Artist The Beatles Release Date May 8, 1970 (UK), May 18, 1970 (US) Recording Period January 1969 - March 1970 (Actually started recording before *Abbey Road*) Producer Phil Spector (Note: Not George Martin) Label Apple Records Representative Songs Song Title | Description ---|--- Let It Be | A moving ballad by Paul McCartney, said to be inspired by a dream about his mother. A masterpiece. Across the Universe | A fantastical and spiritual song by John Lennon. The Long and Winding Road | A lyrical work by Paul, whose orchestral arrangement by Phil Spector sparked debate. Get Back | A song that harks back to the roots of rock and roll. A major hit as a single. Two of Us | A light, folk-style number that symbolizes the friendship between Paul and John. The Beatles' masterpiece "LET IT BE," a record containing all 12 tracks. The Films "Let It Be" and "Get Back" • The film of the same name, *Let It Be*, was released in 1970. It documented the Beatles' rehearsals and recording sessions just before their breakup, as well as their final live performance on a rooftop (the "Rooftop Concert"). • The film initially gave a bleak impression, seen as a "record of the Beatles' internal collapse." • However, in 2021, the documentary *The Beatles: Get Back*, reconstructed by director Peter Jackson and released on Disney+, depicted the brighter aspects and smiles of the sessions, completely changing its reception. Background and Characteristics of the Album Production • *Let It Be* was originally conceived as the "Get Back sessions," a "return to roots" project intended to record live performances as they were. • However, the project was plagued by internal conflicts, differing opinions, and confusion over producer selection. Ultimately, Phil Spector edited and produced the album with the consent of the members other than Paul. • Paul was dissatisfied with the added orchestration (especially on "The Long and Winding Road"), and later released *Let It Be… Naked* (2003) featuring the "original form" without Spector's touch.