“And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make”

These were the last words recorded collectively by all four Beatles. A perfect epitaph for the world’s finest band, isn’t it? Although ‘Let It Be’ was the last released album for the band. but in reality, it is ‘Abbey Road’ which is the final album (the material for ‘Let It Be’ was recorded prior to the ‘Abbey Road’ sessions). While there are several outstanding tracks by the three main songwriters and some brilliant drumming by Ringo (who also did one customary song), the album as a whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

From the songs perspective, there is Lennon’s rock n roll inspired punchy Come Together. Then there is the greatest love ballad ever written, George Harrison’s Something (Frank Sinatra also said so…). McCartney does a doo wop style Oh Darling. Lennon does Because, which is a beautiful showcase of the band’s harmonies, while Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun is perhaps the most perfect expression of joy.

But what takes the cake and the icing too, is the 16 minutes Medley of 8 short songs on Side 2. It’s possibly the best song sequence ever in the history of music. These melodies are so powerful and varied that they created sounds for the subsequent musical genres that bloomed in the 70s music scene. Each member contributed equally and had fun making music, together, one last time. It’s like the last Beatles party. The great jazz guitarist, George Benson was so overwhelmed by the album, that within 2 weeks of its US release, he recorded his phenomenally beautiful and jazzy take on it – ‘The Other Side of Abbey Road’.

Coming back to the opening lines of this piece. The band that changed and shaped the world of music forever in the span of just 5 years, from ‘Revolver’ in 1965 to ‘Let It Be’ in 1970 (I’m not considering previous albums as ‘Revolver’ set them off in their unique direction), said goodbye to the world in the most simple and beautiful way. The way it should be.

PS: EMI Studio, where the album was recorded, renamed itself Abbey Road Studio to honor this iconic LP and today, even 50 years later, the zebra crossing leading up to the studio, shown in the album’s iconic cover is one of the most popular tourist / photographed spots in the world.

PPS: I have written this review as a special request from my son, who loves The Beatles. He turned 6 on 16^th July 2020 and wanted this as one of his birthday gifts.

Year: 1969

Genre: Rock

Producer: George Martin

Label: Apple

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com