‘Let It Be’: Femi Kuti picks his favourite song by The Beatles
Pop music and its intertwining with pop culture truly blossomed throughout the 1960s. At the epicentre of this rapidly evolving and tumultuous medium were The Beatles, poised atop the burgeoning wave during transformative times. Several decades later, their enduring influence continues to shape emerging artists, capturing the hearts of successive generations while their songs retain the ability to defy the constraints of time and familiarity.
Originating from the sensational mop-topped appearance, The Beatles did well to evolve from a chart-topping, frenzy-inciting boy band into one of the most innovative and daring pop collectives in global history. Their image, message, and enduring influence continue to be cherished today, but beneath the iconic facade lies the essence that truly matters: the music.
In truth, the band crafted so many iconic and catchy chart-toppers that most of their fans find it difficult to pick their favourites. However, for musician Femi Kuti, the answer is clear. His favourite song, and coincidentally also the first song by the Fab Four that he ever knew, is their esteemed hit ‘Let It Be’.
“In those days we had a record player,” Kuti recalls. “The Beatles were my mother’s favourite band and she always played this particular record nonstop.“
“Every time I listen to this song by myself or hear it somewhere by chance it reminds me of the events that had taken place during the period this song/album was released,” he continues. “The civil war in Nigeria had ended, Fela had just returned from his American tour, and a lot of other things — but this is why it is my favourite song by the Beatles.“
While the song may be one of the band’s most well-known and beloved songs, it wasn’t exactly the most popular with The Beatles themselves. In fact, John Lennon, in particular, loathed the track. The reasons are manifold, but the most evident can be traced back to the infamously strained recording sessions for The Beatles’ final album, Let It Be.
As they embarked on the album in 1968, it became evident that the group faced internal discord. This iconic album signalled the onset of the group’s dissolution, coinciding with a period marked by creative conflicts, business disputes, and frequent departures, a turbulent atmosphere that persisted well into the Let It Be recording sessions.
In some respects, it’s intriguing that Lennon had such a strong objection to Paul McCartney’s song concept. After all, ‘Let It Be’, much like many of Lennon’s own masterpieces, had its origins in a dream. However, Lennon’s primary issue with ‘Let It Be’ was that it seemed more like a song that McCartney had initially penned for one of his solo ventures and later decided to offer to The Beatles.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Beatles Newsletter
All the latest stories about The Beatles from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.