I Wrote That the Best Beatles Album Is the Best Beatles Album, and I’m Not Changing My Mind
The Beatles are the most famous band in the history of music. With that in mind, I shouldn’t have been surprised by some of the negative, albeit funny, comments I received back when I ranked Liverpudlians’ discography.
I understand that each of The Beatles’ albums has created a unique connection with fans. I also understand why established magazines would harp on about “Sgt. Pepper” or “Revolver” as being the greatest achievement by the Fab Four.
But they’re wrong. And here’s why.
Why “Abbey Road” is so darn good
This album marked The Beatles’ final studio endeavor, although it was released subsequent to “Let It Be.” As far as parting statements go, few can rival its brilliance.
The record exudes a lush sonic landscape, brimming with humor and seemingly throwaway tracks that surpass the quality of many singles released by contemporaneous bands.
Noteworthy are the album’s innovative production techniques and unconventional song structures. It could have easily succumbed to stagnation, considering that several shorter songs utilized for the Side B Suite had remained untouched and unused.
Instead, it blossoms into a jubilant celebration. Perhaps more so than “The White Album,” it showcases The Beatles’ unparalleled versatility by exploring a wide array of musical styles.
The album stands out for its emotional depth and sheer power. The band delivers some of their most poignant and heartfelt performances to date. It serves as a fitting swan song, a testament to their everlasting legacy as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
John Lennon experiments with minimalist guitar riffs on the exceptional tracks “Come Together” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” These foreshadow the hard rock direction embraced by bands like Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin.
However, he also leads the exquisite three-part harmonies on “Because.” Yet, only a few months later, such optimism would be scarce in his conversations with Rolling Stone Magazine or in the songs penned for his debut solo album.
Each Beatle’s contribution to “Abbey Road” is significant. For George Harrison, it may well be his finest album as a member of The Beatles. “Something” and “Here Comes The Sun” stand out as the album’s most remarkable compositions. Finally receiving due recognition after being overshadowed for a considerable time must have felt like a gratifying vindication.
Ringo Starr lends his voice to the enchanting and whimsical “Octopus’s Garden.”
Meanwhile, Paul McCartney once again takes the helm. While his directorial role on “Let It Be” yielded mixed results, it is his exceptional and sophisticated songwriting that truly elevates this album.
His contributions to the Side B Suite are exceptional. “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” “You Never Give Me Your Money,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” weave together as a concise conceptual opus, reflecting the disintegration of The Beatles’ collective bond.
On “The White Album,” The Beatles needed a double record to accommodate their diverse range of influences. On “Abbey Road,” they achieve the same effect in a significantly shorter span.
Even “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” finds its place on the album, although it’s a rare instance where McCartney’s usually flawless pop sensibility falls short.
“Abbey Road” is a marvel of a record. It emanates a sense of finality, despite not being intended as such. In a matter of months, as the relationships between the Fab Four continued to deteriorate, it would become the punctuation mark in The Beatles’ discography — the ultimate culmination of their recorded musical journey.
“Abbey Road” is top, but is anyone keeping score?
Of course, I have no proof to support my claims. Yes, I’m going by gut feeling.
But is being right so important? And, in the words of John Winston, “how do I sleep at night” knowing I’ve angered so many people? Just fine, and usually on my right side.
