The albums that define
beat music.
Our picks for where to start with beat music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top beat music artists
Start with one of these.
The beat music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Paul McCartney
Amoeba's Secret
A blend of rock and pop that captures McCartney's introspective songwriting with a playful spirit.
Start here
Paul McCartney
New
A vibrant fusion of pop rock and experimental sounds that captures McCartney's enduring creativity.
Start here
George Harrison
Dark Horse
A blend of introspective balladry and lively rock, reflecting Harrison's personal and spiritual journeys.
Start here
The Hollies
Romany
A blend of melodic rock and introspective lyrics, capturing a transitional moment in The Hollies' sound.
Start here
The Hollies
Distant Light
A vibrant blend of rock and pop sounds infused with intricate harmonies and storytelling lyrics.
Start here
Nomadi
Corpo Estraneo
A vibrant blend of folk-infused melodies and poignant lyrics reflecting on personal and social themes.
Start here
Nomadi
Nomadi 40
An evocative blend of folk-infused melodies and reflective lyrics, steeped in Italian musical tradition.
Start here
John Lennon
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
A stark exploration of sound, merging experimental noise with intimate vocals in an unfiltered artistic statement.
Start here
John Lennon
Wedding Album
A sprawling avant-garde exploration of love and consciousness wrapped in intimate soundscapes.
Start here
George Harrison
Beware of ABKCO!
A reflective collection of acoustic renditions showcasing Harrison's introspective songwriting and melodic craftsmanship.
Start here
The Zombies
Odessey and Oracle
A lush tapestry of melodic harmonies and intricate arrangements, blending psychedelic rock with baroque pop sensibilities.
Start here
The Zombies
The Zombies
A vibrant blend of baroque pop and rock, infused with melancholic melodies and soulful harmonies.
Start here
Hep Stars
Jul med Hep Stars
A festive blend of Swedish folk melodies and 60s beat music, brimming with holiday cheer.
Start here
Hep Stars
The Hep Stars
A vibrant mix of catchy melodies and energetic rhythms that define the Swedish beat music scene.
Start here
Manfred Mann
Mighty Garvey!
Eclectic arrangements blend pop, rock, and whimsical storytelling into a vibrant tapestry of late '60s British beat music.
Start here
Manfred Mann
Groovin' with Manfred Mann
A vibrant blend of British beat music infused with infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves.
Start here
Herman's Hermits
Blaze
Upbeat melodies intertwine with witty lyrics, embodying the playful spirit of 1960s British rock.
Start here
Herman's Hermits
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter
Bright melodies and jangly guitars create a quintessentially British pop sound, wrapped in youthful exuberance.
Start here
Buddy Holly
Giant
A vibrant collection of rock and roll and rhythm and blues infused with Holly's signature melodic flair.
Start here
Buddy Holly
Memorial Collection
A vibrant collection of Buddy Holly's undubbed tracks capturing the raw essence of early rock and roll.
Start here
The Dave Clark Five
5 by 5
Energetic pop rock anthems infused with catchy melodies and vibrant beat music rhythms.
Start here
The Dave Clark Five
Try Too Hard
Catchy melodies and infectious rhythms embody the playful energy of 1960s British pop rock.
Start here
Gerry and the Pacemakers
Ferry Cross the Mersey
Upbeat, jangly melodies encapsulate the hopeful spirit of 1960s British pop with heartfelt lyrics and catchy choruses.
Start here
The Spencer Davis Group
Autumn '66
A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and British rock, echoing the lively spirit of the '60s.
Start here