Rubber Soul is the sixth studio album by the Beatles, released on 3 December 1965. Produced by George Martin, it was recorded in just over four weeks to make the Christmas market. Unlike the five albums that preceded it, this album was recorded during a specific period, the sessions not dashed off in between either tour dates or during filming projects. After this, every Beatles album would be made without the need to pay attention to other commitments, except for the production of short promotional films.
Rubber Soul is a folk rock album, and also incorporates pop and soul music styles. The album was described as a major artistic achievement, attaining widespread critical and commercial success, with reviewers taking note of the Beatles' developing musical vision. Also, it was the first Beatles' album (other than the British A Hard Day's Night album) which contained original material only; the Beatles would record no more cover songs for their records until 1969 (the “Maggie Mae” excerpt appearing on the Let It Be album).
Rubber Soul was successful commercially and critically, and is often cited as one of the greatest albums in music history. In 2012, Rubber Soul was ranked #5 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. In September 2013 after the British Phonographic Industry changed their sales award rules, the album was declared as having gone platinum.