US Album Release: The Beatles’ Second Album – 10 April 1964
Friday 10 April 1964 | Release, The Beatles
On 10 April 1964, Capitol Records released The Beatles’ Second Album in the United States, following the enormous success of Meet The Beatles!.
Although marketed as a follow-up, it was technically the group’s third US album, after Introducing The Beatles, issued earlier in 1964 by Vee-Jay Records.
Unique US Compilation
Like many early American Beatles releases, The Beatles’ Second Album was compiled differently from the UK catalogue, drawing material from multiple sources rather than mirroring a single British LP.
The album included tracks from With The Beatles, alongside key singles and B-sides:
- ‘Thank You Girl’ (B-side of ‘From Me To You’)
- ‘She Loves You’ / ‘I’ll Get You’
- ‘You Can’t Do That’ (from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’)
- ‘Long Tall Sally’
- ‘I Call Your Name’
Chart Success
The album was an immediate commercial success, reaching number one on the US charts.
Notably, it replaced Meet The Beatles! at the top position—marking the first time an artist had replaced themselves at number one on the US album chart.
Historical Significance
This release exemplifies the fragmented nature of The Beatles’ early US discography, where record labels reshaped albums for the American market.
It also highlights the peak of Beatlemania in 1964, with unprecedented chart dominance and demand.
Location
1750 Vine Street
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
Primary US label for The Beatles in 1964
Location Map
Also on This Day in Beatles History
10 April is one of the most significant dates in Beatles history. Here's what else happened:
- 10 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
- 10 April 1962 – Stuart Sutcliffe, original Beatles bassist, dies in Hamburg
- 10 April 1964 – The Beatles filming A Hard Day’s Night at Twickenham
- 10 April 1965 – The Beatles film Top Of The Pops at Riverside Studios
- 10 April 1967 – Paul McCartney records with The Beach Boys
- 10 April 1970 – George Harrison BBC Fact Or Fantasy interview
- 10 April 1970 – Paul McCartney announces the Beatles split
- 10 April 1970 – The Beatles’ final Apple press release
- 10 April 1972 – FBI surveillance of John Lennon ordered
- 10 April 2002 – Paul McCartney live at United Center, Chicago
- 10 April 2003 – Paul McCartney live at Manchester MEN Arena
- 10 April 2011 – The Beatles’ first contract goes to auction
- 10 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Amagasaki
FAQ
When was The Beatles’ Second Album released?
10 April 1964 in the United States.
Was this a UK album?
No, it was a US-exclusive compilation created by Capitol Records.
Did it reach number one?
Yes, it topped the US charts and replaced Meet The Beatles! at number one.
Why was the tracklist different?
US Beatles albums in the early 1960s were often reconfigured by record labels using songs from multiple UK releases.
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
Shop the Beatlemania era: 1964 US Tour & Ed Sullivan Collection
The Beatles Second Album 1964, US Beatles albums Capitol Records, Beatles American discography, Meet The Beatles follow up, April 10 Beatles history, Beatles US chart history, Capitol Records Beatles releases
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