If fans were to name works that best capture the appeal of The Beatles, what would they be?
hereAs I mentioned, if someone asks, “Please name a few representative Beatles songs,” even fans would be at a loss.
Why is that?
What if the Beatles held a concert at the Budokan in 2016?
Because the Beatles’ body of work is so incredibly diverse.
Here is a good example that demonstrates it.
Under the theme, “What if the Beatles transcended time and performed at the Budokan in 2016?!”, when celebrities each picked 11 songs, their choices ended up wonderfully all over the place with almost no overlap!
Reference: "What if the Beatles performed at the Budokan in 2016?!"
I, too, chose works that seem to express their appeal well.
I Saw Her Standing There
youtube.
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It’s an iconic early-era masterpiece.
It's straightforward, simple rock 'n' roll, but it's an incredibly catchy and upbeat track.
The Beatles had already completed this song during their early formative years, proving how highly capable they were as composers.
When they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, artists who admire them sang this song in unison.
Twist and Shout
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Despite being a cover, they’ve brilliantly made it their own, showcasing the high caliber of their arranging abilities.
A classic where John Lennon’s wild, powerful vocals explode onto the track.
I Want to Hold Your Hand
youtube.
com/watch?v=ipADNlW7yBM
This is the landmark work with which the Beatles conquered the United States.
It’s a masterpiece where you can truly appreciate the brilliance of John and Paul McCartney’s twin vocals and harmonies.
Just listening to it makes me feel excited.
A Hard Day's Night
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com/watch?v=70QfHtKdh_0
The “chaan” intro is incredibly striking.
What this opening chord actually was became a major controversy for over 50 years, drawing in not only musicians but even scholars.
Yesterday
youtube.
com/watch?v=Ho2e0zvGEWE
A beautiful ballad that is always cited as one of the Beatles’ masterpieces, and the most covered song among their works by other artists.
It is a groundbreaking work that, for the first time in the world, incorporates a string quartet and fuses rock with classical music.
Norwegian Wood
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com/watch?v=79uBB4anxbE
George uses the Indian instrument sitar for the first time, boldly incorporating the sound of Eastern music into rock and creating a dreamy atmosphere.
This work symbolizes the transformation of the Beatles from idols into artists.
Day Tripper
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A lively piece with an impressive guitar riff right from the beginning.
John and Paul’s twin vocals tighten up the entire work with their splendid harmony.
Tomorrow Never Knows
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com/watch?v=Ah2ckzXgrx4
It’s a wondrous, enigmatic sound, as if a space shimmering with many primary colors were undulating.
It’s a landmark work that became a historical pioneer of studio editing for future generations, with the Beatles repeatedly playing and recording tape loops and using ADT, among other techniques.
Rain
youtube.
com/watch?v=VKmJGXhSmaY
He showcases an original drumming technique that Ringo Starr himself praised as his “best performance.”
His loose, dragging, “tumbling-down-the-stairs” sound has been praised as uniquely original by younger drummers.
This is the work in which the Beatles created the world’s first music video, making it possible to enjoy music not only with your ears but also with your eyes.
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
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com/watch?v=eKXfqpg-Q-k
You’ll feel as if you’re floating inside a kaleidoscope.
John Lennon said it was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and not only the sound but also the surreal lyrics he excelled at—like “tangerine trees” and “marmalade skies”—make a vivid visual impression.
A Day in the Life
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com/watch?v=usNsCeOV4GM
John Lennon's vocals fade out midway through the song, and in their place an orchestra fades in with dissonance from the low register, gradually shifting to higher pitches and descending into chaos.
It abruptly ends, leaving listeners bewildered, and switches to Paul McCartney’s upbeat vocals.
Listeners are thrown off by the chameleon-like changes in the musical style.
I Am the Walrus
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com/watch?v=rC1_9cLQB_k
It strings together completely nonsensical lyrics like “yellow custard dripping from a dead dog’s eyes,” yet it still manages to stand as a proper work.
John enjoyed creating works like these to satirize experts who critique his pieces without even understanding their meaning.
However, when you listen to it with the lyrics as well, you’re enveloped in a surreal, mysterious feeling, as if you were looking at a Dalí painting.
Hey Jude
youtube.
com/watch?v=A_MjCqQoLLA
It’s the most successful of the Beatles’ singles. The beautiful melodic line, a specialty of Paul’s, is outstanding, and the grand chorus at the end—including the orchestra players—is especially memorable.
The song starts at around 56 seconds.
Back in the U.
S.
S.
R
youtube.
com/watch?v=BLH1x_SGAL4
With the roar of a jet engine in the intro, it catches an updraft and takes off, blasting past the speed of sound—a high-energy track that keeps the excitement going right to the end.
The chorus pays homage to their then-rivals, the Beach Boys, and the drums are played by Paul.
Helter Skelter
youtube.
com/watch?v=UXOkzEXJuDs
It has an intense style that could be called a prototype of later hard rock or heavy metal, and yet they were already creating such advanced work back in the 1960s.
AerosmithBon JoviIt has been covered by many artists, including U2.
It was also used as the title of a Japanese film.
Revolution
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com/watch?v=BGLGzRXY5Bw
The title may sound ominous as “Revolution,” but it rejects radical, violent reform and calls instead for peaceful transformation of politics and society.
The guitar John strums in the intro makes a powerful impact.
Come Together
It suddenly kicks off with John’s “shoo” vocal, followed by his characteristically surreal lyrics. With a languid air yet powerful delivery, John’s vocals give you chills—making this a thrilling masterpiece.
You also won't want to miss George Harrison’s guitar, Paul’s powerful bass, and Ringo Starr’s rhythmic drums.
I couldn’t find the original video, so please try looking for covers on video sites.
something
youtube.
com/watch?v=dNKpwRvFedY
It’s George Harrison’s masterpiece.
Although he tended to be overshadowed by the two geniuses, John and Paul, he showed the world that he also possessed remarkable talent as a composer.
It's a truly beautiful ballad, and Paul's melodic bass (a bass line that plays as if it were a melody) also enhances this masterpiece.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
This is also one of George’s works, and his close friend Eric Clapton plays guitar on it.
As the title suggests, the guitar solo that sounds as if it’s sobbing (choking with tears) is irresistible.
Many artists have covered it.
I couldn’t find the original video, so please try looking for covers on video sites.
Get Back
youtube.
com/watch?v=qzRRAgAjGTo
This is also a famous song that has been covered by many artists.
Paul created this with the intention of returning to the roots, for the members who were gradually losing interest in group activities.
Perhaps because of that, the tone of the song is a simple old rock style.
Let It Be
youtube.
com/watch?v=wGCMznqgqhE
It’s a beautiful melody that evokes the feeling of a hymn.
The piano in the intro and the guitar solo in the interlude are very impressive.
Paul, who had been troubled by feeling isolated from the other members, was told in a dream by his mother to “let it be,” and he went on to write this classic song.
Lastly
Somehow I managed to narrow it down, and together with the previous batch I finally listed just 20 plus 1 songs.
I think this will let you catch at least a glimpse of their charm.