The Beatles’ Swan Song Is Finally Released After Four Decades — Thanks To AI

For over four decades, fans of The Beatles have been eagerly awaiting the release of Now And Then—a track known for being the group’s “final song.” And now, the highly-anticipated tune has finally been released, all thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

The score to Now And Then, which was initially written by John Lennon in 1978, was completed last year. This marks the last time a song will be credited to all four members of the band—Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr.

According to the BBC, the melody is described as “fairly similar” to Lennon’s releases from the ‘70s, à la the hit Jealous Guy. The final touches were added by McCartney and Starr last year, while Harrison will feature in the form of rhythm guitar riffs recorded back in 1995.

AI played a pivotal role by aiding the producers in “lifting” Lennon’s voice from the original recording on cassette, which had been muddled with background noises. As McCartney puts it, the crooner’s voice is now “crystal clear” on the release. 

To make the launch an even more special moment, the track will be issued alongside the quartet’s 1962 debut single, Love Me Do. First played on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, the number is now available on streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

[via BBC and CNN, cover image via Michel Bussieres | Dreamstime.com]