Recorded - January 31, April 30, 1969 and January 4, 1970
Released - March 6, 1970 (UK), March 16, 1970 (US)
#1 for weeks of April 11 and 18, 1970.
Going from one musical masterpiece to another, we arrive at a song that I've often picked as my personal favorite of all time, "Let It Be". Paul McCartney originally wrote "Let It Be" after a dream he had involving his late mother Mary. In the dream, she comforted Paul and told him that everything was going to be alright. With the impending split of the Beatles on his mind, this dream certainly helped him get through those hardships in the long run. When the "Get Back" project commenced in January of 1969, "Let It Be" became one of the many songs to be heavily rehearsed.
While most people are familiar with the January 30, 1969 "Rooftop Concert", most casual fans aren't aware of another concert that took place on the following day. January 31st turned out to be the last day of the sessions, and The Beatles were filmed in the Apple basement studio running through some of the more lavish songs from the project. These included "Two Of Us", "The Long And Winding Road" and of course, "Let It Be". One of these "Let It Be" takes was selected for the finished album and single.
Although the "Get Back" album was originally meant to be a "Warts and all" live in the studio album, a minority of tracks received additional work over the subsequent months. In April, George Harrison recorded a brand new guitar solo. This particular solo is only heard on the single version, (Which is the one that hit #1). Any further work on the album or "Let It Be" was put on hold while The Beatles recorded Abbey Road.
Early in 1970, as the "Get Back" album still remained unreleased, the song "Let It Be" was finally completed. Some of these last minute additions included harmony vocals (Paul, George and Linda McCartney), additional percussion (Ringo), and a brass and cello part. On a sad note, this turned out to be Paul's final Beatles-related session, while the band were still together.
"Let It Be", much like "Bridge Over Troubled Water", begins with a simple piano and vocal. Yet, this time, the arrangement is quicker to come in, and more grounded in rock. "Let It Be" also heavily evokes gospel music. With a very heavenly sounding backing vocal part, as well as lyrics about "Mother Mary", it is easy to see how some might chose interpret this song in a more non-secular manner.
I've always admired Paul's vocal performance on "Let It Be". He sings the song in a very honest, and pleading tone. I especially love the way he suddenly jumps up nearly a whole octave, vocally, during the choruses. The actual piano melody that forms the basic structure of the song remains equally iconic. Countless amateur piano players have tried to learn the song themselves, yours truly included.
Yet, while "Let It Be" may be Paul's baby, George still manages to briefly steal the show with his very fluid guitar solo. However, I happen to prefer the different and more stinging solo he performs in the album version. Either way, it adds a welcome rock element to the song. Ringo's drumming, provides a steady backbeat to the song. As for John Lennon, his contributions are only backing vocals, although during early takes, he played six-string bass.
When "Let It Be" was finally released in March 1970, the "Get Back" album was finally on its way to being released. Controversially, Phil Spector, who had long been out of the public eye, was hired to remix the album. As the "Get Back" album became Let It Be, and as he prepared to completely change the sound of some of the tracks, the era of The Beatles was almost at an end. Join me, in a couple of days, as I tackle the final Beatles song to hit #1, "The Long And Winding Road".
Final Verdict - "Let It Be" remains one of the most heartfelt and resonant songs Paul McCartney ever wrote. I've often considered it my favorite Beatles song. Why? Because it features honest and inspirational lyrics and contains a solid strong melody. Paul managed to seamlessly blend piano ballads, gospel, and rock and roll into one perfect song. A well-deserved #1, and another candidate for one of the greatest songs of all time.
Coming Up Next - "ABC" by The Jackson Five.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and when you find yourself in times of trouble, just put on a Beatles record, and all your troubles will seem so far away -
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