Yellow Submarine is a multifaceted song and a game changer for the Fabs. A Lennon/McCartney composition, it was released on August 5, 1966 as a double A side with Eleanor Rigby, and was included on the Revolver album. It reached #1 in England, but in the US, it peaked at #2 behind the Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love”. It was their most successful song in which Ringo sang lead vocal.
It was released as an animated film in the US November 13, 1968. The Beatles themselves were only featured in the songs, and in the closing scene. The cartoon characters were voiced by actors. It received widespread acclaim, possibly most importantly from John Lennon himself, calling it “My favourite Beatle movie”. He added, “Sean (his son) loves it. All the children love it.”
It then became the name of their tenth studio album on January 13, 1969 as the soundtrack to the film. It contained six Beatle songs, including the previously released title cut, and “All You Need is Love”. The reminder of the album is the orchestral soundtrack to the film by producer George Martin. Seen as a contractual obligation, it wasn’t viewed as a major project by the Beatles, receiving mixed reviews.
Finally, the “Yellow Submarine Songtrack” was was released September 13, 1999 for the film’s 30th anniversary. It omits the George Martin Orchestrations, but includes the six Beatles songs from the original album, plus nine more from the film.
Ironic that as one of the Beatles’ most famous songs, Yellow Submarine was number one in England, but never made it to the top in the states. For many who aren’t as steeped in Beatlemania as some of us, it is the song by which the band is most identified! As a novelty song it’s probably not the best representative of their vast body of work, but it has certainly brought a lot of happiness to millions!
By this date in 1969, the Yellow Submarine album enjoyed its tenth week on the Billboard Top 30.