Billy Joel has some strong opinions about The Beatles’ iconic 1968 self-titled double album, famously known as “The White Album.” Despite being one of the most influential bands in music history, Joel described the album as “a collection of half-assed songs,” suggesting that the tracks felt unfinished, possibly because the band members were too stoned or simply didn’t care enough at that point.
During a recent chat on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, Joel shared his view that John Lennon was “dissociating” during the making of the album, leaving Paul McCartney to carry much of the creative load. Joel said, “I hear it as a collection of half-assed songs they didn’t finish writing because they were too stoned, or they didn’t care anymore. I think they had fragments and they put them on the album.”
Despite this criticism, Joel’s respect for The Beatles remains intact. He acknowledged that, like any band, The Beatles had their “ups and downs,” with some periods being more prolific than others — something he hears clearly in some of the songs on “The White Album.”
On a personal note, Joel also opened up about his recent health struggles. He canceled all his May concerts after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder. Though the diagnosis sounds serious, Joel says he feels better than expected, describing the sensation as “like being on a boat.”
In the end, even a legendary album like “The White Album” can draw mixed reactions — even from a passionate fan like Billy Joel.
