The last album the Beatles released was the messy, joyless Let It Be. But the last album the Beatles recorded was Abbey Road, their most polished and crafted long player. Though the break-up was looming, you’d never know it from the driving funk of “Come Together” or “Something”‘s gentle warmth — much less the majestic harmonies on “Because.” Side two’s famous medley might only be a bunch of bits and scraps stuck together, but it still sounds fantastic — Paul’s surging, melodic bass playing alone would make this album a landmark. A worthy last chapter for the greatest band of all.