LET IT BE

The Beatles were near collapse during the making of Let It Be. It was their last album to be released in 1970 but it was recorded in early 1969 shortly before Abbey Road. It mainly consisted of solo songs with the rest of the band as a mere back up. Some call it the weakest of their late-period albums, but for me, this is a great classic. It's mature but also fun. There's plenty of variety and charm too.

It opens with "Two Of Us" which is perhaps the most poignant moment. It ostensibly concerns a couple riding through the country. It could be seen as a metaphor for Paul and John's partnership. It has warm and sorrowful harmonizing, for they were sadly soon to part. Lennon's contributions are brilliant, especially the delightful "Dig A Pony" which was one of the live tracks added to the album. "The One After 909" is a recycled oldie that sounds a bit off the cuff but it is a decent example of how much the group had achieved in developing music over that decade.

Harrison's "I Me Mine" and "For You Blue" are really good numbers but the majestic title track is a main highlight. As far as I'm concerned, it wouldn't have been so wonderful without Phil Spector's production. The soaring catheral backing makes it all the more stunning. Other favourites are "Across The Universe" and "I've Got A Feeling". "The Long and Winding Road" is also a really nice song and the mass of strings give it even more power and emotion before the album ends on a more quirky note with the rocker "Get Back". I must say that despite the internal troubles, the group still managed to produce some excellent and often underrated music right up to the end. "Let It Be" isn't one of my absolute favourites, but it does have a distinctive personality. You will not hear other records like this one. Four stars and no less.