The Unexpected Biggest Selling Album Of The Beatles

What more can be said about The Beatles’ 1 that hasn’t already been celebrated? With 27 chart-topping tracks, this compilation is a monumental chapter in music history. Songs like “I Feel Fine,” “Paperback Writer,” and “Something” may not be the first to come to mind when thinking of their number-one hits, but they are absolute gems. Originally released 15 years ago and selling over 30 million copies, this album has become an essential piece of the band’s legacy.

But 1 isn’t just about reliving the music. It’s also about experiencing The Beatles’ groundbreaking work in a whole new way.

A Visual and Audio Upgrade

When 1 was remastered and re-released in 2015, it was accompanied by a game-changing addition: official music videos. Remarkably, until this release, there hadn’t been a comprehensive collection of The Beatles’ videos or images in such high quality. Thanks to Sam Okell and Giles Martin (son of George Martin, The Beatles’ legendary producer), the remixes brought immaculate sound quality and clarity to both the music and visuals.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Giles Martin shared the challenge of modernizing the tracks for today’s stereos. “The original Beatles mixes were designed for mono playback,” he explained. “The stereos we all know and love were done very, very quickly. The band was never present when the stereos were made.” Martin approached the project with respect, flipping between remastered stereos, original mono versions, and new remixes to ensure the best result.

Introducing 1+: Even More to Love

In addition to 1, another version called 1+ was released, featuring 23 alternative videos, rare footage, and a detailed 120-page booklet. Commentaries by journalist Mark Ellen and annotations by historian Richard Havers added even more depth to the collection.

Martin emphasized his meticulous process. He said:

“We’re creating our own mixes, not just remastering.
“It’s vastly different. You want to make sure you do the best job you can because these songs mean so much to people.”

With its stunning visuals, pristine sound, and timeless music, 1 is indeed a celebration of The Beatles’ genius, reimagined for generations to come.