Album Review 2: The Beatles – ‘Love’

By Patrick Luce Dec 3, 2006, 15:43 GMT

From the label: Love is a fascinating reworking of numerous classic Beatles recordings by the band\'s original producer, Sir George Martin, and his son Giles. Love is also the title of the highly successful Cirque du Soleil show, a co-production with Apple Corps featuring the music of the Beatles, currently wowing audiences in Las Vegas. In creating the music for the show and for the album, George and Giles ...more

The “new” Beatles’ album ‘Love’ provides a good soundtrack for the Cirque du Soleil`s show that is inspired by the Fab Four’s music, but it may also leave some Beatles fans a little disappointed.

After being asked by the remaining Beatles, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, producer Sir George Martin (who helped shape the Beatles music) and his son Giles Martin crafted the album. Using the master tapes at Abbey Road Studios, Sir George and Giles created a unique sound that does manage to capture the essences of the Cirque du Soleil flavor.

While this new sound may please fans of the show, die hard Beatles fans may be left scratching their heads and wondering what happened to the music they loved. ‘Love’ isn’t bad, but it might not be what some fans are expecting. I was a little disappointed in the overall album. Out of the 26 tracks, I really only enjoyed seven of the songs.

The album kicks off with “Because” and follows it up with the rocking “Get Back.” Unlike a full album or even a “greatest hits” collection, ‘Love’ mostly features a blending of Beatles tunes - such as the “Blackbird/Yesterday” mix which features McCartney’s guitar on “Blackbird” before drifting into “Yesterday.” This works on some songs, but leaves you feeling a little ripped-off on other tracks.

Like most Beatles’ fans, I was anxiously awaiting this release after I heard about the album. However, it failed to really grab my attention on the first listen, and I quickly dismissed it by the second. Beatles fans will want to pick up ‘Love’ just to add it to their collection. I would recommend other listeners stick to the “greatest hits” releases or the original albums from the band.

‘Love’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and for a complete track listing.