I Make No Apology for Lacking a Life

Album: Let It Be
Artist: The Beatles
Release Year: 1970

I really don't understand why this album gets ignored so often- so what if they didn't technically finish it? It's complete enough for me, and does a fine job of fulfilling Paul's goal for the project: to "get back" to the band's roots. Indeed, the older styles are apparent throughout, and the disc is none the worse for it, despite what the cynics may tell you. Yet the "reactionary" approach does not tell the whole story. There is a simultaneous element of maturity on this album as well, and I don't mean the "putting orchestras behind us and singing sad songs" kind of maturity. I mean "relying less on quirkiness or pure aesthetic appeal, and more on toning it down and letting the music speak for itself" (Disclaimer: That is not to say that Let It Be contains no quirks or aesthetic appeal; nor do I imply The Beatles ever needed to tone it down, except on a select few songs). These songs just have a different feel to them, and I like it. I really like it.

So, now for the actual songs. Some lean toward "adult contemporary," but who cares? They make for the best adult contemporary we're likely to ever hear. "Two of Us" is a pleasant, countryish song by Paul, which I can just hear at the beginning of some lame romantic comedy (still a good song, though). "Dig a Pony" is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated Beatles songs. It's got a lazy, "hakuna matata" air about it, and it's positively entrancing with John's clever lyrics and guitar work.

The ballads are of varying quality. First, there's John's universalist theme "Across the Universe," which is pretty but pales in comparison to the heavenly "Let It Be." Sorry, though, Paul- "The Long and Winding Road" is horrendous. Too much orchestration makes the whole thing sound so ridiculously sappy that I never make it past the first few seconds.

But then there are the bluesy numbers, where the band really "gets back." "I've Got a Feeling" and "One After 909" are completely irresistible, and George's tunes are solid too. And of course, "Get Back" is good, lighthearted, rockin' fun. So forget anything the haters say- this is easily one of the five best Beatles albums. Even if I have to skip past one of the songs.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Best Songs:
Dig a Pony
Let It Be
I've Got a Feeling
Get Back