Best 20 Beatles Songs

Jody Harkavy
Everyone has a Beatles song that they remember fondly. Whether they grew up during their heyday or just learning about them now, The Beatles were and still are hard to top. One of the greatest bands in history, their music will never fade.

There are so many songs to choose from, but here is my list of the 20 best Beatles songs, plus a few honorable mentions.

20. I Saw Her Standing There - How could we dance with another? It's from the first Beatles album and already sets the bar.

19. I want to Hold your Hand - This was one of the first Beatle's songs I ever heard. And, it was appropriate as it was their first number one hit. What a great start.

18. Fool on the Hill - Yes, this song is a bit overly sentimental, but it is quite lovely. And like that man on hill we can't help but have that foolish grin as we listen to this ditty.

17. Hello Goodbye - I am not completely sure why I enjoy this song so much. It's a contradiction, which I guess is the whole premise behind it. The writing is very simple, but maybe that's why it's so enjoyable. A silly, but likeable, song.

16. She's Leaving Home - Not one of the most popular songs, it's one of the best songs on the Sgt Pepper album. The music in the beginning is beautiful, especially the harp. It's a tragic tale that most people can identify with.

15. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - One of their more controversial songs, is it about drugs or isn't it? It does not matter. It's a silly but enjoyable song with some great chords. What's not to like?

14. Norwegian Wood - This was a very intriguing song for me. George's use of the sitar was wonderful. It's not as popular as some of the other songs on my list, but its one of my favorites.

13. Long and Winding Road - One of their last songs, it is a good song with a haunting melody. I heard that Paul didn't like it, but I have always enjoyed singing it.

12. Yesterday - Sometimes this song is overplayed. But it doesn't matter. It's a hauntingly melody and a beautiful song.

11. In My Life - With a nice melody and great piano solo this song reaches out across our memories. It is haunting and truly beautiful. Lennon outdid himself on this one, what a great song.

10. Nowhere Man - This song must strike a chord with most people because we have all been there. It's a song about isolation and not fitting in. And, you can hear the yearning in the lead vocal. This will always be a favorite in my household.

9. Strawberry Fields Forever - This song is one of the most iconic songs from the Beatles. It's just a fun frolic for me. And, sometimes that's enough.

8. If I Fell - This song is absolutely lovely. The harmony and melody are so tightly woven that it's almost perfectly blended. There is no if needed, I fell in love with this song.

7. A Day in the Life - They'd love to turn us on, and they do. It's the best song on the Sgt Pepper Album. They never let us down.

6. Come Together - I really like this song. It's not the usual Beatles fare. But it is brilliant. From the incredible intro to the rhythm throughout the song, we can come together to declare this song a classic.

5. Paperback Writer - Aside from loving the idea of a song about the profession I adore, who doesn't get a thrill when they hear the bass line or the guitar riff? Not to mention the beauty of the three-part harmony. Also, I still get a kick out of hearing the vocals of frère Jacques in the background. A first-rate song.

4. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George didn't get a lot of chance to show off his skills often. But, he does shine in this song. With a beautiful melody, good lyrics and great guitar playing, this song is a classic.

3. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da - To be honest, this song is very simple. The bass line running through it is enjoyable and the song very singable. Not the typical Beatles song I am attracted to. And, yet, I have always loved this song. I think you will to, if you haven't heard it.

2. Blackbird - This is one of my most favorite songs. It has great lyrics, a sensation acoustic guitar, and a hopeful tone that really reached people. Nothing else really need be said.

1. Eleanor Rigby - As a writer I love a good story. And, songs do tell the best. None were so poignant as this tale of loneliness, with the vocals and harmonies really setting the mood.

These were my top 20. It was not an easy choice. So, I am just listing a few other songs that just missed making the list:

Here Comes The Sun, Hey Jude, Rocky Raccoon, When I'm 64, With a Little Help From my friends

You can purchase Beatles songs at the following web sites.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=The+beatles

http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/artist/Beatles/a/Beatles.htm

http://shopping.yahoo.com/search;_ylc=X3oDMTIzOTVxaTRxBF9TAzc4NDcxNzI0MARfcwMxNDQ4OTExNQRwcnRucl9pZAMyMTE4MTE4BHNlYwNhZmZpbGlhdGUEc2xrA2xhbmRpbmc-?rd=1&p=Beatles&view=g&affiliate=rw&AID=10473284&PID=2118118&SID=CTTys7k87421-27940

http://www.prex.com/music/beatles.html

Published by Jody Harkavy

I have been a freelance editor and proofreader for almost 20 years. I hungrily devour most books I pick up. I have been roleplaying for over 20 years and I am an avid Arts and Entertainment buff.  View profile

3 Comments

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  • isabela acosta6/18/2009

    i am a big beatlesmanians into my high school life.the song i liked most is YESTERDAY

  • Jody Harkavy5/14/2009

    Great choice. It's a beautiful song. I am a huge Beatles fan and it wasn't that easy to come up with these choices. But I think I picked pretty good ones...

  • Victoria Miller5/14/2009

    My favorite is #4!

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