Abbey Road Review: A Graceful Farewell in Two Halves
10/10 — The Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)
Pros
- Harrison's 'Something' and 'Here Comes the Sun'
- The side-two medley
- Polished production and harmonies
Cons
- 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' is slight
- Less raw than earlier albums
Abbey Road was the last album the Beatles recorded together, though Let It Be was released later. Made amid tension, it brought them back to the studio with George Martin and a new, polished sound.
What works
George Harrison’s ‘Something’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’ are among his best songs, ‘Come Together’ has an unforgettable groove, and the second-side medley, from ‘You Never Give Me Your Money’ to ‘The End’, is a triumph of arrangement. The vocals and harmonies are gorgeous.
Where it falters
‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’ and ‘Octopus’s Garden’ are lightweight, and the album’s polish is less raw than their earlier work.
Verdict
A warm, beautifully crafted goodbye.
