The release of “Now and Then” by The Beatles has reignited the fervor of Beatlemania, with fans worldwide celebrating the arrival of what is expected to be the band’s final song. The track, which features the late John Lennon’s voice from an old cassette demo, has been brought to life through the use of sophisticated AI technology. The surviving members of the band have contributed to the song, creating a seamless blend that honors their former bandmate.
Critics have offered mixed reviews. Oasis’s Liam Gallagher praised the song as “biblical,” while Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone described it as a fitting final masterpiece. Mark Beaumont of The Independent lauded it as a poignant epilogue for the greatest band of all time. Alexis Petridis of The Guardian appreciated the song more than the band’s previous reunion singles, noting its emotional impact.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Geoff Edgers of The Washington Post found the song to be just okay, lacking the magic of The Beatles’ earlier hits. Neil McCormick of The Telegraph questioned whether “Now and Then” truly qualifies as a Beatles song, given its posthumous production.
The song has also received lukewarm reactions. Craig Jenkins of Vulture and Mark Richardson of Pitchfork acknowledged the song’s beauty but questioned its authenticity as a Beatles track. Jem Aswad of Variety suggested that while the song doesn’t measure up to The Beatles’ legacy, it remains an unexpected pleasure.
The release of “Now and Then” has undoubtedly stirred emotions and sparked debate, serving as a testament to The Beatles’ enduring impact on music and culture.