The Beatles’ 13 Studio Albums – Complete List & History

The Beatles remain one of the most influential bands in music history. But exactly how many original studio albums did they release during their active career? Here’s a full look at their official discography, key milestones, and some fascinating facts about how their music was released over the decades.

Beatles Albums in Order (UK Releases)

*In the UK, Magical Mystery Tour was originally released as a double EP in December 1967; the US LP version later became part of the official core catalogue.

The Beatles’ Original Studio Albums

During their active career, The Beatles released 13 original studio albums in the UK as featured on my music map. Their journey began with Please Please Me in March 1963 and concluded with Let It Be in May 1970. These albums chart the evolution of the band, from energetic Merseybeat beginnings to their most ambitious studio experiments.

Beatles Albums in Order (UK Releases)

*In the UK, Magical Mystery Tour was originally released as a double EP in December 1967; the US LP version later became part of the official core catalogue.

First Album in Mono and Stereo

Their debut, Please Please Me, holds a special place in Beatles history. Released on 22 March 1963 as a mono LP (Parlophone PMC 1202), it was later issued in stereo (Parlophone PCS 3042) on 26 April 1963. This made it the first Beatles album available in both mono and stereo formats.

The Beatles’ Apple Label Era

In 1968, The Beatles took greater control of their releases by launching Apple Records. The first studio album to appear on the Apple label was The Beatles (The White Album), released on 22 November 1968. Later studio releases including Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road, and Let It Be also carried the Apple label.

Compilations and Re-Releases After the Break-Up

After the band split in 1970, their music continued to reach new generations through compilations and reissues. Key releases included:

• 1962–1966 ("Red Album") and 1967–1970 ("Blue Album") – 19 April 1973

• Rock 'n' Roll Music (1976)

• Love Songs (1977)

• 20 Greatest Hits (1982)

• The Anthology series (1995–1996), which offered unreleased tracks and rare outtakes

Beatles Albums on CD

The transition to compact disc came in 1987, with the albums released in stages. Please Please Me, With The Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, and Beatles For Sale arrived first on 26 February 1987. The rollout continued through the year, with Abbey Road and Let It Be among the final original albums to appear on CD on 19 October 1987.

Non-Studio Albums and Special Releases

The Beatles’ discography also includes a wide variety of non-studio albums, such as:

• Live albums – Live! At the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Live at the BBC

• Interview albums – The Beatle Tapes (David Wigg Interviews), Hear The Beatles Tell All

• Box sets – e.g., The Beatles In Stereo, The Beatles In Mono

Recent Anniversary Editions

The Beatles’ music continues to be celebrated through 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions, including:

• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (2017)

• The Beatles / White Album (2018)

• Abbey Road (2019)

• Let It Be (2021)

• Revolver (2022)

Early Recordings – The Beatles First

Before global fame, The Beatles recorded with Tony Sheridan in Hamburg. These sessions appeared on the LP The Beatles First, released by Polydor on 19 June 1964. While not part of the official studio album sequence, it offers a fascinating glimpse at the band’s early style.

Related Music Map:
Explore The Beatles Albums in Order Music Map – a visual print showing all 13 studio albums, release years, and every credited musician. Perfect for any Beatles fan.