If you’re looking for a shockingly different sound or an amazing rebirth of classic Beatles tunes, Let It Be… Naked is not the album for you.
With the exception of just a few, the songs on Naked are strikingly similar to Phil Spector’s original production of the album. In fact, most of them are so nearly identical that the average, untrained ear-that is, the ear of anyone who hasn’t spent hours listening to the original-would likely have a difficult time hearing the difference.
There are differences, though, especially in the clarity of the vocals. And, some tracks, such as “The Long and Winding Road,” have been significantly trimmed down. Even though the somewhat muffled voices of the original album added to the feeling of a live studio experience, they seemed almost buried in the overly dramatic background noise added by Spector. On Naked, those same voices are brought forward, giving them a crisper, clearer sound and allowing the simplicity of the melodies to shine.
The straightforwardness of Lennon’s “Across the Universe” is comforting. The dreamy reverb has been stripped from John’s vocals, and the absence of excessive orchestration leaves nothing but an easy rhythm and a smooth voice, which were all the song ever really needed to begin with.
Perhaps the most shocking, must-hear track on Naked is the bare bones version of “The Long and Winding Road.” McCartney’s voice is incredibly clear-almost haunting-and the sounds from the piano pull you in, making you feel as if you’re sitting there as it all unfolds. The melody stands alone-as it should-instead of being overshadowed by terribly overdone theatrical orchestration. “The Long and Winding Road” becomes a completely new song. If you listen, you can probably hear Beatles fans around the world crying as this beautifully simplified track comes through their speakers for the first time.
The fun and lighthearted original tracks “Dig It” and “Maggie Mae” didn’t make the cut, but the addition of a bonus track, “Don’t Let Me Down,” more than makes up for their absence.
“Don’t Let Me Down” is the freshest track on the album, not because it’s new to the Let It Be tradition, but because listening to it means falling in love with The Beatles’ magic all over again. The song feels like a casual jam session. John’s voice is playful as he croons the simple verses, yet sounds almost painful during the repetitive, begging line of the chorus. The way the song takes the experience of being in love for the first time and juxtaposes it with a plea to not be let down reminds us yet again of the creative genius of the group. And only The Beatles could sing “ooh she dug me, she dug me good” with authority.
The additional disk, Fly on the Wall, is a 22-minute montage of Beatles banter and impromptu musical numbers, including portions of a song with a strange country feel and a poignant statement from George about why recording without overdubs is better. Wonder if he ever told that to Spector.
Let It Be… Naked is certainly an essential addition to any Beatles collection. Whether you’re a first generation fan or a newly-christened follower, this album, in all its de-Spectorized glory, conveys the true spirit of Beatles music.