The Beatles Ranked From Worst to Best
The Beatles, undoubtedly one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music, have graced the world with numerous number one hits. Here we take on the near-impossible task of ranking these masterpieces from worst to best:
1. “Hey Jude” – A seven-minute masterpiece combining emotion, memorable melodies, and the famous sing-along coda makes it possibly The Beatles’ greatest triumph among so many number ones.
2. “A Hard Day’s Night” – Beginning with one of the most famous chords in rock history, this song perfectly encapsulates The Beatles at their peak.
3. “Let It Be” – An enduring ballad that offers comfort and solace; a high point in The Beatles’ songwriting.
4. “Hello Goodbye” – A lyrically simple but musically rich composition that shows off The Beatles’ studio prowess.
5. “Come Together” – This song blends bluesy swagger with enigmatic lyrics to create an unforgettable anthem.
6. “She Loves You” – With its iconic ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ it’s one of those defining songs of the 60s pop era.
7. “Ticket to Ride” – Offers a glimpse into The Beatles’ more sophisticated musical direction with its unique rhythm and melody.
8. “Help!” – An upbeat pop song which also manages to convey urgency and vulnerability.
9. “Yellow Submarine” – Iconic and whimsical; while not their most complex work, its cultural impact is immense.
10. “Eight Days a Week” – An infectiously joyful tune that was part of The Beatles’ evolution into studio experimentation.
11. “Can’t Buy Me Love” – A classic example of early Beatles rock ‘n’ roll that is irresistibly catchy.
12. “Paperback Writer” – A driving rock song with great harmonies and innovative bass playing by Paul McCartney.
13. “Get Back” – With its raw energy and tight performance, it is a great track but doesn’t hit the highest highs of their catalog.
14. “We Can Work It Out” – A more mature pop song reflecting the dawning complexity of later Beatles’ compositions.
15. “Day Tripper” – A great rocker with a catchy riff but not as richly textured as many of their other songs.
16. “Love Me Do” – Their first No. 1 hit in the UK is delightful but simple.
17. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – This track launched Beatlemania in the USA, but in terms of lyrical depth and musical innovation, others surpass it.
18. “I Feel Fine” – Pioneering the use of feedback, yet when stacked against their other chart-toppers, it isn’t as revolutionary.
19. “From Me to You” – It’s a charming early song from their catalog, but compared to their later work, it lacks complexity.
20. “The Ballad of John and Yoko” – While telling an interesting story about John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s wedding, musically, it doesn’t quite measure up to The Beatles’ other number one hits.