The Beatles – Anthology 4
The Beatles – Anthology 4: The Final Chapter
The release of The Beatles’ Anthology 4 in late 2025 marks a monumental and somewhat unexpected conclusion to the archival project begun three decades ago. Where the first three volumes spanned the band’s entire career, this final double-CD (or expanded box set) is sharply focused on the quartet’s fractured final chapter: the tumultuous 1969 Get Back/Let It Be sessions and the swansong brilliance of Abbey Road. More than just a collection of outtakes, Anthology 4 acts as a necessary, high-definition autopsy of a band simultaneously dissolving and reaching a new peak of artistry.
Curation and Sonic Clarity
Curated by Giles Martin, this volume benefits immensely from the recent advancements in audio technology, particularly the use of machine learning to «de-mix» tracks. The result is a stunning level of clarity previously unheard on material from the chaotic Let It Be sessions. The unadorned rehearsal takes and studio chatter are vivid and immediate, pulling the listener directly into Twickenham and Apple Studios.
Perhaps the most significant sonic improvement comes in the form of updated mixes of the 1990s tracks, “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.” Alongside the 2023 release, “Now and Then,” these tracks are presented with newly enhanced fidelity, cementing their position as the true final recordings of the band. The technological uplift is not just academic; it gives these tracks the polish and presence they deserve within the broader catalogue.
The Heart of the Matter: 1969–1970
The core of Anthology 4 lies in the unreleased session material. Highlights are numerous, demonstrating the extraordinary musical depth present even in the band’s darkest days. The alternate takes of Abbey Road masterpieces are particularly revelatory. We hear a rougher, more elemental version of “Come Together,” and early iterations of “Something,” where George Harrison is still developing his final, iconic guitar solo.
Crucially, the album features a fully remastered and expanded mix of the legendary Rooftop Concert, restoring lost dialogue and musical passages, providing the definitive account of that final live performance. These tracks capture the raw, thrilling, and ultimately hopeful energy of four friends playing together for the last time.
The inclusion of several complete, acoustic versions of songs like “The Long and Winding Road,” stripped of Phil Spector’s controversial orchestration, offers a beautiful, intimate glimpse into Paul McCartney’s original intent, serving as a powerful moment of retrospective correction.
A Definitive Ending
While the previous Anthology volumes celebrated evolution, this one deals in finality. It successfully integrates the late-career oddities and the last collaborative studio moments, turning what was often viewed as a messy breakup into a comprehensive historical document. Anthology 4 is a priceless treasure for any dedicated fan, not only for the new musical gems but for the way it uses cutting-edge sound restoration to provide a clean, clear view of The Beatles’ final bow. It proves that even in their closing moments, they were generating music that remains essential.
