Let It Be was the final album to be released (Abbey Road was the last to be recorded) by the Beatles. The Beatles themselves at the end of the writing, and recording of the “Get Back” sessions had all together given up on the project. Yet Paul McCartney was highly outspoken against the final version of Let It Be. What was most note-worthy for his dislike of Let It Be was that he thought Phil Spector “over-produced” it. John Lennon defended Spector by saying that he did the best possible job he could manage. Let It Be was indeed over-produced. I find it hard to listen to at times, and the huge orchestra can be cumbersome. Many fans share my view of this. Nevertheless, all is not lost. In 2003, Let It Be…Naked was released. As the newly produced albums liner notes state, “…(it) reveals Let It Be as it was meant to be”. Many things have been changed this time around. The track order was whirled around. “Maggie May”, and “Dig It” are removed with “Don’t Let Me Down” in their stead. Background noise, and all strings are removed as well, which helps created more of an uninhibited album, which is what the Beatles had wanted during the Get Back sessions in the first place. There is also a second disc titled “Fly On The Wall” which is nothing more than twenty-minutes of conversations, and segmented demo tapes of songs from the Get Back sessions. Only the most avid Beatles fan will want to delve into this second disc.
Besides the expulsion of orchestra, and background noise, the shuffling order of the tracks is perhaps one of the better changes. The whole album flows well, and makes for a more appealing listen. “Get Back” starts things off this time introducing a tight rock feel. McCartney wrote it with the meaning of getting back to the older days of when the group could work together. The line, “Get back to where you once belonged” really drives this message home. The lead guitar on “Get Back” has a couple of cool solos, and Ringo’s drumming is ever persistent in keeping a solid, and even captivating beat. Now I truly wouldn’t be able to call “Let It Be…Naked” a classic unless George Harrison had some action too, which he of course does, twice. “For You Blue”, and “I Me Mine” are both compositions written by the man. “For You Blue” is blues inspired with a flawless vocal performance, and beautiful guitar playing as well. “I Me Mine” displays the discontent within the fab four during the “Get Back” recordings simply by the title. Nevertheless, this is a superior song. The solos are impeccable, and Georges singing is extremely likable. The simple chorus of “I, I, me, me, mine” captures George at perhaps his best for the record.
There are two piano driven ballads on here, and Paul wrote both. “The Long and Winding Road”, and “Let It Be”. “The Long and Winding Road” was quite the success as a single, but in this stripped down version there is no orchestra, same thing with “Let It Be”. It is a joy to listen to indeed, but pales in comparison to “Let It Be”. When Paul was writing “Let It Be” he basically locked himself up to write it because he thought he had another “Yesterday” on his hands. To be candid, this obliterates “Yesterday”. Personally, this is one of the best Beatles songs ever. Paul introduces the song with sweetly somber vocals over a lonely piano, and a bit of percussion too. “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me. Speaking words of wisdom let it be. And in my hour of darkest, she is standing over me. Speaking words of wisdom let it be.” These lyrics gracefully swoop down and enrapture me. It gets even better too. “For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see. There will be an answer let it be.” After this part is where all of the instruments come in. While “Let It Be” may end for some on a sad note, I find it to be a nostalgic trip through the ups, and downs of the Beatles legacy. Perhaps the greatest change to Let It Be…Naked is the song, “Across The Universe”. On the release of Let It Be a huge orchestra encompassed the song, which made it unbearable sometimes. Thankfully though, with Let It Be…Naked “Across The Universe” is restored to its original recording. This was perhaps John’s best song for the record, and maybe the lyrical standout too. “Images of broken light, which dance before me like a million eyes. They call me on, and on across the universe. Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letterbox they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe. Sounds of laughter, shades of earth are ringing through my opened ears inciting and inviting me. Limitless, undying love, which shines around me like a million suns, and calls me on, and on across the universe.”
Let It Be…Naked is one of the more remarkable Beatles albums. The musicianship is passionate, soothing, and unrestrained. Even though I love the orchestration on Sgt. Peppers, and Revolver, I feel that Let It Be is better off without it. It is raw, outgoing, and even epic at times. Let It Be…Naked is more than a suitable replacement for Let It Be. I’m pleased it was re-produced because now I can say that songs such as “Across The Universe”, “The Long and Winding Road”, and “Let It Be” are extraordinary. This truly is a perfect album.
