The last Beatles album to be recorded (although Let It Be was the last to be released), Abbey Road was a fitting swan song for the group, echoing some of the faux-conceptual forms of Sgt. Pepper, but featuring stronger compositions and more rock-oriented ensemble work. The group were still pushing forward in all facets of their art, whether devising some of the greatest harmonies to be heard on any rock record (especially on "Because"), constructing a medley of songs/vignettes that covered much of side two, adding subtle touches of Moog synthesizer, or crafting furious guitar-heavy rock ("The End," "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," "Come Together"). George Harrison also blossomed into a major songwriter, contributing the buoyant "Here Comes the Sun" and the supremely melodic ballad "Something," the latter of which became the first Harrison-penned Beatles hit. Whether Abbey Road is the Beatles' best work is debatable, but it's certainly the most immaculately produced (with the possible exception of Sgt. Pepper) and most tightly constructed. — Richie Unterberger
Released: October 1, 1969 Label: Apple SO-383 Total time: 47:07 UK Chart Info: Entry Date: 4th October 1969
Highest Position: 1 ... for 11 weeks from 4th October 1969 + 6 weeks from 27th December 1969
Weeks in Chart: 81 + 2 from 31st October 1987 (CD release, reached no.30) + 9 from 8th March 1997 (reached no. 42)
Come Together Recorded 21st July 1969 - 9 takes. Overdubs 22nd July 1969 onto take 9. Overdubs 23rd July 1969 onto take 9. Overdubs 25th July 1969 onto take 9. Overdubs 29th July 1969 onto take 9. Overdubs 30th July 1969 onto take 9. Final mix - take 9
