ABBEY ROAD

The Beatles

Proto-Prog

4.49 | 1205 ratings

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Conor Fynes
Prog Reviewer

'The Beatles' - Abbey Road (8/10)

Generally considered to be the 'end' of the Beatles' saga, 'Abbey Road' is certainly not a dissapointing finish. It has all of the elements (especially the final 'epic' medley) that gives a feeling of wrapping up something collosal. The Beatles had a strong sense that their band was in it's dying hour, and they certainly went out with a bang.

I wouldn't say that 'Abbey Road' is the best album by the Beatles, but it's definately up there. I personally prefer their mid-era work (Revolver) if I'm going to take out an album to listen to. 'Abbey Road' is certainly the most grandiose, epic work by them though. The 'medley' that consists of almost half of the albums tracks could be considered as a mini-epic of sorts. Even though it doesn't clock in overall at an 'epic' length, it still works magic, and all of the different musical ideas getting bombarded upon the listener one after the other makes the medley feel alot longer than it really is.

There are lots of complex orchestrations here, and quirky musical ideas that makes for a really interesting trip. It's hard to believe that this is the same Beatles who only a few years back was being called a 'boyband.' This is very mature music, and you can hear the experience of age in each of the band member's playing.

A four star rating is awarded in terms of comparison, really. The only two real 'masterpieces' I would say the Beatles did were 'Revolver' and 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' Those were done at the start of progressive music, and therefore were alot more groundbreaking. While this is excellent, and every Beatles fan should own this, I simply didn't get the same groundbreaking feeling listening to this one. It's excellent, though.

Conor Fynes | 4/5 | 2009-3-18

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