The Beatles 1 Best Review
In theory, '1' is a great idea; collect all the Number 1 singles from one of the greatest bands in pop history on one disc. Not only would such an album be an exceptional collection of music, it would also be very useful for fans, given the haphazard nature of some of The Beatles' compilations, and the fact that many of their singles never appeared on studio albums. And that's exactly what '1' delivers, all 27 (!) of the Fab Four's singles that reached #1 in either the UK or the US (or, often, both).
From an artistic viewpoint, there is certainly no arguing with the music here. This is simply some of the greatest music not just of its time but ALL time. From catchy pop songs, to folk-influenced minor chords and introspection, to ambitious psychedelic epics, The Beatles redefined the idea of what a rock band could do. Every song here is a classic, from the simple 'Love Me Do' to the sweeping orchestration of 'Penny Lane'. The songs are presented in chronological order, allowing us to follow their increasing ambition and complexity, and the packaging is generous, with a collection of photos from every era and a short essay by George Martin.
But as a collection, '1' falls just short of being the definitive collection it wants to be. I know it sounds very churlish to claim that an album containing 27 outstanding songs is lacking something, but it must be noted that some very important tracks are missing. Collecting only those singles that made #1 means the album leaves off songs that fell just short of #1 ('Please Please Me', 'Strawberry Fields Forever') or that formed the B-sides ('I Am The Walrus, 'Revolution'). There is no question that these four songs are an essential part of The Beatles' legacy, and their absence is noticeable as the album plays. For this reason, I would still recommend the 'Red' and 'Blue' collections ahead of this one, plus of course the original studio albums.
So I've got mixed feelings about '1'. Everything that's here deserves to be, and having so many important singles on a single CD is handy. But by definition the album is not quite as strong and comprehensive as it could be, and I can't recommend it ahead of 'Red' and 'Blue'.
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The Beatles 1 Overview
Japanese exclusive reissue of 2000 compilation. This Toshiba/EMI pressing features an OBI strip (different from the last Japanese pressings issued in 1990) & an insert with Japanese text & lyrics in Japanese & English. Manufactured & pressed in Japan. Gatefold sleeve. 2003.
The Beatles 1 Specifications
Proving yet again their willingness to dice 'n' slice their burgeoning legacy into new--if not exactly fresh--product, the Fab Four Minus One have released this single-disc compendium of their No. 1 hits. Though obviously superfluous to the faithful (who may also find themselves quibbling over the precise definition of "No. 1 hit" and the exclusion of seeming contenders like "Please Please Me" and "Strawberry Fields"), newly arrived visitors from the Pleiades star cluster and other neophytes will find it a concise and generous (nearly 80 minutes) single-disc introduction to the band's career-spanning, unparalleled dominance of pop music in the 1960s. But beyond being a mere trophy case of commercial success (and it won't be hard to find critics who'll argue that these singles aren't even the band's best work), it's also a Cliff's Notes take on a remarkable seven-year run of musical evolution, one that stretches from the neo-skiffle of "Love Me Do" through a remarkable synthesis of R&B, rockabilly, Tin Pan Alley, gospel, country, and classical that still defies efforts to effectively deconstruct it. This is the pop monument equivalent of the '27 Yankees and '90s Bulls; it's every bit as obvious and dominating--and just as essential. --Jerry McCulley
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Customer Reviews
The Disadvantage of Chronology - W. David English - Somerville, Massachusetts
No one could dispute that this CD contains some of the most wonderful pop music ever recorded. My only reservation is that the chronological progression, however valuable as document, does not present some of these songs that well. Because "Love Me, Do" was their weakest song (I am certainly glad they recorded it---it put them on the map), this CD has a weak opening. "From Me To You" is not all that good, either, compared with other songs they did at the time. And "The Long and Winding Road", with the dread Phil Spector overdubs, sounds so little like the Beatles. So this CD both opens and ends weakly. And where is "Please Please Me", not only a wonderful song, but their first number one?
I guess it could been regarded as a musical trajectory---the artistic rise and fall of the Beatles. But it's a good CD to play on shuffle.
Think of how strongly "Pepper" and "Abbey Road" both begin and end. The Beatles 1 does not have this quality. But do not misunderstand, it is essential anyway.
Number 1 - B -
Ok this misses out some of the good No2's and lower Poisitioned songs, Sgt Pepper, Lucy in the sky with diamonds and I'am the Walrus for example. But you can't complain because all these songs are brilliant and thats all I need to say because I leave this album, to go by the bands reputation
Beatles Stil Rock - Treefox -
This CD is a good collection of Beatles songs. Every song is something I remember and liked! I would recommend this CD.
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