Best Beatles Songs
The Beatles were a band ahead of their time that have inspired musicians ever since. Take a look at our list of the best Beatles songs to brighten up your day.
From energetic early classics to experimental tracks from the turbulent days, we’ve rounded up ten of our favourite tracks from the Fab Four.
‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’
The Beatles first number one hit in the US was this lively and energetic number from 1963, co-written by Lennon and McCartney. It’s still great fun to listen to and easy to see why it drove fans wild.
‘Tomorrow Never Knows’
The final track from the 1966 album Revolver is one of the most inventive of its time, with haunting vocals, tape loops, continuous drumming and striking instruments. The band employed experimental techniques in the recording studio to get the effects needed and achieved a new and incredible sound.
‘Here Comes the Sun’
Surely one of the most joyous later Beatles tracks, this 1969 number from Abbey Road was written by George Harrison. Inspired by the coming of spring after the long winter, it’s a warm and melodious track that’s sure to make people smile.
‘All you need is Love’
All You Need Is Love was written by John Lennon especially for Our World, the world’s first televised satellite link-up between 25 countries worldwide. In July 1967 they were at No.1 on the UK singles chart, the group’s 12th UK No.1 single. Its message perfectly encapsulated the optimistic mood of the Summer of Love, with a simplicity perfectly judged for their global audience.
‘Ticket to Ride’
When ‘Ticket to Ride’ was released as a single from the 1965 album Help, it shot to the top of the charts. It’s particularly known for its heavy drums and the sudden change of pace.
‘A Day in the Life’
This Lennon and McCartney track is an extraordinary collaboration from the 1967 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Featuring distinctly different sections, an incredible orchestral build up and an infamous final chord, it’s still disturbing and astonishing. It’s also notable as being one of the Beatles songs banned by the BBC, for the line ‘I’d love to turn you on’.
‘Hey Jude’
This renowned number was inspired by John Lennon’s son Julian and written by McCartney at a time of bickering and strain between the band members. At a lengthy seven minutes eleven seconds, it starts simply with McCartney’s vocals and piano, before reaching the lengthy and memorable coda.
‘Please Please Me’
The first UK number one for the Beatles was this catchy number released in 1963 and penned by Lennon. The band had to convince a cynical George Martin to record the song, and ultimately won him over with the upbeat tempo and energy of the piece.
‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
Released as a double A-sided single with Penny Lane in 1967, Strawberry Fields Forever is an ambitious track penned by John Lennon. Spliced together from two very different takes in the recording studio, it apparently took weeks to record. The resultant sound is psychedelic, nostalgic and fantastic.
‘Yesterday’
It’s hard to believe that Paul McCartney was just 22 when he wrote ‘Yesterday’, which featured on the 1965 album Help! He’s the only member of the Beatles to feature in the recording, accompanied by a string quartet, which makes it particularly unusual.
‘Let It Be’
The 1970 title track to the final Beatles album was recorded a full year before it was released as a single. Written and sung by McCartney, it was said to be based on a dream he had about his mother. The song was released just before McCartney announced his departure from the Beatles, and makes a fitting goodbye for the band.
What’s your favourite Beatles track?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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