Renowned pianist Billy Joel shared his opinion on the Beatles ' self-titled White Album quartet 's ninth album , released as a double album on November 22, 1968.
During an appearance on Bill Maher 's Club Random podcast [ via NME ], Joel was discussing classic double albums.
When the host mentioned the album in question, the musician stated that he didn't like it. According to him, "it's a collection of poorly made songs."
"I see it as a collection of poorly made songs that they didn't finish writing because they were too high or didn't care anymore. I think they had fragments and just threw them on the record."
According to the musician, John Lennon was dissociating at that time, while Paul McCartney "felt the weight."
Billy Joel also spoke about the quality of the album, believing that the ups and downs experienced by the Beatles directly affected its release.
"Sometimes they were more prolific and sometimes they weren't, and I hear that in some of these songs."
The Beatles and the controversies surrounding the White Album.
At the time of its release, the album received several criticisms due to its long duration, 90 minutes.
Furthermore, the sequence of 30 songs showcased a diversity of elements, as the members were following their own paths.
The album was also used by serial killer Charles Manson and his "family" as a way to justify the murders he committed.
Thus, the lyrics of "Helter Skelter" and "Piggies" served as apocalyptic messages and also incited violence.
