First released: 1966, December 10

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Songs recording date and information:

1. She Loves You - Recorded 1st July 1963, the number of takes is not known
2. From Me to You - Recorded 5th March 1963 in 7 takes (plus 6 edit pieces). Final mix - takes used not known
3. We Can Work It out - Recorded 20th October 1965 in 2 takes. Plus, allegedly over 8 hours of overdubs onto backing track, Take 2 - on this day, and 9 days later. Final mix - take 2
4. Help! - Recorded 13th April 1965 in 12 takes (Takes 1-8 were the backing track). Final mix - take 12
5. Michelle - Recorded 3rd November 1965 in 2 takes. Final mix - take 2
6. Yesterday - Recorded 14th June 1965 in 2 takes. Final mix - take 2
7. I Feel Fine - Recorded 18th October 1964 in 9 takes (8 takes of backing track). Final mix - take 9
8. Yellow Submarine - Recorded 26th May 1966 in 5 takes. Sound effects overdubs 1st June 1966 onto take 5. Final mix - take 5
9. Can't Buy Me Love - Recorded 29th January 1964 (in Paris!) in 4 takes. Final mix - take 4
10. Bad Boy - Recorded 10th May 1965 in 4 takes (3 takes are backing tracks). Final mix - take 4
11. Day Tripper - Recorded 16th October 1965 in 3 takes. Final mix - take 3
12. A Hard Day's Night - Recorded 16th April 1964 in 9 takes (4 of which were breakdowns). Final mix - take 9
13. Ticket to Ride - Recorded 15th February 1965 in 2 takes (take 1 was a false start). Final mix - take 2
14. Paperback Writer - Recorded 13th April 1966 in 2 takes. Overdubs added 14th April 1966. Final mix - take 2
15. Eleanor Rigby - Recorded 28th April 1966 in 15 takes. Vocals added to vacant track 29th April 1966 (still, Take 15) Final vocal overdub, 6th June 1966. Final mix - take 15
16. I Want to Hold Your Hand - Recorded 17th October 1963 in 17 takes. Final mix - take 17

The Beatles eighth official album release.
After the release of Revolver late in 1966, George Martin informed E.M.I. that there would be no new Beatles record in time for Christmas. This left the chance for the first Beatles "Greatest Hits" collection
This L.P. contained 8 tracks previously on other albums, and 8 tracks on L.P. in the U.K. for the first time ... but ... only one track ("Bad Boy") had previously been unreleased, making it an essential purchase for the completist, but not very generous on behalf of the record company.

This was the first L.P. of The Beatles to fail to reach No.1 ... which was hardly surprising at that time, as "Revolver" was still selling well, and 13 of the 16 tracks came from million selling singles. The number 1 album that Christmas was "The Sound Of Music".

The front cover artwork in very 60's flower power style was by David Christian, and the rear cover photograph was by Robert Whittaker (who, on this album, had gained a "t")