Yes, you read that correctly. The Beatles, the truly iconic British band whose music defined the 1960s, just released a new song. Thanks to modern technology, “Now and Then” dropped on November 2, 2023, and while the single won’t go down as a top single in the band’s sprawling catalog, it does serve as evidence for today’s listeners as to why The Beatles grew to unbelievable heights of fame, remained relevant as arbiters of popular music for so long, and are still recognized by many as the greatest band of all time.
A Demo That Almost Went Unheard
John Lennon was one of the most prolific songwriters ever to walk the earth, and after his tragic death in 1980, he left behind ample unfinished demos. Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono gave the demo for “Now and Then” to Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in 1994, and the following year, they started working it into a fully-produced song. They abandoned it, though, after Harrison found fault in the track.
Now, nearly 30 years after Ono’s delivery, the song has been released and marketed as The Beatles’ last song, as it’s the final track that includes the work of all four Beatles, albeit via technology.
Though it’s certainly not the band’s best work – that was done decades ago when the four great musical minds were still together as a band and working with each other in person – “Now and Then” is still an important track for anyone who loves modern music, particularly pop music, to hear. The song features signature elements of the group’s work, and, most importantly, it’s good in today’s musical landscape.
No One Does It Like The Beatles
Creating good music is simultaneously easier than ever and harder than ever in modern times. The technology required to produce a record with high-quality sound is available to anyone with a computer and some space, and an ear for a catchy beat can get musicians without any formal training farther than ever before.
However, technology will never replace true musical talent, and “Now and Then” is proof. This track would’ve been good had it been released when Lennon started working on it, and it’s good today. It has a timeless sound that can only be achieved by musicians who are sure of themselves and don’t produce music to only be good when it’s made.
There is certainly a crop of talented people creating music today, but the likelihood of a band of The Beatles’ caliber and influence forming again is slim to none. The Beatles belong with Beethoven and deserve one simple appellation: Greatest of All Time.
“Now and Then” is streaming now wherever you listen to music.
