Celine cries over Abbey Road

Abbey Road by The Beatles (1969)

It's difficult for me to choose a favourite Beatles album, but when pressed (not that that happens very often), I usually say Abbey Road. Confusingly, while it was the last album they recorded together, it was released before Let It Be. I don't have anything interesting to add to the volumes that have been written about the Beatles or this album, but I'd just like to share some thoughts on why this is generally my go-to favourite Beatles album:

- They were all clearly at the top of their game (although, let's be honest, when were they ever not the best in the biz?). Side one plays like a typical album with distinct songs, while side two ends with a medley of awesomeness.

- Everyone's distinct style and personality comes through - not only on the various tracks (with each member contributing at least one song), but especially on "The End" with Ringo's drum solo and George, Paul, and John taking turns with the guitar solos.

- The three-part (triple-tracked to sound like 9 voices) harmonies on "Because."

- I don't think I've ever listened to "Golden Slumbers" without crying...

I could really go on and on, but in order to maintain some semblance of sanity, I'll leave it at that. Basically it blows my mind how these four guys were able to crank out awesomeness time and time again. And anyone who disagrees that the Beatles were the greatest band that ever existed is just plain wrong. (I feel I should add a disclaimer here: I'm not saying everyone has to love the Beatles or that all of their songs were pure gold, but just considering their influence and the cultural impact they had (especially in light of the short time they were actually producing records), there's no other band that can touch them.)