After curating one of the most impressive discographies in music history, The Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr extended it by just over four minutes with the Nov. 2 release of “Now And Then.”

Originally written by the late John Lennon in the 1970s and previously recorded as a demo in the ‘90s, “Now and Then” was released with the help of artificial intelligence. This short revival is confirmed to be The Beatles’ last project, ever.

This new addition is one of many songs written by The Beatles that have changed the trajectory of music and culture.The Beatles have been considered one of the most influential bands to have ever existed. 

To commemorate the very end of The Beatles’ legacy, the following playlist displays the best of their impact on culture through music. 

“Strawberry Fields Forever” (1967)

The incredulous wave of the psychedelic movement in ‘60s America was brought on by the psychedelic rock genre that was sweeping the world. This song was a main instigator.

The culture, built around the wave of mind-altering drug use, was fueled by the music made to accompany the activity, creating more art surrounding the experience. This song was a co-conspirator of the renaissance of American drug culture in the late ‘60s that bled well into the ‘70s. 

“Please Please Me” (1963)

The Beatles’ first #1 single inherently paved way to bring more impure topics to the stage musically, for both the artists of the ‘60s and generations onward. Simply stated, this song, among others released around the same time, inherently promoted the changing ideologies surrounding sex. 

This track indulges the “summer love” trope that spread like a wildfire through the ‘60s. Culturally, this song and many like it from The Beatles changed perceptions around physical attraction and relationships for many young listeners. 

“Helter Skelter” (1968)

What is widely considered to be The Beatles’ most brutal song has been cited to have been the first metal song recorded. This song alone inspired an entire genre, subculture and style and changed societal and musical culture forever. 

Resistance to injustice, individuality and self expression were all solidified and normalized by metal, punk and alternative subcultures, sometimes leading social mobilization. The Beatles can be considered indirectly responsible for this with the release of “Helter Skelter.” 

“Eleanor Rigby” (1966)

This track shows The Beatles at their very best by breaking the confinement of fixed genres. It was one of their first to have complex sounds with a nontraditional feel to it. It is considered to be the first “studio” song. 

Without this groundbreaking style being solidified by The Beatles, music today would be very different. Songs like this, which were just being pioneered at the time, made way for genres like modern pop and EDM, which is made largely without the goal of having a huge live production. 

“Yesterday” (1965)

“Yesterday,” which is undoubtedly one of the most famous of The Beatles’ works, doubles as the most covered song in history, ensuring The Beatles’ lasting legacy and timeless relevancy. 

The melody and overall tone, which came to Paul McCartney in a dream, has made this song transcend into a different level of fame. It was the first of their songs to gain an adult audience. 

It is one of the highest grossing songs in existence and is largely considered to be one of the best songs ever recorded. Without this track, the music industry could look completely different as its influence was and is that powerful.

“Now and Then” (2023)

Last, but certainly not least, is The Beatles’ last work created after the ‘60s. This single may seem like a simple melancholy remembrance of John Lennon and George Harrison, but is expected to help The Beatles yet again shift culture.

This song was created by remastering backing vocals and instrumentals that were recorded originally before Lennon’s death in 1980. AI played a very crucial role in the creative process of this song, further solidifying McCartney’s previously spoken endorsement of evolving technology  use in music.

Thanks to this song, we will see bands from past to present relevance start to implement the use of AI, first gradually, then all-engulfing.