Top 20 Beatles Songs
187 items ranked
The greatest songs by the greatest Rock 'n Roll band ever!
Click on up and down arrows to affect item's ranking
101.
It's All Too Much
117 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Is this song a masterpiece or just psychedelic overload?
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
102.
love me do
greatest hits
117 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
The song isn't great, but it's to the Beatles credit that they insisted on releasing it instead of the trite How Do You Do It, which was given to another group.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points
Mediocre initial effort that gives little indication of the greatness to come.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points
103.
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
Humorous but disturbing sing-along which satirizes someone who takes a short break from the quest for spiritual enlightenment in India to shoot a tiger.
115 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
104.
Drive My Car
115 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
One of the Beatles most clever lyrics with great irony, humour, innuendos and final twist. The guitars, bass and drumming are also excellent in this R&B flavoured track.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
105.
There's A Place
115 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
One of the best songs on their first album.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
106.
I Will
115 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Poignant short and sweet love song with rather enigmatic lyrics. Is his lover real or imaginary?
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
107.
The Word
115 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This powerful song has a driving rhythm and almost biblical feel to the lyrics.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
108.
Doctor Robert
Mellow but intricate song about a 'Dr Feelgood' who supplied amphetamines on demand to stressed out patients.
113 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
109.
Yes It Is
113 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Sultry and delicious harmonies.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points
110.
Eight Days A Week
113 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Despite its bouncy commercial sound, the Beatles regarded this song as just album filler and they never performed it live. It was however released as a single in the US and it reached number 1.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
111.
Octopus's Garden
113 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
Probably Ringo's finest hour. This is a delightful. sweet and charming song with some great guitar work by George.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points
112.
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Intriguing Abbey Road medley song with cryptic lyrics and excellent playing.
111 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
113.
Baby's In Black
A song that references the death of Stu Sutcliffe.
111 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
114.
Twist and Shout
Probably their best cover, with a great vocal by John.
110 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
115.
Wait
109 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Competent but not outstanding song that had been left over from the Help sessions. Overdubs were added and it was included on Rubber Soul.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
116.
I've Got a Feeling
Gritty bluesy rocker formed by combining two separate Paul and John songs. It is one of the highlights of the Let It Be album and reflects the tensions in their personal lives at the time.
107 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
117.
Misery
This is a cheery and very catchy tune, in contrast to the downbeat title.
105 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
118.
It Won't Be Long
105 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Great opening track to their second album, with a driving beat and guitar riff.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
119.
Can't Buy Me Love
105 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This hugely successful hit single was released just as Beatlemania was powering up in the USA. When it reached number 1 in early April 1964, they held the top 5 positions plus another nine songs in the Top 100.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
120.
Your Mother Should Know
105 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This is one of the Beatles weakest songs. The best thing about it is the goofy dance sequence that was performed for the Magical Mystery Tour film.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points
121.
Another Girl
Fun song from Help that sounds rather too much like the Monkees.
104 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
122.
P.S. I Love You
103 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This was the b-side to their first single. Many people prefer it to Love Me Do.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
123.
What Goes On
103 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This is one of the few Beatle songs for which Ringo has a joint writing credit.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points
This is one of the few joint writing credits that Ringo had with the other Beatles.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -18 points
124.
Lady Madonna
103 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
Boogie-type song with Catholic imagery which is intended to be a tribute to hard working women.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
125.
I Want Tell You
George displays his frustration in expressing himself and clarifying his confusing thoughts. The dissonant music complements the lyrics.
102 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
126.
If I Needed Someone
102 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Jangly folk-rock track with a moody lyric which displays ambivalence towards one girlfriend and implies tenderness towards another one.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
127.
Goodnight
John Lennon shows his gentle side in this sweet and tender lullaby, although he presumably felt that it was too corny or schmaltzy to sing himself, and he gave it to Ringo. It was an appropriate White Album closer after the shock of Revolution 9.
101 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
128.
I'm Down
Frenetic rocker.
101 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This song was a great crowd pleaser at live shows, although Paul would have to be careful that he didn't shred his vocal cords.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
129.
I Call Your Name
99 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This song is best known from the smooth Mamas & Papas cover.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -16 points
This obscurity was the only Lennon-McCartney original on the Long Tall Sally EP. It has a bluesy reggae style. The Mamas & Papas did a smoother cover which was very successful.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points
130.
Love You To
George's first Indian composition.
93 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George expresses what would become his lifelong devotion to Indian music and eastern mysticism.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
131.
Think For Yourself
Great fuzz bass.
92 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George tells us not to base our opinions on the lies being told by people in authority.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points
132.
This Boy
91 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Alluring song with old-school charm and lovely harmonies. An instrumental version accompanies a cute scene with Ringo in the Hard Day's Night film.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
133.
You Can't Do That
91 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This is the first time that John played a guitar solo on a Beatles record, and he does a great job.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
Great vocal and guitar.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
134.
Glass Onion
John playfully tries to confuse interpreters of Beatle lyrics. When you peel away the layers of meaning, it reveals no more than you could see at the beginning.
90 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
135.
I'll Get You
89 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Probably the Beatles best early b-side. They presumably dashed this song off quickly since they left a John Lennon vocal error on the record.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
136.
Blue Jay Way
89 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This piece of spooky, Indian-flavoured psychedelia was crafted by an impatient George Harrison while waiting for a friend delayed by fog in LA.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
137.
Thank You Girl
88 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This song is a fairly formulaic throwaway which offers gratitude to their female fans, but it still sparkles with Beatles magic.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
138.
Real Love
John's voice sounds distorted, but it's a fine song with some good playing by George.
86 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
139.
The Inner Light
Another superb b-side that is better than the routine song on the a-side.
83 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
140.
Back in the U.S.S.R.
81 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
The USSR is no more, but we still have this great song. Ringo walked out after a row with Paul and the others had to do the drumming. It is a parody of the Beach Boys.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
141.
'Til There Was You
The best of their 'gentle' covers with great guitar work from George and latino beat from Ringo
80 points - added 4 years ago by guest -
142.
Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey
80 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Raw, frenzied, primal rocker which vents John's frustration with the negativity towards his relationship with Yoko.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
143.
Every Little Thing
John and Paul sing well together on this catchy song.
80 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
144.
I Me Mine
79 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George's preachy critique of John and Paul's huge egos was the last song recorded by the Beatles.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
145.
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Primal scream and drug influenced doom rock song with minimalist lyrics and very long duration.
78 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
146.
Run For Your Life
78 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Lively tune with macho un-PC lyrics and raw guitar playing. Just ignore the misogyny and enjoy. This song is like the dark side of Jealous Guy.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points
147.
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
78 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This naff but irritatingly catchy piece of droll faux-reggae is definitely a guilty pleasure, The others hated this song after Paul insisted on doing dozens of takes.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points
148.
She's a Woman
Great beat.
76 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Rather rough belter that was a favourite at live shows. It contains the peculiar lines: 'My love don't give me presents, I know she's no peasant', which many fans will probably think is below par for Beatles lyrics.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
149.
I'm Happy Just to Dance with You
Rather formulaic album filler written by John and Paul for George to sing on A Hard Day's Night,
74 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
150.
Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Quirky and whimsical novelty song that treats murder in a light-hearted fashion.
72 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
151.
Free As A Bird
Paul, George and Ringo made a reasonably successful attempt to polish a turd.
69 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Absolutely fabulous tune. To the person calling it a turd: I am sorry you have to go through life without ears.
Added 5 years ago by guest, -14 points
152.
What You're Doing
Very catchy underrated gem with chiming guitar sound later made popular by the Byrds.
68 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
153.
I Don't Want To Spoil The Party
68 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This bouncy country-tinged song has downbeat lyrics which display John's personal insecurities.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points
154.
I'll Cry Instead
Despite its jaunty rhythm, the lyric displays John's frustration and sadness at the life he was leading after the Beatles became tremendously popular.
66 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
155.
Yer Blues
John intensely battles his demons and proves that a white man can sing the blues authentically.
65 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
156.
Rocky Raccoon
Paul's charming spoof of country and western story-telling songs.
65 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
157.
Any Time At All
Catchy potboiler in which John offers unconditional support to a girlfriend.
64 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
158.
Savoy Truffle
Playful jazzy track dominated by distorted saxophones. The lyrics relate to dental problems caused by addiction to chocolates.
64 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
159.
Don't Pass Me By
64 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Wacky Ringo country song with sprightly fiddle playing, It deserved better than being left on the shelf for 4 years,
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points
160.
Piggies
Crude George Harrison satire that you'll either love or hate.
61 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
161.
Mr Moonlight
The basic song is rather kitsch and cheesy, but it is one of the Beatles best covers. It is often picked as one of their worst songs, but John's tremendous vocal turns it into something special.
61 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
162.
You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)
58 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This is the most bizarre comedic novelty song that you'll probably ever hear.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
163.
Do You Want to Know a Secret
Cute song that John wrote but decided to give to George to sing on their first album, and it also was the first Lennon/McCartney song to be a hit for another artist when Billy J Kramer covered it..
55 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
164.
Dig a Pony
Absurdist curiosity which rewards repeat listens.
47 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
165.
Old Brown Shoe
Obscure George Harrison b-side which moves along at an urgent pace and has a lot of wordplay in the lyrics. It tends to be one of the more neglected Beatle tracks, although it was selected to appear on the Blue Album compilation.
47 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
166.
When I Get Home
Raw gritty rocker with uninspired lyrics.
38 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
167.
Only a Northern Song
Trippy dissonant track in which George laments the raw deal he was getting from the Northern Songs publishing deal.
37 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
168.
Don't Bother Me
George's first song released by the Beatles is pleasant but insubstantial, with a nice guitar solo.
35 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
169.
Not a Second Time
Harmonically interesting early album filler famous for attracting extravagant praise from an intellectual classical music critic.
35 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
170.
Honey Pie
1920s jazz pastiche which is arranged and produced very well.
33 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
171.
Hold Me Tight
They tried multiple times to get this song right, but it sounds like they just gave up: a rough gem that could do with more polishing.
30 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
172.
All I've Got to Do
Soulful rock ballad which is both upbeat and tinged with sadness.
30 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
173.
One After 909
Very early railroad trucking song which was resurrected for the Let It Be album. Its main virtue is that it is different in style to everything else in their repertoire.
28 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
174.
For You Blue
Back-to-basics, uplifting blues song which, although written by George, has John playing slide guitar.
28 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
175.
Act Natutally
27 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Check out the film of Ringo and Buck Owens performing this song together.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point
176.
Birthday
Rocking competitor to 'Happy Birthday to You'.
25 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
177.
The End
The end of the Beatles is immortalised by 52 seconds of absolute bliss.
24 points - added 5 years ago by guest -
178.
Flying
Soothing melodic instrumental devised to accompany the Magical Mystery Tour film.
22 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
179.
In Spite of All the Danger
Cute demo recorded by the quarrymen and released nearly 40 years later on Anthology. It is the only song ever credited to McCartney/Harrison.
20 points - added 3 years ago by guest -
180.
All Together Now
Simple children's song used in the Yellow Submarine album and film.
20 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
181.
Little Child
Fun lightweight album filler with vivacious harmonica playing.
16 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
182.
I Wanna Be Your Man
John and Paul should have forgotten about this song after they gave it to the Stones. The subsequent Beatles version with Ringo's vocal is inferior and does them no credit.
14 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
183.
Now and Then
Fortunately John’s voice sounds better than on Free As A Bird but it sounds too much like a dreary Beatles pastiche.
10 points - added 1 year ago by guest -
184.
Why Don't We Do It In The Road?
Paul should have put lines about getting arrested or causing traffic accidents to make this song more amusing or interesting.
9 points - added 8 years ago by guest -
185.
Dig It
Tepid improvisation which Paul rightly omitted from the Let It Be.....Naked album.
7 points - added 8 years ago by guest -
186.
Revolution 9
Self-indulgent, Yoko-influenced, interminable experimental piece that has been shredding the ears of Beatles fans since 1968. It should either have been edited down to 2 minutes or preferably relegated to a Yoko Ono album.
6 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
187.
Imagine
this song is incredible
-104 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
It's perfect , but it's not from the Beatles discography. It is from John Lennon's solo discography, so it doesn't belong here.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points
This should be on the post-Beatles list
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points
Similar Top lists
| Category | Ranked | Added by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Best Beatles Songs | Music | 63 items | BradHemphill |
| Top Beetles Songs | Music | 21 items | Ernesto1 |
| Top 20 Manuel Mijares songs | Music | 20 items | GuateGringo |
| Top 20 Juanes Songs | Music | 20 items | GuateGringo |
| Top Fred Eaglesmith Songs | Music | 20 items | HillVillGal |
ShareRanks is about ranking things that are top, most, greatest, or even worst in all categories.
Use arrows to rank one item in versus another.
Use arrows to rank one item in versus another.