Even casual fans are well-acquainted with the iconic opening tracks of The Beatles albums. These remarkable songs set the tone for the entire albums, demonstrating the band’s exceptional musical prowess and creativity.
Three of these tracks soared to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 in either the U.K. or America. Among them are the timeless classics “A Hard Day’s Night” from 1964, “Help!” from 1965, and “Something” from 1969. Additionally, “I Saw Her Standing There” achieved No. 1 status in three other countries in 1963, solidifying its place in music history.
Even tracks that were never released as singles have gained substantial popularity over the years. Pieces like “Drive My Car” from 1965, “Taxman” from 1966, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band/With a Little Help From My Friends” from 1967, “Magical Mystery Tour,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” from 1968 have become widely recognized through extensive radio play and appearances in soundtracks, further cementing the band’s legacy.
READ MORE: Top 10 Beatles Guitar Solos Not By George Harrison
Nevertheless, some lesser-known tracks still manage to make an impact, as evidenced by the following list of Beatles Opening Songs Ranked From Worst to Best. For instance, “No Reply,” which quickly faded from the scene as a single in 1964, has gained appreciation over time among critics and fans alike. Meanwhile, “Two of Us,” featured on 1970’s Let It Be, remains one of the most endearing songs from their later years.
Curious about which song ranks the highest? Join us as we take a ranked look back at the songs that opened every album by The Beatles:
No. 12. “It Won’t Be Long”
From: With the Beatles (1963)
The success of “Please Please Me” reaching No. 2 in the U.K. and “She Loves You” topping the charts led the band to stick with a winning formula. “It Won’t Be Long” pairs “be long” with “belong,” echoing the clever double-meaning title of their first hit. The exhilarating “yeahs” reminiscent of their second hit further enhance its appeal. John Lennon acknowledged this in David Sheff’s All We Are Saying, admitting, “It was my attempt at writing another single,” though it never quite achieved the same success.
No. 11. “Magical Mystery Tour”
From: Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
The recording sessions for this album-opener commenced just as Sgt. Pepper’s was set for release, creating a strong resemblance between the two. Paul McCartney introduced another ambitious concept with a scene-setting but somewhat flimsy introductory track. The accompanying film struggled at the box office, yet the soundtrack proved to be far more successful than its opening track. Ultimately, Magical Mystery Tour would become a six-times platinum album in the U.S..
No. 10. “I Saw Her Standing There”
From: Please Please Me (1963)
Paul McCartney had already crafted a title and the opening verse when he and John Lennon decided to skip school in September 1962. They completed “I Saw Her Standing There” that very day, but not without Lennon’s suggestion of a key change. Initially, the first line read: “She was just 17, she’d never been a beauty queen.” Lennon’s blunt response was “Ugh.” Consequently, they opted for the cheeky line “you know what I mean,” which has since become iconic.
No. 9. “Two of Us”
From: Let It Be (1970)
Your perception of the first track on Let It Be may be misleading. The warm camaraderie between Lennon and McCartney in the duet “Two of Us” contrasts with its origins as a McCartney song reflecting leisurely Sunday drives in an Aston Martin with his wife, Linda. Interestingly, Lennon’s spoken-word “Charles Hawtrey” introduction was not recorded at the same time and didn’t originally lead into this song.
No. 8. “Help!”
From: Help! (1965)
Lennon’s personal journey of self-discovery began in an unexpected manner. This song was initially intended for the Beatles’ second film, originally titled Eight Arms to Hold You. However, as Lennon delved deeper into his emotions, something extraordinary emerged. “The lyric is as good now as it was then,” he stated in an interview with Rolling Stone. “It was just me singing ‘help,’ and I meant it.” His only regret was the decision to transform his heartfelt ballad into a more upbeat track for commercial appeal.
No. 7. “Back in the U.S.S.R.”
From: The White Album (1968)
McCartney’s satirical take on patriotic songs, such as Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA” and the Beach Boys’ “California Girls,” incorporates subtle humor and clever nods. The creation of “Back in the U.S.S.R.” began during the Beatles’ spiritual journey to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India. Ironically, Mike Love of the Beach Boys was part of this excursion and later claimed partial credit for the song’s creation, adding a layer of intrigue to its backstory.
No. 6. “No Reply”
From: Beatles For Sale (1964)
“No Reply” is more than just an inventive song without a traditional chorus; it stands as one of the earliest Beatles tracks with a cohesive narrative. Lennon’s performance captures the essence of a heartbroken lover, beginning with a low, rumbling tone that powerfully conveys emotion before escalating into an anguished cry. The line “I saw the light” transforms into “I nearly DIED,” offering a glimpse into the emotional depth that was often overshadowed during the band’s mop-top era.
No. 5. “Drive My Car”
From: Rubber Soul (1965)
Initially, “Drive My Car” faced creative hurdles. McCartney was dissatisfied with the early lyrics, and Lennon struggled to find a breakthrough. Eventually, inspiration struck, leading them to a clever euphemism for sex, which became the foundation for the title. They made a bold decision to flip the gender dynamics present in their earlier songs, creating a character of a confident woman seeking to hire a driver. George Harrison suggested mirroring the dual guitar-and-bass lines found in Otis Redding’s hit, “Respect,” infusing the track with a contemporary touch.
No. 4. “Taxman”
From: Revolver (1966)
With the Beatles finally enjoying financial success, they quickly found a significant portion redirected to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. “With the supertax and surtax, it was ridiculous – a heavy penalty to pay for making money,” George Harrison explained in his Anthology. Lennon contributed to the lyrics, while McCartney delivered a scorching guitar solo, cleverly incorporating a nod to Harrison’s growing interest in Indian music through a descending figure at the end. This collaboration resulted in one of Harrison’s best compositions to date.
No. 3. “A Hard Day’s Night”
From: A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The title was inspired by a malapropism from Ringo Starr, which led director Richard Lester to name the Beatles’ first film A Hard Day’s Night. The band quickly sprang into action, completing the song in just three hours and using only nine takes. For decades, music enthusiasts have attempted to decipher the iconic crashing opening chord. When asked about it, McCartney remarked, “I still don’t know what it is. If you asked me to play it, I couldn’t. I’d have to work it out.”
No. 2. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band/With a Little Help From My Friends”
From: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
This track serves more as an introduction to the fictional band taking over for the Beatles on this album than a traditional song. However, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” shines with inventive musical elements before seamlessly transitioning into “With a Little Help From My Friends.” In this moment, Starr embodies the character of Billy Shears, referencing previous rumors that McCartney had been replaced by an actor sharing his name after a tragic car accident. This performance stands as a defining moment for Starr, showcasing his role as the ultimate team player.
No. 1. “Something”
From: Abbey Road (1969)
Harrison finally steps into the spotlight with “Something,” regarded as one of the Beatles’ finest compositions. He originally crafted this song with Ray Charles in mind, and the R&B legend’s rendition significantly contributed to its status as the Beatles’ second-most covered song, following “Yesterday.” “Something” emerged from an exceptional demo session on Harrison’s 26th birthday, which also produced “Old Brown Shoe” and “All Things Must Pass,” showcasing his overflowing creativity. By late 1970, “All Things Must Pass” would become the title of his acclaimed triple-album solo project, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Discover the Fascinating Stories Behind Every Beatles LP Cover
In many ways, the artwork created for The Beatles albums is just as captivating as the music contained within.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
Who Was the Fifth Beatle? Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Iconic Group
