What was the Beatles' best album, and why?

[harmonicon]

47. He was brought into it later.

John insisted that Phil Spector "produce" what had already been recorded, adding string arrangements, etc. and wouldn't let a version of the album be released if that wasn't done. So, Spector didn't actually delay things himself, but got saddled with a big job finishing the record. About ten years ago they did release a version of called something like "Let it Be: Naked" of original studio recordings from the sessions, with Spector's manipulations. It's interesting. Some songs are better for, others are worse. It also came with a second CD (I assume of this crap is on youtube or something now) of outtakes from the sessions, and it's really interesting to hear them rehearsing some things that would be on later albums - I remember a few things from the first George Harrison album, and maybe some McCartney stuff.