At just under 32 minutes long, “Let It Be” – The Beatles’ twelfth and final studio album – is considered by many to be the peak of their career as a group. With three songs reaching the top spot on American Charts and the complete album spending 17 weeks on the Billboard’s Top 100, “Let it Be” cemented itself as another smash hit and The Beatles’ conclusion to over ten years of incredible and legendary collaboration.

I recall from a very young age sitting on the living room carpet with my dad and watching him put the record on – I must have been six or seven at the time. I remember watching the “Apple Corps” center label apple spin around and around while listening to George Harrison’s finely tuned guitar and Paul McCartney’s crisp vocals. This duo left an impact on me that stands firm today.

“Let it Be”

The album’s namesake and sixth track is most famously known for Paul McCartney’s piano riff and glistening lyrics. After the third verse, Harrison’s guitar solo provides an emotional release for listeners that many songwriters today aspire to create. This is one of my favorite songs of all time.

“I’ve Got a Feeling”

It’s hard to listen to this song and disregard Harrison’s beautifully intricate but aurally basic intro riff. John Lennon’s vocals gently come in, and the song warms up to its full speed and volume. The tempo stays constant, but feels fast at times because of Harrison’s post-verse slide-riff.

“I Me Mine”

“I Me Mine” is considered by many to be the red-headed stepchild of the album. The slow, bluesy vocals courtesy of Harrison just barely follow the similar tense attitude taken by the rest of the songs. Because of this, the incredible vocals and guitar playing by Harrison are disregarded. Composed by Harrison as well, this ranks as one of his best songs produced by The Beatles. The downtrodden mood of the song fits well with the sullen attitude felt throughout the whole album.

“One After 909”

Written in a mid-50s blues style, “One After 909” is a great breakup of the typical ballads featured on “Let it Be.” The sped up tempo of the song combined with Lennon’s slightly overdriven vocals and Harrison’s fantastic rhythm makes a song that anyone can tap their foot to.

James Keller is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.