I never really fell for what the Beatles did from Sgt. Pepper on. To me this album and Revolver was the groups high water mark. But its this album i think that produced the best synthesis, especially for ballads. It was produced when the group was still very much a 'group' and before the disillusionment and disintegration started to set in with the White Album. It shows a distinct maturation in complexity but without the orchestral affectations of some subsequent work. The album is reflective and personal in theme, and built around an integrated and lyrical structure which gives a distinct coloration and mood. I find it has the is the most cohesive and atmospheric album of the lads, even a touch mystical, but then these were the 60's.