The Beatles' 'Final' Song 'Now and Then' Released With Little Help From AI

The Beatles "final" song, 'Now and Then,' has stirred excitement and controversy within the music world.

Written and initially recorded by John Lennon in the late 1970s, the track has undergone decades of development, with contributions from other band members, including George Harrison, and was eventually completed by Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr. This long-awaited release has evoked mixed reactions among critics and fans, as per to Mail Online.

The Beatles Final Song 'Now and Then'

(Photo : Adam Berry/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: A bootlegged Beatles record is seen on display at the "Bone Music - The X-Ray Audio Project" exhibition at Villa Heike on August 13, 2021 in Berlin, Germany. The exhibition, about the underground community of music lovers and bootleggers who defied censors in the Cold War-era Soviet Union through the manufacture and distribution of their own recordings of forbidden music such as "Rock Around the Clock," "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Lullaby of Birdland" by recording not only onto discarded x-rays but also other round items such as road signs and circular cake stands - affordable replacements when more conventional materials like shellac and vinyl were scarce and controlled - runs until September 5.

The story of 'Now and Then' is about perseverance and technological innovation. Initially, the surviving Beatles attempted to rework John Lennon's late '70s demos in the mid-1990s, alongside two other songs, 'Free as a Bird' and 'Real Love,' for the Anthology compilations.

However, technical challenges prevented them from isolating Lennon's vocals on 'Now and Then,' leading to the project's abandonment. It wasn't until director Peter Jackson restored audio from 1969 footage in his 2021 docuseries, 'The Beatles: Get Back,' that the song's vocals were successfully separated, allowing it to see the light of day.

The anticipation for 'Now and Then' reached a fever pitch when it was officially announced and subsequently praised by notable figures in the music industry. Rolling Stone called it "the final masterpiece they deserve."

At the same time, former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher expressed his enthusiasm for the song, describing it as "absolutely incredible" and "heartbreaking and heartwarming" simultaneously.

Variety praised the track's breathtaking opening and suggested it stands on par with the previous posthumous Beatles releases, 'Free as a Bird' and 'Real Love.'

Fans worldwide flooded social media with emotional responses, hailing it as a "beautiful" and "unexpected but wonderful end to The Beatles' incredible discography."

However, not everyone has been won over by 'Now and Then.' Music critic Steven Hyden remarked that the song sounded like a 1990s power pop band trying to emulate The Beatles. Like the Beatles' previous posthumous releases, this new track has divided opinions.

The history of the Beatles' posthumous releases is a tale of musical archeology and technological progress, according to The Guardian.

The Beatles' Technological Marvel

In the mid-1990s, Yoko Ono provided the surviving Beatles with John Lennon's demos, including 'Now and Then,' 'Free as a Bird,' and 'Real Love.' These recordings were incomplete, and isolating Lennon's vocals was an impossible challenge then.

However, the magic of modern technology, as demonstrated by Peter Jackson's work in 'The Beatles: Get Back,' made it possible to resurrect Lennon's voice from the past. The release of 'Now and Then' signifies a historic moment in music.

For fans of The Beatles, it's a bittersweet experience, marking the conclusion of the iconic band's musical journey. The track offers a glimpse into what could have been if John Lennon had lived to see it completed, and it serves as a poignant tribute to the band's enduring legacy.

The critical reception to 'Now and Then' may be mixed, but it's evident that the song has captured the hearts of many, delivering a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The Beatles' influence on the music industry remains as powerful as ever, and their final song, no matter the opinions it elicits, has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

In the end, the release of 'Now and Then' reminds us of the enduring and universal appeal of The Beatles' music. It's a testament to the band's ability to transcend generations, captivating long-time fans and a new audience who can now appreciate a fresh glimpse into its remarkable history.

While the chorus may be deemed by some as an "anticlimactic plod," it's essential to recognize that this song, like the rest of The Beatles' discography, strikes "a universal chord" that will continue to resonate with music lovers for generations to come, Aol reported.