The Beatles remain the most triumphant musical group in history. Assessing triumph in the streaming era is relatively complex, but during the era when people had to purchase records from a physical store, The Beatles were the most prevailing influence in the industry. They released several albums that were so successful that they set Guinness World Records, and these records still remain unbroken. Here are three Beatles albums that continue to hold Guinness World Records.
‘Abbey Road’ has regained its position at the top of the charts almost 50 years after its initial release.
Abbey Road is the last album that The Beatles recorded together, which is considered one of their finest works and topped charts worldwide upon its initial release in 1969. In 2019, a special anniversary edition of the album was released to commemorate its 50th anniversary. This edition included 17 tracks from the original album, such as “Come Together” and “Something,” which were newly mixed by producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. Additionally, it featured 23 previously unreleased recording sessions and demos.
Upon the release of the anniversary edition, Abbey Road returned to the top spot on the U.K. Official Charts, setting a Guinness World Record for the album with the longest gap between topping the charts, a period of 49 years and 252 days. The Beatles broke their previous record with Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which had a gap of 49 years and 125 days.
The album ‘1’ by The Beatles holds the record for the fastest-selling album of all time.
Album 1, a compilation of all The Beatles’ No. 1 hits, was released in November 2000. Within its first month, it sold an incredible 13.5 million copies worldwide, with 3.6 million copies sold on its first day alone. While the total number of copies sold is unknown, in 2009, Apple Corps. stated that the album had sold over 31 million copies globally. Despite not being an original album by the band, 1 reached the top of charts in both the US and UK, spending 275 weeks on the Billboard charts and 390 weeks on the Official Charts. This compilation remains the most successful album by The Beatles, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling album of all time.
The Beatles’ “Please Please Me,” holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at number one on the UK charts.
The Beatles made a huge impact in the music industry from the beginning. Their debut album, Please Please Me, was released in 1963 and quickly topped the UK charts for 30 consecutive weeks, setting the record for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK Official Charts. Although Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 with 33, those weeks were not consecutive, giving The Beatles the Guinness World Record for this achievement. Another Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, follows closely behind with 28 weeks at No. 1. These records are a testament to the incredible success of The Beatles and their music.