ALL The Beatles Songs Ranked
As of 2020, it has been 50 years since the beloved Britpop/rock band of the 1960s has broken up. And to deliver 13 albums plus a slew of other singles in only nine years is a feat in and of itself.
So in 2019, I decided to put myself through mental torture to rank every Beatles song released on their studio albums. I am of course omitting covers as always, and I am also not including any songs or demos released on the anniversary albums, nor will I talk about the second, instrumental half of Yellow Submarine (because you know I don’t have the patience to sift through those). Because of this, a lot of great (and some of my favorite) songs were cut. Sorry, I’m not writing an article ranking every song ever released — this list is long enough already.
163. Wild Honey Pie (The Beatles)
Who likes this song? It’s as if John thought Paul’s “Honey Pie” was so stupid, he just decided to publicly make fun of him in “Wild Honey Pie.
162. Revolution 9 (The Beatles)
The most infamous Beatles song in history; “Revolution 9” is just a collection of noise.
161. Don’t Pass Me By (The Beatles)
Ringo has never been a great vocalist; there’s a reason he’s the lead vocalist for the least percentage of Beatles songs.
160. Dig it (Let it Be)
This song should be a no-brainer; it’s just a bit of leftovers from a jam session. But it’s also sad that I could find Beatles songs so bad they fall short of “Dig It.” It’s basically just studio chatter. It would have worked well for the Anthology, but there’s no reason it should have made the Let it Be album.
159. All You Need is Love (Yellow Submarine)
I don’t care how many people love this song. I don’t care how famous it is. I don’t care that it advocated for peace. I have always hated this song with a burning passion. The intro sucks — it doesn’t fit the rest of the song, the backing vocals sound exaggerated and gross, and the lyrics are so bland it ruins the whole purpose of the song. I’d put it as the worst, but because so many people seem to love it so much, I caved.
158. For You Blue (Let it Be)
The main reason “For You Blue” is getting so much hate is mainly because it’s so forgettable, I can barely remember a thing about it, but also because the instrumentals and lyrics are like someone shoved Beatles For Sale and “Wild Honey Pie” is a blender and called it a day.
157. Sun King (Abbey Road)
Even John Lennon himself has called out this song as “a piece of garbage [he] had around.” It’s boring, uneventful, and adds nothing to the Abbey Road record or The Beatles’ discography.
156. Good Night (The Beatles)
I am not sure how this song ever got onto the white album. It’s a misfit track among the rest of the Fab Four’s discography, and I haven’t met a single person that even mentioned this song outside a conversation discussing bad Beatles tracks.
155. The End (Abbey Road)
I’ve never been drawn to this song. I don’t like the “oh yeahs,” and it is fitted loosely together in a way that is unappealing to me. I guess the guitars are okay, but I could’ve gone for a little less gusto.
154. Long, Long, Long (The Beatles)
This song is “long, long, long,” and it adds nothing to The Beatles’ discography.
153. I’ve Got a Feeling (Let it Be)
I am drawn to this song, but it is yet another one that showed how disconnected the band was at this point. Paul may have a feeling, but that feeling is far less exciting than his tone of voice made it out to see him. Even with the anticipation that Paul bills, the atmosphere of it all is without depth and devoid of energy.
152. Lovely Rita (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I have grown slightly more accustomed to this track off of Sgt. Peppers, but it’s still a very strange one made worse with the “Paul is Dead” conspiracies attached to it.
151. Piggies (The Beatles)
“Piggies” is a catchy tune, but it’s too bubbly for my taste.
150. Flying (Magical Mystery Tour)
“Flying” has never been a hit, and it’s not memorable at all. It’s not terrible, but I’m not sure there’s anyone that would complain about it’s low placement on this list.
149. I Will (The Beatles)
This song has a bad McCartney reputation but I’ve never held any ill-will towards it. But it is a more bland tune than “Martha My Dear,” “Honey Pie,” or “Mother Nature’s Son” both lyrically and melodically.
148. Within You Without You (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I don’t have much against “Within You Without You,” but it’s a tedious, boring track meant to put you to sleep.
147. Good Morning Good Morning (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
Did we really need two songs in a row for a good morning, Lennon? Even John has called this song a “throw-away,” and it’s an annoying one, at that. The verse isn’t bad, but the chorus is a bit of trash.
146. I’m a Loser (Beatles For Sale)
Why do I hate this song? It’s not a bad tune, and the progression is pretty catchy. But I hate the cries of “I’m a loser!” Lennon, you were the biggest celebrity in all of history at the time of writing this song. Also, the low rule that the verse ends on isn’t too pleasing, either.
145. Yellow Submarine (Yellow Submarine)
I will not say that “Yellow Submarine” is a good song. But it is one of my favorites. The playful nature of it is a complete joke to me, and I can’t even take it seriously for two seconds before I’m whipping my head around like a maniac, butchering the melody for the goal of getting a laugh. What can you expect? It was derived from a song that Paul played to entertain his nephews (“Jumping ‘Round the Room”), and it fulfilled its purpose. But that doesn’t mean I’m complaining if this song gets pummeled by fans on the media.
144. Octopus’s Garden (Abbey Road)
This song is a little annoying, but compared to “Yellow Submarine,” “Octopus Garden” is so much more palatable by a wider age demographic. Ringo’s vocals are still nasal and unpleasant but at least they are singing lyrics significantly less forgettable than the verses of “Yellow Submarine.” Paul, next time you write a bad song, don’t stick it on Ringo!
143. Eight Days a Week (Beatles For Sale)
I probably shouldn’t despise this song as much as I do, but it’s so easily overplayed that I can’t bear to hear it unless I haven’t been paying attention (like with “I’m a Loser”).
142. I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party (Beatles For Sale)
This isn’t a bad song and has a nice melody to follow, but the harmonies are so devoid of the classic charm of the Fab Four that it just doesn’t weigh up to the other tracks from their discography.
141. All Together Now (Yellow Submarine)
Forget “Yellow Submarine,” “All Together Now” is the one Beatles song that can be labeled 100% a children’s number. But it’s not plagued by Starr’s nasal voice (sorry Ringo), and its use in the film only made it more charming.
140. One After 909 (Let it Be)
“One After 909” is a fun song to sing along too, but it feels more like in anthology or please please please reject five then a Beatles song from a studio album.
139. Her Majesty (Abbey Road)
“Her Majesty” is so low on the list because it’s short, but I find myself fond of this song. It’s simple and fun, and it makes me dance when it comes on.
138. Sexy Sadie (The Beatles)
“Sexy Sadie” is a weird number, and while it’s not the worst song on the white album, it was too short to make an impact.
137. Baby’s in Black (Beatles For Sale)
“Baby’s in Black” has a catchy melody that gets stuck in your head permanently, but like “Eight Days a Week,” “Baby’s in Black” gets old pretty quickly.
136. Dig a Pony (Let it Be)
“Dig A Pony” is a forgettable song not because it’s bad, but more because it sounds ahead of its time. It doesn’t sound like a song written by a 60s band, it sounds more like late 20th century. So while it is a good song by itself, it is nothing in the midst of the brilliance of The Beatles.
135. Why Don’t We Do it in the Road? (The Beatles)
It may not be lyrically contrast, but I’ve always loved the playfulness of this song combined with the irony.
134. Two of Us (Let it Be)
Come to think of it, most of the songs on Let it Be are fun little tunes, but “Two of Us” is just a tad bit depressing, since we know that after this record’s release, the Fab Four will be no more and begin to compete against each other with their solo projects.
133. The Long and Winding Road (Let it Be)
I used to dislike this song, but hearing the cover from the movie, Yesterday, changed my mind. But it is very sad that it made number five on this list, as I still don’t think it’s a great song in The Beatles’ discography. Only goes to show how bad Let it Be really is compared to the band’s other records.
132. Get Back (Let it Be)
Like “One After 909,” “Get Back” is a fun song, but it fits better compared with other Beatles tracks. And whereas “One After 909” feels more like an old cover, “Get Back” has more depth and a stable structure.
131. Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey (The Beatles)
Like “Why Don’t We Do it in the Road?” “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide” has a playful vibe that gives it purpose. But other than that, there isn’t a lot of substance to it.
130. Good Day Sunshine (Revolver)
“Good Day Sunshine” isn’t half bad, but it’s hollow and has a little depth to it.
129. Honey Pie (The Beatles)
I’ve never understood what all the hate was for over this McCartney tune. The melody and lyrics are sweet — while not thought-provoking — but not every song needs to leave a heavy impact to be enjoyable.
128. Dear Prudence (The Beatles)
Unlike most of the Beatles songs that get stuck in your head, “Dear Prudence” gets annoying quickly and is easily overplayed. It doesn’t have a silly message — it’s trying to be a good song — but its drawling vocals and instrumentals give it a low replayable rate.
127. I’ll Cry Instead (A Hard Day’s Night)
“I’ll Cry Instead” has okay vocals, but they are lazy and sound like they belong in a country song.
126. Julia (The Beatles)
“Julia” has the same soberness as “Dear Prudence” but with more mellowed and quiet sounds that make it significantly less annoying than the former. Additionally, it sounds a lot like Lennon’s later solo compositions of “Love” and “Oh My Love.”
125. When I Get Home (A Hard Day’s Night)
Probably the most forgettable Beatles song ever, “When I Get Home” has a strange hook that will get stuck in your head permanently if you wait long enough. Other than that, the rest of the song is left in the dust.
124. Tomorrow Never Knows (Revolver)
A part of me hurts to put “Tomorrow Never Knows” so low on the list, but then again, I must admit that I rarely let it play to begin with. But it is what showed me that Revolver isn’t as dull as I initially believed.
123. I’ll Follow the Sun (Beatles For Sale)
A sweet little song off the Beatles For Sale LP, “I’ll Follow the Sun” is the first decent song off the album. And it showed the first departure for Paul and John with this optimistic ballad versus John’s self-destructive “I’m a Loser.”
122. There’s a Place (Please Please Me)
There isn’t a bad song on The Beatles first album, and “There’s a Place” is no exception. But it’s not one I go crazy for. Most of the Please Please Me tracks have harmonies that I like more than the melodies, but they kind of fall behind on this song.
121. Misery (Please Please Me)
This song has a beginning that hooks you, and I love how Paul and John linger on the vowels when they sing “misery.”
120. Fixing a Hole (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
This song has an interesting bit of lyrics, but it’s nothing more special than “When I’m Sixty-Four” off the same album.
119. Only a Northern Song (Yellow Submarine)
“Only a Northern Song” is a weird song alright, and that was the point. It’s very psychedelic compared to the childish or playful tunes of the rest of the album. It adds a touch of difference that lets the older Beatles fans enjoy the album, too, and while it may not be the greatest Beatles song ever, it is a fun number that makes you question your existence in a weird way.
118. Martha My Dear (The Beatles)
Similar to “Honey Pie,” “Martha My Dear” has another optimistic piano that is universal in a way that is generally easier to love than “Honey Pie.”
117. With a Little Help From My Friends (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I’ve never loved Ringo‘s voice, but while this is one of the better numbers with Starr as a vocalist, it’s still not great. But the lyrics are nice, and the other Beatles asking questions for Starr to answer adds a sweet sentiment reminiscent of the band we knew from the early 60s.
116. Ask Me Why (Please Please Me)
Of course, no one can resist the “I love you-woo-woo-woo-woos” of this song. I may not have been alive back then, but I’ll bet the girls swooned over this track.
115. Because (Abbey Road)
This song is sexual in a way; not by its lyrics, but instead by how alluring the group sings the harmonies. It is appealing, but not so much that it makes it one of the first songs that comes to mind to listen to.
114. Golden Slumbers (Abbey Road)
Like its name, “Golden Slumbers” is honeyed and perfect for Paul’s vocals. But unfortunately, there are so many more memorable Beatles tracks than it on the Abbey Road record.
113. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Abbey Road)
I’ve never loved “I Want You,” but I admit it was an excellent jam session. I just find it way too long and anti-climactic.
112. Tell Me Why (A Hard Day’s Night)
This A Hard Day’s Night track is one of the lesser examples of the group harmonies that the Fab Four are so famous for. Instead of creating a sense of fullness, it is as if they each recorded separately without listening to what the others sounded like.
111. Little Child (With the Beatles)
I never expected “Little Child” to be the first song from with The Beatles on this list, but then I was talking with a fellow Beatles fan who mentioned that the lyrics were a little creepy. Then again, compared to the rest of the album, it’s the most bland lyrically and musically.
110. Oh! Darling (Abbey Road)
It may be a bit annoying, but if you listen to it in moderation, “Oh! Darling” is quite enjoyable. It’s mostly just a few hooks with some filler, though.
109. Mean Mr. Mustard (Abbey Road)
Say what you want, but I, personally, get a kick out of “Mean Mr. Mustard.” It’s a silly filler song with interesting lyrics that don’t overstay their welcome. But I won’t defend it in an argument; I’m not that attached to it.
108. Carry That Weight (Abbey Road)
I heard someone say that this was a sucky Beatles song, but I’ve always found it charming. I love the powerful, “You’re gonna carry that weight a long time” before its sort of reprise of “You Never Give Your Money” without the aggressive bit.
107. I Wanna Be Your Man (With the Beatles)
I’ve heard this song was written for The Rolling Stones, and in my opinion, it fits them way better than it does The Beatles. It’s a fun song, but it feels like a step back, even farther than that of Please Please Me.
106. I Should Have Known Better (A Hard Day’s Night)
Similar to “I’ll Cry Instead,” Lennon’s voice doesn’t quite fit the melody of I Should Have Known Better.” I guess my ear is tainted by the voice cracks in the anthology, but all I can hear is harsh puffs of sound and off-putting vocal pitches on this album version.
105. I’m So Tired (The Beatles)
“I’m So Tired” has the classic, late 60s-era Lennon style that we see on other songs like “Yer Blues” and “Except Me and My Monkey.” It is certainly one of the most relatable numbers from the band; the beating drums and guitars match perfectly with the lyrics, “You know I can’t sleep/I can’t stop my brain, you know it’s three weeks,” stimulating both the heavy weight of insomnia and the desperation of a man just looking for a bit of shut-eye. It’s very different when he screams, “I’m going insane!” compared to the dragging, sluggish nature of the first verse, demonstrating the process of losing your mind over a lack of sleep.
104. P.S. I Love You (Please Please Me)
The Beatles had a simple formula for songwriting in their early years just look at you love me too, but “PS I Love You” is one of the varied ones off Please Please Me. Honestly, most of the covers outshine the originals like “Anna” and “Twist and Shout.” But that’s not to downgrade the latter group — songs like “PS I Love You” were excellent forerunners for “In My Life” and “Hey Bulldog.”
103. And I Love Her (A Hard Day’s Night)
“And I Love Her” is somewhat pleasant, but it’s not too dynamic either, which makes it the most boring track off of A Hard Day’s Night.
102. Here Comes the Sun (Abbey Road)
How dare I put this song so low?! There are many Abbey Road tracks I find less appealing than other fans, and I find myself mostly indifference towards this Harrison track. I enjoyed the Yesterday cover version (which made me pay more attention to the song), but I still don’t find the Brit rock lullaby to be better than most other semi-ballads from the group.
101. Not a Second Time (With the Beatles)
One of the more forgettable With the Beatles songs, “Not a Second Time” has a pleasant melody and pleasing low tones. But what is particularly lovable about this song are the constant slurs at the end of phrases.
100. Love Me Do (Please Please Me)
The song that started it all; this is the song every Beatles fan must know. Lennon’s mouth organ is a staple on this track, and it introduced us to the chemistry of harmonies that The Beatles always played off so well. It was a start to a great career, and no one can deny how important this single was to the Brit pop/rock group.
99. Every Little Thing (Beatles For Sale)
If there’s anything great about this song, it’s Lennon’s harmony on the chorus; it gives us a sneak peek of what was to come on the Rubber Soul album.
98. What Goes On (Rubber Soul)
As it stands, Rubber Soul is the only album with every song in the top 100 (because a certain cover on Help! really sucks). Still, “What Goes On” has irritating vocals and a melody that can’t compare to the rest of the record.
97. Love You To (Revolver)
Forget “Norwegian Wood,” the sitar hogs all of the spotlight on Revolver’s “Love You To.” It’s a bit too Harrison to be mega iconic, but it was the precursor to “Within You Without You” that pulled off the raga psychedelic style with a better structure and melody.
96. I Want to Tell You (Revolver)
You’ve got to love the opening riff of “I Want to Tell You.” It’s got a vibe similar to that of “Good Day Sunshine” but not as fake in its upbeat tone.
95. The Night Before (Help!)
The fact that this is the song first mentioned from the band’s fifth LP says something about the album as a whole. (Of course, we are not listing the covers on the album, but this is at least through of the originals of the record.) I still cannot believe that “The Night Before” made the bottom of the album. It is a fun song with powerful lead vocals and equally amazing echoes. But I guess it is less dynamically varied than the rest of the record.
94. What You’re Doing (Beatles For Sale)
Pretty much the entirety of Beatles For Sale seems severely off from the rest of the Beatles discography. But “What You’re Doing” is the first song to sound remotely similar to other albums, as if it were halfway between a decent Ringo number and an early Paul track.
93. Savoy Truffle (The Beatles)
The best part about this Harrison tune is the quiet Beatle’s abnormal falsetto vocals. It’s a strange one for George, but it’s surprisingly full and sweet as a “Savoy Truffle,” and it goes to prove that Harrison can write a darn good guitar lick.
92. Drive My Car (Rubber Soul)
It hurts to put “Drive My Car” so low on this list; it’s a fun McCartney tune, no matter how anyone tries to poke fun at it. It’s easy to smile when this song comes on, and it is also a reminder of James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke episode with Paul McCartney.
91. If I Needed Someone (Rubber Soul)
There’s something magical in the air with this next track — whether it’s the way the melody makes your heart rise like a balloon, the harmonies in the background, or just the classic Harrison charm, “If I Needed Someone” is likely to stick with you forever.
90. Baby, You’re a Rich Man (Magical Mystery Tour)
It hurts to see “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” as one of the least on the Magical Mystery Tour album. It is a well-known tune, but the melody is pretty static despite how well it was written.
89. Getting Better (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
“Getting Better” is an upbeat number not too offputting from Revolver, but it doesn’t have enough substance to stand as a great track.
88. Polythene Pam (Abbey Road)
“Have you [heard] Polythene Pam?” It’s so good, and yet no one gives it the credit. Sure, it’s short, but it has an amazing beat that fills you with energy without becoming annoying due to its brief duration.
87. Magical Mystery Tour (Magical Mystery Tour)
The best part of this song is the harmonies, but you can’t resist the lyrics either. Just like the Magical Mystery Tour, this nice Beatles album is waiting, hoping, even “dying to take you away.”
86. Got To Get You Into My Life (Revolver)
The horns on this track are fun and upbeat, but it’s also very similar to “I Want to Tell You.”
85. Taxman (Revolver)
Taxman is a lyrical masterpiece from the very beginning: “There’s one for you, 19 for me.” It was an early political track from the group (and Harrison, for that matter).
84. Here, There, and Everywhere (Revolver)
It’s sweet to hear that in his stiff persona, Lennon complemented Paul for this number. It’s a sweet tune different from other later numbers, and while it certainly isn’t the greatest Beatles track, it is one to come back to every now and again.
83. Glass Onion (The Beatles)
This song is great because it has a similar, one more direct purpose than Magical Mystery Tour’s “I Am the Walrus.” But because it is in a decipherable language whilst still holding no real meeting makes it less valuable.
82. And Your Bird Can Sing (Revolver)
The best part of this song are the melodies, but the pounding vocals are also pleasing. Yet at the same time, “Norwegian Wood” is still superior.
81. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles)
Yes, this song is a children’s song. And yes, it’s kind of dumb. But it’s so cute and innocent, I can’t help but eat it up. The guitars are bright and jumpy, and the gibberish chorus only makes the experience even more adorable. After all, the Beatles are meant to appeal to all ages, so what’s wrong with a few kids tunes every once in a while?
80. The Word (Rubber Soul)
The harmonies on this song clash together in a similar manner to that of “When I Get Home,” and not in an unpleasant way, either. How is a song like “All You Need is Love” so famous while “The Word” isn’t? I’m telling you, this song’s got the same message, and it’s worth at least five times as much as that Yellow Submarine track.
79. Another Girl (Help!)
“Another Girl” is a fun, catchy track. But like “The Night Before,” it isn’t as dynamic as I’d like it to be.
78. She Said She Said (Revolver)
Apparently, this song was written after an argument between a few people in the studio. You can’t get enough of the lyrics: “No, no, no, you’re wrong…/And you were making me feel like I’ve never been born.”
77. You Like Me Too Much (Help!)
Unlike the previously mentioned songs, the chorus of “You Like Me Too Much” sneaks up on you, acting more like a part of the verse. It shows that even a simple following of a scale can make for a great melody.
76. You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away (Help!)
“You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is a track that makes you sway to its swinging guitar and vocals, slightly reminiscent of Rubber Soul’s “Norwegian Wood.” But the best part of it is how Lennon shouts in the chorus.
75. Please Please Me (Please Please Me)
If there is one thing perfect about The Beatles debut album: it ignited and fueled Beatlemania. With every song on Please Please Me about girls (or “[talking] about boys”), songs like “Please Please Me” definitely got the girls who swooned and screamed for the Fab Four. The instruments and growling Lennon vocals are to die for, that’s for sure.
74. I Me Mine (Let it Be)
The first great song on the record, “I Me Mine” is an underrated Harrison song that often gets pushed under the rug in the shadow of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” or “Something.” And it was a brilliant idea to give it the “heavy waltz” feel of the 3/4 time signature as he sings, “Even those tears/I, me, mine, I, me, mine, I, me, mine” in self-pity.
73. Girl (Rubber Soul)
It’s story time with John Lennon, and you’ve got to love his voice with the minor chords in this song. In the way he sucks in his cheeks before he sings “girl” only adds to the aesthetic, and it’s both a lot of fun and surprisingly relaxing to join in.
72. Can’t Buy Me Love (A Hard Day’s Night)
This is a fun, classic single from the band: upbeat, loud, and it makes you want to get up and shake around like the girls did at their concerts.
71. No Reply (Beatles for Sale)
While Beatles For Sale was a necessary bridge between the classic Beatles era and the golden age of Help!, Rubber Soul,and Revolver, the entire album could burn for all I care. But “No Reply” is the one song that has the potential to be missed. Whereas the rest of the album sounds number and distant, “No Reply” is brighter and clearer in sound and execution. You’ve got to love the key change in the bridge, and even the cries of “No reply” and “I nearly died” make this song significantly more charming than the rest of the album. However, it is still sad that no Beatles For Sale track (not even the covers) made it to the top 50.
70. Penny Lane (Magical Mystery Tour)
For being Paul’s version of Lennon’s “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Penny Lane” was the perfect foil for the Magical Mystery Tour album. The two are like the sequel to the masterpiece and contrast from Sgt. Peppers’ “A Day in the Life.” It may not be as philosophical as Lennon’s works, but it has the Paul McCartney optimism that makes you smile after a long day.
69. Don’t Bother Me (With the Beatles)
Like “Not a Second Time,” “Don’t Bother Me” has pleasant low tones, but unlike the former has addicting melody and stronger instruments backing it up.
68. I’m Looking Through You (Rubber Soul)
This track has the aesthetic of Help! but with higher pitches. And if there’s one thing true, it’s that none of the other Beatles can pull off the higher octave better than Paul McCartney.
67. Mother Nature’s Son (The Beatles)
This is a tune very similar to “Julia,” but the melody is brighter and more digestible.
66. You Never Give Me Your Money (Abbey Road)
I kind of like the bit of this song in “Carry That Weight” more, but there is something about this song’s punchline that compels me to put it higher.
65. Strawberry Fields Forever (Magical Mystery Tour)
“Let me take you down” to a land not as magical as that pictured in “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” but still impossible and mystical. John’s use of the organ in this track is iconic and has been used in many songs today, keeping its legacy alive just the same as the lyrics that are permanently stuck in our heads.
64. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
This version of the famous album’s title track is certainly more unified, but it is listed lower mainly because it is short. That’s not to say it is a bad song — it perfectly concludes the alter-ego persona and further carries the false illusion that you are sitting in a theater in front of the band at a concert (which at this point in time were no more).
63. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
A friend of mine prefers the reprise to the first track of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but in my opinion, the harmonies are tighter on this version, and Paul’s shouting vocals are igniting and energizing.
62. Something (Abbey Road)
Another Abbey Road track I have an unpopular opinion about, I find “Something” alluring, but it isn’t consistent and leaves me confused. The beginning is fine, but the rest is so much different in mood and energy; I don’t want to go back to the sober tone of the verse.
61. Doctor Robert (Revolver)
Most of the tracks on Revolver are iconic because of their lyrics, and “Doctor Robert” is no exception. The melody is jolly, and it makes you want to meet this Dr. Robert, even if he potentially distributes a few questionable substances.
60. Hello, Goodbye (Magical Mystery Tour)
“Hello, Goodbye” is a fun song, but it’s nowhere near as great as the rest of the Magical Mystery Tour album. It’s one of those Beatles songs that I like but can also admit that it was a bit of a throwaway.
59. Back in the USSR (The Beatles)
This is a song you won’t mind getting stuck in your head. It’s a catchy, fast-paced song that no listener can forget, and it’s got to be a great song live. Yes, “Back in the U.S.S.R.” is an iconic song for a reason, but I wish I could put the Esher demo above the album version. And there are other better hard rock numbers from the Beatles, like “Helter Skelter” off the same album.
58. Hold Me Tight (With the Beatles)
Another classic Beatles hit, “Hold Me Tight” has strong melodies and is a fun one to listen to every once in a while until you get sick of it.
57. Blackbird (The Beatles)
I’ve never been drawn to the lyrics of this song specifically, but the melody and soft acoustic guitar gets me every time. And the metaphor of the blackbird reminds me of a lullaby my mother sang for me as a child.
56. Do You Want to Know a Secret (Please Please Me)
I’ve tried, but there’s not a whole lot to be said about Please Please Me. Obviously I have differing opinions about the tracks, or else I would’ve clumped them all in one place. I like the beginning of the song and how it changes from a minor sound to a major, but for the most part; while Please Please Me laid the groundwork for their career, there isn’t anything too special to single out besides the obvious band energy, harmonies, and charm.
55. Birthday (The Beatles)
There is no denying how great this track off the white album is. Forget “Happy Birthday to You” (especially after the copyright issues a few years back), this song is ready to give you “a good time,” whether it really is your special day or just an un-birthday.
54. Rocky Raccoon (The Beatles)
This song is the bomb — to heck what anyone may say about it. I’ve always loved lyrics that tell a story, and “Rocky Raccoon” is the more mature “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” — “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” for adults. I wonder if it could have inspired Marvel’s Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy, as well.
53. Tell Me What You See (Help!)
This song is dynamic with its lyrics, “Open up your eyes now/Tell me what you see.” It is also groovy in a way that makes it likable despite not being the most memorable song off the Help! record.
52. Helter Skelter (The Beatles)
“Helter Skelter” was written to one-up The Who, and while there are better Who songs, this song was in no way a flop. Many fans and critics even see it as one of the greatest Beatles compositions ever. And it’s not just the lead guitar on this track, but Lennon’s rhythms, as well — and of course, Ringo: “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!”
51. A Hard Day’s Night (A Hard Day’s Night)
This song has a nice groove to it, but I never really understood why it still gets so much love. It is another classic hit, but there are so many other staples that are better than this album’s title track.
50. The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill (The Beatles)
Perhaps the greatest children’s song from the Fab Four, “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” — while still a silly song — is one that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s like a non-psychedelic “Lucy in the Sky WIth Diamonds” with its tempo changes setting a clear separation between the verses and the chorus. The falsetto vocals, apparently delivered by Yoko Ono, add a lighthearted tone to the song while still contributing to the atmosphere of the story. The low, slightly muffled expression of voice imitates that commonly used to sing silly songs to small children, and the lyrics are so catchy, you can’t help but eat it up.
49. You Won’t See Me (Rubber Soul)
Another track made great by its harmonies; “You Won’t See Me” is the classic Harrison song and stands as one of the songwriter’s best.
48. It’s Only Love (Help!)
How can you resist this melody? It toys with you in the verses, making you want more but refusing to give it to you until the chorus.
47. Yer Blues (The Beatles)
I have a masochist reason for liking this song, but I guess Lennon did, too. For all the love songs The Beatles performed, “Yer Blues” was certainly a shock. It is John’s humor, but maybe less humorous than it was true. It is the harsh, blunt blues version of “Help!” And despite the pessimistic lyrics, you can’t deny the beat that keeps you glued in place while listening.
46. I Need You (Help!)
Harrison is famous for his Indian influence to The Beatles’ music (especially on Rubber Soul), but his earlier works don’t get the credit they deserve; “I Need You” is one of those underrated songs. Its melody is irresistible, and the lyrics only add to its appeal.
45. I Saw Her Standing There (Please Please Me)
“I Saw Her Standing There” stands out on Please Please Me as the obvious choice for the best on its album, besides “Twist and Shout.” It has the Paul energy we came to love from later albums, and the lyrics and rhythms are more fleshed out and memorable than the other originals on Please Please Me.
44. If I Fell (A Hard Day’s Night)
Unlike “And I Love Her,” the changes in groove between the intro and after (from steady down beats to a smoother, lighter progression) make the song a more interesting and pleasing ballad from A Hard Day’s Night. And if you haven’t seen the clip of this song from the film, you’re missing out.
43. It’s All Too Much (Yellow Submarine)
One of the better songs on Yellow Submarine, “It’s All Too Much” has a catchy and singable chorus. It starts off with a bang, and it never falters.
42. I’ve Just Seen a Face (Help!)
The quickly recited vocals combined with the guitar is what gives “I’ve Just Seen a Face” its appeal. And who can resist its repetitive chorus?
41. I’m Only Sleeping (Revolver)
This song may sometimes be confused with the white album’s “I’m So Tired,” but whereas that track harbors a desperate, almost deranged emotion in its vocals, “I’m Only Sleeping” is more pleasing and peaceful. It is a bit like “Tomorrow Never Knows,” but less trippy. Makes you want to sit down, relax and let John’s vocals carry you as you “float up stream…”
40. Across the Universe (Let it Be)
I don’t think there’s a Lennon fan alive that thinks badly of this song. Better than “Imagine,” “Across the Universe” has the same charm of the foreign language lyrics as Rubber Soul’s “Michelle,” but with a sweeter tone to it. And although Paul is the better vocalist, as the “words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,” so is Lennon’s voice.
39. Run For Your Life (Rubber Soul)
Another fast-paced fan number, “Run For Your Life” is an underrated closing track from the Rubber Soul record. The shadow vowels of “that’s the end” are pleasing as well as the rash Lennon vocals and lyrics.
38. It Won’t Be Long (With the Beatles)
The guitar licks of this song are amazing, and The Beatles have always been able to will audiences with their echoes of “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
37. Any Time At All (A Hard Day’s Night)
“Any Time At All” is a fun track, but there are multiple others that already serve this purpose on A Hard Day’s Night that it just falls into as a lesser song of that category.
36. She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (Abbey Road)
The chorus of this song is addicting, and it doesn’t even need a bridge to be interesting. The lyrics are weird, but so are the lyrics of “I Am the Walrus” and “Lucy in the SKy With Diamonds,” so “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” proves that maybe Paul and John didn’t entirely head in separate ways.
35. Nowhere Man (Rubber Soul)
This is a song that is easily overplayed, but still iconic nonetheless. There is a mood about it that is recognizable and optimistic despite its message, kind of like a brighter “Fool on the Hill” vibe with “The Word”-esque vocal harmonies.
34. Cry Baby Cry (The Beatles)
This song sighs with its stripped-down melodies and guitars, matching the lyrics, “Cry, baby, cry/Make your mother sigh.” It may not be the most memorable Beatles song, but those who hear it will never be able to get it out of their heads.
33. Your Mother Should Know (Magical Mystery Tour)
Why do I like this song so much? Who knows? It’s a fun song that is simple along the array of thinkers in the Beatles’ discography. It’s the perfect number to dance and sing along to, and it’s a song that I hope (at least) that not just your mother will remember.
32. The Fool on the Hill (Magical Mystery Tour)
A classic McCartney tune, this song stands as a testament that John isn’t the only beautiful with a brain. “The Fool on the Hill” has lyrics that may be related to “Nowhere Man,” but the solo vocals of Paul, the flute, and the other wind instruments used give it a somber mood with bright, clear tones that deliver its message effectively.
31. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Abbey Road)
I love this song so much, you don’t even know. It’s a silly song with a twist: a college student murdering people with his giant hammer — why not? Sure, it’s strange, but Paul never ceases to surprise us, and the conspiracy that it’s connected to the “Paul is Dead” theory just makes the idea of it even more hilarious, especially with the nonchalant tone in the lyrics.
30. Let it Be (Let it Be)
I’ve heard people trash the lyrics to this iconic McCartney track, but they make perfect sense to me. And the story behind it is even more beautiful. Paul is a talented vocalist, but I think the guitar solo on this song also doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
29. Norwegian Wood (Rubber Soul)
Rubber Soul has a different sound from the rest of The Beatles’ albums because it was the album that acted as a bridge between their early days and creating their own legacy. And George Harrison played a larger role in the band’s evolution than I think people give him credit for. Sure, Lennon and McCartney are the train drivers of the operation, but would Rubber Soul, Revolver, or even Sgt. Peppers be as great as they are without Harrison? I say that’s a hard no. “Norwegian Wood” especially would not have been the same without him. I can kind of imagine the song without Harrison’s sitar, but that’s like trying to imagine The Beatles without their group harmonies or a non-psychedelic Kula Shaker. In “Norwegian Wood,” the psychedelia only adds to the existing story, and the sitar takes the role of the harmonies.
28. Revolution 1 (The Beatles)
While it may not be as great as “Revolution” from the Past Masters collection, the structure and heart of the song is still present on this album version. The “shoe-bee-do-wops” in the background are addicting, and the lyrics have a subtle, classic Lennon-style philosophy that is difficult to complain about with how well it was delivered.
27. You Can’t Do That (A Hard Day’s Night)
With a similar nature as that of the previously mentioned “Any Time At All,” “You Can’t Do That” is superior because it has a heavier beat and more passionate vocals that fit the emotion of the lyrics. Not to mention, the harmony of the echoes add a final touch that leaves a mark.
26. All I’ve Got to Do (With the Beatles)
This is an underrated song off With the Beatles that makes your hips sway to McCartney‘s beachy vocals. Similar to “Not a Second Time,” “All I’ve Got to Do” uses a lot of slurs but has a style that is more seductive than the former, making it overall more interesting and enjoyable.
25. Think For Yourself (Rubber Soul)
One of the best Harrison numbers; “Think For Yourself” was the first Rubber Soul track I became attached to. It changes drastically between the verse and the chorus (going from a minor sound to a major sound), and that aesthetic fits perfectly, as the lyrics show that they have “left you far behind.” It is the feeling of lifting a burden off your shoulders, and we just don’t get enough of Harrison’s deep vocal tones in The Beatles’ discography.
24. When I’m Sixty-Four (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I don’t understand the hate behind “When I’m Sixty-Four.” Even Lennon himself has dismissed it as “grandma music,” but what’s so bad with a song like that every once in a while? It’s a sweet, whimsical tune I’d love any day. But it is upsetting to remember that Lennon only got to 40.
23. She’s Leaving Home (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I never hear anyone speak of this McCartney track, but it’s one I often can’t get out of my brain. The falsetto vocals are pleasing, and its somber mood allows Paul to really show off his cooing vocals previously seen from the ballads of A Hard Day’s Night. I get goosebumps whenever it comes on, and the second verse, especially, never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
22. You’re Gonna Lose That Girl (Help!)
Probably the best Beatles track featuring the Fab Four’s tight harmonies; “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl” is a song that you wish you had two voices to sing along to both the lead vocals and the echoes.
21. I’ll Be Back (A Hard Day’s Night)
If you’ve never heard the Anthology version of this song, you’re missing out. And apparently, it was my top song by The Beatles on Spotify in 2019. The lyrics of “I’ll Be Back” are nothing to sneeze at, but it is the harmonies that really give it a push to the top of its album.
20. I’m Happy Just to Dance With You (A Hard Day’s Night)
This song was the first classic Beatles song I heard, and it was another key factor in cultivating my love for the band. While most of the Fab Fours’ early hits are characterized mainly by their tight harmonies, “I’m Happy Just to Dance With You” is special because it is the melody that really stands out on this track.
19. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles)
I love this song, and I love the Anthology version even more. It has been rightfully praised as the greatest and most iconic Harrison composition since it was released, and it is even greater than anything he released outside of the Beatles (just like with each one of the member’s solo projects). And “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a perfect representation of the quiet Beatle’s personality: peaceful, quiet, but observant — deeply concerned over the state of the world.
18. Blue Jay Way (Magical Mystery Tour)
You’ve got to love this psychedelic tune from Harrison, and it only goes to show just how important George was as a songwriter to the group. “Blue Jay Way,” while not the most famous Harrison track, absolutely deserves its spot at the top for its deep lyrics and trippy instrumentals. The seemingly backwards instrumental tracks mirror the lyrics and make you believe you were standing in a thick fog unable to find your way or your friends. And the droning vocals of “Please don’t be long” are both satisfying and unforgettable.
17. All My Loving (With the Beatles)
Maybe Paul’s most classic number, “All My Loving’’ uses its energetic instrumentals combined with chill vocals to captivate the listener and get stuck in your head.
16. I Am the Walrus (Magical Mystery Tour)
There are times I forget how brilliant Lennon’s nonsense song is, but despite its purpose to make fun of English analysis nerds, the lyrics are a masterpiece in and of itself. The instrumentals may be weird, but that only makes them perfect for the track.
15. Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I need to hate this song, but I became curious again when a White Stripes article referred to it as “Lucy in the Sky With the Diamonds” and cracked me up. I remember hating the vocals that made me feel like I was under the influence (no, I don’t believe this song is referring to LSD), and I thought the lack of a transition into the chorus was jarring and almost painful. But after giving it a chance and embracing the psychedelia (a phrase I never thought I’d say), I found myself unable to walk away. Whatever the song may mean, it certainly acts like a narcotic, and you can’t ignore the beauty of the land Lennon has painted in the lyrics. Even the way the verse and the chorus are in perfect mathematical intervals with each other despite the key signature change and the lack of theory knowledge in the band is astonishing on its own.
14. Michelle (Rubber Soul)
Another extremely underrated song, “Michelle” is sweet in voice, and the guitar complements the chill and easy-going groove of the melodies and harmonies.
13. A Day in the Life (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: although Lennon’s sections of this song are immensely better than Paul’s, I would still hate it should Paul’s versus not have existed. The way they stood on their own, Lennon’s verses on “A Day in the Life” would easily have fallen into the void of stronger numbers like “Magical Mystery Tour” or “I Am the Walrus,” while Paul’s would have been just another “Penny Lane” or “When I’m Sixty-Four” knock off. The lyrics of Lennon’s verse by themselves are strong — what else can we expect from the great John Lennon — but it’s the foil of Paul’s perspective bridged together with the orchestral chaos that makes this song stick as one of the most critically-acclaimed Beatles tracks in history.
12. Things We Said Today (A Hard Day’s Night)
The most biased choice on this list; my love for “Thing We Said Today” stems mainly from the fact that it is what taught me barre chords on guitar. I learned the lyrics and melody of the song solely so I could play it, and it will always be special to me for that reason. Either way, who wouldn’t love the quick up-and-down chugs of the guitar between verses?
11. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite! (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
Does this song deserve to be at the top of Sgt. Peppers? Absolutely! I don’t have a clue what compelled Lennon to write “Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” but whatever it was, I’m glad he did. The music sounds just like a carnival, and the waltz sequence has one of my favorite guitar solos from any Beatles song. The entirety of it makes me want to sprout wings and fly away like Mr. Kite.
10. Wait (Rubber Soul)
An extremely underrated song off the Rubber Soul LP, “Wait” not only has amazing vocals but is one of the best showings of Lennon and McCartney‘s harmonies, sounding as if it were sung by only a single vocalist. The lyrics are addicting, and if you’ve read any of my other ranked articles, you should know that I am a sucker for songs that end with the lyrics of the first verse.
9. Ticket to Ride (Help!)
The music and melodies of “Ticket to Ride” are addicting, and I have the urge to play it on repeat whenever it turns on so I can belt out the chorus for eternity.
8. Hey Bulldog (Yellow Submarine)
A video once said that “Hey Bulldog” was one of the last songs the Fab Four had fun with together during the recording session. It’s not hard to believe — the outro of this song portrays their behaviors in the same manner as they acted in 1964.
7. Yesterday (Help!)
I would never list “Yesterday” at the top of my head as a favorite, but it’s so iconic that you just can’t ignore it. It is one of Paul’s greatest works (if not the best), and if the statistics I’ve seen are correct, it is also the most covered song in history.
6. Come Together (Abbey Road)
I couldn’t not put this song high on the list; it not only has amazing lyrics, but arguably the greatest riff of any Beatles song ever. And even though it was obvious tensions were high at this phase in The Beatles’ career, it’s a nice illusion to think about the Fab Four “coming together” again on this track.
5. In My Life (Rubber Soul)
There’s no argument against this song at the top of the list and the Rubber Soul record. In a way, it’s a bittersweet, Lennon take on the vibe of Paul’s “Yesterday.” But don’t listen to any covers; they’re all murder.
4. For No One (Revolver)
Never have I heard another Beatles fan ever mention the Revolver track, “For No One.” It is a forgotten number in the shadow of “Eleanor Rigby” and the rest of the album, but it is so much more worthy of recognition. It is chock-full of emotion “behind the tears/cried for no one.” “Eleanor Rigby” talks about the “lonely people” from a third person perspective, but “For No One” takes it from the more personal second person perspective. So while one tells a story, the other forces you to look through the eyes of the person the girl in question doesn’t care for anymore. It is hands-down the most overlooked Beatles track, but it will forever be at the top of my own list.
3. Happiness is a Warm Gun (The Beatles)
There are plenty of great Beatles songs, but I don’t doubt for a second how great “Happiness is a Warm Gun” is. It has a bit of everything: harmonies, drug references, intimacy, and even a clever bit of structural and pacing changes that make it difficult to pinpoint a key signature. John has always kept us on our toes with his lyrics, his big mouth, and his protests, and this is one song off the white album that never disappoints.
2. Help! (Help!)
Up until recently, “Help!” was my favorite Beatles song. The album, for one, is amazing and was my first vinyl record. The lyrics are great and sound like cries, and I love the “HALP!” at the beginning. And who doesn’t love the falsetto of “Won’t you please, please help me?” It’s even a slight reference to their debut album, in a way.
1. Eleanor Rigby (Revolver)
I don’t think there’s a single person that can’t relate to this song at some point in their life. The strings were the best decision for this Revolver track, and it is the first Beatles song that made me enjoy the band’s music. Paul has always been The Beatles’ best vocalist, and “Eleanor Rigby” was the perfect range for him with vocals at a similar quality to “Hey Jude,” another of the band’s most beloved hits. But what really hit hard in this song are the lyrics — and how could they not? Personally, I suggest you listen to this song with headphones; the way the verses are sung in one ear and then in both during the chorus is immersive and igniting. But the atmosphere overall makes it the best Beatles song, or at least in my own personal opinion.
