The Beatles have offered fans a new glimpse into their creative process with the release of a previously unheard version of “I’ve Just Seen a Face.” The track serves as a preview for the upcoming archival collection, Anthology 4, scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
This alternate take provides a rare, unfiltered look at the band working in the studio, capturing a moment of candid creativity from over 60 years ago. The release is part of a larger project that includes an expanded documentary and a comprehensive box set of the entire Anthology series.
Key Takeaways
- The Beatles have released “I’ve Just Seen a Face (Take 3),” an unreleased track from their 1965 recording sessions.
- The song is a preview of Anthology 4, a 36-track collection set for release on November 21, 2025.
- The new collection includes 13 previously unreleased outtakes and demos.
- An expanded nine-part Anthology documentary will premiere on Disney+ on November 26, 2025.
- The entire four-volume Anthology series will be reissued in comprehensive vinyl and CD box sets.
A Glimpse into Abbey Road Studios
The newly surfaced track, officially titled “I’ve Just Seen a Face (Take 3),” was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios on June 14, 1965. This recording captures the band during the sessions for their album Help!, showcasing a more raw and spontaneous performance than the version fans have known for decades.
The band recorded six takes of the song that day, with the final take becoming the master version used on the album. This third take offers a unique perspective on the song's development. It begins with studio chatter, providing an intimate audio snapshot of the four musicians at work.
In the opening moments of the recording, John Lennon can be heard making a lighthearted comment. He quips that “Lonnie is gonna regret not singing this one,” a likely reference to Lonnie Donegan, a prominent Scottish skiffle singer whose music was a significant influence on the band's early sound. The take then proceeds with a brief false start from Lennon before the band launches into the familiar, fast-paced acoustic number.
Recording Details
- Song: “I’ve Just Seen a Face (Take 3)”
- Date Recorded: June 14, 1965
- Location: Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios
- Album Session: Help!
- Total Takes Recorded: 6
The New 'Anthology 4' Collection
This unreleased track is just one piece of the much larger Anthology 4 collection. The upcoming set promises to be a treasure trove for dedicated fans, featuring 36 tracks in total. Among these are 13 recordings that have never been officially released in any form, including outtakes and demos from some of the band's most prolific years.
The collection spans a significant period of The Beatles' career and includes alternate versions of several beloved songs. Highlights from the tracklist include unreleased takes of “In My Life” and “Nowhere Man,” offering new insight into the construction of these classic tracks. An early take of “If I Fell” is also included.
One of the most anticipated items is an unreleased rehearsal recording for the band's historic 1967 BBC broadcast of “All You Need Is Love,” which was part of the Our World satellite broadcast, the first live, international satellite television production.
The 'Anthology' Project
The original Beatles Anthology project was a monumental multimedia undertaking in the mid-1990s. It included a television documentary series, three double-album collections of outtakes and alternate recordings, and a book. The project was notable for featuring the first new Beatles recordings in 25 years, “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” which were created by the surviving members overdubbing music onto unfinished demo tapes recorded by John Lennon.
Modern Touches on Classic Tracks
In addition to the wealth of archival material, Anthology 4 will also feature modern updates to the two songs created for the original 1990s project. The collection includes brand new 2025 mixes of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.” These new mixes aim to bring enhanced clarity and depth to the recordings, utilizing modern studio technology to refine the sound of these unique reunion tracks.
The release of Anthology 4 is being coordinated by Apple Corps Ltd., Capitol, and UMG. It marks a significant expansion of the band's official archival releases, continuing the legacy of making previously private studio material available to the public.
Expanded Documentary and Box Sets
The new music release is complemented by an updated and expanded version of the original Anthology documentary series. Originally an eight-part series, the documentary has been restored and expanded into nine parts. This new version will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on November 26, 2025, just days after the album's release.
For collectors and audiophiles, the entire Anthology series is being reissued in comprehensive physical formats. The four volumes will be available together for the first time in two distinct box sets:
- A 12-LP box set pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
- An eight-CD box set for those who prefer the compact disc format.
These collections, along with the new Anthology 4, will also be available on all major digital and streaming platforms, ensuring the material is accessible to a wide audience. The coordinated release of music, film, and collector's sets represents a major event for Beatles fans, offering the most detailed look yet into the band's extensive recording history.