The Beatles Unveil Never-Before-Heard Version of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” Ahead of Anthology 4
UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 16: TOP OF THE POPS Photo of BEATLES, L-R. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison - posed, group shot (Photo by Ron Howard/Redferns)
A Fresh Take on a Classic
The Beatles have revealed a never-before-heard version of their 1965 classic “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” offering fans a preview of their upcoming Anthology 4 release. The new take on the Help! track was unveiled ahead of the album’s arrival on November 21, which will be available in multiple formats.
Written by Paul McCartney, “I’ve Just Seen a Face” first appeared on Help! in the U.K., while U.S. audiences heard it on Rubber Soul. The upbeat ode to love at first sight has remained one of the group’s most enduring songs, covered by artists such as Brandi Carlile, The Dillards, George Martin, Holly Cole, and McCartney’s own band Wings. It was also one of the first Beatles songs Wings performed live, featured on their 1976 concert album Wings Over America.
What to Expect from Anthology 4
This unreleased version of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” is just one of the surprises on Anthology 4, curated and remastered by Giles Martin. The project includes 13 previously unheard demos, rare recording sessions spanning 1963 to 1969, and new mixes by producer Jeff Lynne.
Earlier this year, The Beatles released an updated version of “Free As a Bird,” complete with a restored music video. On October 14, Apple Corps Ltd. and Chronicle Books also issued a 25th-anniversary edition of The Beatles Anthology, featuring over 1,300 photos, documents, artwork, and memorabilia from the band’s archives.
The Return of Anthology
Originally released 30 years ago, The Beatles Anthology combined documentary storytelling with three double albums that explored their musical evolution. The landmark series, featuring McCartney, Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, will be reissued on Disney+ as a nine-part event beginning November 26.
The Beatles’ last official release, “Now and Then,” arrived in 2023. Started by John Lennon in 1977 and completed decades later by the surviving members, the song was accompanied by a video directed by Peter Jackson, marking the group’s final musical chapter.
