Following "Free as a Bird" in Anthology 1 and "Real Love" in Anthology 2, a third John Lennon solo demo entitled "Now and Then" was to be reworked by the three surviving members of The Beatles for Anthology 3. However, it was decided against due to complications and sound quality issues involving Lennon's recording. In its place is "A Beginning," an orchestral instrumental track initially intended for The White Album. This was the group's third double album in a row to go to #1 on the American charts, equaling a record set by Donna Summer back in the 1970s.