And In The End... It's Abbey Road at its Finest

 Artist: The Beatles

Album: Abbey Road

Genre: Rock, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Hard rock, Progressive rock, Blues rock, Art rock

Release Date: September 26, 1969

Description: Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, this album has all the classic makings of the Beatles. With a fantastically intricate drum beat to start off this album, Abbey Road is a classic for any generation. With a total of 16 tracks (plus one hidden track) there is plenty to enjoy on this. Nobody ever thought that this would be the last recording for the group. Having many conflicts between the band members with the recording, including disdain for one of it's many classic tracks, "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." This would mark an end of an era, with John leaving the group and Paul not long after. 

Favorite Track: Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Reason: This track has all the unique characteristics of a great song. Although this song had such dislike from members of the band, it was a necessary piece to make this album more popular amongst a wide variety of listeners. This song has a unique use of the MOOG synth and wonderfully fun and pop-like melody. The song is of course filled with the metallic clank of the hammer on the anvil (played by long time roadie, Mal Evans). As said by other members of the band, they considered it to be "granny music," however Starr and McCartney agreed its presence was much needed. Overall, this fun little jaunty tune brings a bright sound to the album with many fun vocal harmonies and instrumentals that make this a classic hit for the ages. 

Album Rating: 9.5/10

I grew up on this album and have the most fond memories of my mother playing it for me over and over growing up. We always used to recant Maxwell's Silver Hammer over and over. I also remember a great memory of going to The House On The Rock in Spring Green, WI and seeing the attraction featuring Octopus's Garden and going, "this is why their music is so amazing, because it can inspire so much creativity.