Fans of the legendary rock group The Beatles are torn over which of their records is the best, with two reportedly neck and neck for the title.
The iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, released by the Fab Four – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison – is widely considered their best and is still hailed as one of history’s greatest records.
However debate is heating up among fans as to whether there’s an earlier Beatles album that might just eclipse Sgt. Pepper’s acclaim. Conversation erupted on the r/Beatles subreddit, where fans delved into whether any album could topple Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band from its pedestal.
Divisions arose particularly around one contender.
According to the original reddit post, Magical Mystery Tour, designed as a soundtrack for The Beatles’ film by the same name, was mentioned as arguably surpassing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in quality.
One commenter pointed out: “It certainly doesn’t help that the second half of the record is loaded up with four #1 singles. Here’s the thing, though: if you just listen to the British six-track EP, it’s absolutely not as good as Sgt Pepper.”
Another argued: “While I absolutely do not agree with you, I will admit Magical Mystery Tour is an incredible album front to back. And there are a couple of songs that are better than anything on Pepper.”
A third added: “Yeah I just think people tend to put Pepper as the greatest thing in music history which it’s a great accomplishment and I get why it’s so hyped but Magical Mystery Tour is just so much better man.”
Others suggested a noticeable shift was heard on the album in fan circles. One user wrote: “Magical Mystery Tour has seen a serious reassessment by Beatles fans in the last 5-10 years.
“I’ve always thought it is the more powerful set of songs between the two, but the greater sentiment now seems to be catching on to that idea more and more, I’d think because of the younger generations.”
Some users shared the same sentiment, describing Magical Mystery Tour as a “fun ride” that can be enjoyed in any mood. One wrote: “I absolutely agree.
“Peppers is a better album and production in all senses, but I really need to choose when to listen to it, cause I’m not in the mood of Peppers every day. Meanwhile, Magical Mystery Tour, not as good, but it is a fun ride I can take anytime I want.”
Another fan agreed, stating: “I honestly agree. I think Sgt. Pepper’s has the far superior closing track but in general, I prefer the songs on Magical Mystery Tour.”
“It has many of my absolute favorite of their songs such as Strawberry Fields Forever, The Fool On The Hill, I Am The Walrus, Blue Jay Way and Penny Lane, though I really wish It’s All Too Much was on Magical Mystery Tour as well.”
A third added: “Magical Mystery Tour has the same dirty quality as Revolver. There’s something chaotic there despite all the beauty there’s a darkness as well.”