The Beatles’ iconic “Red” and “Blue” Albums, originally released in 1973, got a 2023 makeover with expanded tracklists and fresh remixes by Giles Martin. The 2023 Editions, launched on November 10th, feature stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, along with 4CD and 180-gram 6LP vinyl collections. The “Red” Album now includes 12 new tracks, including George Harrison’s “Taxman,” while the “Blue” Album adds nine additional songs. Notably, “Now and Then,” dubbed “The Last Beatles Song,” was completed in 2022 with the help of Peter Jackson and his team for the “Get Back” documentary series, featuring a collaborative effort by each Beatle.
When Were the Beatles’ “Red” and “Blue” Albums Released?
The first releases of the albums “Red” and “Blue” were in 1973. Beatles‘ reissue of the albums “Red – The Beatles 1962-1966” and “Blue – The Beatles 1967-1970” on November 10th, 2023. The official announcement regarding this 2023 Edition was made on October 26th, 2023, coinciding with the revelation of the release date for the band’s last unreleased single, “Now and Then“.
“Since their first incarnations appeared 50 years ago, these albums have introduced successive generations to The Beatles’ music. Now, both collections’ tracklists have been expanded, with all the songs mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmos. New 4CD and 180-gram 6LP vinyl collections pair ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ in slipcased sets. The UK single version of “Love Me Do” now kicks off 1962-1966 (2023 Edition) and “Now And Then” is featured on 1967-1970 (2023 Edition) to complete the career-spanning collections.”
TheBeatles.com
Though familiar to fans, it’s worth noting that Giles Martin provided fresh remixes for thirty-six tracks on the compilations.
The Beatles Red and Blue 2023 (“Red – The Beatles 1962-1966” and “Blue – The Beatles 1967-1970“) are compilations of Beatles hits. The titles actively convey the period when the included songs in each compilation originated.
The Beatles “Red” and “Blue” albums 2023 bring additional songs. Let’s explore the content that these reissued albums will encompass.
The Beatles: Red Album
In 1973, The Beatles released The Red Album as a double LP, securing third place on Billboard and the UK chart. In September 1993, the CD reissue of the album secured the third spot on the UK charts once again. The compilation exclusively contained songs composed by The Beatles, attributed to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting duo until the “2023 Edition“. Notably, the “2023 Edition” introduces a new addition, “Taxmen,” a song penned by George Harrison.
The Beatles: Blue Album
The Beatles’ Blue Album made its initial debut in April 1973. The 1967–1970 compilation topped the Billboard US Albums Chart and reached second place on the UK chart. Furthermore, the 1993 reissue of the album reached number four in the UK charts. The 2023 edition of the legendary music compilation features classics like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “All You Need Is Love,” along with newly remixed songs: “Revolution,” “Hey Bulldog,” and “Old Brown Shoe.”
What are the New Tracks on the “Red” and “Blue” Albums?
In contrast to the previous release of the Beatles’ Red Album, the 2023 Edition boasts an impressive addition of 12 tracks that were not part of the original compilation. The newly included songs are
- I Saw Her Standing There
- Twist And Shout
- This Boy
- Roll Over Beethoven
- You Really Got A Hold On Me
- You Can’t Do That
- If I Needed Someone
- Taxman
- Got To Get You Into My Life
- I’m Only Sleeping
- Here, There And Everywhere
- Tomorrow Never Knows
The Beatles’ Blue 2023 also undergoes significant changes, incorporating nine additional tracks not present in the previous compilation. The newly added songs are
- Within You Without You
- Dear Prudence
- Glass Onion
- Blackbird
- Hey Bulldog
- Oh! Darling
- I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
- I Me Mine
- Now and Then
“Now and Then” – The Last Beatles Song
For the longest time, finishing the song seemed like an impossible quest. However, in 2022, fate decided to throw a little magic into the mix. Enter Peter Jackson and his squad, the masterminds behind the documentary series Get Back. Thanks to their groundbreaking software, the shackles were finally off, allowing John’s mesmerizing vocals to dance independently from his piano melody. This breakthrough not only resurrected the original recording but also paved the way for a fresh, collaborative take on the masterpiece, with each Beatle adding their unique touch to the mix. It’s like the universe whispered, “Let there be music,” and the Fab Four answered the call.
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