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Sentimental Karma (early 1970):

The rumors concerning The Beatles break up turn out to be false. After a series of significant rows between John and Paul, they settle their differences when John sends a balloon with the word "yes" to Paul as a house warming gift to commemorate Paul's new country flat. On June 13th, 1970, the same day the "Let It Be" album goes #1 in the UK, The Beatles release a spectacular 14 song album that no one saw coming. Secretly recorded in Los Angeles under the guise of supposed "primal scream" therapy sessions being attended by John and Yoko, it’s the first time The Beatles have recorded primarily away from Abbey Road. Phil Spector produces the record due to George Martin’s preoccupation with the founding of AIR studios. Chart toppers, “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “All Things Must Pass” soar to #1. John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” flirts with the top spot but peaks at #3. Ringo ends the album with the standard “Whispering Grass” which is reminiscent of his album closer “Goodnight” on the “White Album”.

Give Peace A Chance Single (early 1970):

John convinces the band that “Give Peace A Chance” should be a single. It peaks at #2. Paul supplies the b-side composing an instrumental version of the beautiful “junk”.

Plastic Beatles (late 1970):

George’s songwriting prowess is beginning to shine. He takes the top spot on The Beatles new album “Plastic Beatles”, which is released on November 27th, 1970. When The Beatles next single “Isn’t It A Pity”, also written by George, goes to #1 it sparks a month long media debate concerning who is the most prolific writer in The Beatles. In some cases, the debate gets so contentious that violence results, culminating when chairs are thrown during an episode of the “The Dick Cavett Show” featuring Frank Sinatra and Ed Sullivan. The Beatles quiet down the unrest by holding a press conference calling for “world peace”. Side two opener “Mother” makes a little move in charts and peaks at #43. Surprisingly, Paul McCartney’s efforts do not get any chart action, which furthers rumors that the real Paul died several years ago. Paul’s contributions to record are solid, but noticeably slim. Ringo’s contribution to the album is the smart ukulele driven tune called “Bye Bye Blackbird”. This song only adds additional fuel to the “Paul is dead” theory.

Valentine Day Single (January 1971):

Paul stirs controversy within the band when he releases the first “three-sided” record, on January 3rd, 1971 without the three other members’ permission. Paul records the record, in a record time, 33 minutes on December 30th while the three other Beatles are away on holiday and releases it three days later. He later states, “the other members were there in spirit” as justification for the release. Years later John, George and Ringo would all state that they were very hurt that Paul went into the studio by himself to make a Beatle record. They further remarked that, that particular incident may have been the beginning of the end of The Beatles. Worthy of note, the “three-sided” record is the first of its kind, adding another innovative first to The Beatles long legacy of leading the way in the realm of recorded music. Unfortunately, the single fails to chart as fans make a point to demonstrate their disappointment in Paul’s non-inclusive behavior. Also contributing to the problem is the lack of 3-sided record players made available to the public. Magic Alex, who had been appointed the responsibility to invent the player and line up distribution disappears through the psychedelic Apple Studios wall and is never seen again.

Rams In Bangladesh (early 1971):

“Rams In Bangladesh” was released on August 9th, 1971. The title was decided upon as a compromise between Paul and George. Paul wanted to call the album “Ram”, while George insisted titling the album “Concert For Bangladesh” as an ode to his insistence that 20% of the album’s revenue go directly towards helping the people of Bangladesh. Collectively, although a strong record, it is considered by fans to be one of The Beatles least prolific albums. Paul and George were having great difficulty getting along. Things were so difficult that at one point George refused to come into the studio to work on the record. He insisted instead on staying in India to help fight the current atrocities and famine in the area. Fortunately for fans and Bangladesh, as a result of George’s prodding, the band did make it to New York to perform at the actual “Concert for Bangladesh” which raised millions of dollars. The live performance marked the first time the band had played live since the famous “rooftop performance” on January 30th, 1969. The performance would prove to be the group’s last live performance. Further underlying George and Paul’s ongoing fued while recording the album, a live recording of Bob Dylan’s song “If Not For You” captured at the concert, featuring both The Beatles and Bob Dylan, is George’s sole lead vocal performance on the entire record. Amidst all the internal conflict, Ringo’s good natured, optimistic demeanor holds the band together. The added weight of carrying that responsibility is conveyed superbly on his spirited message of resilience, “It Don’t Come Easy”. The song, which was penned by Ringo and Harrison, was the sole #1 single on the record. During The Beatles 10-year run, each band member was turned to at some point along the way and inherently saddled with the responsibility to keep the band together. This was Ringo’s turn and he played the role of mediator splendidly. Ringo’s effort would not go unrewarded, for he provided the bridge which allowed The Beatles to make one final record, and what a spectacular record it would turn out to be. Also worthy of note, Paul returned to the charts with the catchy single “Eat At Home” which peaked at #7.

Imagine (late 1971):

The Beatles swan song (no pun intended) simply titled “Imagine” was released on September 9th, 1971. It is widely regarded by fans and critics alike as the best album ever recorded, supplanting The Beatles very own “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. The album skyrocketed to #1, and it remained there for a record 27 weeks. The album, officially speaking, features a record six #1 songs. Historically speaking it should have been seven, as years later it was revealed that the US Government intervened to prevent John’s “Happy Xmas” from going to #1 in an attempt to curb growing public resentment towards the Vietnam War. The song officially peaked at #3, but there is little doubt that had no intervention taken place the song would have peaked at the top of the charts during the holiday season. Many of John Lennon’s compositions at this time were especially vitriol and politically aimed. He penned “How Do You Sleep” and “Crippled Inside” and then dedicated them both to sitting US President Richard Nixon in the liner notes. This coming immediately after his direct reference to Nixon in the song “Gimmie Some Truth” released earlier that year. Despite Lennon’s hard edge, he dually maintained his ability to compassionately touch the hearts of his fellow men, and perhaps this talent was never more sharp, as evidenced by the album’s title track. Imagine’s six #1’s feature each of the four Beatles on lead vocals at least once and dually all four Beatles are at least partially credited with writing one of the six #1’s. Even more remarkable is the additional side note concerning the song “Got My Mind Set On You”. Throughout The Beatles 10-year career Harrison had long campaigned heavily for the band to cover the 1960s tune penned by Rudy Clark. During the “Imagine” sessions Harrison actually convinced the band to cut the record. History has shown that the song was recorded superbly, but at the time the track became a point of contention between George and Paul. George was convinced the record was a number one single, however Paul, who was enjoying a mini-renaissance creatively, insisted that the album feature exclusively songs written by The Beatles. Paul eventually won out, but historians have earmarked the decision to leave the song off the album as the final straw for Harrison as he would soon quit the band. Incidentally, the recording of “Got My Mind Set On You” would lie lost within the walls of Abbey Road for 16 years until it was accidentally found by George Martin’s son, Giles. George Harrison was promptly contacted and he incorporated the song into his 1987 “Cloud Nine” album. In a “water under the bridge” gesture, Paul insisted that the song be included on the 1996 re-release of The Beatles “Imagine” which commemorated the album’s 25th anniversary. Fans and critics indulge in the fantasy that had things been slightly different, The Beatles “Imagine” album would have, and perhaps should have, featured an astronomical eight #1 singles. Nonetheless, Imagine’s six #1’s campaigned for immortality, when they gobbled up the top 6 spots in the charts on February 9th, 1972, on the heels of the announcement by The Beatles that they were breaking up. The display was another record shattering feat, topping The Beatles very own 1964 accomplishment when they held down the top 5 spots in the charts. Here’s how the charts looked on their respective dates:

Billboard Charts - February 9th, 1972
#1 - Imagine
#2 - Photograph
#3 - Another Day
#4 - Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
#5 - Too Many People
#6 - Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey

Billboard Charts - April 4th, 1964
#1 - Can’t Buy Me Love
#2 - Twist And Shout
#3 - She Loves You
#4 - I Want To Hold Your Hand
#5 - Please, Please Me

Unofficially, the “Imagine” album has sold an estimated 171 million copies to date.