The Fab Four or Phenomenal Four? I think the latter is a more appropriate term to use when speaking of the Beatles, their music and their magic which some 20 years on, to my mind still bursts majestically whenever and wherever their music is being played.

It was the birth of an era in popular music, which I don't think, has ever been equaled or will ever be repeated. The latest on the racks is ‘The Beatles – 1s’ packaged together to give you over an hour of pure hit material that made the Beatles what they were.

Some of the favorites from these Liverpool lads include the opening track Love me do, From me to you, I want hold your hand, A hard day’s night, which was also the Beatles first film which reflected their life on the run.There's also Ticket to Ride, to the cool and promising Yesterday one of McCartney's brilliant ballads that has been recorded by different artists, making it one of music's most recorded songs.

Play down more and you get the mellow, Yellow submarine, Hey Jude, The ballad of John and Yoko, Something and Come together, among others. There's also the pacy Can't buy me love, very meaningful words that are very true today. The attractive red inlay card with Number 1 on the front, boasts of paintings done by an anonymous painter of the four men, John, Paul, George and Ringo on the back. Besides this, on the mini booklet, each track details are clearly mentioned along with its date of recording and chart details. There's also the 36 singles covers so you can check out which singles you're missed along the way.

This collection of Number 1s is taken from the most widely circulated charts in the UK (Record Retailer) and the USA (Billboard). One look at the list of songs and you want to play it again and again. Each one of these songs is like little gems sparkling and always delighting in their own way.

For any Beatles fan, a Fab Two is unthinkable, with John Lennon and George Harrison no more, and a split between the two, it is too sad to even think about. Before emotion overwhelms me, I'd better sign off, not before letting you know that this is a great collection of 27 tracks that is not to be missed. It's for keeps.

Rating: ****1/2

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira