Billy Joel recently dismissed The Beatles’ White Album as “a collection of half-assed songs,” claiming John Lennon was already “checking out” by that time.
While The Beatles are often regarded as the most influential band in popular music history, every chapter of their iconic career holds immense weight. Though comparing these moments can be nearly impossible, the release of their 1968 self-titled double album, famously known as The White Album, stands out as a turning point.
Departing from the psychedelic brilliance of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album presented an eclectic mix of genres, with many critics describing it as a “postmodern” reinvention of The Fab Four’s sound.
In a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Maher and Joel were picking out classic double albums. When the host namedropped The Beatles’ 1968 self-titled record, Joel was quick to criticise it.
“I hear it as a collection of half-assed songs they didn’t finish writing because they were too stoned, or they didn’t care anymore. I think they had fragments and they put them on the album.”
According to Joel, “John [Lennon] was disassociating at that point” with “Paul [McCartney] carrying the weight”.
Despite not being a fan of what many consider to be one of the greatest albums of all time, “The White Album”, as it is, doesn’t affect the respect Joel has for The Beatles. Like most other bands, they “had their ups and downs”, the musicians noted, adding that “sometimes they were more prolific and sometimes they weren’t”, adding that he can “hear that in some of those [songs].”
Billy Joel had canceled all of his upcoming concerts this May. He was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus brain disorder. He also gave an update on his health. As per The Piano Man, his diagnosis sounds “a lot worse than what he’s feeling.” However, he noted that his condition makes him feel “like being on a boat…”
