Overview
The Beatles don’t have quite the extensive catalog of albums as some of their contemporaries, but they also recorded in the 60s – when there were other headaches to deal with. Some of The Beatles’ most recognizable songs were never actually included on albums. Even if you eliminate the trivial debate of “should a single be considered an album?”, you also have to deal with United Kingdom vs. United State releases. What album do you rank?
Thankfully The Beatles have developed a dedicated fanbase over the years and the consensus came up with “The Beatles Core Catalog”. These albums include the original UK studio albums released from 1963-1970 – with Magical Mystery Tour being part of this collection.
Releases like Hey Jude and Let It Be…Naked are excluded from the rankings, but that doesn’t stop you from giving them a listen and judging for yourself.
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Ranking the Best Beatles Album
Officially, The Beatles released 21 studio albums. Although mash-up albums like Love (2006) and compilations like Past Masters (1988) are excellent listens, we only reference albums in the “core catalog” (13 albums).
| Avg. Score | Album | Todd | Eric | Critics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey Road | ||||
| Magical Mystery Tour | ||||
| Revolver | ||||
| Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band | ||||
| Let It Be | ||||
| Rubber Soul | ||||
| Help! | ||||
| The Beatles (White Album) | ||||
| Yellow Submarine | ||||
| A Hard Day's Night | ||||
| Beatles For Sale | ||||
| Please Please Me | ||||
| With The Beatles |
Eric's Choice
Todd's Choice
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List of Beatles Albums
The Beatles released albums from March 22, 1963 until May 8, 1970. Things get confusing with The Beatles catalog based on different album variations being renamed and repackaged for different regions. Although we would love to go through every iteration, let’s not waste your time and we will simply review and list the 13 studio albums in the core catalog.
Please Please Me (1963)
Released in the United Kingdom on March 22, 1963, this George Martin produced album was our first real look at The Beatles.
Songs like “Love Me Do”, “Please Please Me”, and “I Saw Her Standing There” would helped this record hit the top of the UK charts – staying there for 30-weeks. Of course, this album was bumped by another Beatles album, With the Beatles.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 03/22/1963
- Length: 31:59
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"I Saw Her Standing There"
Eric
"Love Me Do"
Worst Song
Todd
"A Taste of Honey"
Eric
"Boys"
With the Beatles (1963)
With the Beatles is the highly successful sophomore album that helped take The Beatles to the next level. It wasn’t too long before Beatlemania entered the United States with their version of this record Meet the Beatles.
The famous album cover was taken by photographer Robert Freeman, but inspired by photos done by former bandmate Stuart Sutcliffe’s girlfriend.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 11/22/1963
- Length: 33:07
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"All My Loving"
Eric
"Hold Me Tight"
Worst Song
Todd
"Llittle Child"
Eric
"I Wanna Be Your Man"
A Hard Day's Night (1964)
The Beatles are coming off of their very first movie and the world needed a soundtrack. If you had to sum up the group with one sound, it’s likely the opening chord of “A Hard Day’s Night”.
A Hard Day’s Night is often listed as a top all-time rock album. Critic publications like Rolling Stone and ZigZag give this album high praise. It’s also the first Beatles album that consisted of original songs.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 07/10/1964
- Length: 30:10
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"A Hard Day's Night"
Eric
"A Hard Day's Night"
Worst Song
Todd
"When I Get Home"
Eric
"When I Get Home"
Beatles For Sale (1964)
The Beatles were busy in 1964 and released Beatles For Sale just four months after A Hard Day’s Night. The Beatles upbeat sound started to shift as they became more involved with studio tricks and experimentation.
Beatles For Sale was another success for the group. The album was #1 for 11 weeks and in the top 20 for 46 weeks. Although there are covers from Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry, the album introduces us to the original song “Eight Days a Week”.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 12/04/1964
- Length: 33:42
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"No Reply"
Eric
"Eight Days a Week"
Worst Song
Todd
"Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!"
Eric
"Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby"
Help! (1965)
The Beatles were transforming and Help! is an example of their abilities in the studio. Adding new sounds and instrumentation, Help! brings songs like “Yesterday”, “Ticket to Ride”, and “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl” into a new Beatles-era.
Help! is a critic’s favorite, earning perfect scores on AllMusic, The Rolling Stone Album Guide, and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 08/06/1965
- Length: 33:44
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"Yesterday"
Eric
"Ticket to Ride"
Worst Song
Todd
"Tell Me What You See"
Eric
"Dizzy Miss Lizzy"
Rubber Soul (1965)
The Beatles released Rubber Soul in December 1965, their second album with all original material. Undistracted by touring or filming obligations, their focus on recording Rubber Soul helped produce a critically acclaimed album that topped the charts for several weeks.
John Lennon recalled that Rubber Soul was the first album that The Beatles took the lead when it came to recording in the studio – instead of accepting the standard norms of production.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 12/03/1965
- Length: 34:55
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"Norwegian Wood"
Eric
"In My Life"
Worst Song
Todd
"Wait"
Eric
"What Goes On"
Revolver (1966)
Even if The Beatles wanted to tour playing the tracks from Revolver, it was simply not possible. Although evident in Rubber Soul, the experimental sounds in Revolver were next level. “Tomorrow Never Knows”, “Love You To”, and “Eleanor Rigby” are all examples of new sounds mastered by The Beatles.
Revolver was the last album where the track listings were significantly different from the US and UK.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 08/05/1966
- Length: 35:01
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"Taxman"
Eric
"Eleanor Rigby"
Worst Song
Todd
"Love You To"
Eric
"Love You To"
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Viewed by many “the greatest album of all-time”, including Rolling Stone Magazine, The Beatles helped cement their legacy in 1967 with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Regardless of what side you sit on (concept album or not), Sgt. Pepper’s was revolutionary in terms of sound effects and tape manipulation. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “A Day in the Life”, and “Being the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” are all examples of songs that pioneered the way for future artists.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 05/26/1967
- Length: 39:36
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Parlophone
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"A Day in the Life"
Eric
"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
Worst Song
Todd
"Within You Without You"
Eric
"Within You Without You"
Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
Unlike the film, Magical Mystery Tour (the album) was a critical success and featured classics like “Penny Lane”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, and “Hello, Goodbye”.
Magical Mystery Tour was released as an EP in the United Kingdom and LP in the United States. Over time, this album has been added to the core catalog, with the US version being standardized.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 11/27/1967
- Length: 36:35
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Capitol
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"I Am the Walrus"
Eric
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
Worst Song
Todd
"Blue Jay Way"
Eric
"Blue Jay Way"
The Beatles (1968)
If one Beatles album wasn’t enough, here is the famous double album deemed The White Album. Although producer George Martin thought it would have made a better single album, Beatles fans seem to appreciate the songs that might have been left on the cutting-room floor.
19 of the 30 songs were written during the Beatles’ voyage to Rishikesh, India. The album is full of songs of varying genres but still was a critical success. Rolling Stone ranked it #10 out of the top 500 Greatest. Albums of All Time.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 11/22/1968
- Length: 93:33
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Apple
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
Eric
"Happiness is a Warm Gun"
Worst Song
Todd
"Revolution 9"
Eric
"Revolution 9"
Yellow Submarine (1969)
Although this wasn’t the first “soundtrack” The Beatles completed for a film, Yellow Submarine certainly doesn’t feel like the others. The album features several new songs by The Beatles, but also included previous releases like “Yellow Submarine” and “All You Need is Love”.
George Martin provided the score for the movie and these tracks are featured on the album. It’s tough to compare this album side-by-side to other Beatles records.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 01/13/1969
- Length: 39:16
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Apple
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"Yellow Submarine"
Eric
"Yellow Submarine"
Worst Song
Todd
"Only a Northern Song"
Eric
"Only a Northern Song"
Abbey Road (1969)
Although it wasn’t the last published album, it was the final recording of an album by The Beatles. Abbey Road is considered by many the greatest Beatles album – receiving high praise from critics and music publications.
The famous album cover is parodied throughout pop culture – and “clues” only helped the conspiracy theorists continue their search to see if Paul was “dead”.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 09/26/1969
- Length: 47:03
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Apple
- Producer: George Martin
Best Song
Todd
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer"
Eric
"You Never Give Me Your Money"
Worst Song
Todd
"Oh! Darling"
Eric
"Oh! Darling"
Let It Be (1970)
The Beatles were officially broken up at the time Let It Be was released. Documentaries like Get Back give us an inside look into the recording sessions and tension between The Beatles. Many of the tracks included on the final album were abandoned without any promise of being released.
At the time of release, reviews for the album were mixed. Even though, the album continues to rank on All-Time Great lists and still offers exceptional songs like “Get Back” and “The Long and Winding Road”.
Album Score
Album Metadata
- Released: 05/08/1970
- Length: 35:10
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Label: Apple
- Producer: Phil Spector
Best Song
Todd
"Get Back"
Eric
"I've Got a Feeling"
Worst Song
Todd
"Dig It"
Eric
"Dig It"
Other Albums
An iconic band like The Beatles have their fair share of Greatest Hits and compilation albums. Even albums like Let It Be…Naked exist – where the entire album is an alternative mix of the originals. It’s difficult to go wrong with a Beatles compilation, but there are a few that are most owns and must listens.
Past Masters (1988)
How do you fix the “singles” and “region-specific” dilemma? You release a two-disc compilation album with every commercially released song that wasn’t available from the original Beatles catalog. Not quite a Greatest Hits album, but fairly close.
Love (2006)
Created as a soundtrack for The Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show, Love is an official remix of Beatle songs. You can experience variations in The Beatles discography by listening to this 80-minute album.
The Beatles Anthology (1995-1996)
Anthology 1, 2, and 3 take a close look at The Beatles throughout their career – releasing outtakes, alternate versions, and two new songs (based on Lennon demo tapes). It would be difficult to say you are Beatles diehard fan without owning these albums.
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Album Movies & Documentaries
A few of The Beatles’ albums are actually soundtracks for Beatles movies. Although the movies and the albums are perfect stand-alone projects, you can gain some additional appreciation for the albums by watching the films.
Yellow Submarine
If you weren’t familiar with the film and put on Yellow Submarine, you would likely be alarmed and surprised by songs like “Sea of Time” or “March of the Meanies”. These instrumental songs make a lot more sense after watching the movie.
A Hard Day's Night
A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, and Magical Mystery Tour all fit for this situation (movies that were equally soundtrack as films), but A Hard Day’s Night does the best job representing the most realistic version of the band at the time of filming.
Get Back
This Disney+ release does a great job documenting the final Beatles album – Let It Be. Watch The Beatles perform on the rooftop or eavesdrop on John and Paul in the kitchen. This documentary captures The Beatles brilliantly.
Album Concerts & Television Appearances
The Ed Sullivan Show (02/23/64)
Beatlemania started in the United States with this legendary appearance. The Beatles made several stops at The Ed Sullivan Show, but their first appearance was primarily promoting Meet the Beatles! (US equivalent of With the Beatles).
The Beatles at Candlestick Park (08/29/66)
The Beatles had their final paid concert in front of 25,000 fans at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Promoting Yesterday and Today/Revolver, the 1966 US promotional tour would be the groups last.
The Tonight Show (05/14/1968)
A rare early Beatles television interview, John and Paul are guests on The Tonight Show with guest host Joe Garagiola. John and Paul discuss the formation of Apple and how their music has changed from album to album.
Album Podcasts
An artist is lucky if they have a single podcast dedicated to them. The Beatles were so popular and influential that they have entire shows dedicated to their history and discography. There were countless podcasts that cover individual albums, the creation, impact, and reviews.
The Beatles - The White Album
The White Album is certainly an album that deserves a complete review – start to finish. The hosts of The Great Albums podcast bring in guest Mick Chorba to review The Beatles (1968).
107: Sgt. Pepper at 50 - A Conversation
It would be difficult to recommend a Beatles Album Podcast without at least suggesting one that highlights Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Robert and Richard discuss the album – good, bad, or overrated.
Abbey Road
Hosts Dave and Ian go deep into the making of Abbey Road and what would end up being the last time all four members recorded together. If you are interested in the backstory and band drama, this podcast goes deep into the specifics.
Album Books
If you are an iconic band or artist, you might have a biography. When you are The Beatles, you have countless books and writings detailing every moment of your career – including books that cover albums.
The Beatles: Album by Album: The Band and Their Music by Insiders, Experts & Eyewitnesses
A team of experts write about each era of the band’s existence, examining what they were doing for each of their original 12 UK-release albums.
And in the End: The Last Days of The Beatles
It’s hard to imagine at any point the greatest rock band in the world was spiraling downward. In what would be their last year, the “Fab Four” recorded Abbey Road and the rest is history.
Tell Me Why: The Beatles: Album By Album, Song By Song, The Sixties And After
A unique combination of musical analysis and cultural history, Tell Me Why stands alone among Beatles books with its single-minded focus on the most important aspect of the band: its music.
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You Might Also Like these Related Albums
If you like The Beatles and their discography, you more than likely will have some fondness for some of their solo albums. To be honest, many of these songs were written while The Beatles were still a group.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Some feel this is John Lennon’s best solo album, it was his debut release after splitting from the band.
All Things Must Pass
Surprisingly, George released several solo albums prior to All Things Must Pass. George’s first release after the breakup is often considered one of the greatest albums of all-time.
McCartney
Recorded in secrecy, Paul McCartney’s debut was released one month prior to Let It Be. Although criticized for being simple, it was the start of McCartney’s successful run as a solo performer.