While debut albums are often where bands pour their rawest energy, The Beatles defied expectations with their 1969 album Abbey Road, often hailed as a masterpiece. It showcases an artistic maturity that blends experimental pop with profound musicality. Although Let It Be was released a year later, Abbey Road is considered the band’s final recording, leaving fans with a lasting impression of their artistic evolution.
One of the standout tracks on Abbey Road is “The End,” which holds a unique place in Beatles history as the final fully-finished song the band recorded. This track encapsulates the cosmic philosophy the band explored throughout their career, and it features Ringo Starr’s only drum solo. For many, it’s a reminder of the group’s greatness, even if some critics view it as a half-finished jam. For others, it’s the perfect testament to the band’s legacy.
“The End” forms part of the iconic Abbey Road medley and remains Ringo’s favorite Beatles song. Its abstract, unfinished quality reflects the band’s artistic journey. Despite its experimental nature, the track also showcases some of the best guitar work the Beatles ever produced, with a remarkable nine guitar solos—three each from McCartney, Harrison, and Lennon. These solos not only demonstrate their collective talent but also highlight their individual personalities. Each guitarist takes turns, energetically competing to deliver the perfect solo, symbolizing both their musical bond and the creative tensions that had developed over the years.
The solos from McCartney and Harrison are technically accomplished, but Lennon’s final contribution stands out for its raw energy. His last solo acts as a poignant marker, symbolizing the final recorded moments of the band he helped create.
Adding to this remarkable track is Starr’s rare drum solo, which, while not long or flashy like those of other drummers of the era, is integral to the song’s atmosphere. Starr, known for his reserved drumming style, had long been opposed to the idea of drum solos. As Paul McCartney once recalled, “Ringo would never do drum solos. He hated drummers who did lengthy drum solos… When he joined The Beatles we said, ‘What about drum solos then?’ and he said, ‘I hate ’em!’”
Starr’s reluctance to perform a solo was well known, but McCartney managed to convince him to do a “token solo” for this track. Despite Starr’s hesitations, his contribution was uniquely his own, marked by a delicate touch that perfectly complemented the song’s vibe. McCartney confirmed, “I don’t think he’s done one since.”
“The End” is also notable for its philosophical lyrics, penned by McCartney. As John Lennon remarked in 1980, “That’s Paul again, the unfinished song, right?” referring to McCartney’s contributions. The song’s message, “And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make,” carries a cosmic, life-affirming philosophy that left a lasting mark on listeners.
McCartney’s reflection on the song’s significance shows how deeply personal it was to him: “We were looking for the end to an album, and ‘In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make’ just came into my head. I just recognized that would be a good end to an album. And it’s a good little thing to say—now and for all time, I think.”
As the Beatles’ final musical statement, “The End” encapsulates the band’s creative journey. It was McCartney’s philosophical message to their fans, reflecting on love and its enduring importance. In retrospect, McCartney felt proud to have been part of a band that wrote such a profound song, one that would resonate with fans for years to come: “I’m very proud to be in the band that did that song, and that thought those thoughts.”
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