The Beatles' 'We Can Work It Out': Its Album Appearances and Significance
The iconic Beatles song 'We Can Work It Out' has a rich history, with various album appearances and a significant place in the band's discography. This article explores where listeners could find this song throughout different phases of The Beatles' career, focusing on its UK and US release history, and its inclusion in notable albums.
UK Release and Album Appearances
Following its initial release as a single in December 1965, 'We Can Work It Out' faced the challenge of being marketed as a double A-side. However, it did not make its way onto a UK Beatles album until 2000, as part of the 30th anniversary collection Past Masters Volume Two.
The song's journey began during the recording sessions for the album Rubber Soul, where it was first created. Its double A-side format with 'Day Tripper' gained historical significance as the first such single. This unique format marked a departure from the standard A-side and B-side dynamic, wherein the B-side was intended as an accompaniment to the A-side, the primary hit song.
US Release and Album Appearances
For US audiences, 'We Can Work It Out' had an earlier release history. It appeared on the US version of the studio album Yesterday and Today, which was initially released in 1966. This album, however, complements the UK release with additional tracks and singles, like 'Day Tripper' and others from their albums Help!, Rubber Soul, and Revolver.
Historical Context
The attempts by The Beatles to define their hits led to the creation of this double A-side single. The challenge was in deciding which song was truly the hit and which was merely an accompaniment. The band's innovative approach to this problem was not just a unique format in the early 1960s but also a precursor to their later experimentation with album and single formats.
Modern Releases
While it did not appear on a UK Beatles album until 2000, 'We Can Work It Out' can now be found on the widely acclaimed collection Past Masters Volume Two. This album is a compilation of released and unreleased tracks that did not originally appear on official album releases.
For Beatles fans and music enthusiasts, one of the best places to experience 'We Can Work It Out' remains the original 1965 album Rubber Soul, which, coincidentally, is the author's favorite Beatles album. It is a testament to the enduring quality and popularity of this song.
This exploration of 'We Can Work It Out' reveals not only its place in The Beatles' discography but also the band's influential role in shaping music history. Whether one listens to the original single or the album versions, the song remains an essential piece of mid-1960s pop culture.