25 songs by the Beatles to have with you on a desert island

As a music enthusiast who grew up during the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, I can confidently say that The Beatles have left an indelible mark on my life and countless others. Their innovative spirit, impeccable songwriting, and groundbreaking studio techniques continue to inspire musicians today.

According to available records, adding their latest collaborative track titled “Now and Then” to the list, The Beatles have officially released a total of 214 songs, all of which are quite impressive.

Absolutely, some music enthusiasts might argue over who the greatest band of all time was, with The Beatles included in that discussion. However, it’s likely that there’s general agreement among many that The Beatles had the most profound impact on music as we know it today.

Among the possible explanations could be that, similar to many artists, they may have had some songs that were unexpected hits, but among their total of 214 songs, it’s likely that they have the fewest of these ‘fluke’ tracks.

25 songs by the Beatles to get you through if you are stranded on a desert island

As a dedicated enthusiast, if I were to pick items for a deserted island survival kit, these 25 essentials would be my top choices – the ones I couldn’t imagine living without:

“A Hard Day’s Night,” A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

As soon as you catch the distinctive guitar strumming by George Harrison at the start (the title was penned by Ringo, incidentally), you can tell it’s going to be something extraordinary. With all the catchy pop songs that preceded it, this one stood out as a clear indication that The Beatles were evolving into something truly exceptional.

“You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” Help! (1965)

With another album and film soundtrack, it’s clear that The Beatles can create any contemporary tune you desire. The McCartney-Lennon songwriting duo was hitting its stride, each infusing their unique personal touch into the songs they primarily composed. In this case, it’s Lennon’s turn to shine.

“Ticket to Ride,” Help! (1965)

In this period, The Beatles honed their skills as exceptional songwriters and arrangers, crafting tunes that few bands then (and many later) could match. There’s an undeniable charm to their music, be it the instruments, harmonies, or lyrics – you can’t help but admire it.

“Day Tripper,” single (1965)

This piece builds upon the tunes from the album “Help!“, likely penned during the same timeframe. It features intricate vocal harmonies, complex guitar riffs that have been imitated countless times, and lyrics demonstrating a continued growth in songwriting skill.

“In My Life,” Rubber Soul (1965)

Among the outstanding ballads penned by Lennon/McCartney, this particular one stands out as it originates from The Beatles’ initial trilogy of flawless albums. In this instance, Lennon takes the helm, which makes it arguably the finest ballad he wrote and potentially one of the best overall, considering his role as the primary songwriter.

“Nowhere Man,” Rubber Soul (1965)

As a gamer, I’d say diving into The Beatles’ music is like unlocking a level with increasing depth and complexity. They were social commentators, using their melodies and intricate musicianship to express their thoughts and evolve as artists. Each song has an incredible sound that just shines with brilliance. It’s like beating a challenging boss – you feel accomplished when you truly grasp the beauty in their tunes.

“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” Rubber Soul (1965)

With a hint of abstraction, The Beatles subtly incorporated the sitar into their lyrics, adding a unique flavor to their music. John Lennon shone brilliantly in his songwriting, and collectively, the band displayed an unparalleled mastery that others tried to emulate, but never quite matched.

“Paperback Writer,” single (1966)

Among The Beatles’ tunes, some didn’t make it onto their initial albums; this particular song is among those. Regardless of the cause, it was significant because it played a crucial role in the development of the power pop musical sub-genre.

“Rain,” single (1966)

This is another outstanding track that initially came out as a standalone single, demonstrating the group’s deep dive into psychedelic music. Remarkably, it was also the B-side for “Paperback Writer,” which makes it part of one of the most exceptional double singles featuring two flawless songs in history.

“I’m Only Sleeping,” Revolver (1966)

At his mental peak, Lennon exuded a languid, early morning ambiance that few could replicate effectively. However, this recording stands out as one of the rare exceptions where the attempt was successful. The masterful application of reverse-recorded guitars and other innovative studio techniques solidified the Beatles’ reputation as studio virtuosos.

“She Said, She Said,” Revolver (1966)

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “Experiencing a track with some mind-blowing nuances that just elevate it to another level. A guitar tone that would make any band envious, and Lennon’s forward-thinking lyrics, which include a trippy quote Peter Fonda once shared with him: ‘I know what it feels like to be dead…’ “

“Here, There and Everywhere,” Revolver (1966)

On “Revolver,” Lennon delivered his finest performance, and McCartney wasn’t far behind, contributing what could very well be one of his best ballads. This song is intricate yet effortless in its delivery, and Harrison added some remarkable guitar riffs to the mix as well.

“Penny Lane,” single (1967)

This particular track, a remarkable creation by McCartney (and Lennon’s equally impressive solo masterpiece), stands out as the most exceptional single ever produced in the realm of pop and rock music. McCartney showcased his exceptional skills in arrangement with this song, further cementing its importance as a cornerstone for the sub-genre known as baroque pop.

“Strawberry Fields Forever,” single (1967)

At the height of his psychedelic era, Lennon’s talents were not just confined to music but extended powerfully to lyrics as well. His work showcased exceptional studio craftsmanship, groundbreaking for its time and still challenging to replicate today. However, it is his songwriting brilliance that truly stands out in this piece.

“A Day in the Life,” Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Possibly the best joint Lennon/McCartney song with shared vocals and the crown of one of the best albums in rock music so far. It is a perfect song in every respect, from songwriting to instrumentation, dual vocals, and recording touches that remain unsurpassed to this day.

“I Am the Walrus,” Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

The footage, taken from one of the most debated psychedelic films, showcases Lennon in an incredibly unconventional manner, yet it’s his eccentricity that leaves a lasting impression, making this scene one of the most iconic moments not only in the movie but also on the album itself.

“Hello, Goodbye,” Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

McCartney demonstrates his genius by crafting a remarkable tune from virtually nothing – a basic melody and what appears as meaningless words, yet transforms them into something deeply layered, captivating, and brilliant.

“I Will,” The Beatles (“The White Album”) (1968)

It appears that by this point, the band was gradually evolving into a collaborative platform for individual talents, yet, as suggested by this piece and most tracks on their self-titled double album, they were a collective of exceptionally talented individuals.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” The Beatles (“The White Album”) (1968)

George Harrison invited Eric Clapton to contribute guitar parts to one of his standout compositions within the band, a move that almost resulted in Harrison being overshadowed by Clapton. However, it was actually the very song itself that showcased Clapton’s best work, making this track one of the album’s most notable highlights.

“Dear Prudence,” The Beatles (“The White Album”) (1968)

Despite some skepticism about The Beatles’ India trip and their association with Maharishi Mahesh, a Lennon song dedicated to Prudence Farrow (Mia Farrow’s sister who was also part of the same journey) might serve as evidence that it inspired some exceptional songs like this one.

“Because,” Abbey Road (1969)

“Come Together,” Abbey Road (1969)

John Lennon, an authentic rock pioneer, consistently embodied this genre during his professional journey, ultimately producing one of his finest rock compositions. The song showcases exceptional lyricism, vocal delivery, sound manipulation – essentially all aspects that define greatness.

“Here Comes the Sun,” Abbey Road (1969)

Here, George Harrison demonstrates that his songwriting skills might have matured at a slightly slower pace compared to the band’s primary songwriting duo. However, over time, it seems he rightfully earned more representation on the album, as this particular piece was one of the standout tracks on “Abbey Road”.

“Across the Universe,” Let It Be (1970)

In a different genre, John Lennon may have been a rock musician deep down, but he was exceptionally skillful with ballads, and this particular song is one of his finest creations. His trip to India seems to have had the most profound impact on it.

“The Long and Winding Road,” Let It Be (1970)

McCartney demonstrated his exceptional songwriting and arrangement skills, either in a style reminiscent of Phil Spector or uniquely his own, accompanied by some of the most heartfelt vocals he ever recorded with the band. In many aspects, it served as both a poignant farewell and a welcoming introduction from The Beatles.

2024-08-31 13:01