The amount of songs written and recorded by the Beatles is staggering. With a recording career that spanned just over 7 years they released 13 albums and 22 singles (enough to fill 2 more albums known as Past Masters Vol. 1 & 2).
We know the melodies to most of their songs as if they are a part of our DNA. But, even with such a vast catalog there are some hidden gems – songs that don’t get the attention they deserve.
I’d like to call attention to the 5 most underrated songs by the Beatles.
1) I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party – This gem is from the album Beatles for Sale. All the elements of a great Beatles song are here. Starting with the opening guitar lick, it dives right into a strong melody with tight harmonies that border on the sublime. Listening to Paul harmonize with John is a true joy. I don’t know if there’s anything better than listening to John and Paul sing together and you’d be hard pressed to find singers more attuned to each other. Only the the Everly Brothers and the Bee Gees are their equals.
A very thoughtful and crisp guitar solo from George pours out of his Gretsch that shines with the spirit of Chet Atkins and Carl Perkins, yet it is pure George. This is one of those songs you can listen to 10 times in a row and it’s a pleasure each time.
2) If I Needed Someone – For my money, this is one of the best songs George Harrison ever wrote. George shows off his Rickenbacker 12-string to great delight on this track from Rubber Soul. It stars just as much as George’s vocal. Paul and John provide harmonies to lift the song to another level.
This songs has the distinction of being the only song composed by George that was played live by the Beatles; having performed it on their 1966 tour. George also pulled it out for his 1991 tour of Japan.
3) Hey Bulldog – This lively track was recorded in February 1968 right before the Beatles left for India to learn Transcendental Meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, though the song wouldn’t be released until January 1969 when the Yellow Submarine soundtrack was issued.
The song starts with a moving and catchy opening riff on piano, played by John, then builds as George and Ringo join in, followed by Paul. It features one of Paul’s bass masterpieces as well as a blistering guitar solo by George.
It’s impossible to not get drawn in by the energy this song gives off. And hearing John and Paul interact with each other on the fade out just makes you smile, which is exactly what the Fab Four do – make you smile.
4) Octopus’s Garden – This song by Ringo Starr gets lost in the Beatles canon and that’s a shame. It’s a playful track and you can feel the love the group had for Ringo as they do their best to let him shine on Abbey Road. And shine he does as he provides one of his most solid vocal efforts.
The song bounces along and you can’t help but tap along and move your head from side to side as it plays. Paul lays down a steady bassline and augments the song with some honky-tonk piano in the pre-chours and chorus. The highlight to me, is listening to Paul and George harmonize together. It is truly blissful.
George’s guitar solo is perfect cherry on top of this slice of Beatles wonderfulness. The track is fun to listen to, what else can you say.
5) You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) – The Beatles’ sense of humor shines through in this interesting piece. The comedy is woven into a nice little jazzy number. The Beatles were a tight band, no matter what style of music they attempted.
The interplay between John and Paul is delightful and listening to John at the end of the song sounds a bit like Monty Python. If you don’t get a laugh out of this there’s something seriously wrong with you. It also features a sax solo by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.
There you have it; the 5 most underrated songs by the Beatles. Like their more popular songs, each one offers a different bit of creativity. They may not stand out to the masses, but these five songs truly represent who the Beatles are. For the Beatles, and for all artists, there is no such thing as lesser works.
Anything you think should have been on the list? What would you have left off?
I would argue that the entire Beatles For Sale album is underrated. That being said, Baby’s In Black is my pick that’s missing
I agree, Brad. Beatles for Sale kind of gets lost in the shuffle. Baby’s in Black is worthy of a spot on the list.
I’m glad you agree. Don’t know why that album gets lost. My favorite of all of them. Honey Don’t is another favorite off of it.