The Beatles Like You've Never Heard 'THINK FOR YOURSELF' 2025 Remix With A New Balanced Soundstage

Bonus alternate remix    • Bonus Remix of The Beatles THINK FOR YOURS...  
The Beatles’ 'Rubber Soul' is well known for its unconventional stereo mixing, and this track is a perfect example. George Harrison’s lead vocal is not only double-tracked—a common Beatles technique—but also hard-panned left and right. So if you're wearing headphones, it’s as if you're hearing two Georges, one in each ear. This kind of vocal panning would become even more prominent on their next album, 'Revolver', released the following year.

Adding to the odd mix, Ringo’s excellent drumming and Paul’s bass are isolated in the left channel, leaving the center noticeably empty—nothing to anchor the stereo field. Interestingly, Paul plays two basses here: a traditional-sounding bass in the left channel, and a fuzz bass in the right that behaves more like a lead guitar. You’ll also hear John on electric piano, subtly tucked away in the right channel.

With all this in mind, I set out to create a more balanced and natural-sounding mix. One of the first things you’ll notice is that the vocals are now single-tracked, with clear separation between George, Paul, and John. George takes center, with Paul on the left and John on the right—recreating the feel of the three singing side by side right in front of you.

Bass and drums have been brought to the center, restoring the missing foundation and anchoring the stereo spread. There’s also more subtle separation within the drums themselves. The tambourine and maracas, originally hard-panned to the right, now sit just right of center, blending more naturally with the rest of the percussion.

The electric piano—once quiet and far right—is now more present and centered, contributing an energetic rhythmic pulse. The rhythm guitar remains on the left but is now clearer, no longer masked by bass and drums.

“Think For Yourself,” a George Harrison composition, was recorded in one day—November 8, 1965—as the band rushed to finish 'Rubber Soul' in time for a Christmas release. It’s especially notable for being The Beatles’ first use of a fuzz guitar or fuzz bass. Snippets of the group rehearsing its vocal harmonies were even used in the 'Yellow Submarine' film: “And you’ve got time to rectify all the things that you should.”

I’ve always believed that 'Rubber Soul' has the most to gain from modern remixing. Many fans consider it The Beatles’ best album, yet it has lived with a strangely unbalanced mix for nearly 60 years. I hope these changes bring a more open, natural stereo soundstage—especially noticeable with headphones.

And whether you're listening on speakers or headphones, thank you so much for listening!

Bonus alternate remix    • Bonus Remix of The Beatles THINK FOR YOURS...