By Kerrick Shaw 

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

 Made up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, The Beatles are arguably the most famous and inspirational band to ever exist.  

After forming the band in 1957, McCartney and Lennon played shows around their hometown of Liverpool, working with various bandmates before eventually adding Harrison by the end of that same year. Starting out with names like “The Quarrymen” and “The Silver Beetles,” they were soon picked up by record label Parlaphone.  

After searching for a drummer to best complement their sound, Starr became part of the group in 1962, replacing Pete Best. As a result of numerous appearances on British television and their rise in popularity, the term “Beatlemania” came to fruition.  

Despite their only seven-year run, the Fab Four managed to release 12 studio albums, some popular releases being: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967) and “Abbey Road” (1969). All four contributed their vocals to the songs, each using a variety of instruments while exploring new and unique studio techniques that separated new releases from their previous work. 

 “1962-1966” and “1967-1970,” more often referred to as the red and blue albums respectively, are collections perfectly encapsulating their magic. The red album consists of the poppy, simple, love-filled Beatles music prior to their transition into the ‘60s hippie movement represented with the blue album.  

With a combined total of 54 tracks, they serve as the definitive Beatles collection. Being that they’re filled with the absolute essentials, and that most Beatles songs are fantastic, it’s hard to choose standouts.   

From the red album, a few favorites of mine would be “All My Loving,” “Yesterday,” and “In My Life.”  For the blue, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Across the Universe.”  Both tracklists bring such a uniquely joyful feeling that no other band is capable of, moving me to twist and shout with the music. 

Similar to The Cure’s “Staring at the Sea,” these are the best recommendations for anybody looking to begin their journey down the long and winding road of The Beatles, as well as being perfect for any Beatle-fanatic.