In 1969, John Lennon dismissed a Paul McCartney ballad. It became one of The Beatles’ greatest songs
John Lennon dismissed Paul McCartney’s “Let It Be” as a song better suited to McCartney’s solo career, reflecting Lennon’s dislike of his bandmate’s sentimental ballads. The song went on to become one of The Beatles’ best-known recordings, a contrast that highlights how Lennon’s judgement differed from its lasting popularity.
The article says Lennon considered the track among McCartney’s last decent songs to appear on a Beatles record, while arguing it had little to do with the band’s identity. It also notes Lennon’s criticism of the album’s initial recordings and Phil Spector’s production, which some listeners dislike for its orchestral sound. “Let It Be” has since passed one billion streams and is described as an enduring message of reassurance.
In short
- Lennon thought “Let It Be” sounded more like McCartney’s solo work.
- The Beatles released it as one of their signature songs.
- The track has surpassed one billion streams.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Lennon’s reservations can be understood as a view that “Let It Be” was more characteristic of McCartney’s solo songwriting than of the Beatles’ shared musical identity. Its sentimental ballad style and, for some listeners, Phil Spector’s orchestral production may make it feel less like the band’s earlier collaborative work; popularity alone does not settle whether it best represents them.
The case against
The song’s direct melody and reassuring message helped it endure, and its later popularity suggests it resonated well beyond McCartney’s individual style. A Beatles song need not match the band’s earlier sound or be equally collaborative to belong to its catalogue, and Lennon’s own assessment need not define the group’s identity for listeners.
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