I think because of the massive amount of attention that is given to this album’s so called “historical significance” that sometimes not enough attention is given to the music itself. I hope to correct that imbalance with this review which focuses entirely on the album’s 13 tracks.

01. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – This opening track really sets the mood for the entire album. The song shifts styles abruptly just like the album does from song to song. And of course the crowd noise and the entire “Sgt. Pepper” concept are introduced here.

02. “With a Little Help from my Friends” – I know there are quite a few people who think that Joe Cocker really did the definitive version of this song, but I’m definitely not one of those people. I like Cocker’s version, but the original contains the real magic to my ears.

03. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – One of the bands most famous songs. This is a great one to listen to in mono (you have to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set) because it sounds so much different in mono than it does in stereo. There’s a lot more effect on the vocal in mono!

04. “Getting Better” – This song so perfectly encapsulates the sound of this album and what it’s all about to me.

05. “Fixing a Hole” – I love this kind of more subtle psychedelia. And yes, this is a very psychedelic song. And how about those lyrics? Anyone who doesn’t think McCartney could write lyrics should pay close attention to these.

06. “She’s Leaving Home” – Another great reason to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set. This song sounds faster and higher (by a semitone) in the mono version. It’s a treat to hear!

07. “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” – I think my favorite part of this song is the cut up tape section where it sounds like sort of insane random carnival music.

08. “Within You Without You” – Speaking of “far out” how about we go all the way to India? Some people don’t like this song because it doesn’t fit with their preconceived notions of what music is supposed to sound like. To me this song is brilliant because of that very reason. We shouldn’t limit ourselves.

09. “When I’m 64″ – Check out this song sequencing. We went from a 1800s circus to India to do some meditating and now we’re enjoying ourselves this very tongue in cheek music hall number. So many differnet styles of music are explored on this album, and they are all done brilliantly.

10. “Lovely Rita” – I definitely enjoy this song as well but I must say that I do think tracks #10 and #11 are the least interesting tracks on the album.

11. “Good Morning Good Morning” – There’s some interesting time changes in this one. I also love the Jimi Hendrix style guitar leads by Paul McCartney.

12. “Sgt. Pepper’s (Reprise)” – This one is even better than the album opener. It rocks something fierce!

13. “A Day in the Life” – In my opinion this is the best song ever written. An absolutely epic way to end the album.

The Beatles In Mono Box Set includes the original mono mix of Sgt. Pepper’s. The Beatles In Stereo includes all of The Beatles albums in remastered stereo.