I kind of accidentally stumbled across this song and was instantly attracted to it, and it quickly became my favorite Beatles song. It's Paul's attempt at bluegrass, and apparently it was a favorite song of one of Paul's aunts. I think the song works tremendously well- it's much more unassuming than most of the Beatles other songs because it's obviously just a little tune thrown onto the end of the Help! soundtrack (it doesn't even appear in the film), and I think I like it all the more because of it. It's almost like my own personal Beatles song (I know that's corny, but I can't help it).
02). Eleanor Rigby (Revolver)
My pick for the greatest song the Beatles ever created, and it also happens to be one of my favorites. It's kind of an intimate epic- a a massive issue boiled down two poignant stories that are told on a minute scale. Plus the fact that the Beatles dared to give up their instruments and let a group of string instruments play in their place works astonishingly well.. This is the first song by the Beatles that really caught my attention and inspired me to go searching for more.
05). Help! (Help!)
The contrast between the lyrics and the music of this song blows my mind. If you read the words John Lennon wrote sans music, you'd expect this to be a dark, moody, heartbreaking song. But it's not- and that's why it's brilliant. The counter melody line sung by Paul and George that weaves around and around John's lead vocals is one of my favorite things the Beatles ever did in any of their songs.
04). Daytripper (Past Masters Volume 2)
I've liked this song from just about the first time I ever heard it, and I think it gives Eleanor Rigby a run for its money for the title of greatest Beatles song ever. This is a magical transition song between the Beatles early "puppy-love" trademark tunes to the later, more complex work that would follow. Plus it's just one of the coolest sounding Beatles song there is.
05). Please Please Me (Please Please Me)
The song that caught the attention of producer George Martin, and I think it's the Beatles song that hold the distinction of being the most unashamedly fun. Uncluttered, simple, and exuberant with an edge that's slyly sexual, I think Please Please Me blows the more famous follow-up single Love Me Do clean out of the water.
06). With a Little Help from My Friends (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band)
Ideally the title track of the Sgt. Pepper album is heard in conjunction with this song, but of the two I think this one stands on its own much better. With a Little Help From My Friends, featuring Ringo in lead vocals, is rather dated, but it's still as irresistable and infectious as ever.
07). Nowhere Man (Rubber Soul)
Historically important for being the first Beatles song no centered around love, relationships or a similar variation on the theme, I think part of the attraction of his song, much like Help!, is the fact that the rather serious subject matter is paired with catchy and fun music. And if anything, I think this is a song that marks a definite maturation in the Beatles' music.
08). Lovely Rita (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band)
I discovered this song fairly recently, and it has quickly established itself as one of my favorites. It's just a great song- what more can I say?
09). Do You Want to Know a Secret? (Please Please Me)
A lot of people, Beatles fans included, think the Beatles earlier efforts are inferior to what came later, and I think that by doing so they unfairly dismiss some great music. Do You Want to Know a Secret?, like most early Beatles tunes, certainly doesn't possess depth or the mature sound like later efforts, but it's another song I've liked from the very first time I heard it, and it's stuck with me ever since. I consider this to be my favorite love song, I love it's simplicity- it seems to capture that sweet, sappy feeling of falling in love.
10). While My Guitar Gently Weeps (White Album)
I have to admit I really disliked this song for a long time. But one day I realized I couldn't get it out of my head, and my opinion completely reversed, and it has since risen to the it's spot in my personal top ten. When I think of an 'epic song,' this is what springs to mind. Though I suppose it could be described as being intimate the way Eleanor Rigby is, While My Guitar Gently Weeps acheives a sweep and scope, a richness in sound, and a meloncholy tone that synthesizes seamlessly into a song that hits a level the Beatles reached with only several other songs. Without a doubt in my mind this is George Harrison's crowning acheivment, and it's a fitting song to carry on his legacy.
If I included covers: Words of Love (by Buddy Holly) (Beatles for Sale)
It's not a very distinguished song, and for good reason- it's not a noteworthy song on any level. But there's something about it I can't resist (I think it's the catchy guitar playing), and I listen to it more than many other "greater" Beatles songs. What can I say? There's no accounting for taste.
