The Beatles are arguably the most influential and iconic band in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, England, in 1960, the band consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Their innovative sound, songwriting brilliance, and cultural impact have left an indelible mark on music and popular culture.
The Beatles’ music spanned various genres, from early rock and roll to psychedelic and experimental sounds. Their harmonies, infectious melodies, and innovative studio techniques set new standards for popular music. Hits like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Yesterday,” and “A Hard Day’s Night” remain timeless classics.
Beyond their musical contributions, The Beatles’ influence extended to fashion, art, and social movements of the 1960s. They challenged societal norms and embraced a message of love, peace, and cultural revolution. Their music became a soundtrack for a generation, and their impact on popular culture is immeasurable.
Individually, each member of The Beatles displayed immense talent, but it was their collective chemistry and collaboration that propelled them to unparalleled heights. Their ability to evolve and push boundaries with each album was a testament to their artistic genius.
Even decades after their disbandment in 1970, The Beatles’ music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Their influence can still be heard in the work of countless artists, and their legacy remains a testament to their enduring talent and cultural significance. The Beatles’ impact on the music industry and their contribution to shaping the course of popular music make them an eternal icon in the hearts of fans worldwide.
1. I want to hold your hand
One of The Beatles' most iconic songs, this upbeat pop track captures the excitement and emotions of young love. With catchy guitar riffs and harmonized vocals, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" was a massive success in the 60s that helped launch the group's international career. Its simple yet effective lyrics reflected a universal sentiment and showcased the band's ability to create heartfelt music that resonated with their fans.
Continuing the same theme, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for their fans who were craving new music from the band. This song marked a significant shift in The Beatles' style as it exhibited more polished instrumentals augmented by expert harmonies. It also set a precedent for their future work, where they incorporated elements of rock-and-roll, pop, and folk into their music.
Interestingly enough, even though this song holds up well on its own, it was not until The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show that it went viral worldwide. Breaking records with nearly 73 million viewers tuned in – at the time over one-third of America's total population – this performance cemented them as an international sensation.
Pro Tip: In addition to being one of The Beatles' most iconic songs, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" is also one of their catchiest tracks – so much so that it continues to be an all-time favorite among fans decades after its initial release. Even Eric Clapton couldn't resist shedding a tear during 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.
2. While my guitar gently weeps
This iconic track from The Beatles' White Album is a must-listen for all music enthusiasts. The song, which features Eric Clapton on lead guitar, showcases the band's ability to blend rock with Indian influences. With lyrics that evoke a sense of longing for lost love and introspection, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is one of the Beatles' most emotional pieces.
The melancholy tune is elevated by George Harrison's signature fingerpicking style on acoustic guitar, and Clapton's haunting solo adds a layer of depth to the already soulful track. The lyrics themselves are inspired by a dream Harrison had, in which his guitar was weeping due to the turmoil in the world.
The standout feature of this song is undoubtedly its raw emotion, making it a timeless classic loved by generations. It continues to inspire many musicians today and remains a testament to the incredible talents of The Beatles.
Pro Tip: Take some time to listen closely to the intricate guitar work on this track – there's much to be learned from studying Harrison's and Clapton's playing styles.
Even Paul McCartney agrees that 'Something' is one of the greatest love songs ever written, and he wrote 'Maybe I'm Amazed', so you know he knows his stuff.
3. Something
This Beatles classic is a love song written by George Harrison. Its title, "Something", may be simple, but the lyrics and melody are far from that. The tune’s distinct guitar riff opens up to reveal a heartwarming ballad that resonates even today. It was released in 1969 as a double A-side single along with “Come Together”. The song has been covered by several artists over the years and remains one of the most memorable love songs ever made.
The beauty of “Something” lies not just in its melody but also in its lyrics. The track perfectly captures the essence of a head-over-heels kind of love with lines like "You're asking me will my love grow / I don't know, I don't know / You stick around and it may show / I don't know, I don't know". The delicate blend of George Harrison's voice and his stunning guitar work makes this song unforgettable.
Interestingly, Frank Sinatra called “Something” the greatest love song ever written. However, even after all these years, there is still an air of confusion surrounding who the track was actually written about! In any case, it doesn’t matter too much – as long as we can all agree that it's an incredible piece of music.
Pro Tip: Turn this classic on during your next romantic evening for maximum impact.
Even after all these years, 'Let it Be' still makes me wish I had a troubled past so I could appreciate it more.
4. Let it be
This iconic Beatles song, which symbolizes hope and optimism, has certainly stood the test of time. It showcases the band's ability to blend heartwarming lyrics with a mesmerizing melody. The song captures both McCartney and Lennon's abilities as writers in haunting lines such as "And when the night is cloudy / There is still a light that shines on me." One of their most recognizable hits!
Despite its simplicity, Let it be continues to resonate with audiences worldwide today, over fifty years after its release. The timeless message of peace and acceptance coupled with the unforgettable melody has cemented this ballad's place in popular music history. It has inspired countless covers from various artists across multiple genres.
Interestingly, Let it be was not initially intended to end up on The Beatles' final album of the same name. However, given its overwhelming success as a single released ahead of that album, they decided to add it later to the final tracklist.
Pro-tip: Next time you are feeling down or lost, take a moment to listen to these uplifting lyrics – "When I find myself in times of trouble / Mother Mary comes to me / Speaking words of wisdom / Let it be."
Strawberry fields forever, where the Beatles transported us to a world of hallucinogenic delights and made us forget about the mundane reality for a while.
5. Strawberry fields forever
This Beatles masterpiece is widely recognized for its dreamlike, psychedelic sound and surreal lyrics. With a melancholic tone, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' explores themes of nostalgia and loss, creating a feeling of introspection among listeners. Its layered instrumentation and John Lennon's powerful vocals make this song an influential piece of music history. Some speculate that the inspiration behind the track came from Lennon's childhood memories of playing in Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army orphanage near his home in Liverpool. Regardless of its origins, 'Strawberry fields forever' remains deeply impactful to this day.
'Yesterday', the ultimate breakup song that makes you want to eat ice cream straight from the tub and cry your heart out.
6. Yesterday
One of the Beatles' most iconic songs, this mellow ballad pulls at the heartstrings with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. With Paul McCartney's vocals accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar, "Yesterday" tells the story of lost love and regret with a timeless quality. It remains one of the most covered songs in history and continues to captivate audiences today. This melancholic track showcases The Beatles' versatility as they experimented with different genres of music beyond their rock 'n' roll roots.
The origins of "Yesterday" are shrouded in mystery, with McCartney claiming that he dreamt the entire song before rushing to record it on his piano. Regardless, its impact on music is undeniable – cementing The Beatles' status as one of the greatest bands in history.
Taking a trip inside John Lennon's mind has never been so musically trippy as 'A Day in the Life'.
7. A day in the life
This iconic Beatles tune chronicles a "Day in the Life" by pairing John Lennon and Paul McCartney's distinct compositions into one seamless masterpiece. The haunting opening and ethereal melodies give way to hard-driving rockabilly beats that thread through a surreal world of newspaper headlines, dreamlike sequences, and drug-induced states. Acknowledged as one of the band's most ambitious works, the song signifies the end of an era in pop music while ushering in new possibilities. With its expansive orchestrations and adult themes, this epic composition inspired countless musicians to stretch their creative boundaries.
As the track progresses, it becomes clear that this is not just another catchy pop ditty but a sophisticated piece of music with intricate arrangements and bold experimentation. From the backwards tape loops to bizarre sound effects, each element adds to the building momentum leading into the climactic ending which yields John Lennon's exclamation – "I'd love to turn you on." But beneath all that avant-garde embellishment lies some of McCartney's finest songwriting which serves as an anchor for all these audacious departures. A true collaboration between two gifted artists who challenged each other and pushed beyond their comfort zones, "A Day in the Life" remains a significant milestone in The Beatles' illustrious career.
Interestingly enough, this classic tune almost didn't come together at all when Lennon struggled to finish his portion of the song forcing McCartney to improvise lyrics for their joint recording session. This story reveals how even musical legends can face creative blocks and requires a certain degree of spontaneity sometimes to reach greatness.
Come together, right now, over the fact that this song is a true masterpiece and anyone who disagrees just needs to let it be.
8. Come together
This iconic song by The Beatles, a widely popular English rock band, has stood the test of time and become one of their best hits. It is known for its catchy tune, unique lyrics and overall musical style that still resonates with fans today.
The rhythmic melody of 'Come Together' coupled with John Lennon's soulful voice is what sets it apart from other tracks. The song's opening electrifying guitar riff easily grabs attention and keeps listeners hooked throughout.
Moreover, the lyrics convey an important message about unity and togetherness. It was first introduced as a political campaign song for a presidential candidate, but its message quickly transcended to wider issues related to society. Each line builds upon the theme of bringing people together and eradicating differences.
Additionally, 'Come Together' boasts impressive instrumentation which showcases the band's musicianship. The bassline remains one of the most recognizable aspects, complementing Ringo Starr's dynamic drumming techniques.
Listeners can also appreciate the song's experimental elements such as sound effects in between verses, creating an engaging listening experience.
For those looking to learn more about music composition or appreciate rock history, 'Come Together' is a must-listen hit that never loses its magic touch.
Hey Jude, don't make it bad, take a classic Beatles tune and make it the best you ever had.
9. Hey Jude
This Beatles classic has stood the test of time with its catchy melody and emotional lyrics. With a length of over seven minutes, "Hey Jude" was considered a bold move at the time of its release, but it quickly became one of the band's most beloved hits. Its sweet piano intro and sing-along chorus have made it a staple in pop culture for decades. It’s no surprise that "Hey Jude" claims a spot on our list of the 10 Best The Beatles Songs of All Time.
In addition to being a commercial success, "Hey Jude" also holds a special place in popular culture. McCartney wrote it as a comforting message to Lennon's son Julian during his parents' divorce, but its universal message resonates with people all over the world. The song has been performed by countless artists over the years, from Elvis Presley to Wilson Phillips.
One unique detail about "Hey Jude" is that it features an extended outro with non-lexical vocables like "na-na-na-na." This unconventional approach to songwriting showed the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries.
If you haven't already listened to "Hey Jude," you're missing out on one of The Beatles' greatest hits. Don't wait any longer – give it a spin today and see why this classic tune still stands the test of time.
In my life, I've listened to countless songs, but none quite hit the sweet spot like this Beatles classic.
10. In my life
This Beatles song is a lyrical and musical masterpiece touching on the reflections of one's past experiences. The smooth melody, coupled with the meaningful lyrics, creates a feeling of nostalgia that resonates with listeners long after the song ends. 'In my life' explores the passage of time and how certain people or events have shaped one's existence. The emotional depth and meaningfulness make this song one of The Beatles' greatest hits.
As John Lennon reflects on his life in 'In my life', he describes places he has been, friends he has made, and memories he cherishes. The song stands out as a tribute to loved ones who have since passed away, reminding listeners to cherish all moments spent with those dear to us. Moreover, its beautiful harmonies combined with Lennon's raw vocals make it an unforgettable masterpiece in music history.
Beyond sentimental value, this iconic track showcases sheer musicianship and artistic talent at its best. George Martin's innovative recording techniques allowed for unique instrumentation like the harpsichord solo- creating an unexpected twist that blends seamlessly into the mix. 'In my life' is not just another great Beatles track; it serves as a timeless piece of art that transcends generations.
As you dive deeper into The Beatles' discography, don't miss out on adding 'In my Life' to your playlist- an emotional journey that is sure to leave you entranced.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
