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The Beatles (The White Album)

The White Album is the self-titled ninth studio album by the Beatles, released in 1968 as a double album.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Beatles, commonly known as The White Album, is the ninth studio album by the Beatles, released on 22 November 1968 as a double album. Its plain white cover and 30 tracks marked a period of significant musical variety and growing tension within the band.

Background

The album was released in 1968 after the Beatles’ earlier psychedelic phase and during a period of internal strain. Its plain cover contrasted sharply with the elaborate artwork of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Music and style

The White Album is noted for its wide range of styles, including rock, folk, pop, blues, and experimental sounds. Its 30 tracks reflect the individual creative directions of the four band members.

Release and reception

Released as a double album, it was issued in late 1968 and became widely known by its nickname rather than its official title. It is regarded as one of the Beatles’ major and most discussed releases.

Legacy

The album has remained one of the Beatles’ most recognisable works and is frequently cited in discussions of the band’s late-period breakup. Its minimalist packaging became one of the most famous album covers in popular music.

Key facts

  • It is the Beatles’ ninth studio album in the UK and their only double studio album.
  • The album’s official title is simply The Beatles.
  • Its plain white sleeve gave rise to the nickname The White Album.
  • It was released on the Beatles’ Apple Records label.
  • The album is widely associated with stylistic diversity, ranging across multiple genres.
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Canadian context

The White Album has been widely sold, studied, and reviewed in Canada as one of the Beatles’ defining late-period albums, and it remains a staple of classic rock coverage in Canadian music journalism and collections.

Frequently asked questions

What is The White Album?
It is the Beatles’ self-titled 1968 double studio album, officially titled The Beatles.
Why is it called The White Album?
Because the cover is plain white with minimal text, it became known as The White Album.
When was it released?
It was released on 22 November 1968.
How many songs are on it?
The album contains 30 tracks.
Was it a double album?
Yes. It was the Beatles’ only double studio album.
Which record label released it?
It was released on Apple Records.

References

  1. Louder Sound — https://www.loudersound.com/features/50-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-beatles-white-album
    Supports: Common nickname, release context, Apple Records, band tensions
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_(album)
    Supports: Official title, release date, double album status
  3. Beatles Bible — https://www.beatlesbible.com/albums/the-beatles-white-album/
    Supports: Ninth UK album, double-length release, 30 songs
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/11/13/666154261/how-the-beatles-made-the-white-album
    Supports: Plain cover, 30 songs, genre variety
  5. The Beatles — https://www.thebeatles.com/beatles-0
    Supports: Release date, double-LP format, UK chart context