The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’ review – last ever single is a song that sounds like it has always existed

Newly released track features a pure John Lennon vocal performance with an evocative string accompaniment

Paul McCartney and John Lennon hold their guitars while on the set of The Ed Sullivan Show at the CBS television studios in Manhattan, where the Fab Four are performing their nationwide television debut, February 1964. Photo: Getty

John Meagher

Debate may rage about whether or not Now and Then is a true Beatles single, but the four-minute track – which was released worldwide at 2pm today – is unmistakably that of the most celebrated band there has ever been.

A wistful, poignant and simple number that is being billed as the last ever Beatles single, it features many of the group’s hallmarks, including a pure John Lennon vocal performance and evocative strings.