Is 'Now And Then' the worst Beatles song ever?

This is a dreadful song, unworthy of John Lennon's talent. Here's why...
LINKS
John's isolated vocal • The Beatles - Now And ...
Have the Beatles raided the archive for the last time? • The Beatles: Get Back ...
P.S.
Yes I know about the John Lennon Anthology set. Mostly dreadful.
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[@EDKguy]

If I wrote it, I might think it's okay, but for The Beatles... no.

[@credenza1]

Great comment.

[@evenblackercrow4476]

I agree. Just listened to it, it's like being in between visits to a hospice.

[@chriswhite5544]

I can’t decide which of the 3 later songs is the worst. I listened to “Now and Then” the day it came out and was very unimpressed. Just blah sounding. The next day I listened again but with the video. With the video I enjoyed it much more, but I know it wasn’t the song, it was the nostalgia from the images of the Beatles, the mix of old and new, John and George engaging like ghosts with Paul and Ringo. Very bittersweet. But the song on its own? You’ve nailed it in this video, Audio Master!

[@Bpg5012trick]

I could say would Michael Jackson Thriller been as big with out the video.

[@Bpg5012trick]

It was the video for Queen's Bohemian rhapsody that helped make it a hit, because it was the first music video ever made to show on Top Of The Pops. Videos and songs go hand in hand, it's what helps sell the song.

[@DidierTorche]

Worst comment ever......

[@JorgedeLumiarFerreira]

I couldn´t agree more! It makes me sad that this is the last Beatles song. Some things should remain buried... It doesn´t measure up to the legacy. If my kids listen to this, it will just throw them off the best band in history and make them wonder what all the fuss is about. The Beatles are my favourite band and changed my life. This is not The Beatles. I will not touch "Now & Then"... that's for sure!

[@lauraallen55]

How do you know your kids will react like that? They might love it. Well, unless you influence them to dislike it, that is.

[@mervincombs6640]

how many hit songs have you written? I'll wait for your answer.

[@mervincombs6640]

I was gonna ask the same question. @@lauraallen55

[@mervincombs6640]

it's obvious that you are not a true fan or even remotely understand music.

[@JorgedeLumiarFerreira]

@@mervincombs6640 LOL You mean apart from the hit wonders I’ve written for my kids school musicals?!? I truly believe they should be up there with A Day in the Life and Helter Skelter…

[@MichaelBeeny]

It's been given the magic brick wall treatment. Zero dynamic range Just sounds like many modern treatments.

[@JohnH108]

I for one am thoroughly enjoying Now and Then. 😃

[@MyKafka-zk4jt]

Hear hear!! The only "ghastly" thing about this clip is how this guy decorated his apartment. His teeth could use a little whitening, too! I will come back when this guy post some of his own "original" music so we can compare whose talented and who is not.

[@thenoise8917]

Giles Martin says thanx ; )

[@knockedoutloaded279]

@@MyKafka-zk4jt he;s a typical bloke, anti fun and negative....

[@Fitzrovialitter]

​@@MyKafka-zk4jt"whose"?

[@alvillanueva2525]

Finally someone tells the truth. Even George bailed on this years ago. The funny thing is, it still is better than so much of the new music released nowadays.

[@johngranato2673]

Big Beatles fan here. This song is only fair. Not a masterpiece as some claim. Masterpieces are songs like Vincent, Something, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Bridge over Troubled Water, etc. Again, N & T is only fair--like other post-Beatles breakup, Beatles songs, such as Free as a Bird, etc. There is a reason why it wasn't released back in the day. Let sleeping dogs lie. Otherwise, one runs the risk of damaging the reputation that the Beatles built. As Lennon used to say about some of the Beatles tunes, "It's just a throw away song." N & T is a throw away song. Let's let it be.

[@FreeFisher67]

Sorry, but I can't get the song out of my head.The slide guitar parts, vocals, strings and chord changes are amazing.It's your opinion, I respect it...

[@mikkoluoto6575]

Honesty is not always correct. Nice talking.

[@ruisousa7967]

I actually liked a lot, but even if its the worst beatles song it is still better than any song of nowadays.

[@grumpy9478]

damning w/ faint praise.

[@thenoise8917]

Nah,,, The Stones topped them man fare and square

[@peterallum4069]

Rubbish.There are many great songs out there.

[@uyauabing]

Somehow I agree. Compared to so many other songs in the Beatles canon, Now and Then felt rather flat - perhaps it felt unfinished, or because it lacked the more collaborative spirit we heard on Free as a Bird back in 1994 (which gave me goosebumps all the way through). Even the Free as a Bird video was way more imaginative and interesting compared to Now and Then's rather kitsch and cheesy composites of those 1967 Hello Goodbye clips superimposed on the 1994-2023 footage.

[@stevedeno7740]

Aaaaaand after moving from #41 to #1 - it’s the 18th UK chart topper for the Fab Four. It’s a beautiful way to close out an era and snag a BUNCH of new fans in the process.

[@raycochrane3971]

It's more a case of hype achieving the #1 spot than a song. This has been the case for many, many songs and having erstwhile Beatles involved is always a leg up. In this instance it's a case of nostalgia brilliantly integrated with marketing. I was a huge fan of Lennon's post Beatle stuff up until he became housebound. After Ho made the Dakota and his wife n son the centre of his universe his music became tame, lame and more of the same. This song fits in perfectly with that simpering, bread baking oeuvre.

[@lobolonewolf8824]

To me this sounds like another one of John's solo songs. Not really a Beatles calibration. It might well be. But without a live George and John. Who's to tell. Now with that said. I don't hate it. Especially when you compare it to today top 40 list. I think it would be a strong contender.

[@tonyfederici1961]

I am sorry that you disliked the song. I loved the song, it touched my heart and I found the song and video beautiful and stunning.

[@lauraallen55]

I think that reaction is the definition of a good song. Maybe a great song. ;)

[@tonyfederici1961]

@@lauraallen55 yes I totally agree. I could not have said it better.

[@lauraallen55]

If a song makes you feel emotions and especially to that degree it's got to be a good or even great song, I think. :)@@tonyfederici1961

[@nigefal]

But I think what you are doing is less appreciating the song itself but more being wrapped up in the Beatles context and concept. For example there was another fella on youtube in literal tears taking about the song like it was a religious experience. If you step away from all the context/concept aspect and just examine the song for what it is. It was just OK and sounded a bit odd and mismatched. Not as bad as 'Free Bird' or 'Real Love' after the 90's treatments. I do realise the presenter in the video is being tongue and cheek. As the song was about a relationship problem about 50 years ago. But he is correct it was not 'about' the Beatles. That was shoehorned in later and marketed as such. Leaving out the 'I don't want to lose you' bridge from the demo etc is part of the gimmicky facade. It is really a Paul pet project to try and do something nice for his long since dead mates.

[@lauraallen55]

I'm sure you mean tongue IN cheek lol! In any case, if you take the song for what it is, it's just OK - * to you *. To others it could be any number of things, including anything from phenomenal to horrible. Mileage will always vary because music like any other art is subjective.@@nigefal

[@zsatsfm]

I genuinely feel sorry for people who dislike this masterpiece of a song, it's the perfect song to end their illustrious career.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

I love the song and the video. I can't find any fault with it.

[@gerardoromano3436]

@@TheRetroManRandySavage Hi, did you hear Paul´s bass ? It´s a mess, the song isn´t bad, the production or mix failed, they rushed to issue this year IMHO

[@rquin0268]

I agree. This song is beautiful.

[@nickmoranis2865]

It’s a Lennon demo without chorus from 78. It’s long after The Beatles Watch Get Back if you need a fix.

[@nickmoranis2865]

You ‘genuinely feel sorry’. Obviously a pathetic excuse of a person. Guarantee you describe Ed Sheeran as a modern day Dylan. Idiot.

[@mausermann7918]

The worst Beatles song ever - exactly my thoughts when I heard it on the radio. Might be a future hit in fineral homes though, because its so depressing.

[@stevenrayphoto1280]

I am of that generation too and have played most of their songs in my bands through the years. This song actually hit me in a good way longing for that time period. It was a great time to grow up in and this song is not their best but it really hit my memories and heart. Too bad you weren't able to listen to it and appreciate all of the joy and memories they gave to the world. They changed music for decades to come and this song is as timeless as all of their songs are- in my opinion. Really sad how people have the time to hate so much. It doesn't say much for where humanity is now. The Beatles message was always about love " Imagine" by John is a good example. All of the haters missed the Beatles main message and are no way Beatles fans. Please link some of the songs you have written that are better and world changing. After watching the video a few times I believe Paul was singing this as a message to John and George. You can see it in Paul's expressions throughout the video. So much love!

[@wexplo15]

Isn't "Imagine" John Lennon's communist manifesto?

[@SouthYarraMan]

Its not the song in my own opinion, its the awful (to put it mildly) production. Jeff Lynne should have been given this to produce to his usual high (& HIT) standard. You cannot compare this multitrack disaster with 'Free As A Bird' for example. Its not hate to make constructive criticism. I would retire the track, give it to Jeff then rerelease after a suitable hiatus (or I- Hate-Us), depending on the level of personal uninformed hysteria in these matters. A train wreck of a production, no less.

[@Vanillabean434]

So because I don’t like this song, produced by 2/5 of the Beatles operation (I’m counting George Martin), I can’t be a fan of the rest of their original (and hugely impressive) catalogue? That makes no sense.

[@jas.c.6255]

It's not hate to dislike a song. It's an opinion just like your opinion to like it. The word hate is a harsh word when all you need is love. That's what John said, remember?

[@ericdere]

I'm not going to listen to it. The song was recorded in 1978. The Beatles ended way before. It is not a Beatles song. This has all the marks of a money grab..

[@credenza1]

You haven't missed anything.

[@barryhall7]

I think it's crap, cut and paste with a sprinkle of AI. I heard a different mix done by someone else in the style of the early Beatles and at least it's more upbeat.

[@geraldbroomfield]

Totally wrong, no 1; it’s a good song, it was recorded on a cassette tape and def low fi, but what Peter Jackson and Giles Martin done plus Paul and Ringo is amazing. End of story. However, it’s most probably a John song about yoko, and really should be classed as a John Lennon solo song like grow old with me. But you’ve got to remember Yoko sent this with the other two songs to Paul back in 1995 and John had written on the tape “for Paul” So she saw it as a chance to make it a proper Beatles song, maybe John did as well as why did he write that? Overall it’s great.

[@djreid]

He forgets one thing. Giles Martin produced and the Beatles are all on it. Fact !!

[@emkiandthesundolls757]

Wouldn’t describe it as ghastly. For us younger generations that grew up after John Lennons death it’s the perfect way to bookend the bands career. I think the beauty lies within the openness of the song, and I disagree that it’s about a breakup. It’s meaning remains open to us as listeners. It feels more like a conversation between the Fab Four particularly John and Paul. A few facts. The last thing John said to Paul was ‘think of me now and then, my old friend’ And the cassette containing the recording was labelled for Paul. It’s not the best Beatles song by a long stretch but it’s a beautiful reminder of what could have been. Edit: I had to mute you whilst writing this because the amount of negativity and knitpicking of this critique amounts to a rambling drone.

[@thenoise8917]

This song is about money actually. So sad

[@lauraallen55]

Review and analyze? Well, for me, if art moves me, it's good art. If it moves me deeply, it's great art. It's in the eye of the beholder, right? Apparently, this song moves a lot of people deeply. Apparently, it must be a good song. Good or not good is entriely subjective here.@@triplejazzmusicisall1883

[@Bpg5012trick]

​@@thenoise8917

[@thenoise8917]

@@Bpg5012trick that also includes dick heads with tricky names

[@thenoise8917]

@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 nail on the head my friend... It won't stand the test of time, simple as that.

[@andymouse]

I couldn't agree more. How far up the charts did 'Funky Moped' or 'Laughing Gnome' get ?....cheers.

[@emptysquares6863]

The video is pretty good. The song is not a classic - but in no way the "worst Beatles song ever" - have you forgotten "Maxwell’s Silver Hammer"?? And what about "“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”? And do you really consider “Don’t Pass Me By” to be a masterpiece? I actually think "Now and Then" is a nice ending to the Beatles song story and as such, the words "think about me now and then" possess an appropriate sentimentality - so stop being such an old git!! 😁 ps - I liked your video!!

[@nicolasparadoja1443]

Maxwell's Silver Hammer is unironically a banger

[@alvillanueva2525]

All of those songs are better than this one. And I don't like 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer".

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

I have to say I agree with you mostly, however I would not go so far to say it was ghastly, however it is pretty mundane and definitely dreary. It kind of reminds me of the sort of song that would be a filler song on a Badfinger album in which there is definitely a Beatles influence there, however the material is nowhere close in terms of songwriting. The really annoying thing is it was never intended to be a Beatles song in the first place as the demo dates to the late 70s. What next? Does Paul add he and Ringo to Harrison's 33 1/3 or self titled album? When are we going to just atart compiling music from the fab fours 70s solo career to make another 10 Beatles albums while we are at it.

[@lauraallen55]

Never because they said it's the last one.

[@fredgien]

It is not coincidental that John didn’t use this demo for his last lp……

[@lauraallen55]

Oh did he tell you why he didn't?

[@thenoise8917]

Exactly, it would just end up in the bin. On the good side, I bet this is not the Beatle's last song... gosh they can scrape it further down the annals lol

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

Songs can be written years before recording. That happens quite often. Especially when they aren't finished, or when you give your wife half the album's space.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

He was planning albums into the future....

[@CarloM321]

I totally agree. It's the worst beatle song to top the british charts ever. It could have had better string arrangments, better mixing, etc. If John's voice was Isolated, they could even change the chords.

[@timh6510]

Even worse than the song is the video. Presumably it's supposed to be a touching song, but they thought they needed to show them all on stage together, with John acting goofy from past footage. It just feels weird and uncomfortable. Very odd that they chose to do that.

[@stevenhenry5267]

Wrong

[@thehighllama8101]

I agree. That scene where it's old Ringo and Paul, singing next to Beatle John and Beatle George, I found it to be hokey,

[@timh6510]

Parts of the video are nice, but I think they overused technology just because they could, and some of it comes out weird. Just transitioning between different scenes would have looked better I think, rather than make it look like the same scene when everyone knows it's not.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

All the reunion songs were beautiful,,,,,they may not be catchy,,but weren't meant to be.....grow old with Me is a classic....

[@dosstodd8014]

You are pathetically wrong. Yeah, it's not 1975 and it doesn't sound like Hard Day's Night. But, what made them different from everyone else is every album was a new direction as this was. I've listened to it about six times and hear it as an emotional farewell from them to us, their fans. I find it emotional and haunting. My one true love in music.

[@wexplo15]

I think it's great to hear Ringo and Paul still creating music with new technology. The Beatles helped pioneer stereophonic sound and now they are helping use new technology to create new music.

[@thenoise8917]

Technically this is a single not an album. Words matter sometimes just saying

[@thenoise8917]

Technically this is a single not an album. Words matter sometimes just saying

[@damon_aaron]

It's not the worst Beatles song, but only because it's not a Beatles song. It's Paul and Ringo trying to polish an idea that John quickly recorded and never fleshed out.

[@Stogdad1]

I respectfully disagree. I've watched the video seven times during the past few days and each time I'm floored. But that's democracy: we're all entitled to our opinion.

[@Synthematix]

No, the worst beatles song ever would be called "Now then Now then"

[@AudioMasterclass]

Comment readers who look up this reference will probably regret it.

[@SMOKINGROOVE]

I'm from another generation. You should know, you taught me sound engineering at Westminster a couple of decades ago ;-). My own direction in music is completely different to this song but i can appreciate the idea and execution. I loved the song. Haunting and very different. It didn't try to fall into a modern fad. After a few listens, i've made it something i will listen to a lot more in future years. Like all art, it's subjective and probably not for everyone. The video was a great compliment and added to the melancholic nature of the song.

[@wexplo15]

Yes, haunting. Like how all music now has a remnant from the music that came before.

[@Bpg5012trick]

​@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 That's why there is a thing called a radio, so you don't watch the video.

[@Bpg5012trick]

​@@wexplo15 Even the young are getting fed up with modern music. That's why the older bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin are popular than ever.

[@jas.c.6255]

Too melancholy, I don't think I've ever heard anyone call John's music melancholy.

[@DavidHeggie]

Totally agree - although I seem to be in a tiny minority with that opinion. Seems that there's a massive outpouring of love for this pretty average, kinda dirgey song. Definitely a second-rate Lennon demo that he didn't think enough of to work into a proper song, and I can see why. When you reeled off some of the incredible, groundbreaking songs he wrote, it just makes the comparison even more stark. And don't get me started on that ghastly, tasteless, almost ghoulish video for the song. It's one of the most crass things I've ever seen. Peter Jackson seems to have remade Bad Taste as a short music video.

[@mervincombs6640]

Ringo Paul or no one for that matter said it was the greatest Beatles song ever. True Beatles fans, unlike you, are just happy to have one more song. your's and others comments here are actually pretty funny. of course ignorance can sometimes be funny.

[@phantos007]

I introduced my 4 year old to the Beatles thanks to “now and then”, I played it on KZbin the day it was released, I played it a few times, turns out my daughter was also enjoying it, now she asks for the song to be played, a proud dad, and a moment I won’t soon forget, I officially love “now and then”, I ordered the 12” single on Amazon.

[@thenoise8917]

Imagined if you showed him hey Jude as an introduction L 🙄. Maybe All you need is love? What about Drive my car? Well... unfortunately you chose an insipid, soulless song. But hey, it just came out hasn't it?!

[@piscesempress1978]

my son loves the Beatles, his fave song is Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds lol@@thenoise8917

[@lauraallen55]

That's awesome! Never mind the haters. :)

[@piombenedetto61]

And not a single fuck was given that day

[@GentlemanAmerican]

I really liked "Free As a Bird" and I recall being excited about it being the first "new Beatles" song in 25 years back in 1995. I didn't have the same excitement over "Now and Then," at least as a song. However, I am extremely fascinated with the technological aspect of the song's production, which is revolutionary, isolating John's voice from the music in that mono recording demo. I don't think it is a terrible song, but just OK at best. It does seem Paul has a personal attachment to the song, however.

[@peterallum4069]

I cannot be bothered to hear it to the end.Truly dreadful twee nursery rhyme lyrics-sentimental rubbish.Given the widespread appreciation for this throwaway ditty, there appears to be a complete collapse in people's critical faculties but then we all know that is the case.

[@lauraallen55]

So critical thinking is what is used to know whether to like a song or not? Art is subjective you know and nothing to do with critical thinking skills. Well, if one has good critical thinking skills they might know that ;)

[@piombenedetto61]

@@lauraallen55 he's right, stop making excuses

[@lauraallen55]

do you know the difference between 'excuses' and a back and forth conversation? Do you know what harassment is on KZbin? You may be about to find the answer to one of those ;)@@piombenedetto61

[@shadowside8433]

Ahh, the award for 'raiding your back catalogue into oblivion' goes to Queen.

[@BuckNaked2k]

There's a reason some songs were left unfishished....

[@christopherkent6512]

I love your videos and the insight you provide. However, this is the one video review where you should, in my opinion, have left your engineering head in the drawer and just enjoyed this marvelous opportunity to relive our youth with music from the most creative foursome on earth. I think the song is bloody amazing and a reminder of just how talented the team (everyone involved) in creating and recording their music was.

[@onsenkuma1979]

Well, it's not a Beatles song after all. It's a load of post-production window dressing slathered over a tweaked cassette recording that Lennon made during his bread-baking years (no doubt while killing time as the yeast made the dough rise) - loooooong after the Beatles had ceased to be. It has a nostalgic charm to it though, and thanks to McCartney it actually sounds like a song - no mean feat these days. As a song it's certainly no worse than, say 'Honey Pie', 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' or that previous sonic fraud 'Real Love'.

[@mudover11]

The Beatles always been number with me, You nailed it I felt exactly the same . So many comments from friends and family saying wow this is so good it just remind me of that movie the body snatchers.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Thank you very much. I'll watch that movie later.

[@jimhines5145]

I agree with you. The song is just too loaded down. Way too much going on, and just not enough headroom. A guy here on YT did a version of it in a much faster 1964 style. I actually like it better and it sounds pretty darn authentic! Oh, and it's only 2 minutes long lol.

[@thenoise8917]

Agreed. The fact that “ anyone” can mess about with digital music these days is pretty alarming. I'm sure the Beatles grafted their way to the top, hours and hours of stage performances. You just can't fake it. Sooner or later music will become even more soulless and dull. The thought that the very proponents of this new trend way in getting access to a song are actually the Beatles, out of their greed and money-grabbing wives daughters and sons... And muster Mccartney to a certain degree, is just sad.

[@jimhines5145]

@@thenoise8917 It's all about loudness. The vinyl, I am still awaiting is suppose to be much better. I guess I will find out on Monday, when it's scheduled to be delivered. I don't at all mind AI being used for cleaning up things, but I object somewhat to using AI to imitate someone else's voice. Fortunately that is not what happened here. I do not object to the 1964 version I mentioned earlier, as it's a real human singing, but used AI to give his vocal character a Lennon like feel too it. Which it does. The singer admits to it. So nothing secret.

[@thenoise8917]

Fair enough ✌@@jimhines5145

[@jasonglidden1966]

Since Now and Then out sold the other four songs in the UK top 5 chart put together, I totally disagree! If this was meant to be a masterpiece then John himself would of released his solo version! It's a grainy low quality demo tape, recorded at home, with piano and TV as background noise to John's non studio quality vocals! Give them credit for what they made it into! You've no idea what you are talking about!!

[@gtrdoc911]

Definitely not the worst Beatles song ever. And Real Love was an excellent song. Worst Beatles song ever is Wild Honey Pie closely followed by Why Don’t We Do It in the Road.

[@paulmcdonough9595]

Whilst I could not have analysed or articulated it as well as you I agree. Had this song been placed in their later albums it wouldn’t have been elected to be a single, more likely one of those skipped over tracks. It’s only because of its release that I recalled’ free as a bird’ I don’t remember that being a great success despite its provenance.

[@npcortezjr]

I like the John Lennon’s version of NOW AND THEN, and my only comment is that its very sad song, as if John is pleading not to leave him.

[@theheathster2]

The mastering engineer should have borne in mind ‘All You Need Is LUFS’

[@AudioMasterclass]

Very clever. When I steal that for one of my videos, you'll know who I stole it from.

[@ronreeder4572]

This dude is intentionally controversial…. After all, look at all you commentators got to expound on why it’s so: - fabulous in its own right - wonderful trip down memory lane to a more joyful optimistic time. - well, the song might not be the best… but the video was fabulous! Me? Lovely song… great video… You really felt the love that went into its production: “it’s like we four were working together again & really we did.”

[@elizajohn5]

Everyone knows the Beatles, but who is this guy commenting on this video? Yep, who is he?

[@jas.c.6255]

You can't judge a book by its cover. Yes, nice video.

[@sexysadie1]

Respectfully, I disagree with you 100%. 'Now And Then' is a real good song. Not an epic great song, but good enough for me. It's also a sentimental song and there's nothing wrong with that. I also think that the video is amazing and I'm not the only one that thinks so.

[@Bpg5012trick]

​@@triplejazzmusicisall1883 Don't be so hard on yourself, your life might be useless, so what if you're the butt of all jokes. No need to degrade yourself any more, by calling yourself a Walrus.

[@CutiePie-hh3gg]

I concur with George its rubbish

[@Dairunt1]

The song was a leftover, but that doesnt make it a bad song. It was never going to be one of the best songs in their catalogue, but its far from being their worst one.

[@EthanWombat13-om1en]

The same people who have hated Yoko Ono since 1968, accusing her of manipulating John, breaking up The Beatles, and lying about not knowing the band, are now conveniently saying: "She said the cassette had the word 'for Paul' on it." Suddenly, everyone believes her? How convenient, don't you think? It's a disgrace to John that they've done this to him. If he had wanted the songs to be Beatles songs, he would have reunited the band in the early 1980s, and their last album would have been a Beatles album. He left all that behind, and it seems like the fans can't move on and live in the past, between 1964 and 1970; they're stuck there.

[@jonhowe2960]

Sounds more like an ELO reject. I, too, was disappointed in the bass sound, thanks for flagging that.

[@bnjmnwst]

You ask the wrong question. The proper question is, "Does it matter if Now And Then is good or bad?" The answer, almost certainly, is, "No." The song is #1 on the charts. The overwhelming reaction is that it's wonderful to have a new Beatles song. It absolutely doesn't matter whether the song is any good.

[@lauraallen55]

What makes a song 'good' anyway? People enjoy good music. Great music makes people feel emotions and boy are emotions being evoked with this song.

[@ArniePorter]

Which is totally subjective anyway.

[@SteveFBS]

I disagree with your smug pronouncement.

[@coldtricky]

I agree regarding the excessive use of compressions. I'm thinking maybe it leaves room for them to re-release the song as a "re-mastered" version some time in the future. I admit I felt disappointed upon first listen. I had heard john'e demo before. It is indeed a little gloomy feeling. I may not have been completely satisfied unless it were something more representative of the fun/energetic/excited Beatles tunes (like a Hey Bulldog or an Everybody's got something to hide etc. ) But with that said, after a few listens it really has grown on me. The melody is engaging, and moving in a way that demonstrates what John OBM was capable of. And the arrangement really does contain the yin/yang of a Beatles song especially with the middle 8 and harmonies. Paul's contribution is noticeable and appreciated. Backing vocals sound genuine and beautiful. What really made me feel that the song was a genuine Beatles offering was after finally listening to the song with the official video. The visuals really do bring out a certain playfulness and the whole thing feels a little more fun and genuine. I would still really like to hear an uncompressed version though.

[@lauraallen55]

John had quite a sense of fun as you can see in parts of the video. They all did :)@@triplejazzmusicisall1883

[@morphixnm]

Your ears are bloced by your grumpiness.

[@SouthYarraMan]

Only two words: Jeff Lynne.

[@keithbell4744]

Yr sad. Its beautiful. More than that Now and Then has introduced the Fab Four to a new generation of young people. A sad little man

[@wyldemusick]

It's an impressive achievement, but mainly for the engineering team. I take it as alternate world Beatles...the last dreg of a final 1980 Fab Four who didn't split in 1970. One last single, before the archive deluge (can you imagine how much more rubbish would have been sitting around?) It's not the worst, but it's far from prime Beatles. George hated it because it sounded like crap.

[@billmulvihill8452]

OCS Old Curmudgeon Syndrome. You have it in spades!😂

[@malvanlondon8683]

Despite its faults, sorry you can't enjoy it like most of us.

[@bacarandii]

I'm sure I'm not the first to say so, but I loved your work on "The Weakest Link" back in the '00s! As for John Lennon's cassette tape vocal, it's been processed within a micron of its life. The original is still available for a listen, even right here on KZbin. It sounds like someone singing! The AI-"polished" voice practically screams "autotune!" from the first pre-Fab note. It's not a bad song, though. Because it's not a song. It's a collage of fragments from incomplete ideas for drafts of a song. They even threw out the unfinished mumbled/"scatted" vocal bridge (which would at least have leant the recording a greater illusion of structure) to make it more unfinished than it was before. Still, it sounds more thoroughly thought-through than any of Paul's solo work...

[@JohnLennon100]

I agree with you, partially. I like the song and the lyrics as a demo. I dont like the production. It was in my opinion subpar even compared to the new songs from the 90s.

[@tommyzai7038]

The title is insane. I recommend therapy. Now and Then is not the best Beatles song, but it's easily in their top 100 . . . much better than the bottom half of their catalog.

[@BillGraper]

"Now And Then" is amazing! Sorry about your bad taste.

[@AudioMasterclass]

De gustibus non est disputandum

[@lauraallen55]

Ooh, you know Latin as well as are able to identify chords to your audience when you 'watch' a video. So can I but I adore this song like millions of others seem to :) We all know what opinions are like ;) @@AudioMasterclass

[@rodneygriffin7666]

It's #1 in the UK and nearly worldwide. ✌️❤️🍏 Love is greater than cynicism. If you are truly a Beatles fan, you should already know that All You Need Is Love. Think For Yourself, Not your Maya. 🕉️ Ps. I love you.

[@DeltaJazzUK]

He IS thinking for himself - he doesn't like it. Only cults think everything their guru does is wonderful.

[@robl6933]

I love the song, the more I hear it the more I love it.

[@ray-anrioflorido8508]

This worst beatles song made it to no.1 and breaks lot records. How about that?

[@straymusictracksfromdavoro6510]

Firstly, I haven’t listened to the song and have no opinion one way or the other, but to those who love it great for them, for those who don’t such is life. However, my God, to openly criticise a long lost recovered remastered “new” track by a legendary band (any legendary band or performer) on a platform open to gazillions of their fans takes real……..well, you know. Goodness what were you thinking Sir, you are indeed a very brave and fearless man, you have dared to express an opinion on an opinion channel about something that may and will probably get you criticised and abused and all the other things that outraged fans do. As John Lennon himself said, probably not referring to a KZbin channel but quite apt to you at the moment. “Christ you know it ain't easy, you know how hard it can be The way things are goin', they're gonna crucify me” Good luck and all the best.

[@straymusictracksfromdavoro6510]

Yep, very sad@@triplejazzmusicisall1883

[@dublinbluetune]

I think the dreariness of Now and Then, Free as a Bird, and Real Love probably has a lot to do with John creating (writing) songs on the piano, ala Paul. If he had picked up his guitar, things might have been different.

[@BobGeogeo]

Good point. From Anthology 2, John's vocals as he's developing a song were often soft and muddy. He enunciated more strongly in later takes.

[@maltreatedpony]

Great observation!

[@lauraallen55]

John wrote a lot of songs on the piano that ended up not so 'dreary' as you put it. Imagine is one lol

[@Luthiart]

You can write dreary songs on a guitar, you know. And you can write up-beat songs on a piano. The instrument you play doesn't dictate the mood of the song.

[@lauraallen55]

Really? I guess I never learned that in music theory. @@Luthiart

[@DetroitRockCitizen]

in a world where Tell Me What You See and You Like Me Too Much I say you're wrong.

[@labine12345]

I personally love it. Worst song? I find it hard to believe that you like songs like Revolution # 9, Wild Honey Pie and Yellow Submarine more than this?

[@radman8321]

I quite like it, and it is a grower. It's certainly not the worst Beatles song ever. It's not even in the top 10 worst. I just think you've gone all click-baity, but fair play, we've all got to eat.

[@simonwilliams4514]

Yawn at the clickbait title. In a Beatles canon that includes Mr Moonlight and Maxwell's Silver Hammer, let alone some of the early B-Sides, obviously it isn't the worst Beatles song ever released. What it is is a piano demo with a lovely verse melody that Lennon had clearly just slotted in placeholder lyrics, hence the basic sentiments and repetition. If he had ever intended to further work on it, there's no doubt he would have made it more lyrically sophisticated and also worked on the slightly awkward chorus. There's a lot of guff that has been written about "AI" having been used but it just essentially means that when it comes to isolating separate parts of the audio spectrum and then reconstructing the full harmonic content of (in this example) a vocal line, technology has improved massively in the last 20 years, and certainly I found it quite haunting at first listen, as I have always felt there is something plaintive and emotional about John's voice when he pushed it to the higher end of his middle register. McCartney's bassline is serviceable with some nice transitions, Ringo's drums are understated and tasteful, I'd love to hear an isolated version of Giles Martin's orchestral score as the short glimpse we get of it in the accompanying making of sounds beautiful. I also think Paul absolutely nailed the slide solo in the style of George - until I saw the making of doc I assumed it had been recorded by George himself back in the 1995 sessions. Is it in the same league as any of their peak songs? Of course not. Is it still a listenable and touching send off from 2 men in their 80s to their friends sadly gone before their time, friends they met while still teenagers more than 60 years ago and then went on to literally change the world? Yes. But apart from that it still stands on its own two feet because Lennon could press play on a crappy tape recorder sat at a piano in a New York apartment building 45 years ago and knock out a melody and vocal performance that most modern artists (those who even have any input on their own material) would die for, and all while probably balancing baby Sean on his knee.

[@bobbystereo936]

Oh my! Imagine if baby Sean was in the background on that tape? They would've been sweating up a storm at the soundboard.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Absolutely bloody awful. Like those 90's tracks. Don't care about the technology involved, they're just such bloody awful dreary tracks. Wish they'd just left it all alone

[@georgeswanson9483]

As meh as the new "Beatles" song is, the worst was "Within you without you" on Sgt. Peppers. A festering bubo on the face of one of the top five rock records of all time.

[@kevinwest6611]

Yikes, pretty harsh! First, I'm glad you didn't trash out the vocal track and called it "decent". Considering it was recorded on a cassette boombox, albeit a very high end one, I thought the main vocal track sounded surprisingly good. I thought your comments on the instrumental recording was apropos, but even with the instrumentals I thought there were some quite nice touches. My first impression of the song was that it didn't really quite "sound" like a Beatle song, and I think this is because of the nature of the instrumental backing. But the worst Beatle song ever?! At this point I would say I like "Now and Then" more than half and maybe more than as many as two thirds of the total Beatle song output. But I've only listened to the song a few times, and perhaps, more often than not, the impact of a song changes over time. I would characterize "Now and Then" as "plaintive" rather than "dreary". "Real Love" I find quite lovely on many levels, and over time has become one of my favourite Beatle songs!

[@yvesfrancoisritmo]

I mean Maxwell's Silver Hammer and a few others are far worse than Now and Then to my ears.

[@79BlackRose]

It's not the worst Beatles song because it isn't a Beatles song. It's a John Lennon solo song the others have tampered with via 21st century jiggery pokery. I dislike the song. It is meh. It seems a dreary whine about how John treated his wife Yoko Ono.

[@dinnerwithgreedo]

You've obviously not heard 'Bad Boy' if you think 'Now & Then' is the worst Beatles song. Oh wait! What about Revolution 9!!!? Now and Then is nowhere near the worst.

[@simonrodgers8902]

If there is another untouched demo, why would Now and Then be the last ever Beatles release? I know George won't be able to contribute, but then again, not all Beatles tracks feature all four members. Examples of this include Yesterday and The Ballard of John and Yoko.

[@STRM1991]

If this is the worst Beatles song, then what would you call Wild Honey Pie?

[@AudioMasterclass]

I'd call it a reprise of Honey Pie, but I might consider it further in a future video.

[@charlyW34]

I admit, you win. NOT because the "new" song is bad, in fact it's pretty damn good. You win because your ultra sad attitude, bereft of heart and joy, has for a second time snared me sufficiently that I am wasting time responding to your Dickensian tinged rant. Is it their best? Of course not. Is it more melodic and intriguing, wistful and nostalgic, even hopeful, than virtually all modern pop has been for a very long time? Hell yes. Yes, you win for forcing me to use this time that I will never get back, but I still feel sorry for you and your inability to feel the joy and recognize the many positives found in this recording and video. Enjoy your victory!

[@gabrielvivar6291]

Really ?? Worst than Wild Honey Pie?

[@clonaztevedreamkiller5277]

I should add, even though I don't like the song, I completely understand the deep emotional resonance that it carries. If art is about emotion, then it's hard to argue that this song is a great piece of Beatles art.

[@nigefal]

That attitude annoys me if I am honest, but it neatly explains the overhype and over emotional reaction some are giving it. They are really invested in it emotionally before a note is played..

[@ArniePorter]

@@nigefalThat’s because music touches the emotions. But I guess you need to have them first.

[@RobynHurley-zp9sh]

I think its epic. Can i respectfully disagree?

[@lauraallen55]

You can feel exactly however you want to feel, and i feel it. is magnificent and so do many many others. Isn't music supposed to make one feel? :)

[@cunningstunt69]

this is absolutely positively NOT the worst beatles song, and I think that you already know that, this is definitely a good song, it’s not a masterpiece but it’s a damn good song imo. I truly believe you are saying this to try and get views because there is just no way someone could say something so idiotic when a song like ballad of john and yoko or revolution 9 exists🤡🤡🤡

[@pmpProject13]

In my humble opinion, I have to agree with you Sir, your review is spot on. I can't help but believe both John & George are rolling over thinking that this is the last thing people will hear from the band - AAAAHHHHH. Personally, I will take the raw cassette recording as a solo release from the archives of John. Poor George, while I understand that Paul played a slide guitar solo as an homage to George, it's nowhere near anything George would have played and IMHO, ruins the song. Just my 2 cents on the topic

[@Luthiart]

I'm a life-long, die-hard, incontrovertible Beatles fanatic, and I agree with George. This song is "fooking rubbish". And don't tell me he was talking about the sound quality of the demo, because the "Real Love" and "Free as a Bird" demos were no better. It's NOT a Beatles song. And overdubbing Paul, George and Ringo onto a John Lennon song doesn't make it one. If these were demos written and recorded when the Beatles were still together, I might cut them some slack, but this just comes of as counterfeit to my mind.

[@lauraallen55]

Then don't listen and run along and listen to what you do like while the rest of us enjoy it!

[@Luthiart]

@@lauraallen55 I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as anybody else, even if it doesn't agree with yours. Now you run along.

[@lauraallen55]

I don't need to run along. I love the song, and think it's magnificent along with all the others who made it number one. The other demos were better according to George or he wouldn't have agreed to do them, eh. It was the sound quality and the lyrics he didn't care for. Why did he work on this if he hated it so much lmao @@Luthiart

[@Luthiart]

@@lauraallen55 George never wanted to do this project AT ALL in the first place. It's fine if you like the song. I don't go out of my way to attack other people who have a different opinion than my own. You should exhibit the same grace.

[@lauraallen55]

You should stop telling me what to do or not especially if it's untruthful like saying I am attacking you. Never did it, not once. If George supposedly 'never wanted to do this project AS ALL' he wouldn't have. I know that much about George.@@Luthiart

[@robertwood2490]

Every greatest song on each Beatles album, was John's. Every worst song on every Beatles album, was Paul's (excluding 'Don't Pass Me By😝, Ringo). Therefore, the absolute worst Beatles song is 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer'.

[@graemejwsmith]

I wasn't expecting a "mid-1960's Fab Four" excitement. TECHNICALLY - it's interesting how they extracted John's vocal. But "Now and Then" - it should have remained on the cutting room floor along with "Free as a Bird". It's not good........

[@miguelvshdh9576]

"A statue has never been set up in honor of a critic" Jan Sibelius

[@jas.c.6255]

Did Chairman Mao say that?

[@ArniePorter]

This song is an emotional tribute from one Beatle to another and to their fans and a fitting final song to the greatest and most influential band in history. That’s it full stop.

[@jas.c.6255]

The last Beatle song was in 1969, "The End" and that's the way the Beatles wanted it. All four of them.

[@ArniePorter]

@@jas.c.6255 According to Yoko they were planning to get back together again just before John was assassinated. John was planning a trip back to England to get back together with his bandmates and a reunion concert in Central Park in NY was being discussed. The End was a nice way to end an album not a career.

[@jas.c.6255]

The End was the last song recorded collectively by all four members of the band.

[@warrenbailey1473]

Dear Audio Master I remember hearing the Soundcraftsmen PE-2217-R It has 2 Phonostage inputs, it’s a great preamp and the EQ allows for minor adjustments to compensate for the room dimensions. Q. What is is a great substitute or should I hold out ?

[@AudioMasterclass]

I will probably make a video related to this topic at some point in the future. For now, my view is that you can't correct a room problem with EQ, although you might be able to make it less bad.

[@nickm8134]

Sadly, I have have to agree. I just find these releases a bit sad. I grew up with the Beatles too, and the shear raw energy, the constant creative surprises they came up with, and the pure quality of their music was just remarkable. N&T is just a big nothing for me, it is not 'The Beatles' and it neither adds nor takes anything away from my feelings about the band - I still love them! TBH, I think it's disrespectful to John to release his demo like this - a demo is for a specific purpose, to capture, try out and maybe share ideas in a controlled context. That's why it was on low quality cassette tape. No amount of technology, AI, layers of effects, added instruments etc. can turn a crappy low cost microphone/cassette demo into decent quality audio. It might be impressive to pull that much info out of the mush, but it's still crap after all that techno-magic. Partly down to the poor quality of the equipment, the impact of way too much tech processing, but also because it was a quick demo, not a performance. Having said that, from comments here, and on other channels, some people love the song and the video, so I'm cool with that.

[@bieituns]

Such hyperbolic nonsense, theres always one who has to come out and be negative and contrary for attention. The Beatles have made some terrible songs and this is not on that level. Now and then has a beautiful melody and harmony. The words are simple but apt and poinoint given the context that it is their last song and literally shows them now and then. It gave the Beatles and fans a chance to remenis and contemplate how times have changed and the things and people we have lost but be greaful for what we had. Similar to There are places i remember. But ultimately it has been able to do what all the great Beatles songs have done, it has that nostalgic magical element that can bring out deep hidden emotions in your soul and transport you to another place and time. But while having that sad undertone there is also that light hearted playful Lennon tomfoolery in the background giving it that melancholic touch which few songs and artists are able to do. It is a unique piece of art which is appreciated by many music fans who have come out in their droves in tribute to make covers of it from piano to orchestra to guitar and many reaction videos in-between as well. The song will stand the test of time and is a stand alone Beatles track once again pushing the boundaries of technology and what is possible. As innovative as anything in modern day music which is classic Beatles. Once again the Beatles at the forefront leading the way which is the epitome of Beatles music. Its no surprise to me that it has gone to number which says it all. Your opinion will be forgotten tomorrow, now and then is timeless and will be remembered forever as the final song released by the greatest band of all time despite its negative spiteful hater critcs.

[@BruceGrembowski]

The worst song to reach #1 in the singles chart has to be Disco Duck. Hopefully, that was isolated to the U.S. Okay, I just looked it up, and thankfully, it was only #6 in the UK

[@budmcnew7763]

He's definitely in the minority here. Doesn't get it . Poor fella.

[@AudioMasterclass]

This is why it's so fun reading my comments. As of now this video has 74% likes. Not my best percentage but hardly a minority.