Beatles Songs Ranked

It is, of course, nonsense and a ridiculous task. It´s so hard! No one can objectively evaluate and rank all Beatles songs by quality. Not even real critics, let alone fans. Everybody has his own Top Ten or Top Fifty, everybody has songs he can´t stand. The only slightly feasible option is to try to make a sort of your own rankings, perhaps according to personal preferences or memories. And they change over time. I´m pretty sure that if I wrote this article next week or two, it would look completely different. Maybe except for top 20. But I tried. And enjoyed it.

??? Revolution 9 (1968)

Let´s start with two songs that I have absolutely no idea where to put in the chart. It´s fair to admit it. So I decided to give them only something like honourable mention. I have to name them but at the same time I really don´t want to start any flame war right at the very beginning. It sure will come later. Seriously…where would you put Revolution 9? Is it an innovative revolutionary masterpiece, depicting all the sorrows of the then youth or nine minutes long masturbation without any reason or meaning? Avantgarde Clue.. I´ll leave it to real music critics. I’d rather offer you probably the best Beatles cover I have ever heard.

??? Wild Honey Pie (1968)

The second one is of course Wild Honey Pie. According to thorough research there are apparently only three people in the world who like WHP. Paul, Pattie Boyd and me! I can’t rank it as a song simply because I don’t know where to put it. Or more precisely I´m not brave enough to put it in to Top 100. Where it should be.. Is it better then For you blue, Rocky raccoon or Ballad Of John and Yoko? Well, to be honest.. yes. Or at least more interesting. Is it a song? No, not really. It’s just a joke, 40 seconds of funny noise. I still don’t understand why so many people are so upset about it. Stop complaining, it’s a joke, ffs! Just a question.. Are you OK with It’s Johnny’s birthday? Same 50 second. Or Ya Ya? Hey? What? Nothing? Can’t hear you.

One more thing.. I am probably the only fan who included WHP on to his Single White Album LP.

??? Maggie Mae (1969)

Now let’s move on to songs that just should not have been released. Maggie Mae and Dig It. They are not bad, they are not good, they are just excerpts from jam sessions or private jokes. It makes absolutely no sense to put these songs in the charts. Or albums. Phil Spector should be held responsible for destroying the Let It Be album with them. Not only with them..

??? Dig It (1969)

I enjoy listening the long version but I would never agree to release it if I was the fifth Beatle. It belongs to documentaries and bootlegs.

199. Flying (1967)

Finally, the worst song. It may actually not even be the worst one, it’s just completely useless in my opinion. Boring, lifeless, unnecessary. It doesn’t even fit into the film soundtrack as a filler. All four split the royalties, at least, that’s nice.

198. What Goes On (1965)

It may sound harsh but I always say that Ringo´s songs should be only on singles or EP’s. I love Ringo, I love his drumming, his attitude, his voice, all that ‘peace and luf’, but all his efforts simply ruin the albums. Yellow Submarine should not be on Revolver, that’s a crime, Octopus Garden should not be on Abbey Road. Not because they’re bad, only because they ruin the flow and mood of the album. In the case of What Goes On, it is slightly different. It shouldn’t even have been recorded. This is pure boring rubbish not worthy to be written by two greatest musical geniuses of 20th century. It actually offends me how bad it is.

197. Mr. Moonlight (1964)

All the cover versions Beatles made will be pretty low in my rankings. Be ready for it. Mainly because I find their own work to be superior to all others’, even in the case of relatively high-quality and famous songs. And for this one – I personally consider Mr. Moonlight to be their worst cover. The ridiculous intro haunted me when I was a child. And still does. There is just all wrong in this song. Yes, they allegedly had some success with it during their first live performances, but I threw it out of my Beatles For Sale Naked.

196. Matchbox (1963)

This is another just wrong. The song itself is not good and Ringo made it even worse.

195. Good Night (1968)

And another Ringo. Sorry. First of all, I love them all. And I never skip a song when playing any whole album. I don´t even skip Revolution 9. Well, it´s simply because White Album ends for me with Cry Baby Cry, I was not bothered to listen Revolution 9 and Good night more then .. hard to guess.. eight, ten times? Maybe more, sometimes I´m too far from CD player or computer to switch it off. Good night is one of the worst Beatles songs, sung by Ringo, made with the little help from his friend John. It’s just so bad. Boring, long, uninteresting. Creepy. Somebody somewhere called it syrupy, sappy and overdone. That´s exactly what I think. Ringo’s voice doesn’t suit it at all. Maybe if Michael Bublé or someone like that would sing it? I really don’t know. Sinatra? Elvis in Vegas? Maybe only John´s voice with simple guitar would make me to rank it slightly higher. Not much higher anyway.

194. I Wanna Be Your Man (1963)

We all know the story. Nasty and Dirk went to the corner of the pub, wrote that song and tried to sell it to Rolling Stones.. and it was horrible.

193. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby (1964)

Perkins classic. I never liked the classic rock and roll. I understand that without it Beatles would have not existed but (Achtung! Blasphemy!) 50’s Rock and Roll is just boring. And George´s no-voice really doesn’t help. It´s boring squared.

192. Boys (1963)

Another unsuccessful and unnecessary cover version. Although thousands of girls fainted at concerts when Ringo shook his head. So it was definitely a success, my bad.

191. Little Child (1963)

Trivial. Too.. average? Even for early stuff. Nevertheless, you have to appreciate how they were able to spit out a song whenever they needed one. And they needed a lot in the beginning. I actually like it. More then plenty of songs I put higher. Sad hypocrite I am.

190. Don’t Bother Me (1963)

First Harrisong. And not a very good one. (Yes, I know, still much better than anything I can write) No worries, soon he will be much better.

189. Baby, It’s You (1963)

Sha-la-la-la. It´s just not them! It’s Bucharach. As a parody maybe, I can imagine Zappa playing it with his 1988 band and laugh. But they probably took it seriously.

188. Slow Down (1963)

I should have not included those covers. It would have saved me a lot of work.

187. Anna (Go To Him) (1963)

And again. It´s really hard to rank these early covers. I´m sure they liked them and as a matter of fact I like them too. But in the Beatles catalog they simply must be this low.

186. Bad Boy (1965)

Slightly better Larry Williams then Slow Down.

185. Dizzy Miss Lizzy (1965)

Covers. I understand they were under pressure and had to fill albums, but some of them are really bad taste. Dizzy Miss Lizzy is a perfect example. George Martin did shit job too, placing it right after Yesterday to end the album with it. Did they try to replicate the success with another Twisty And Shouty song at the end? It’s wrong. 

184. You Really Got A Hold On Me (1963)

And again. Another band´s favourite. I would not skip it but it does nothing to me. OK, I like it. Like everything they did. But it’s a cover.

183. I’ll Get You (1963)

Oh yeah, clap clap, oh yeah. Harmonica and Ringo’s right hand. It’s early them all right but I’m glad they grew up so quickly.

182. Roll Over Beethoven (1963)

It’s not actually that bad song itself. But 1. it’s a cover, 2. it’s another straightforward boring R’n’R, maybe good for early live shows, 3. George’s voice is not strong enough to sing it. His voice is simply too weak for these kind of songs. What sounded nice lately, his weak voice in The Inner Light or Here Comes The Sun, sounds shite in rock’n’rolls. No matter how good the originals are. Maybe if Paul sang it, it would be higher. John’s version might be interesting too. To be honest even Ringo would sound better then George. Just try to play it in your head.

181. Old Brown Shoe (1969)

Finally some Beatles songs. Bass is good, played by George. I’m not sure, I read it somewhere. Nothing else. Pretty much uninteresting and boring song. Even annoying. Yes, annoying, that’s the correct word.

180. For You Blue (1970)

Boring. Uninspired. Not Beatles standard. Every pub band can do it.

179. The Ballad Of John And Yoko (1969)

We don’t care, John. No-one-cares!!! Oh Yoko. Dear Yoko. Hot dogs are over! Seriously, we don’t care. Or anybody does? Let me know if anybody was ever interested in story of John and Yoko. It’s three minutes long but it feels like an hour. Nobody was going to crucify you, everybody was just shaking head in disbelief what the hell happened to you. Because most of us still don’t get it. At least John and Paul had a good time when recording and that’s a good thing. Btw, Lenono fans, can you imagine what would you say to The ballad of Paul and Linda? I can.. hypocritical bastards.

178. Yes It Is (1965)

B-side to Ticket to Ride. And what a difference. They really could sing, that’s the only positive thing about this song, for me it’s .. dopey is the word?

177. Rocky Raccoon (1968)

That´s typical Paul wasting his talent and nobody was strong enough to tell him to get rid of it. Surprisingly, I heard that lots of people, especially in US, like it. On the other hand, Paul is so versatile that if he wants country and western slash comedy, he makes it. Just like that, like Calvera says. And as an attempt to try another different genre, it´s actually OK.

176.  Blue Jay Way (1967)

This one is a massive step down comparing to George’s brilliant contribution on Revolver. It’s just lazy. Boring. Zzzzz. Mach schau, don’t you remember?

175. All Together Now (1969)

Hard to rate this one. Catchy little children tune with very Beatly  intro.

174. Devil In Her Heart (1963)

And another George’s cover, another unnecessary album filler. And again I have to say it’s difficult to judge these songs. Without them Beatles would have not existed. And I like them, too.

173. Chains (1963)

One more forgettable cover. Although very earwormy..

172. Thank You Girl (1963)

Catchy From Me To You B-side. Yeah.. it’s ok, I guess. For 1963.

171. I’m Down (1965)

Paul trying to write his own Long Tall Sally. Not a bad effort, to be honest.

170. Do You Want To Know A Secret (1963)

Not the worst song on the debut album but very close. But again, for the time and their age.. It´s more than ok.

169.  A Taste Of Honey (1963)

I too hear Ringo singing backing vocals. But it might be John with cold. Not my favourite. But who am I to argue with the boys, they liked it since Hamburg days. Now.. Let’s dance.

168. You Like Me Too Much (1965)

Slightly better then Don’t Bother Me but still.. kind of weak. Every time I criticize any Beatles song I realize that I like it and sing it with them anyway. But I have to put some of them down in the rank.. It´s not easy.

167. Misery (1963)

Kind of Cliffordy Richardy song. And first ever Beatles song covered by someone else, Kenny Lynch. Again, I really like these first efforts.

166. Honey Don’t (1965)

Cover that suited Ringo more then actual Beatles songs written for him.

165. Octopus’s Garden (1969)

I have nothing against the song, it just should not be on Abbey Road. This one and Maxwell.

164. With A Little Help From My Friends (1967)

On the other hand I have more than something against this one. The problem is not Ringo this time, in my opinion Joe Cocker’s version is even worse and painful to listen (I know I know, he got thousands medals for it, although I still have no idea why, I think Cocker sounds dreadful like he was a dying donkey), it’s just not good enough to be on Sgt. Pepper. Little Sean liked it, that’s good to know.

163. Act Naturally (1965)

Best Ringo’s cover. It kind of suits him, both lyrics and country arrangement. That’s his niche. Paul´s backing vocal really helped. Still very low.

162. She’s a Woman (1964)

Pleasant, present, descent, crescent. Or pheasant.. Just leave it if you can´t find decent rhyme.. It´s actually not that bad for early song, only that pheasant always gets me..

161. Hold Me Tight (1963)

OK rocker from the second album. If they had more then 20 minutes per song in the studio it would be even better.

160. I Call Your Name (1964)

I don’t like those neverending jokes about cowbell. But yes, sometimes less is more..

159. Love Me Do (1962)

Love me do is, I admit, slightly higher then it should be. As a song, it’s shite, let’s be honest. We all know that. As a piece of history, it should be in top twenty.

158. Baby’s In Black (1964)

Oh dear.. What can I say.. The older I am the more I like it. Or more precisely I can more appreciate these early oddities or attempts to do something different. Or weird. The beginning is strangely wrong.

157. Piggies (1968)

I like it. I just miss something in this song. Maybe if it was kind of heavier or .. I don’t know. It’s short enough not to dislike it. 

156. Ask Me Why (1963)

Another wildly hated song with absolutely no reason for it. It’s their first album and B-side of their second single, ffs. And it’s by miles better than any other production in those days.

155. Not A Second Time (1963)

Oh, the famous Aeolian cadences.. My favourite exotic birds.

154. What You’re Doing (1964)

This is a weird one. Different one. The guitar is interesting, drums oddly curious. Something you would not expect from them in 1964.

153. The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill (1968)

Did John try to write his own Yellow Submarine? Not very successfully in my view. 

152. Don’t Pass Me By (1968)

Another Ringo I have nothing against because it’s on White Album. So anything is possible and acceptable. And there are plenty of worse songs on it. And it´s more enjoyable than the next one..

151. Yer Blues (1968)

Yer Blues is dull. Heavy, noisy, hard, but dull. Well it’s blues after all. But i’m no more 17 year old wannabe poet dressed in black and reading about existentialism. I prefer to be entertained. Life is short. I even skip it sometimes, I just realized.. According to Ringo this one has been made like in the old days, Beatles all together recording in a small room, having fun. And that’s nice to hear.

150.Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? (1968)

Same like the previous one. I don’t know, really. It’s fun, more or less. And Paul´s vocal is entertaining. All four his vocals he can do are entertaining.. But this one should be on Rarities or Oddities or something like that. But again, it’s the White Album so why not.

149. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (1970)

Nothing to say about this one, it’s fun. And it sounds like that they had fun recording it. And it´s fun to listen to it. Again lots of people I know complain about it. I’m really not sure why.

148. Her Majesty (1969)

Not much a song, just a fine joke and an Easter egg, nothing else. Although 11 different chords in 26 seconds long song are quite impressive, I just don’t think it was necessary. Does not fit in the middle of the B side where it was planned, does not fit in the end. I would recommend the full version by Chumbawamba but only if you are not hard core royalist..

147. Julia (1968)

Now it’s happening. In my initial draft I had the next two songs much lower. Before you eat me alive, let me explain. Firstly, I’m not doing it on purpose, like Bill Wyman surely did with Good Day Sunshine. It will be probably our first proper controversy but I never quite understood the love of this song. For me it’s one of the most boring song in Beatles catalog. Dull. Tedious. Tiresome. Bad. Not interesting. Yeah, yeah, I know, he lost his mother, then later he found his second mother.. Everybody’s got something in life. And! If it wasn’t John Lennon, nobody would give a shit. Had Paul wrote something similar you would give him proper beating. Be honest, if is it Paul’s you would laugh like you do (and rightly so) to Lovely Linda. That Bill Wyman (not the real Bill Wyman, of course) calls it therapy. And he’s probably right. But do I care? No, not really. I put it that high only because I’m scared of shitstorm in comments. Please feel free to explain to me why it should be good. I seriously don’t know. For me the king is naked and you don’t have a courage to say it out loud.

146. Within You Without You (1967)

Is this the second most skipped song in Beatles catalog? Within You Without You is just another conundrum.. Where to put it? It’s like Kubrick’s 2001 or Seven Samurais. Or The Deer Hunter.. On plus side – it´s new, innovative, clever, kind of lovely, interesting and surely significant contribution to pop culture. Minus side – it´s fkn long and boring as heaven.. I grew to like it. More or less.. But it definitely does not fit to Sgt. Pepper. Sometimes I even think Nevertheless is better.. Blasphemy, you say? Drink some tea..

145. Run For Your Life (1965)

This one’s difficult. I liked that song as kid until I learned English enough to understand the lyrics. What an asshole he was! I’m no snowflake but this is idiotic. Yes, I heard that it’s from Elvis but .. I just don’t want to hear it. Plus another wrong decision to put it as the last song of the Rubber Soul album.

144. I’ll Cry Instead (1964)

I used to call it cross-country. Very US country lyrics and arrangement but still an English rocker.

143. When I Get Home (1964)

The beginning immediately draws you into the song and then the enthusiasm slowly fades and you start checking your watches. Still very enjoyable song. 

142. P.S. I Love You (1962)

I remember this one being my favourite song from Please Please Me. I was eight. Still like it, silly little love song, simple lovely melody. It is somehow Beatles tradition to put better songs on B-sides. Should have been A.

141. From Me To You (1963)

I never liked the opening, to be honest. And the arrangement in general. But it´s 1963, it’s another hit, so why complain..

140. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You (1964)

Written for George for the film A Hard Day´s Night. Catchy. And sounds very John-y, I would love to hear his version.

139. Tell Me What You See (1965)

Often referred as a weak or filler song. I wouldn´t say so. For me it´s in fact transitional step between pheasants and Rubber Soul.

138. This Boy (1963)

I´m probably one of the only few fans who is not completely over the moon about this one. I’m not saying it’s bad, for me it’s just unnecessary .. sleazy? Slug-gy? The harmony is of course amazing.

137. Your Mother Should Know (1967)

Unfinished music vol 3. It’s actually a nice idea, it’s just not completed, it´s going nowhere. Pleasant granny shit but something is missing. 

136. Only a Northern Song (1969)

This one is difficult. When your friends help you with a song directed against themselves. Part joke, part complaining. Weird, wrong, but still enjoyable.

135. Words Of Love (1964)

Paul once said that Buddy Holly was the reason they started writing their own songs. Well, thanks Buddy. Really appreciated. The clapping is a little bit annoying, to be honest.

134. Every Little Thing (1964)

For sale. Weak album, slightly weaker songs than we would expected on their fourth album. Still “half of the mankind would kill to be able to do it and can have sex with the other half as often as they like” (one famous Formula 1 TV reporter)

133. I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party (1964)

This is so me when I was 16.. I usually left every party before it even started..

132. Please Mr. Postman (1963)

Few more covers and we’re done. I promise!

131. Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey (1964)

Cover but well done thanks to Paul´s voice. Sadly, it is one of the better songs on Beatles For Sale. The second worst album that I tried to fix. 

130. Till There Was You (1963)

Till There Was You still gets lots of hate and I don’t understand why. Yes, Paul’s eyebrows and that sweet guitar and all that Broadway jazz, it’s all kind of cheap and cheesy, but it´s a good song and George’s solo very pleasing, you can’t deny it. 

129. Rock and Roll Music (1965)

Two covers and two classic rock and rolls numbers that I actually like. Both John and Paul did well this time. Both their versions are better then the originals. My opinion, of course.

128. Long Tall Sally (1963)

It’s hard to decide which one is better, to be fair. Probably Paul’s Long Tall Sally because of his powerful voice. The John’s one sounds a little Spectory, don’t you think?

127. There’s A Place (1963)

The good one on Please Please Me. As always when they both sing together.

126. One After 909 (1970)

A little reminiscence from the past, real get back. It seems they had fun going through all those old prehistoric songs during Get Back sessions.

125. You Can’t Do That (1964)

Similar story to Run for your life. The lyrics are just awful. I would rather listen all the silly love songs, Paul was right. At least musically this one is a little bit more interesting.

124. I’ll Be Back (1964)

Nice melancholic sound but they should not close the album with it. I’ll fix it.

123. Savoy Truffle (1968)

George didn’t have a voice for this kind of songs, I’m sorry. I can imagine John singing it. With his Glass Onion voice. Or Ella Fitzgerald.

122. Long, Long, Long (1968)

Slightly less boring then Julia. Saved by Ringo’s drums. He did a fine job. As pretty much always.

121. Money (That’s What I Want) (1963)

They were always able to find something obscure (in a good way) when they needed cover. Interesting, heavy for 1963 but not my favourite. Wrong position on With The Beatles.

120. Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey (1968)

Line I keep saying quite often. We all have something.

119. Birthday (1968)

Another rock’n’roll better then rock’n’rolls themselves. It’s pretty much nothing special, just an example how versatile they were. And it’s the last Yoko’s contribution to pop music. I’m cruel bastard, I know.

118. Doctor Robert (1966)

My least favourite song from Revolver. Still pretty high.

117. I Need You (1965)

I really like this one. Always did. Still slightly weaker then most of Maclen songs of that time but he was getting there. Tom Petty did very touching version on Concert for George.

116. Tell Me Why (1964)

Probably the first Beatles footage I have seen as a kid, if I remember correctly. Perhaps that’s the reason why is it this high.

115. Think For Yourself (1965)

Sounds like first typical Harissong. Still not quite there yet but interesting enough. The backing vocals are of course brilliant. 

114. It’s Only Love (1965)

I always liked the next two. It seemed to me like two versions of one song, this one made two years later. People sometimes say it’s only job and that is all and that there is no love in it. I disagree. They say it only because John once said it in one of his antieverything interview. 

113. All I’ve Got To Do (1963)

One of my favourite from With the Beatles, great vocals and great Ringo.

112. Wait (1965)

The transitional album. It’s just so different. And great. Some people say filler, that’s nonsense, of course.

111. I’m a Loser (1964)

You’re not. We’ve all been there.

110. Any Time At All (1964)

It always sounded angry to me. John was very angry at the time.

109. The Night Before (1965)

Another great tune never played on the radio. And one of my favourite from Help film. It could be a great compilation album – Beatles’ Forgotten And Overlooked Gems. I might do it.

108. Yellow Submarine (1966)

Great song that almost ruined the best Beatles album. Great song that in fact ruined the best Beatles album. I fixed it in my Naked Revolver.

107. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (1969)

I love Paul’s Granny Shit. All of them. This one just doesn’t fit and should not be on Abbey road. It’s a good song, another funny anecdote. But he should have kept them for his solo albums. And he certainly should not have forced the others to play it over and over three days in a row. 

106. Drive My Car (1965)

I never liked much this one, to be honest. I don’t deny the quality and step forward, of course. Just does nothing to me. It always sounded to me like Paul was coughing the words out instead of singing.

105. I Me Mine (1970)

That dance still kind of ruins the song for me.. Why!? I still don’t understand why! What the hell was he thinking bringing her in every day? Did she ever pay back for the cookies? Anyway, good, solid George. I even don’t mind Spector’s arrangement on this one.

104. Oh! Darling (1969)

Surprisingly, John liked this one that much that he even wanted to sing it on the album. Strange. He despised so many Paul’s love songs, and much better ones. So why not this one? It’s not that good, it’s cheesy, it’s … showing off! It’s actually a little bit annoying. Maybe even irritating. Still great vocal performance.

103. Day Tripper (1965)

Single for Rubber Soul shows greatly the evolution process.

102. No Reply (1964)

One of the few good ones on Beatles for sale. But seriously, how can you put it as an opener for an album? Why they didn’t think about these things?

101. It Won’t Be Long (1963)

Same problem like No Reply. This can’t be an opener of a new album. I’ll sort it out in my naked version. But it’s good, you wouldn’t hear similar songs from their competition at the time. Great drums. As always.

100. Good Morning Good Morning (1967)

I keep singing the words ‘I’ve got nothing to say but it’s ok’ all my life. Especially at work. At meetings. John later described it as a throw-away.. Like almost everything he wrote. Don’t trust him. He said it when he was well over 30.

99. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Another famous opener. Number 99 more for the whole idea than for the song. It should be lower.

98. Things We Said Today (1964)

That’s Paul’s transition from simple love songs to something more complicated he mastered later.

97. Mother Nature’s Son (1968)

One Blackbird would be enough for an album. But this is actually a double album, so why not to have another one? He was a melody maker number one.

96. You’re Gonna Lose That Girl (1965)

Still not sure about those bongos, Ringo. Sound messy.

95. Another Girl (1965)

Lovely guitar Paul was playing in Help film. Sixties.. They would kill him now. Or sue him at least. I can imagine the complaints on woke twitter. It’s great song, anyway. Another Never aired hit for me.

94. You Won’t See Me (1965)

No, you simply don’t hear these songs on the radio. Which is a shame. Lots of those part-time Beatles fans never heard these important transitional songs. Not the strongest one on Rubber Soul but definitely part of the progress. Great harmony as usual.

93. Baby You’re A Rich Man (1967)

It’s weird one and it’s great, slightly eastern or something. Almost forgotten but recently revived by Mark Zuckerberg.

92. Eight Days A Week (1964)

Great title, great song. I can hear sunshine, optimism and positive feelings. Comparing to other John’s contribution on Beatles For Sale, this one sounds different. I’m not a big fan of clapping, I just realized. Too much hand clapping in early songs.

91. Twist and Shout (1963)

Highest ranking cover. More for historical reason than for the music itself. Great choice for ending the first album and early shows. Too bad I don´t wear any jewellery.

90. Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

As an opener, for an album or a film, it’s great. Or Paul’s concert.. Goosebumps. It will perfectly get you in the right mood and expectations. It’s not a strong melody, nor idea. Four Oxford history professors on the trip.. But it’s a smashing way to open the show. And he kept them working after Brian’s death, that’s important. We should be grateful, not moaning.

89. I’m So Tired (1968)

Paul is dead man, miss him, miss him, miss him. Thanks, Beatle Mark.

88. I Should Have Known Better (1964)

Always enjoyable, seems so effortlessly made. And it probably was effortless.. for them.

87. Martha My Dear (1968)

Is it granny shit or not? He just could make these melodies that get stuck in your head. Or at least in mine.

86. I’ll Follow The Sun (1964)

16!! He was sixteen when he wrote it. What did you do at that age? I still wanted to be a footballer.

85. I’m Only Sleeping (1966)

I like songs about me.

84. The Word (1965)

It’s better then you would initially think. And that bass! Just listen it with headphones.

83. I Feel Fine (1964)

I read on Beatles Bible: “The use of feedback violated Parlophone’s strict recording policies”. Still have no idea what does it mean.. Anyway, they were first using the feedback, John said that. So it must be true.

82. If I Fell (1964)

One of the many reasons I’m sad they split is that I would so love to hear these kind of early simple beauties (And I love her, for example, or Here There and Everywhere) in different (say more complex) arrangement at concerts in 70’s. If I had a tribute band (and talent), that’s what I would do.

81. The Inner Light (1968)

This one is a little gem for me. It usually get bashed in similar rankings and it took me longer time to appreciate it, too. For younger me it was little bit .. well, too Indian.. I really like the story (if true..) that George wasn’t so sure about it but John and Paul told him it’s a beautiful melody and he had to do it, so they helped him with “singing”. And that one line is brilliant.

80. Come Together (1969)

Drums are great, Paul’s voice is incredible. Interesting? Yes. Good? No, not really. It’s that kind of song that you feel it should be higher but then you realize there’s absolutely no reason for it.

79. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (1969)

Another slightly overrated one for me. It’s simply not that good. Yes, it’s heavy, bass is great, George is great. Paul actually went mental at the end.. But you already had her, John. She was sitting next to you all the time, crawling at your ankles! And again I don’t think we care enough. Three minutes would be sufficient.

78. Cry Baby Cry (1968)

If you don’t know what to do with some unfinished melody and a few words, just put them at the end of your friend’s song. Trust me, it works. That’s the right way how to end the White Album.

77. Sexy Sadie (1968)

I found it almost accidentally in the middle of my parents’ black TDK-90 cassette with mixed Beatles songs on it. I was about eight. I was shocked. And stunned.. It was so weird and so angry. Until then I knew only She Loves You and A Hard Day’s Night, maybe a few more early hits. Better treatment and better arrangement would probably suit it more. Very stunned.

76. When I’m 64 (1967)

Yeah I know. Think what you want, I don´t care. I love all Paul’s Granny Shit! I keep saying that. I’m just not brave enough to put it higher. And this one would deserve it. You simply can’t dismiss granny shit because it’s a genre itself and it’s good. It is good! It is! You know it is. Even if you are one of the idiotic Only Lennon type who spreads that weird opinion of hard core John´s fans, that Paul was only a sponge or leech, making shit and silly love songs and ruining John’s band, you have to admit, it’s brilliant. And Lennon liked them too. (And these two are brilliant, too).

75. Revolution 1 (1968)

Lenono unplugged.

74. Revolution (1968)

This one might be lower then you would expect. It’s not a bad song. It’s a good song. It’s a great song, actually. It’s just not The Beatles! For me it goes right next to Cold Turkey, Instant Karma, Working Class Hero. It’s not THE BEATLES, it’s John Ono Lennon. I still believe that had he not been killed, he would have changed his political views. Fuck the revolution, violent or not. Good track though, especially the single.

73. If I Needed Someone (1965)

Now it’s official. George become a great songwriter. They should have taken a little bit more care of the bridge, it’s too simple and predictable comparing to verses. I like it anyway.

72. Dig a Pony (1970)

Although I’m sure it was just a pretense or facade and an attempt to come to terms with his own past, John often publicly denounced many Beatles songs as well as his own. In many cases, as with Dig A Pony, many journalists and fans even believed him. That’s nonsense, of course. Dig a pony is a great song and he knew it. Maybe with nonsensical lyrics, but that’s all. He liked it, of course he did. 

71. I Want To Tell You (1966)

A somewhat forgotten song. I guess many of you won’t have it anywhere near top 100. Give it chance and more time, it’s actually really interesting song.

70. I Saw Her Standing There (1963)

Two classic openers. They are not brilliant, they just fit perfectly. And this one might be the best song on Please please me. Including Please please me..

69. Back In The U.S.S.R. (1968)

Could be better with Ringo but not bad for amateur drummer. Lemmy can open albums too.

68. Lady Madonna (1968)

It always felt a little bit empty to me. Something is missing and I don’t know what it is. Good rocker anyway. And Buck Owens? That´s my guilty pleasure.

67. It’s All Too Much (1969)

It´s a mess. And I love it. It should have been on Sgt. Pepper instead of Within You Without You.

66. Hello Goodbye (1967)

Yes, we can discuss stupid lyrics but it´s catchy, captivating and well crafted. I use the word craft quite often. But not everything in the world of music must be an art. And again without simple tunes like this many younger fans would never progress to other songs. Kids simply need to fell in love with Yellow Submarine and Hello Goodbye before you can feed them Strawberry Fields. So it´s difficult not to rank it reasonably high. It s just perfect pop music. And it’s your problem that you always expect more.

65. You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away (1965)

About Brian or not, it’s a lovely love song.

64. Because (1969)

Nine voices. See how it’s done.

63. Michelle (1965)

Another gem he wrote at shockingly young age. Although the french is a bit silly.

62. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (1968)

I never understood the general hatred for this song. Yes, it´s not Strawberry Fields but still.. treating a song that would be the best song and number one hit for any band in the world like it was a leper, I don´t get it. I do get that the others were annoyed that they had to record it over and over again. But this is simply the disadvantage of working with a perfectionist. Same thing happened later with Maxwell.

61. Honey Pie (1968)

One more hated. Paul could have been a hitmaker regardless of the era he was born into. That´s a fact. I honestly think that John always publicly criticized Paul´s Granny Shit only because he was jealous. He simply knew that he was not able to write anything like this (he was master of different stuff, of course). It´s a homage. And very well made. And John´s jazzy guitar solo in this one clearly proves that he definitely liked them, too. He was just too much hard-working class-champagne socialist-revolutionary to admit it. I really believe that all the negative comments like that are so unfair. Paul is the master of genre. Any genre. Don’t look at it like you do at A Day in The Life, Paul wanted dance-hall number with 20´s feel and he did an excellent job as usual. 

60. Love You To (1966)

First (and the only one) George´s Indian song that I really liked right from the start. It took me years to appreciate The Inner Light and I´m still not too keen on WYWY. But this is fkn rock and roll! He was on fire on Revolver, all three songs are brilliant. Check The Vickers’ version on YouTube, I’ve never heard of them before. That’s what I call big beat.

59. I’m Looking Through You (1965)

Another simple masterpiece. It sounds weird, I know. But that’s exactly what Paul was capable to do. Just spit out straightforward but absolutely brilliant melody like it was the easiest thing in the world. And lyrics are nice too.

58. I Will (1968)

Paul was simply the king of these simple brilliant melodies. There´s nothing else to add to the song, just guitar, voice and plain percussions. No need to overcomplicate it. (Or we can make it complicated later 🙂 And the mouth-bass is just perfect.

57. Girl (1965)

Song about tits.. No, seriously, what a big difference in a few months. Lyrically and musically, too.

56. Nowhere Man (1965)

Lovely sad song. Sometimes I think some songs came too early. Like many other songs I would love to hear it in let´s say White album arrangement. Or even better in MMT arrangement. That’s not a complaint, just a thought. On the other hand, it would have probably not been written later. It’s a great song. And again and again, the bass is absolutely brilliant for 1965. And of course incomparable harmony. I can write it in every song description. No one else was/will be better in singing harmony. Forget Les Garsons de la Plage. Full stop.

55. I’ve Just Seen a Face (1965)

Simplicity. Even some of his early songs sounds more like McCartney then The Beatles. That´s one of them. Another hit I never heard on radio. Shame.

54. Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! (1967)

Look at an old circus poster and make a song. Try it. It must have been an awful lot of work, all those noises and sound effects.

53. Fixing A Hole (1967)

Great minisolo by George. I always liked that Beatles never musically wanked themselves if you know what I mean. None of them. No flashy 5 minutes long solos like Hendrix or Clapton, no boring drum solos in the middle of concert like all Zappa´s drummers, no 5 minutes long keyboard intros like Pink Floyd.. we can go on. They just did what was necessary for the song. Straight into it. Done. Cheering. Applause. Next.

52. Glass Onion (1968)

I remember the strange feeling about this one and especially the strings, when I was kid. A bit haunting and scary. I like the lyrics too although I have no idea what´s he talking about.

51. Happiness Is A Warm Gun (1968)

OK, at least we can thank Mother Superior for a few good songs. But as an ispiration for songwriting I still rather prefer Jane Asher or Pattie Boyd. Was any song actually writen for Maureen?

50. All You Need Is Love (1967)

How to make history. (Almost) live performance on the BBC’s first worldwide live broadcast. The out of tune singing at the end is legendary. And Neil Innes was a genius.

49. Paperback Writer (1966)

Who was writing songs like this in mid 60´s? Lyrics I mean. Anyway, I never got that feel of competition with Brian Wilson people talk about. Both Rubber Soul and Revolver are much more superior to anything else from those years.

48. Hey Bulldog (1969)

Lost and buried deep in the Yellow Submarine soundtrack. Great song and fun to watch video. They looked happy making it. Bass, Ringo’s fills, Georges SG and barking in the end.

47. Don’t Let Me Down (1969)

This one again is more reflection of my personal preferences and love for this song then quality. And love for the roof top concert. Or maybe not. It´s a great love song. 

46. Helter Skelter (1968)

Is I can see for miles by The Who supposed to be that “heaviest and dirtiest song recorded so far?” Or is it different one? I don´t know..it doesn´t seem right. Whatever song it was, this is the answer. Yes, they could do anything. Heavier then all the heavy stuff from 70´s. All those famous hard rockers were well behind.

45. Getting Better (1967)

The two just complemented each other perfectly, that´s nothing new. And my teachers weren´t cool either.

44. She’s Leaving Home (1967)

Paul was 25 when he wrote this story. Nobody was doing anything like that at this age. So mature.

43. Across The Universe (1970)

It should have been made better, John was right. But it´s still an amazing song. There is interesting demo version from Get Back rehearsals on YouTube with Paul singing harmony. They should have finished it like that. The two voices were simply made for each other.

42. Get Back (1969)

Another great album opener, stupidly put at the end of the original album by Phil Spector. Fixed by Paul later in Naked version. They passed the audition anyway.

41. And Your Bird Can Sing (1966)

The Anthology version always makes me smile. It’s nice to hear that they had fun. Drugs can be fun, apparently. And it’s always good to have two great guitarist in the band.. nudge/wink.. Yes, I mean George and Paul.

40. Good Day Sunshine (1966)

I was looking forward to this one.. Seriously, I still can’t understand why did he do it. I hope it was only because his employer is greedy bastard and wanted something shocking to attract visitors and make some money from web traffic, so Bill Wyman (not THE Bill Wyman, of course, just some ordinary bloke with the same name, who tries really hard to look like Lennon) delivered perfect click bait. He was actually the main reason for making my list.

Back to the song. I still have it as a morning alarm. It doesn’t help much but it’s great song, another completely different Paul.

39. Got To Get You Into My Life (1966)

Carry on changing everything. Revolver is their best album. Big step from Help sound in just one year. Interesting version on Anthology without brass section.

38. Please Please Me (1963)

Number 1 number one!

37. Lovely Rita (1967)

Another one wildly considered as a weak one on Sgt. Pepper. Nonsense, of course. Have you seen traffic wardens now, btw..?

36. Ticket To Ride (1965)

Again something completely different than other bands of that era could produce. It’s perfectly clear on NME concert 1965 how much they were ahead of everyone else at that time. Different league.

35. We Can Work It out (1965)

This is sooo Beatles for me. Basically the standard how we still imagine them. Or want to imagine them. Or at least most of us. Or at least me. Happy, melodic and optimistic Paul, melancholic and thoughtful John, George not being on the same planet and Ringo making electricity for the band on bicycle. No, sorry, that’s a different video.. But the description fits perfectly anyway.

34. Blackbird (1968)

All you need is love, voice, guitar and shoes.

33. Can´t Buy My Love (1963)

Paul double tracking himself. Great and proper rock and roll. Better then rock and rolls themselves.

32. Two Of Us (1969)

Maybe I’m just too sentimental but it always sounded to me like song about them two. Although Paul said many times that it was inspired by Linda, I have my doubts. Great bass by George. Boney M version is only for the brave ones..

31. Help (1965)

For sad and autobiographic song it’s strangely a little bit uptempo. But they were, are and always will be the best in singing harmony.

30. Taxman (1966)

Timeless lyrics. It’s coming in circles. And soon it’s gonna happen again. More and more tax. Socialists always eventually run out of the others’ money.

29. I Want To Hold Your Hand (1963)

Seriously, Bob? I get high..? Strange that She loves you could not make it in the US and this one could. Both are great anyway.

28. In My Life (1965)

In my mind slightly overrated (blasphemy again, I know!) More praise then it deserves. But still it easily fits into Top 30. Lots of you would have it in Top 10. Paul believes that at least half of it is his. John and his fans don’t. I don’t know and I don’t want to take sides. I just don’t think that man who wrote Yesterday or Eleanor Rigby would lie about this one. Interesting sped up piano solo by George Martin.

27. A Hard Day´s Night (1963)

G7add9sus4? G7sus4? Or G11sus4? That’s how you should open the album! Great song. Written overnight just because they needed it. Geniuses at work.

26. Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds (1967)

Do you seriously believe in that shit that Julian drew a picture? Come on.. He was four! 4!!! He had no idea what sky was, not to mention the hardest substance on Earth (thanks, Frank). This is nonsense.

25. She Said She Said (1966)

Heavy stuff. Heavy lyrics, heavy drums, heavy guitars. George played bass, some say. There are some rumours about noisy opinion exchange and Paul leaving the studio. Doesn’t matter, again, nobody else was writing songs like this in 1966.

24. And I Love Her (1964)

According to Paul, George made this song with the intro. And I agree completely.

23. Here, There And Everywhere (1966)

Beautiful simplicity. And personal memories for beige cassette Maxell C-60. Almost whole Revolver recorded from the radio. The communist DJ that time sounded more like a funeral director. It was more orange than beige, actually.

22. The Fool On the Hill (1967)

It doesn’t matter how much he spent for the video. It´s Pure McCartney.

21. She loves you (1963)

Best selling single. I love the story when Mr. James McCartney asked the boys if is it really necessary to use all these Americanisms. Why it could not simply be She loves you, yes, yes, yes..?

20. Medley – You Never Give Me Your Money/Sun King/Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam/She Came In Through The Bathroom Window/Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End (1969)

Yes, it’s cheating. Eight mediocre songs and unfinished snippets made it Top 20. But I still believe that B-side of Abbey Road is one of the best thing that happened to music in 20th century. Maybe I will split them one day and try to rank them properly where they belong. Probably around number 120.

19. All My Loving (1963)

I promised to myself that I definitely have to rank at least one of the early hits into Top 20. They must not be overlooked. They are not technically great, they are not over complicated like later masterpieces, they are probably not as good as them either, but they simply reflect the story. And some of them are damn good. It was difficult to decide – should it be She Loves You, the first yeah and breakthrough in Europe, or IWHYH, hit that finally shown America who’s the boss. It could be any of them. Many of you will not agree but I finally decided it’s All My Loving. It is decision made purely on personal preferences. When I hear the first few milliseconds I smile. And it has not changed in last 40 years. Yes, it’s simple, lyrics even more, but I smile. Bass is brilliant, so is John’s physically demanding (i tried it) rhythm guitar and George’s minisolo. The lyrics are actually lovely too.

18. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (1965)

I love the lyrics and simple yet strong melody, if you know what I mean. Silly little anecdote. I actually can imagine him really doing it. When John and Paul sing together, no one can match them, and George started playing with his new toy. The beginning of the new era.

17. The Long And Winding Road (1969)

Yes, maybe too sweet and Phil Spector wasn’t at his best, but you can’t deny it’s brilliantly crafted and lovely song. Much better then songs about penguins.

16. Something (1969)

People would expect it higher, but no. George made better songs. I really like the version from Concert for George.

If you have 10 minutes, see how they made this famous song about cauliflower.

15. I´ve Got A Feeling (1970)

I love this one. Proper get back. The roughness, the ‘solo’ that George could not play properly, those two voices that fit together like none ever. How many times I tried to explain other people how good this song is. Usually at 3 AM at the end of some shite party where I was forced to listen MTV crap all night. And I never understood why they didn’t get it. How is it possible you don’t have orgasm when those two songs and two voices blend together? How you can’t hear it? Still don’t get it.

14. Dear Prudence (1968)

Probably not everyone’s cup of soy latte but for me it is very personal. I heard it almost accidentally when I was seven or eight, found it buried in the middle of my parents’ cassette (it was that black TDK-90) of mixed Beatles songs, and until then I knew only some early hit singles. It was revelation. I remember what I was thinking that time. What the hell is this? This music makes no sense and it’s amazing. My life changed that day I wanted be a bass player (never mastered it, unfortunately). Lyrics are trivial and beautiful. Where did the Grundig C260 disappear..? Must be somewhere.

13. For No One (1966)

It’s really hard to understand how a twenty-four-years-old kid could write something like this. The lyrics shows that he could do it if he really tries..like John once said. 

12. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (1968)

I would say the first Harrison’s mature or complete song. With Clapton’s solo and Paul’s backing vocal. Although I maybe more like the very unplugged solo version on Anthology. Any version is great, in fact.

11. Let it Be (1970)

It’s good. It’s more then good. Another example of perfect song. Simple and beautiful. And like many of you I prefer the original LP solo. The rough version suits it best. Why did Paul change it for Naked Album? I have to ask him.

10. Yesterday (1965)

It is very difficult not to include Scrambled Eggs at least into Top 20. It’s not my personal favourite but you can’t deny it’s absolute quality. Genius at work. Some people might be irritated that it’s overplayed and over hyped. But how could you not overplay it? No, it IS my personal favourite. It must be everybody’s personal favourite. It’s just pure quality.

9. Here Comes The Sun (1969)

The best George’s song is not sweet and lovely Something, it is not overwhelming While My Guitar Gently Weeps. It is not even The Pirate Song although it’s very close.. The best one is the most trivial one, the simple one. The best one. Always makes me smile. It is apparently the Beatles most streamed song. Half of the streaming is probably me. Not fun fact: John did fuck all on this track. It makes me kind of sad.

8. Eleanor Rigby (1966)

What would Cilla Black do with it? I’m glad he didn’t give it to her.

7. I Am The Walrus (1967)

This single (with Hello Goodbye) shows how different John and Paul were. Tea drinking at its best. And maybe some biscuits, too. I loved this song from the first listening. Although I had no idea what it was about. And still have no idea today. All I know is that the walrus was Paul.

6. Hey Jude (1968)

It’s a hit. Nothing more left to say. 19 weeks in charts. It’s so simple and yet powerful. It’s a stadium anthem years before stadium bands even existed. Essence of a hit song in pop music. Story behind it is also nice, if true. I can understand some people might be irritated by this song. It’s long, repetitive. It’s good, there’s nothing you can do about it. Some of the Beatles entourage were worried that it was too long for radios so they would not play it. Wrong, it’s the Beatles! They did play it and they will. Still, George should have been somehow more included in this song.

5. Tomorrow Never Knows (1966)

In one bitter interview in the 70’s, John talked about Paul deliberately experimenting and thus spoiling his songs. And many of Nasty’s followers still claim it today. John made “the real music“, Paul could only do granny shit and silly love songs. That´s rubbish. Yes, I may agree (and this ranking may also agree) that John’s songs are generally higher. Better or not, they are somehow more interesting. But it was Paul who made them interesting. Usually Paul’s bass, tape loops, weird instruments and experimentation or singing harmony make them better. Listen to demos of A Day In The Life, Dear Prudence or Tomorrow Never Knows. Good but meh .. nothing special. Paul made this song. John’s contribution to Paul songs? He sometimes even wasn’t there. Or was high. The only song John actually made better was Ob-la-di Ob-la-da with the piano intro. And that’s nothing we should celebrate too much.

4. Rain (1966)

First time backward playing in the end? People say so. Ringo’s best drumming, Paul’s best bass. Everybody says so. They all were at their best at that time. That’s why Revolver is their best album. Did you notice that the bass riff is slightly different in every verse? I´m sure you did, I just keep wandering is there any other bass player who would be bothered to do it in a pop song..?

3. A Day In The Life (1967)

Now! The podium! And I’m pretty sure a lot of people won’t agree with me on this one. It has become somehow a recognized norm that A Day In the Life is forever and undoubtedly considered the best Beatles song. I am one of the few who disagrees. It usually tops every similar list but not mine. It’s good, it’s more then good, it’s perfect, it’s a milestone of music. But there are two better songs. And by the way, for Paul haters, again – HE made it interesting. Without Paul’s contribution, it would hardly be in the Top 100. 

Another interesting thing and perfect example how different those two brilliant minds were are actually the two songs mended together. John wandering and thinking about the immortality of the cockchafer, as we say, and Paul wakes up in the morning and goes to work, making music. Sometimes shit but still – working on music. John said for Hunter Davies’ authorized biography “I can get up and start doing nothing straight away. I just sit on the step and look into space and think until it’s time to go to bed…” Meanwhile Paul goes to the studio and make a hit for Badfinger or somebody else before the others had breakfast. I’m more John, personally.. but wish I was Paul.

2. Penny Lane (1967)

A-side from a side-less single. Both sides, originally intended for Sgt. Pepper, are the best recordings in the history of popular music. Penny Lane is painting full of bright colours. Penny Lane is happy childhood under difficult circumstances. I highly recommend the documentary made by composer Howard Goodall, where he explains clearly and extensively why these two songs are two of the best things that happened to us in 20th century.

1. Strawberry Fields Forever (1967)

“The Penny Lane–Strawberry Fields Forever single is the best record we ever made”, said George Martin. And I totally agree. The third worst business decision in history of pop music (the first one is of course Decca refusal, the second one is to let that weirdo buy their catalog) resulted in the best record in the history. Instead of making millions from two separate singles, they made one double A sided. And it did not even made it number one in sales charts.. Yes, because they again were ahead of everyone else.

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2 Comments

  1. Kind of weird as these ranking lists go, and I like a bunch of the covers a lot. But it’s fun and smart, and he respects Paul’s bass, voice and work ethic. I write songs, some of them pretty good, and I can tell you that “mere craft” ain’t easy at all. Oh, and I agree that the “Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane” twofer is the pinnacle. Not “their,” “the.” Thanks for writing it, typos and all.

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  2. It’s a very difficult challenge but Yesterday better than Something and Let it be ? I think not and that’s after a quick look😱Ringo has sung some great songs that deserve to be higher.

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