The Best of the Beatles

Their Top Ten Songs

Anna Gregor
During their relatively short career, the Beatles recorded over 330 songs. They still have the most songs on the Top 100 list, 20 in all, more than modern artists like Mariah Carey and the King himself, Elvis. Because of their great writing skills, it is impossible to even begin to compile a list of their greatest, but I'm going to give it a whirl. Here are, in my opinion, the best of the Beatles.

Come Together: There's something about the beat in this song that makes it different from the rest of their songs. The opening riff is attention grabbing and it just sucks you in, leaving you unable to switch songs until the end. Then, of course, there is John Lennon's amazing voice. But perhaps the most intriguing part of this song are the lyrics and trying to decode their meaning as you listen.

Strawberry Fields Forever: I think all of John's feelings are expressed in this song. He's writing about a childhood place that he used to play at and you can feel him wanting to share those memories with the listener of the song. This song captured my interest the first time I heard it because it gives a sense of detachedness while spiraling out of control. The song starts out with soft noises, but the next verse strings are added in, then the drums get louder, yet the whole time you feel like you are almost floating.

Hey Bulldog: The piano in the beginning creates a sound that is not used in many other Beatles songs and the heavy bass adds a heavy beat. John Lennon's voice in the chorus never fails to send shivers down my spine. This song is so high on my list because I love the personalization John and Paul add in the end when they're barking.

Let it Be: This song is so inspirational, and for that reason, it belongs in the top ten. Of course, Paul does an amazing job singing it and the piano is mellow and suiting for the song.

I Should Have Known Better:
This song is so sweet and the harmonica gives it a happy, joyful sound. Yet another song showcasing John Lennon's amazing voice, but unlike other earlier Beatles songs, this one doesn't have elaborate harmonies. Despite its lack of harmonies, this song is definitely one of the Bealtes' top songs.

Nowhere Man: The best example of harmonizing of any song the Beatles wrote. The lyrics are so interesting and the backup, sung by Paul and George, is beautiful.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps: The first time I heard this song, I listened to it over and over again. There's something haunting about George's beautiful voice in this song. The lyrics in this song are somewhat condescending, but they fit magnificently with the music. Eric Clapton's guitar playing skills are showcased in this song.

You're Gonna Lose that Girl: John's voice is, once again, the lead in this song, but he is accompanied by both Paul and George singing his echo. Their harmonies are always spot on, and this song is no exception. Ringo provides a strong beat which keeps the songs moving along well and compliments the voices of the other Beatles.

Anytime At All: This song always tugs at my heartstrings and I think it sums up the Beatles' early style. Sweet lyrics with a strong beat and those unmistakably 1960s guitar riffs.

Blackbird: Another sweet song with great guitar playing. Paul's voice is smooth and beautiful and the lyrics flow well.

So these are my top ten Beatles songs. Many of these songs I couldn't exactly describe what was so special about them, but I tried my best. The Beatles were so amazing that all their music was good. Long live the Beatles!

Published by Anna Gregor

A student who has a passion for the 1960s, art, music, and food. I love the Beatles, they rock =) John Lennon is my hero.  View profile

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