The Beatles: l’« Anthology Collection

The Beatles: l’« Anthology Collection » est un trésor absolu

The article examines how the new Beatles « Anthology Collection », including the long-awaited Anthology 4, turns archival material into a cohesive and emotionally rich listening experience. It highlights the balance between unreleased tracks, improved sound, and historical context to argue that this release is both a fan treasure and a significant chapter in the band’s story.

Structure of the Anthology Collection

The collection brings together material from the earlier Anthology 1–3 sets with a newly curated Anthology 4 that focuses on session outtakes and rare versions. The new volume adds previously unreleased recordings from the mid‑1960s and selected tracks from recent deluxe reissues, presenting them as a unified narrative rather than a simple compilation of leftovers.

Focus on Anthology 4

Anthology 4 contains 13 previously unreleased tracks, mainly alternate takes and rehearsal versions, alongside a selection of notable cuts from recent archival projects. Several reviews underline that the sequencing and editing make the album feel like a journey through the band’s creative process instead of a random collection of studio scraps.

Previously unheard performances

A central attraction is the inclusion of revealing takes on classic songs such as an early version of « In My Life » and a lively run‑through of « I’ve Just Seen A Face ». These performances showcase John Lennon’s vulnerability, Paul McCartney’s supportive harmonies, and Ringo Starr’s subtle rhythmic drive, while preserving the band’s trademark humor and studio banter.

The final singles and legacy

The set also devotes space to the modern‑era Beatles singles « Free As A Bird », « Real Love » and « Now And Then », affirming their place alongside the group’s 1960s classics. By framing these songs within a broader archival story, the collection emphasizes how the band’s recorded legacy continues to evolve long after the original sessions.

Sound quality and production choices

Critics note a marked improvement in sound quality across the box, with clearer mixes and more detailed presentation of instruments and voices. Producer Giles Martin’s work is frequently praised for making old recordings feel immediate and immersive without erasing their period character.

For casual listeners and devoted fans

Some commentators argue that the overlap with earlier releases makes the box more approachable for casual listeners, while dedicated fans will be drawn to outtakes, rehearsals and instrumentals that debut here. Although a portion of the material will be familiar to collectors, the consensus is that there are enough genuine rarities to justify the project.

Criticisms and limitations

Not all reviewers are fully convinced, pointing out that a number of alternative takes are more historically interesting than musically essential. Others feel that the reliance on previously issued tracks and the absence of certain long‑mythologized recordings leave a sense of incompleteness.

Overall assessment

Despite reservations, the collection is widely described as a major, carefully assembled document of the Beatles’ studio life. The combination of narrative flow, improved audio, and intimate glimpses of the band at work leads many to regard this anthology as an indispensable treasure for understanding their legacy.

« Anthology 4 » rassemble des prises inédites, des versions alternatives et des moments de studio qui donnent l’impression d’assister, en temps réel, à la construction du mythe Beatles.

À travers ces bandes longtemps enfouies, on redécouvre un groupe à la fois vulnérable, joueur et d’une créativité presque inépuisable, loin de l’image figée dans les albums originaux.

Author’s one‑sentence summary: This review presents the Beatles’ « Anthology Collection », and especially Anthology 4, as a sonically enhanced archival journey that reveals the band’s humor, vulnerability and enduring creative power.

Rolling Stone — 2025-11-22