Let It Be... Naked
by The Beatles
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2003
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Mojo
    100
    The cleaning up, editing and resequencing has brought out a warmth and depth of colour we've not heard before and allows the album to stand up to scrutiny next to modern records that aim for this kind of down-homeness and simplicity. [Dec 2003, p.134]
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  2. E! Online
    91
    Hearing the bare-bones "Across the Universe" or a de-orchestrated "The Long and Winding Road" is revelatory.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Both eye-opening and questionable. [21 Nov 2003, p.81]
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  5. Uncut
    80
    It's not exactly transformed into a classic... but the new Let It Be is punchy, full of presence and powerfully involving. [Dec 2003, p.136]
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  6. Blender
    80
    Let It Be... Naked offers an experience its predecessor never could. [Dec 2003, p.154]
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  7. The A.V. Club
    70
    Let It Be includes some of The Beatles' best songs, but in any form, it will never sound like the band's best album.
  8. Pitchfork
    70
    Ultimately, Naked is not essential. Unlike scattered moments in the Anthology series, this music (though immaculately presented) doesn't really expand on either the music of Let It Be, or The Beatles' legacy.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    70
    Fanfare aside, even though the naked version is an improvement, Let It Be remains the Beatles’ worst album.
  10. ShakingThrough.net
    70
    The casual fan could do just as well building his own sequence from the 1970 original, Naked and the third Anthology disc.
  11. AllMusic
    60
    Though it is still faithful to much of the feel of Let It Be, the presentation of Naked, including the slight bits of modern-day editing, reveals that it is revisionist history, not the final word. Which doesn't hurt it as a record -- these are great songs, after all -- but it is a bit disappointing that this long-awaited project wasn't executed with a little more care and respect for the historical record.
  12. Rolling Stone
    60
    Casual fans, however, will wonder what all the fuss was about; novices should still get the original.
  13. The Guardian
    60
    Technically, they've done a fine job, though there's no overcoming the fact that the material falls far short of the group's best.
  14. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    60
    Putting Naked together was likely satisfying for McCartney, but like a lot of inherently selfish artistic endeavors, it’s somewhat less rewarding for everyone else.
  15. Flak Magazine
    60
    The problem, however, is that the new album is too clean. It lacks the mess of the original, and the mess is honest.
  16. Dot Music
    50
    In a nutshell this is The Beatles most average album with some of the fluff removed.
  17. Austin Chronicle
    40
    The end result isn't revolutionary enough to warrant a repurchase, and only the biggest Beatlemaniac will notice much difference.
  18. Q Magazine
    40
    Mercifully, the original Let It Be remains on sale. [Dec 2003, p.146]
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2003
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 90 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 90
  3. Negative: 8 out of 90
  1. Ricko
    Jul 8, 2017
    9
    The last album released by the Fab Four get revisited here by McCartney and stripped of Phil Spector's wall of sound. I think the results areThe last album released by the Fab Four get revisited here by McCartney and stripped of Phil Spector's wall of sound. I think the results are fantastic and this projects shows that these songs really didn't need to be smothered by production. Stripped of the syrup, with alternative sequencing and the inclusion of the ridiculously good "Don't Let Me Down", "Let It Be" is finally elevated to be on par with the rest of the bands work.… Full Review »
  2. Mjeffbr
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Vocals are clearer, Harrison's guitars included, drums sound amazing. The whole thing feels warm and real. I have always felt that Spector'sVocals are clearer, Harrison's guitars included, drums sound amazing. The whole thing feels warm and real. I have always felt that Spector's take sounded like a bootleg on steroids. Now I can actually hear the Beatles. Paul was right from the beginning.… Full Review »
  3. imthenoob
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    The album as a whole sounds far better without all the post-production vocal crap added on the original album. The stripped down, bare vocalsThe album as a whole sounds far better without all the post-production vocal crap added on the original album. The stripped down, bare vocals sound far better and so does the music. Would definitely recommend buying it.… Full Review »
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