Number 5: I Am the Walrus
Recorded: Sept 5, 1967
First Release: Single, Nov 24, 1967
Written by: John Lennon
Arguably one of the strangest songs released by the Beatles, I Am the Walrus takes its listeners on a psychedelic trip through the mind of John Lennon that even the brightest minds cannot decode. The song still maintains the Beatles trademark wit and charm even though they were suffering the loss of manager Brian Epstein. Due to the songs hook and revolutionary sound it is a solid #5 on my list. To that I say "GOO-GOO-G'JOOB!"
Recorded: April 13, 1965
First Release: Single, July 19, 1965
Written by: John Lennon
Due to the stress caused from non-stop attention and work, John Lennon began to fell depressed and lonely. It was in this state that Lennon wrote the hit single which was a blatant yet subtle cry for help disguised in an up beat classic Beatles song. The mood shifts and amazing harmonies make this song so memorable even though its meaning is often unheard of. When all is said and done Help! still remains one of my favourite songs.
Recorded: May 6-Aug 18, 1969
First Release: Abbey Road, Sept 26, 1969
Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Actually eight smaller songs in one, the medley takes up almost the entire second side of the album. The songs all seem so different but as you listen on elements of the previous songs all come together in a triumphant way. The thing that makes this collaboration so brilliant is that the Beatles all shined individually and took the spotlight on various occasions. The final song "The End" summed up the entire run the Beatles had as a group with a Ringo drum solo and an alternating guitar solo by Paul, George and John. The Medley was a strong good-bye from the most influential band in history
Recorded: Jan 19-20, Feb 3,10,22, 1967
First Release: Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, June 1, 1967
Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Originally planned on being two separate songs, A Day in the Life was the ultimate Lennon-McCartney collaboration. These separate compositions were brought together by the editing genius George Martin and the aim of perfection driven by Lennon and McCartney. The slow Lennon portion makes the song sound mysterious and creepy, then we are abruptly hit by a change to an up beat to-do list sung by Paul then abruptly back to John. This song made Sgt. Peppers the success it was and also completed the Beatles transformation from boy band to a creative Juggernaut in the music industry.
Number 1: In My Life
Recorded: Oct 18, 1965First Release: Rubber Soul, Dec 3, 1965
Written by: John Lennon
My all-time favourite Beatles song without a doubt has to go to In My Life. The song is a general reflection of Lennon's childhood and young adulthood played as a slow and smooth ballad. The iconic guitar riff and piano solo proved to be the catalyst that drew me into the song's musical brilliance. The song really effected the Beatles future discography because they now began to stray away from their "mop-top" period and into the psychedelic phase. Lennon considered In My Life to be his first major piece of work and arguably his and the Beatles best song.
Honourable Mentions:
Thank You Girl
I’ll Get You
I’m Happy Just to Dance with You
Tell Me What You See
The Word
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
Baby You’re a Rich Man
Glass Onion
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
Julia
I Me Mine
The Ballad of John and Yoko
Selections by: Matteo C.
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