I know what you’re thinking, 10 songs aren’t enough to justify the greatness of the Beatles. But, sooner or later, the list had to be made. While all songs ever produced by the iconic band are deemed good, some are greater than others. And some songs are so good and sentimental, they resonate to the present and even to the future. (Note: to prevent World War III, the songs are not in order)
1. Hey Jude
Paul McCartney wrote this masterpiece , however it was credited to Lennon-McCartney. Originally written as a song to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, the song evolved from “Hey Jules” to a sensation. Released way back in 1968, it was the longest song (7 minutes) to ever top the British charts during that time. The track also spent nine weeks at number one in the US. The song has since been the Ultimate Beatles song, with everyone (at least most) picking Hey Jude as their favorite Beatles song.
2. Yesterday
Written by Paul and credited to Lennon-McCartney, the song was released as a single in 1965. Paul performed solo for the whole song, with his gentle voice fitting perfectly into this melancholic ballad. “Yesterday” was voted as the best song of the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most covered songs.
3. A Day in the Life
Credited to Lennon-McCartney, the song comprises of unique sections written separately by John and Paul. The song featured orchestral additions, and was the ultimate McCartney-Lennon collaboration. John’s lyrics were inspired by newspaper articles; whilst Paul’s were about a commuter’s day that drifts into a dream. The Rolling Stone publication ranked the single as the 28th Greatest song of all time.
4. Let it Be
A melodic masterpiece that was released a month after the group broke up, Let It Be is the final song released by Beatles as a band (pretty sad). This song like other previous songs, topped the charts for weeks. The band made the song with a theme of hope and wisdom, and was ranked number 86 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003.
5. Come Together
Written primarily by John Lennon, credited to Lennon-McCartney, Come Together is a lively, upbeat blues rock. It is the opening track on the album Abbey Road. The single reached the top in the US and peaked at number four in the UK.
6. Here Comes the Sun
George Harrison wrote this one, and it is damn good. Released as part of the album Abbey Road, it is one of George’s best-known compositions (both in lyrics and guitar). He was able to write the song at the country house of his friend Eric Clapton while avoiding attending a meeting with the band managers. The song contemplates that of the coming of spring.
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Written by George, partly after consulting the Chinese I Ching, the song was a testament to the sour status of the band during the time. With Eric Clapton offering his guitar prowess, the song ranked 136th in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
8. In My Life
John mainly wrote the song but was credited to Lennon-McCartney. The song was actually about John’s childhood. Paul contributed on the released version, mainly on the melody. Rolling Stones ranked the song 23rd on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
9. Something
Arguably the best love song ever performed by the Beatles, Something was written by George. It was the only song written by George to top the US charts before the band broke up. Critics and fans alike admired the song, while John and Paul praised George’s song as well. It also topped the UK charts. Today, it was the second most covered song by the Beatles next to Yesterday.
10. Strawberry Fields Forever
Mainly written by John, credited to Lennon-McCartney, the song was inspired by Lennon’s memories of him playing in a garden of Strawberry Fields as a kid. John credited the song as his greatest accomplishment.
