The Beatles
Love


5.0
classic

Review

by jkmar21 USER (1 Reviews)
January 16th, 2007 | 31 replies


Release Date: 2006 | Tracklist

Review Summary: “Love” takes a fresh look back at the brilliance that was the Beatle’s, and will delight old fans and inspire younger generations to pick up the original records. This is a new Beatles album for the ages.

All You Need Is “Love”

When Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were being renovated, it created an outrage among art lovers and critics the world over. They cried that it was blasphemous to tamper with such a well loved masterpiece, but when the dust and imperfections of the ages were cleared away, new layers of depth and color were revealed in the frescoes that no one could have noticed before.

Critics and fans alike cried foul when it was announced that original Beatles recordings would be used as a soundtrack to Cirque de Soleil’s new show on the Vegas Strip. Classic songs from the band’s catalogue were remixed and remastered for the compilation, an action tantamount to treason in the eyes of Beatles fans. However, despite the criticism, Sir George Martin, the original producer for the Fab Four, was determined to create a reimagining of the Beatle’s repertoire that remained true to the spirit of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. “Love” is George Martin’s magnum opus, and also a stunning tribute to the departed John Lennon and George Harrison.

Bits and pieces of over 130 Beatle’s recordings were used to lovingly create a beautiful collage of sound that flows from opening to closing. Whole songs are melded together, vocal lines and symphonic arrangements make cameo appearances, and distinct pieces segue into one another. The effect is that of one continuous soundscape, spanning from the early mop top days to the peak of the Summer of Love.

The album opens with birds softly twittering, and then the ethereal vocal harmonies of “Because” softly set the scene with magical clarity. “Get Back” bounds with a new exuberance not entirely present on the original. With some subtle tweaking here and there, “I am the Walrus” shines as a masterpiece of avant-garde obscurity. Overall, the album tends to favor the later period of the Beatles’ career, but early smash hits such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Help” appear. The combination of “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “Within You/ Without You” showcases the influence of Eastern Mysticism, with droning sitar and lyrics inspired from the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

It seems that George Harrison and Ringo Starr finally get their due on this record after all the years of being overshadowed by John and Paul. Harrison’s contributions reveal a spiritual wonder and longing in his songwriting, and the stripped down acoustic version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” simply shines. The new opening to Ringo’s “Octopus’ Garden” tugs at the heartstrings with sweeping violins, and his drumwork is finally brought to the forefront.

The standout track is without a doubt John Lennon’s classic “Strawberry Fields Forever.” While the original was at times weighted down by its psychedelic cacophony, this version opens with simply Lennon and his guitar. A touch of optimism can be heard in his wistful voice, and the naked arrangement underscores his lyrical genius. “Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.”

The triumphant “All You Need is Love” perfectly concludes the album. “Love” takes a fresh look back at the brilliance that was the Beatle’s, and will delight old fans and inspire younger generations to pick up the original records. This is a new Beatles album for the ages.


user ratings (381)
3.8
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
John Paul Harrison
January 17th 2007


1014 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Well, this is pretty good. Welcome to Sputnik.



I mean, you have a fantastic intro theme, which is virtually unknown for first time reviews on this site. You’re a pretty eloquent writer. If there were any qualms with the review, it might be that it was a bit short and didn’t cover too much of how the album sounds, but with the Beatles, I guess that would be redundant.



I swear to God, though. It freaks me out just how many people I know and respect jizz over this album- while it strikes me a nothing more than a curious collection of well-worn songs with just a few noticeable alterations.



I guess I’m gay or something.



Kaleid
January 17th 2007


760 Comments



I pretty much agree that you had a brilliant intro, and your writing is confident, to say the least.
The only criticism I would have is that so many songs by (arguably) the world's biggest band deserves more review space, regardless of the thrown-together nature of this compilation. But you did well in highlighting the...um...highlightsThis Message Edited On 01.18.07

jkmar21
January 17th 2007


1 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

I felt that the track by track had been done nicely enough in the other review, so I went with a more impressionistic view of the compilation as a whole. Thanks for the input, this review is going into my school newspaper.

grungeguy88
January 17th 2007


788 Comments


great review. I've heard good things about this album.

pulseczar
January 17th 2007


2385 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I like this album a lot, reinvigorates the Beatles fan in me. Great first review too.This Message Edited On 01.16.07

Jim
January 17th 2007


5110 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

This is great for a first review.

More please.

Shuffle It All
January 17th 2007


121 Comments


one problem is the start to lady madonna, it just cuts out before the real start to teh song, and theers no enough of hekter skelter, but apart from that i cant find anything wrong.

ed69
January 17th 2007


2 Comments


great review.

i also found when i listened to "lucy in the sky with diamonds" that in the chorus theres a strange electronical noise instead of the guitar.

did anyone else notice it, or was it just me?


brilliant compilation.


i like how he put the screaming fans back into "i wanna hold your hand".

shame that there arent really any new songs... ive heard nearly all of them before

(thank you limewire).

i still bought it though.

and some of my mates who never used to like the beatles cos they thought it was "old people's music" have got into them.

thank you Sir George!!

ed69
January 17th 2007


2 Comments


great review.

i also found when i listened to "lucy in the sky with diamonds" that in the chorus theres a strange electronical noise instead of the guitar.

did anyone else notice it, or was it just me?


brilliant compilation.


i like how he put the screaming fans back into "i wanna hold your hand".

shame that there arent really any new songs... ive heard nearly all of them before

(thank you limewire).

i still bought it though.

and some of my mates who never used to like the beatles cos they thought it was "old people's music" have got into them.

thank you Sir George!!

powerpop
October 26th 2007


29 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

It is re done so well. Listen to this when you are high on anything, even just life.

xmattxhardcore
December 5th 2007


422 Comments


I didn't like this as much as others. I really don't care for stuff like remixes

MrKite
January 18th 2008


5020 Comments


reinvigorates the Beatles fan in me

even the tracks that sound the same somehow just sound newer, despite the nonsensical nature of that statement.

AmericnZero02
October 29th 2008


3862 Comments


Good review, that opening paragraph is stellar.

AtavanHalen
October 29th 2008


17919 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Really great review.

I think that Love has the definitive versions of both Because and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Jim
October 29th 2008


5110 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

i prefer the original because

but yes WMGGW is pretty much astounding here

Asiatic667
April 8th 2009


4651 Comments


Beatles Shmeatles

robertsona
Staff Reviewer
June 20th 2010


28180 Comments


drive my car/the word/what you're doing is SUCH a good mashup.

MUNGOLOID
June 20th 2010


4551 Comments


looooooooove me do, you know i love you, so please let me please, love me doooo.

SgtPepper
Emeritus
August 31st 2012


4510 Comments


Yeah, this is such a great album. I absolutely love the "Within You Without You/Tomorrow Never Knows" remix. It's so psychedelic.

Closk
October 29th 2013


118 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

A brief yet magnificently put together piece of the history of the fab four, A great "Beginners Guide" ;)



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