TV Editor Kylie Clarke reviews The Beatles’ final single, ‘Now and Then’, finding it a strong last outing from one of the greatest bands of all time
If you had told me that in my lifetime I would have the opportunity to experience the release of a brand-new single by The Beatles, featuring each of its four members, I probably would have been confused, to say the least. However, thanks to the development of AI and its use within music, we have in 2022 been graced with new music from arguably the most famous band of all time. On Thursday 2nd November, The Beatles released their new single ‘Now And Then’, which has risen to the top of the charts and garnered 8 million + streams on Spotify at the time I am writing this. Having considered The Beatles to be my most favourite band from a young age, I for one feel honoured to be able to listen to what will most likely be their final song. Since the song’s release, young and old fans alike have rejoiced in the feeling; for younger fans, this is an experience which they never thought possible while for original fans of the band, this represents an immense sense of nostalgia.
This song came to be possible through the contribution of Peter Jackson and Emile de la Ray, and their use of artificial intelligence. The original vocals were found in the 1990s in a tape created by John Lennon before his death in 1980, entitled ‘For Paul’. Sir Paul McCartney made attempts to create something from this tape, yet the sound quality was too poor. Now that technology has progressed, however, the use of AI has meant that the sound quality of John’s vocals were able to be enhanced. The remaining surviving members, Paul and Ringo Starr added their own touches to the song and took samples of George Harrison’s guitar playing, as well as samples of harmonies from the band’s previous songs. The final result is the 4-minute song, ‘Now And Then’.
While ‘Now And Then’ leans towards the more understated side of the spectrum of Beatles’ songs, I think that this simplicity creates the right tone for the final Beatles song, as the nostalgic aspect is prevalent. The song begins with their signature 3,2,1 count, creating anticipation for the song as the piano comes in. John’s presence is strongly felt with the Lennon-style chords and his unique voice as the ballad begins. The lyrics speak of a lost love and a sense of yearning, reminiscent of Lennon’s solo work. However within the harmonious chorus during which the mood elevates, you can hear the influence of each of the fab four which transcends you. The song reminds me particularly of their later work in Abbey Road, with a similar sound to ‘Sun King’ and ‘Because’.
John’s presence is strongly felt
While the song’s lyrics speak of yearning and missing a lost love, they are hauntingly bittersweet in context of the loss of Lennon himself, and also of George Harrison, and therefore feel fitting for this final Beatles song. The hook of the chorus repeats ‘Now and then/I miss you.’ For fans of the band, and I can imagine for McCartney and Starr themselves in the making of this song, these lyrics are applicable to the way in which Lennon and Harrison are deeply missed by many. The song feels like an ode to the two lost Beatles and I personally do not think that their final song could have been any more moving and joyous.
I believe that the creation and release of the song marks an official goodbye to one of the most influential bands of all time, although their legacy will live on forever. It also further proves the growing power of AI within music and demonstrates how incredible this technology can be when used in a positive way. I am excited to see the future of AI within music and also humbled to experience a new song from my favourite band, which has quickly become one of my favourites.
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