Why Didn't The Beatles Include Their Hits 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' on The White Album?
The Beatles were known for their innovative recording techniques and their evolving relationship with their music. Despite the massive popularity of tracks like 'Come Together' and 'Something,' which became hits in the following year and were included on AAbbey Road, the band chose not to include their songs 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' on their iconic album, The White Album. This decision was influenced by several factors, including release timing, artistic direction, and single release strategy.
Release Timing
The White Album was released in November 1968, about a year after the band created the singles 'Hey Jude' and the hard rock version of 'Revolution.' During the 1960s, it was common for bands to release singles separately from their albums. The Beatles maintained this practice, often recording an extra two songs during album sessions, which were then released as singles. For example, 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' were created with the primary intention of being singles, reflecting the band's understanding of the market and their focus on maximizing exposure through separate releases.
Artistic Direction
The White Album was a collection of songs that spanned various genres and styles, reflecting the band's interest in experimentation and exploration. The eclectic mix of styles in the album's tracks, ranging from hard rock to Indian music, perhaps led the Beatles to feel that songs like 'Hey Jude' and the hard rock version of 'Revolution' didn't align with the overall artistic direction of the album. The band members were venturing into new territory with 'The White Album,' and including these more straightforward rock songs might have felt out of place or redundant.
Single Release Strategy
Another key factor was the band's single release strategy. The Beatles and their management often opted to release popular songs as singles to maximize exposure and sales. In the early 1970s, the single market still had a significant share of the music industry. By releasing hits as singles, the band could ensure that their most popular tracks were easily accessible to their fans. Including 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' on The White Album could have forced fans to purchase the album just to obtain these singles, potentially leading to less album sales.
Abbay Road Sessions and Beyond
By the time Abbey Road was recorded, the band was more focused on creating a cohesive album experience. This approach led to the inclusion of tracks like 'Come Together' and 'Something,' which worked better within the context of a full album. The band's decision not to include singles on The White Album was part of their evolving strategy to prioritize the coherent artistic vision of their albums.
The Unofficial Beatle Policy
The Beatles maintained an unofficial policy of not including singles on albums. This policy was rooted in the understanding that including singles on albums could sometimes force fans to purchase an entire album to get the hit they desired. The band was conscious of the need to respect the single market and ensure that their fans could still access their popular songs without the added burden of buying an entire album.
Beyond the Hits
It's worth noting that while 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' were intended as singles, a version of 'Revolution' with a bluesy acoustic arrangement was included on The White Album. However, this version was not the same as the iconic single released to the public. The band rarely included singles on their albums throughout their career, with Abbey Road being a notable exception, as it contained several popular singles that complemented the album's narrative arc.
Conclusion
The decision to exclude 'Hey Jude' and 'Revolution' from The White Album was a reflection of the complex interplay between timing, artistic preference, and marketing strategy. The Beatles were responsive to the musical landscape of the time, balancing the single market's demand with their evolving artistic goals. This approach reflects the band's strategic thinking and their commitment to maintaining a diverse and experimental discography.