Some records don’t really need a proper introduction. They come at exactly the right moment, capture something special and continue finding new listeners decades after their release. Even 57 years later, a great album can still sound fresh, ambitious and every bit as important as it did when it first landed.
It’s been 66 years since four young musicians from Liverpool formed a band that would change popular music forever. Now, one of their most celebrated records is getting another moment in the spotlight, thanks to Apple Music’s current 100 Best Albums list.
The Beatles’ Abbey Road Still Sounds Like a Classic
The Beatles released their debut album, Please Please Me, on March 22, 1963, which was 63 years ago. Their influence is still all over the place, from rock and pop to the way artists approach songwriting and recording.
Now, one of their most iconic albums, Abbey Road, the legendary 1969 release from The Beatles, is inside Apple Music’s current 100 Best Albums list. It’s the group’s 11th studio album and one of the most recognizable records in rock history, featuring songs that have become part of the musical landscape.
From “Come Together” and “Something” to “Here Comes the Sun” and the famous closing medley, Abbey Road gave listeners plenty to revisit. It also marked the final album The Beatles recorded together, adding another layer of history to an already remarkable release.
The original album was a major achievement, both musically and in the studio. Its production, arrangements and seamless movement between songs helped make it a record that still rewards a full listen rather than a quick trip to the familiar singles. That legacy is part of what makes the album’s continued recognition so strong. The Beatles may have formed more than six decades ago, but their music hasn’t been sitting around collecting dust.
The 2019 Mix Brought New Life to the Classic Album
In 2019, Abbey Road received a special 50th-anniversary edition featuring a new stereo and surround-sound mix overseen by Giles Martin, son of the band’s original producer, George Martin, according to the band. Mix engineer Sam Okell also worked on the project.
The pair went back to the original 8-track session tapes, using George Martin’s original stereo mix as their guide. Rather than simply polishing up the existing recordings, Giles Martin rebuilt the album piece by piece, bringing additional clarity and dynamic range to the music.
The 2019 release was available in several formats, including standard and high-resolution stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. Expanded editions also included 23 additional tracks, featuring studio outtakes, demos, instrumentals and previously unreleased recordings.
For longtime fans, the bonus material offered another reason to revisit a familiar favorite. For newer listeners, it provided an opportunity to hear one of rock’s most important albums with fresh ears.
A record doesn’t remain relevant for 57 years by accident. Abbey Road has earned its place in music history, and its appearance on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list is another reminder that some records never really leave the moment.
