The 14 Best Unreleased Beatles Songs
The Beatles, one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of music, have a treasure trove of unreleased songs that die-hard fans consider hidden gems. These tracks give us a unique glimpse into the band’s creative process and evolution over the years. Here’s a list of the 14 best unreleased Beatles songs that every fan should know.
1. “Carnival of Light” – Crafted during the psychedelic era, this experimental track is said to span 13 minutes and is one of The Beatles’ most anticipated unreleased recordings.
2. “Leave My Kitten Alone” – A gritty rock tune originally by Little Willie John; The Beatles’ rendition gave it a raw edge that showcased their early rock ‘n’ roll influences.
3. “Not Guilty” – Written by George Harrison, this song faced numerous recording takes but was ultimately left off “The White Album.”
4. “Come and Get It” – Penned by Paul McCartney for Badfinger, The Beatles’ own version has McCartney’s distinct melodic touch.
5. “That Means A Lot” – A song described as difficult to record, abandoned despite being a potentially classic Beatles ballad.
6. “Watching Rainbows” – An impromptu session led to this song, which captures The Beatles’ bluesy-rock skills during their later phase.
7. “Circles” – Another George Harrison track with philosophical lyrics that never found its moment on a Beatles album but was later released by Harrison as a solo artist.
8. “Sour Milk Sea” – Composed by George Harrison for Jackie Lomax, The Beatles’ own version maintains its scorching guitar riffs and spirited vocals.
9. “12-Bar Original” – An instrumental evoking the band’s love for classic blues structures, it highlights their often-overlooked instrumental prowess.
10. “All Things Must Pass” – Eventually releasing it as a solo artist, George Harrison first introduced this reflective ballad to The Beatles during the “Let It Be” sessions.
11. “Madman” – A raucous number with hints of heavy rock that Lennon had intended to develop further but instead remained in the vaults.
12. “Goodbye” – A McCartney composition sung by Mary Hopkin; Paul’s demo suggests it would’ve been just as enchanting with The Beatles’ harmonies.
13. “What’s The New Mary Jane” – An avant-garde concoction from John Lennon, tapping into the experimental vein similar to “Revolution 9.”
14. “Child of Nature” – Inspired by a trip to India, Lennon’s gentle melody would later be reworked into “Jealous Guy.”
Collectively, these songs provide an alternative history of The Beatles, showing us what might have been if they’d been released. They continue to intrigue and captivate aficionados and collectors who seek out every note recorded by the legendary Fab Four.