The Beatles will forever be remembered as the four lads who shook the world. Despite the band’s breakup in 1970, they recently came together to release one last song; the final Beatles song.
On November 2, 2023, the Beatles released their final song together titled “Now and Then”. In 1977, John Lennon originally recorded the song on a tape recorder in New York City. However, he never finished it. The song was left alone until 2021, when remaining members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr attempted to complete the song. Some have argued that “Now and Then” is not the Beatles’ greatest work due to the fact that it uses AI to enhance Lennon’s voice and because Lennon and George Harrison have passed.
Jon Pareles of The New York Times claims, “The song can’t compare to the music the four Beatles made together in the 1960’s. All it can do is remind listeners of a synergy, musical and personal, that’s now lost forever.” Indeed, the deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison impact the completion of the song because they aren’t physically here. Russel Root of Salon argues that it’s, “not a Beatles song, but rather a Beatles tribute song”. The song may not be the Beatles’ greatest hit, but the fact that they put in the effort to make one last song after 50 years is awesome.
It’s amazing that the young people of this generation are able to witness a new Beatles song be released. theconversation.com says, “Despite the time, distance and technology, “Now and Then” finishes a long and winding conversation that began in the early 1960’s, and has now come to a thoughtful and musical end”. The Beatles were known for their one of a kind creativity and the unique sound to their music. It wasn’t rare for them to use technology to give that psychedelic sound to their music.
“Now and Then” quite literally represents the end of the Beatles’ long and winding road. The song was released as a double A-side, with the song “Love Me Do”– their first hit single.
The release of “Now and Then” is something fans should be proud of, despite the technology used to create it. The song is definitely worth a listen. It was a perfect opportunity for the Beatles to come together one last time and make the most of what they had.
