if that's the case, go for Rubber Soul

it's some sort of bridge between the early pop era and the later experimentation

As said by BOY the Red and Blue compilation albums are the best place to start as they cover the Beatles discography pretty well. After that see which songs and period you like best and go from there. If you want to go straight into their albums, then the mid period of "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" is the best place to start.

I would start with Abbey Road. Fantastic record.

Don't start with the White Album. Too much filler.

For a complete Beatles beginner, "With the Beatles" is a very accessible album.
Some great tracks-best ever versions of " Please Mr Postman" and "You really got a hold on me" and "Money", plus great originals like "All my Loving" and "Not a second time".
Very much Lennon`s band at that time.

Considering how the Beatles evolved, compilations are a great way to narrow down your interest and then focus on a specific album.

I think '1' probably is the best one. Because it give you a healthy dose of their entire career, without it overloading your senses. I say this probably because this was the album that started me off. But I say the compilation method is the best way to go.

Okay guy, whatever you do, please don't start with a compilation. Rubber Soul and Revolver are varied enough, they practically could be comps.

Abbey Road or Revolver are definitely my suggestions.

pfft, just get John Lennon's Solo stuff, he WAS the Beatles

no^ All the members contributed to The Beatles and each one in their own right are equally deserving of praise.

George Harrison is my favorite Beatle.

No way.McCartney single handledly wrote " Michelle", "Let it Be", " Hey Jude",
"Yesterday", "Eleanor Rigby", "Penny Lane", "All my Loving", "Here, There and Everywhere", "Get Back", "The Fool on the Hill" "Obla Di" " Hello, Goodbye"and "Paperback Writer".
He also contributed to much of the early stuff-"She loves you", "Please please me", "I`m only sleeping" etc, etc.

IMO, Lennon and McCartney were far better as a partnership than solo artists.