Is 'Let It Be' Considered a Good Beatles Album?
The debate about whether 'Let It Be' is a good album is a common one, especially among Beatles fans. Many listeners, like Paul McCartney, find mixed feelings towards this collection. Here, we explore different viewpoints and highlight some standout tracks from the album.
Arguments Against 'Let It Be' as a Good Album
One prominent argument against 'Let It Be' as a top-tier Beatles album is its perceived randomness and lack of sonic adventure. McCartney himself, a member of the band, describes it as his least favorite Beatles album and suggests that the production is mawkish and uninventive. He hints that the album, which followed 'Abbey Road,' created somewhat of an anti-climax.
McCartney also criticizes certain tracks, specifically mentioning 'Get Back' and 'Don’t Let Me Down,' the single versions of which he prefers over the album versions. He believes that, had the album been produced by George Martin, it might have been of better quality. Additionally, he mentions that some fans anticipate albums full of wonderful songs like 'Get Back,' 'Across the Universe,' 'I Me Mine,' and 'The Long and Winding Road,' which he sees as more appealing than the actual contents of the album.
Arguments For 'Let It Be' as a Good Album
Supporters of 'Let It Be' as a good album argue that the album does contain multiple strong tracks. For instance, McCartney praises 'Across the Universe,' 'I Me Mine,' and 'The Long and Winding Road' as standout songs. He particularly highlights the hypnotic, suggestive, and innovative melodies of 'Across the Universe' composed by Lennon, suggesting that such compositions have not been matched by other composers like Schubert or Richard Strauss.
Another supporter, while acknowledging the album's flaws, still views it favorably. He mentions the album's inclusion of tracks like 'Two of Us' and 'For You Blue,' which he appreciates for their catchy melodies. Other songs by Harrison, such as 'I Me Mine,' are also highly rated for their melodic quality. The supporter finds that 'One After 909' is down-to-earth and solid rock and roll, justifying the album's inclusion of such tracks.
Conclusion
The classics 'Let It Be' remains a topic of discussion, much like any other Beatles album, with differing opinions from fans. While some perceive it as one of their lesser works, others appreciate its merits and find it essential to their collection. Ultimately, whether it's a good album depends on individual tastes and memories associated with it.
Ultimately, 'Let It Be' is a reflection of the band's evolving style and the tumultuous period surrounding their breakup. While it may not rank as high as their earlier and subsequent works, its significance in the Beatles' legacy and musical history cannot be understated.