The Beatles Score A New Bestselling Song With A Decades-Old Favorite
Anticipation grows for The Beatles’ Anthology 4 as “Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” debuts as a top-selling track on iTunes, decades after it was first recorded. The Beatles (left to right) George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940 - 1980) and Paul McCartney, hold the sleeve of their new LP, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', at the press launch for the album, held at Brian Epstein's house at 24 Chapel Street, London, 19th May 1967. (Photo by John Downing/Getty Images)
The Beatles may be done releasing new music, but there are still plenty of recordings from the band’s history that are shared with the world. From time to time, there’s still an intense demand for anything connected to the Fab Four, and countless films, books, and albums have been issued in the decades since the musicians split. Many of them have become commercial successes. Now, months ahead of a new compilation of the group’s work being released, a new take on a Beatles classic quickly becomes a bestseller in America.
“Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” Debuts On iTunes
The Beatles currently sit at No. 23 on the iTunes Top Songs chart, which ranks the best-selling tracks on the platform in America. The group nearly cracks the top 20 with “Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17).”
“Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” Previews Anthology 4
“Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” is the second single from the Beatles’ upcoming compilation Anthology 4. It follows the release of “Free as a Bird (2025 Mix),” which the group shared in mid-August.
When Will The Beatles Release Anthology 4?
Anthology 4 is, as its name suggests, the fourth installment in the Beatles’ highly popular Anthology series, which gathers together rarities, outtakes, new mixes, demos, and other tracks from the band’s history. The compilation is expected to drop on November 21.
Anthology 4 includes new mixes of tracks like “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” which were reworked by Jeff Lynne. The collection also features specific numbered takes of Beatles classics like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Tell Me Why,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “Get Back,” among many others.
Multiple versions of Anthology 4 will be available on physical formats. The compilation was originally only going to be included in an updated version of the Anthology series, which fans were not happy about. When it was first announced, it became clear that longtime supporters of the Beatles would need to purchase the entire Anthology again in order to hear these new mixes. Later, it was revealed that Anthology 4 would be delivered as a standalone project as well. The upcoming compilation will be available as a double CD and a triple LP.
“Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” Competes With New Hits
After “Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” was released, it became one of the top new performers on the iTunes Top Songs chart in America. Several other just-shared cuts, including tunes from Hardy, Aerosmith, Chris Young, and Bon Jovi, currently rank above the Beatles, although “Helter Skelter (Second Version – Take 17)” could continue to climb as this Friday marks the beginning of another tracking week in the global music industry.
Source: forbes.com/Hugh McIntyre
