YOU EMI! ). It seems a tragic, bitter irony that perhaps the most musical of all the artists of the 60s gets the shoddiest of digital remastering....

As far as the actual album goes, find the vinyl. It just sounds much better, better bass, much less harshness. I've got the Mobile Fidelity LP, and it is a delight to listen to. I probably should just throw away my CDs.

As for the raging debate between Beatle lovers and Beatle haters regarding the merits of this album, here are a few things to ponder:

This album was made as the Beatles were still transitioning from having a manager and being a cohesive unit to managing themselves (unwisely) and being four distinctly different people with less and less in common. It was also the introduction of Yoko to the ranks, which probably really hastened the split. The album was made in this atmosphere of rapid changing dynamics within the group. It was also made over quite a long period of time: May through October of '68. The fairly close-knit bunch that gathered at George's home to make demos of their new songs in May were disparate, disenchanted individuals by the time they finished the album in October. Much has been made of them recording parts of this album separately. That only became true towards the end of the sessions, and only because they had gone way past their deadline and needed to finish the album quickly. Plus, that really applied mostly to overdubs.

So, bottom line on the White Album. It probably does go on too long, but that is probably part of its charm. There is certainly no other album in the Beatles catalog that remotely resembles it. Also much debate over the inclusion of Revolution 9 - does it belong on the album? Well, it's on there, and I suppose that's part of its charm as well. I do listen to it from time to time, and really, it's not either unlistenable or unmusical. I fact, if you've had the unfortunate experience to listen to any of John & Yoko's "avant-garde" recordings, you'll find this MUCH more listenable.

In the end, it's down to the songs, and how they are performed and produced. With a decent remaster, these songs stand up, performance and production-wise. They capture the songwriters still operating at peak power (much time and inspiration to apply to their craft while in India). In fact, John said more than once that he was very proud of his songs on the White Album. I'm sure Macca would say the same. Weaker songs like Don't Pass Me By and Long, Long, Long add to the character and mystique of the album. Goodnight is a beautiful lullaby, the perfect antidote to Revolution 9 and the perfect closer for the album.

The white album is an oddessy. It's a trip through many musical styles, and the journey of a group whose cracks are beginning to show; albeit in a charming way. I certainly don't think for a minute this is their best work, far from it. But the stength of the songs, and the strength of the band itself, show through and make this, well, another essential Beatles album.

But hold out, if you haven't bought it. Force Capital /EMI to give this album the remaster it deserves. Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
179 of 198 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars TURN ME ON YOU REMASTERED DEAD MAN! September 9, 2009
Format:Audio CD
I tried to get a handle on what to expect with the remastered BEATLES songs, by comparing the old remastered CDs from the 80s, with BEATLES ONE (the red CD with the yellow "1", that had 24 bit remastered versions of their number one hits, that came out in 2000.) You can get a ballpark idea about the new remasters, using this method. But of course, NOTHING from the white album is one BEATLES ONE. I expected at least some increased clarity, and increased volumn from the added compression. Yes, its all that and more. Right off the bat, you start hearing sounds you have NEVER heard (or noticed?) before. This isnt from equalization popping up the top end of the sound. There's improved sonic clarity across the HERTZ spectrum. Its as tho you were sonically nearsighted, and someone just put glasses on you for the first time. EVERYTHING just STANDS OUT with such clarity and force. YOU get this effect on ALL the songs. If you listen to JULIA, the acoustic guitars just BLOW YOUR MIND! You can hear John's fingers scrape across the strings. His vocals are rich, full, and the bottom end is....well, altho there is NO bass guitar on JULIA, the bottom end is so full and rich, you would think there WAS bass. Naturally, the BIG TEST for the white album, is listening to REVOLUTION #9. For some reason, deciphering REVOLUTION #9 thru headphones, penetrating the incomprehensible density of tape loops, has been a favorite pass time for some mega-fans for decades. (I'm one.) And you know what? For the first time EVER, I was able to hear more of Ringo's and John's bizarre mumbling jokes, and nonsense verbage. Again, the CLARITY! the DEPTH OF SONIC PERCEPTION! Honestly, its about as much as anyone can hope for.... Read more ›
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have
What can I say. One of the greatest albums ever recorded. This was an epic journey for the Beatles and a big change.
Published 2 days ago by David Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Over & Beyond what I expected.
I bought this album for my daddy for a early father's day present and he absolutely loves it. Keep up the great job.
Published 13 days ago by Caroline
5.0 out of 5 stars Beatles - White album
If you're a child of the 60's, most likely you have this record. I never owned the record, and finally got this CD and it brings back a nostalgia.
Published 18 days ago by Bluesage
4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Third Album In A Beatles Collection
This would have been better without Revolution 9 and a few others. Still a classic, but it lacks the magic of Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Peter Gueckel
5.0 out of 5 stars Split personalities
The White Album (technically 'the beatles', but who ever calls it that?) is the most diverse and inconsistent release The Beatles ever put out. Read more
Published 1 month ago by John D. Muir
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Masterpiece from the Beatles
The Beatles, at this point, were more like four individual performers than a band. It shows in this album with the length and the diverse selection of songs as though they... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Savonarola
1.0 out of 5 stars Ruined My Love For Vinyl Forever
When I first heard about the Beatles music being remastered and produced on vinyl again I was so excited! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Andrew
4.0 out of 5 stars Love album, not sure about quality of vinyl
So I don't rate music on this site, I rate products. Go to a music rating site for music ratings.

Anyways, debating if I should return this one. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Seth
5.0 out of 5 stars The Good Old Days
Bought this for my son who will listen to nothing but vinyl. I loved my original and he loves this re-pressing of the original>
Published 2 months ago by Robert G Aldini
5.0 out of 5 stars the white album
excellent, takes me back to my younger days. so much better then a greatest hits album. i listen to it often!!!
Published 2 months ago by chuck Furtado
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Forums

Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions

Topic From this Discussion
Beatle Remasters: Stereo vs. Mono
To enumerate all the differences between the mono & stereo versions of the first 10 albums would make for too long of a reply. Let me simplify it this way - if you want to hear the mix of the Beatles' albums the way the Beatles intended them to sound, you'll listen to the mono mixes. This is... Read more
Jul 5, 2009 by C. Saylors |  See all 20 posts
Pick Your Single Disc White Album!
love it.

well, fun to consider but my conclusion is that the Beatles did the right thing -- the White Album doesn't have central songs that hold the whole thing together, it really works better as a collection of unusually diverse and unexpected material, and the outliers -- Revolution No 9 and... Read more
Oct 23, 2011 by Kurt Hoffman |  See all 24 posts
30th Anniversary Limited Edition vs Remaster?
No it wasn't remastered, and yes it has now been blown out of the water. Keep the Poster and 4-Photo's and toss the rest in the trash. Thats what I did.
Sep 14, 2009 by stingraex2000 |  See all 2 posts
beatle remasters box set mono stereo
I do not know either about a box set but I sure hope we can get a mono White Album like the UK release. They only put out stereo in the US back in 1968 so you had to find an import if you wanted the mono White album. I also hope they do not put out a nice box set months after we have all bought... Read more
May 15, 2009 by James L. Dickinson |  See all 49 posts
beatles remasters
The recent rerelease of Yellow Submarine previewed the remastered sound, including selections from Sgt. Pepper, Revolver, and the original movie songs (not the orchestral interludes.) It's pretty different. Some weird choices emerge, like the bassline seeming to get mixed way down in A Little... Read more
May 12, 2009 by Neal Allen |  See all 32 posts
12.99 for White Album and Past Masters. Be the first to reply
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 





What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?



Look for Similar Items by Category

Big_Box_Bargains Privacy Statement Big_Box_Bargains Shipping Information Big_Box_Bargains Returns & Exchanges