A SPLENDID TIME IS GUARANTEED: Beatles Albums Discography

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A SPLENDID TIME IS GUARANTEED: Beatles Albums Discography

This discography lists US and UK regular-issue Beatles albums (LPs/records/CDs) as well as releases outside of the UK and US (many of which had little or no input from the Beatles, as was even the case with many of the US LPs).

Each page features a photo of the album cover as well as a track listing, release dates, catalog numbers, and special notes. Alternate covers (many from other countries) are also shown. From the album pages, click on the song titles for detailed track information.

For accuracy, albums that were released in the UK are considered to be the ‘Regular Issue’ albums, and the albums released in countires other than the UK which are either different from the UK versions or not released in the UK at all are listed by country.

Regular Issue Albums & Compilations

The following is a complete list of the Beatles’ officially-released, regular issue albums and compilations. Although some were not sanctioned by the Beatles themselves and will likely remain out of print, these albums should be considered canon.

Box Sets

Numerous box sets collecting complete sets of Beatles albums, singles, and EPs have been issued over the years, including retail exclusives and sets released exclusively to specific countries. Here’s a list, arranged by country with the official canon (UK) box sets listed first.

U.S.-Only Albums

The following is a complete list of officially released albums by Capitol Records in the U.S. These are albums which have track listings unique to the U.S. release, even if the album title and cover art are identical to the U.K. release. Although these releases were not planned by the Beatles and in many cases were created without their knowledge or involvement, they should be considered canon for the U.S. discography.

Worldwide Albums

The following is a partial list of officially released albums by EMI, its subsidiaries, and/or its licensees around the world (outside the U.K. and U.S.). These are albums which have track listings unique to their country of origin, even if the album title and cover art are identical to regular issue U.K. releases. Although they are legitimate releases, these albums are not canon and will likely remain out of print.

Unofficial Albums & Compilations

Almost immediately after The Beatles started to gain worldwide popularity, record companies began assembling and releasing albums containing music the band recorded before their contract with EMI. Early on, these releases contained mostly tracks recorded with Tony Sheridan, live Star Club recordings, and interviews – many times repackaged and, in the case of many of the Sheridan recordings – compiled alongside music by groups other than the Beatles. But later on, as copyrights expired, they went on to include even EMI recordings. It is important to note that these albums are not bootlegs, but legitimate and completely legal releases not necessarily authorized by the Beatles or EMI and not part of the regular Beatles canon.

Regular Issue Albums & Compilations

The following is a complete list of the Beatles’ officially-released, regular issue albums and compilations. Although some were not sanctioned by the Beatles themselves and will likely remain out of print, these albums should be considered canon.

Box Sets

Numerous box sets collecting complete sets of Beatles albums, singles, and EPs have been issued over the years, including retail exclusives and sets released exclusively to specific countries. Here’s a list, arranged by country with the official canon (UK) box sets listed first.

U.S.-Only Albums

The following is a complete list of officially released albums by Capitol Records in the U.S. These are albums which have track listings unique to the U.S. release, even if the album title and cover art are identical to the U.K. release. Although these releases were not planned by the Beatles and in many cases were created without their knowledge or involvement, they should be considered canon for the U.S. discography.

Worldwide Albums

The following is a partial list of officially released albums by EMI, its subsidiaries, and/or its licensees around the world (outside the U.K. and U.S.). These are albums which have track listings unique to their country of origin, even if the album title and cover art are identical to regular issue U.K. releases. Although they are legitimate releases, these albums are not canon and will likely remain out of print.

Unofficial Albums & Compilations

Almost immediately after The Beatles started to gain worldwide popularity, record companies began assembling and releasing albums containing music the band recorded before their contract with EMI. Early on, these releases contained mostly tracks recorded with Tony Sheridan, live Star Club recordings, and interviews – many times repackaged and, in the case of many of the Sheridan recordings – compiled alongside music by groups other than the Beatles. But later on, as copyrights expired, they went on to include even EMI recordings. It is important to note that these albums are not bootlegs, but legitimate and completely legal releases not necessarily authorized by the Beatles or EMI and not part of the regular Beatles canon.