The 1965 album that changed the course of popular music will be released on October 2, 2026, in an expanded edition featuring 20 unreleased recordings, including the track 'Little Girl,' unknown for over 60 years.
In late 1965, the Beatles released an album that is now considered one of the pivotal moments in rock music history. "Rubber Soul" was not just a collection of songs but a cohesive artistic statement that showcased a new, more mature phase of the band. More than six decades later, on October 2, 2026, this epochal release will be given a new lease on life through a richly expanded edition brimming with archival material.
The material for the album was created in a whirlwind, just a few weeks after they finished their UK tour and performed their historic concert at New York's Shea Stadium. "Rubber Soul" stood out for its bold studio experiments: George Harrison introduced the sound of the sitar on "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," while Paul McCartney reached for fuzz bass on "Think for Yourself." Producer George Martin also left his mark, with his piano solo on "In My Life" evoking a baroque harpsichord atmosphere.
The sonic restoration of the new edition is credited to producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. They revisited the original four-track tapes to create fresh stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes. In the process, they used an AI-based sound separation system originally developed by director Peter Jackson's team for the documentary "Get Back."
In addition to the new mixes, the expanded edition includes the original mono recording and the American version of the album released by Capitol, as well as the double A-side single "Day Tripper" / "We Can Work It Out," which was released simultaneously with the album.
The core of the collector's appeal lies in 24 early studio takes. Among them are 20 versions never before heard by the public and three home demos. However, the biggest surprise is an unfinished John Lennon composition titled "Little Girl." This song had been hidden for over 60 years, and even the most devoted collectors were unaware of its existence. Alongside it, the release features early versions of the hits "Day Tripper" and "We Can Work It Out," while a new version of "Michelle" has already been released as the lead single.
From October 2, 2026, "Rubber Soul" will be available in several formats. Buyers can choose between single CD and LP editions, expanded 2CD or 2LP sets with selected studio recordings, all the way to a lavish Super Deluxe package and a Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos audio and promotional videos.
The most comprehensive Super Deluxe version, comprising 4 CDs or 5 LPs, comes with an 88-page hardcover book. It includes a new introduction by Paul McCartney, a preface woven from Lennon's reflections on the album gathered over the years, along with rare photographs, detailed session notes, and historical essays shedding light on the making of this release.
