LP Review: Abbey Road – The Beatles
Love Me Do reviews The Beatles’ Abbey Road LP with such tracks as Something, Here Comes the Sun, Come Together, Octopus’s Garden and Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.
Released on September 26, 1969, Abbey Road is often regarded as one of The Beatles’ finest LPs and a masterpiece of rock music. This LP, named after the street on which EMI’s recording studios are located, was the last LP The Beatles recorded together, despite Let It Be being released later. Abbey Road showcases the group’s remarkable cohesion, innovative production, and diverse musical talents, making it a fitting swan song for the Fab Four.
By the time the LP was released, John Lennon had left the group although this wasn’t publicly known till the following year when Paul McCartney announced that he had left The Beatles.
Abbey Road Opener
The LP opens with Come Together, a John Lennon track that features a hypnotic bassline, cryptic lyrics, and a laid-back groove. The song’s enigmatic nature and tight ensemble performance set the tone for an LP that is both polished and adventurous.
At one point while they were recording, John Lennon said that he wanted all his songs on one side of the LP with Paul McCartney’s on the other. What would have happened to George Harrison’s two song, we don’t know, especially as they are arguably the two best on the LP.
Abbey Road Standout
Following this is George Harrison’s Something, one of the standout tracks not just on the LP but in The Beatles’ entire catalog. With its tender lyrics and lush orchestration, the song is a beautiful ode to love. George’s soulful guitar solo and Paul McCartney’s melodic bassline complement the track perfectly, making it an instant classic.
Frank Sinatra described Something as ‘the greatest love song ever written’. John Lennon said it was the best song on the LP and Paul McCartney said it was the finest song that George had written.
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer, a quirky and somewhat darkly humorous song by Paul, contrasts sharply with the previous tracks. Its catchy melody and whimsical lyrics tell the story of a murderous character named Maxwell. The song’s playful tone and use of unusual instruments like the Moog synthesizer add to its charm.
John Lennon hated Maxwell’s Silver Hammer, and did not play on several of the tracks on Abbey Road. McCartney wanted to put the song on The White Album but the other three disagreed.
Ringo Sings… and Writes!
Oh! Darling sees Paul delivering a powerful, soulful vocal performance reminiscent of 1950s rock and roll. The song’s emotional intensity and bluesy arrangement make it a memorable highlight. Ringo Starr’s Octopus’s Garden, a delightful and whimsical track, follows with its joyful melody and nautical imagery. Ringo’s cheerful vocals and the playful arrangement capture the sense of childlike wonder that permeates the LP.
Ringo had the idea for the song while holidaying in Sardinia on Peter Sellers’ yacht. John and Paul helped him finish the lyrics and George Harrison helped on the melody.
I Want You (She’s So Heavy) is a lengthy, bluesy composition by John that features repetitive, hypnotic riffs and a gradual buildup of intensity. The song’s abrupt ending adds a sense of drama and leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Abbey Road Side Two
The second side of Abbey Road is dominated by the famous medley, a seamless suite of songs that showcases The Beatles’ songwriting prowess and studio wizardry. The medley begins with You Never Give Me Your Money, a Paul McCartney composition that transitions through several musical styles, reflecting the financial and managerial troubles the group faced at the time.
The medley is partly made up of song fragments that John and Paul had written but never developed into full songs. Lennon later described the medley as ‘junk’.
Sun King follows with its dreamy, lush harmonies and a relaxed, almost tropical vibe. Mean Mr. Mustard and Polythene Pam, both penned by John, continue the medley with their quirky lyrics and energetic arrangements. The transition into She Came In Through the Bathroom Window, a catchy and upbeat track by Paul, keeps the momentum going.
She Came in Through the Bathroom Window was written by Paul after a fan did indeed get into his house in St John’s Wood trough the bathroom window.
Golden Slumbers marks the beginning of the medley’s poignant conclusion. Paul’s tender vocals and the orchestral arrangement create a sense of nostalgia and longing. This segues into Carry That Weight, which reprises the melody of You Never Give Me Your Money and adds a sense of resolution and unity among the group members.
The cover of Abbey Road was the first original LP by The Beatles which didn’t have either the name of the group or of the LP on the front cover.
The medley culminates with The End, a powerful and fitting finale that features a memorable guitar duel between Paul, George, and John, followed by Ringo’s only drum solo in The Beatles’ discography. The song’s closing lines, And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make, serve as a poignant farewell and a timeless message of love and unity.
The End contains the only drum solo Ringo ever recorded with The Beatles.
The final track, Her Majesty, is a brief and cheeky acoustic ditty, provides a light-hearted coda to the LP. Its inclusion adds to the LP’s playful and experimental nature.
The original releases of Abbey Road did not list Her Majesty as one of the tracks, making it one of the first hidden tracks to appear. The Beatles also had a hidden track on the vinyl versions of Sgt. Pepper, which when played backwards sounded like something obscene.
Abbey Road Summed-Up
Abbey Road is a testament to The Beatles’ unparalleled creativity, musicianship, and ability to innovate within the pop and rock genres. The LP’s polished production, courtesy of George Martin, and the seamless interplay between the group members make it a cohesive and timeless collection of music.
Best Abbey Road buy? The Deluxe edition with out-takes and extra tracks. Click on the image to learn more.
Best Abbey Road buy? The Deluxe edition with out-takes and extra tracks. Click on the image to learn more.
The Deluxe Edition with Other Takes and Other Tracks
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