On This Day in 1970, The Beatles Released Their Last Album—It Topped The Charts and Ranked On Rolling Stone’s List of Greatest Albums
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The Final Release
On May 8, 1970, The Beatles released Let It Be, their final studio album. Although it was the last to be released, it was recorded before Abbey Road. The album features songs like “Across the Universe,” “I’ve Got a Feeling,” and “Get Back.” It was released shortly after the band’s breakup, marking the end of their era.
Let It Be topped the charts in both the US and the UK. In the UK, it spent three weeks at number one starting from May 23, 1970, and remained on the charts for a total of 59 weeks. In the US, it also reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
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Behind the Scenes
The album’s recording sessions began in January 1969 at Twickenham Film Studios. Paul McCartney envisioned the project as a return to live performances, aiming for a simpler sound. However, tensions arose during rehearsals, leading to George Harrison temporarily leaving the band. Upon his return, the group moved to Apple Studios and brought in keyboardist Billy Preston.
The sessions were documented in a film also titled Let It Be. The album’s production was later handed over to Phil Spector, who added orchestral arrangements to several tracks. This decision upset McCartney, particularly regarding “The Long and Winding Road.” In 2003, McCartney released Let It Be… Naked, a version of the album without Spector’s additions.
Legacy and Recognition
Despite initial mixed reviews, Let It Be has gained recognition over time. In Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, it was ranked at number 342.
The album remains a significant part of The Beatles’ history, capturing the band’s final moments together. Its songs continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting the group’s lasting impact on music.
