Love Songs

In the fall of 1977, Parlophone in the UK and Capitol Records in the US released a compilation album of Beatles' love songs (on October 21 and November 19 respectively). The collection spans the entire recording era of the Beatles, from 1962 to 1970. The album sold well (more than 3 million copies) and went as high as number 24 in the US charts for LP's. This product was notable for its lyrics booklet, written with a calligraphic pen on translucent paper, packaged with a simulated leather cover with a Beatles photo stamped on it in gold. After a few pressings, the cover and booklet gave way to a more conventional packaging. The selection, made at Parlophone (Apple), was approved by the former band members. As the songs tend towards the quieter end of the Beatles catalogue, the many upbeat songs from the early period, which technically could be classified as love songs, were not included. One Buddy Holly cover made the cut (Words of Love). McCartney's tunes tend to predominate, as he was the Beatle most likely to compose ballad-like melodies during the Beatles' middle- and late periods. Harrison contributed two songs: I Need You and Something.