Top 10 Most Underrated Beatles Songs

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So, I have a lot of friends who don't really like the Beatles and this really, really breaks my heart because I just love the Beatles. I mean, I know that this music is like 50 years old, but it's just so good. In fact, the Beatles have actually held up pretty well - there's a reason they still sell Beatles posters at Wal-Mart. (I have one on my wall, even though it makes me feel sort of uncomfortable because I feel like George Harrison is always looking at me).

But, I think that the reason some of my friends don't really like the Beatles is because they don't know their music well enough. Let me clarify that I don't know anyone who actively dislikes the Beatles. I'm pretty sure I couldn't tolerate that. I just know a lot of people who are like "eh, the Beatles, they're okay". No! They're not 'ok'! They're brilliant!

I think the problem is that when most people think of the Beatles, they think of "I am the Walrus" and "Strawberry Fields Forever".  This really annoys me. Don't get me wrong, I like those songs. Actually, I like a lot of their later music a lot, especially songs like "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", but they aren't the only great Beatles songs out there. More importantly, not all of their music is for everyone (especially stuff like "Revolution Number 9").

I know that their later music was really progressive and innovative, but there's something about the Beatles' older music that I just really love, and I think a lot of young people don't realize how many other songs they released. So, without further ado, I present to you my top ten list of the most underrated Beatles songs:

1) You Really Got a Hold on Me (from With the Beatles) - This is absolutely my favorite Beatles' song; I know that it isn't originally by the Beatles, but I like their version much, much better than the original (although the original was also great). The Beatles really took it and made it their own. In general, I think this is just such a timeless, brilliant song. "I don't like you, but I love you", that's some powerful stuff. A lot of their early songs were a little sad, and this one certainly is, but I really do like that melancholy tone.

2) In My Life (from Rubber Soul) - This is actually a pretty famous song, but I don't think it gets half the attention that it deserves, especially with newer fans of the Beatles - they just don't know about it! This is such a great song, there aren't even words for it. It's just so sad and introspective. I mean, I don't think you can listen to this song and not get nostalgic and teary eyed.


3) Anna (Go To Him) (from Please Please Me) - Another really under appreciated song. I have to admit that the musical style is a little dated (or very dated), but I just really like it. It's got this echo like quality that I can't really pinpoint, but is pretty cool. I mean, it's the Beatles, they can pull off pretty much anything. This is another song that wasn't originally by the Beatles, but I think they did a good job with it and it's definitely worth a listen or two.

4) I'm Looking Through You (from Rubber Soul) - I swear I'm not trying to make this a list of all sad songs, but this one is a little melancholy too. Apparently it was written about one of Paul McCartney's ex-girlfriends. Although, for such a sad song, it's actually quite upbeat. I think the Beatles just did melancholy well. Besides that, I think it's interesting to listen to. They do this cool vocal thing. I don't really know what to call it, but it really stands out to me. This was a song I discovered last fall, and I just listened to it on repeat for a while. "Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight", that's some deep stuff.

5) Michelle (from Rubber Soul) - At first I didn't like this song because it has French in it, but I got over that. (Actually the Beatles have a couple songs with French and, oddly, I like them all. I suppose that's just a testament to their talent). Anyway, It's just a really catchy song and has a great chorus. Like, I don't know how you could not like this song. Classic Beatles, everything they touched turned to gold. I think this song was really popular back in the day, but it's definitely obscure now - give it a listen if you don't know it.

6) Soldier of Love (from Live at the BBC) - A ton of people don't know this song, because (I'm pretty sure) this song is only available on Live at the BBC, which was released just few months ago. If you haven't heard the album, I would definitely suggest it; it's just an all around gem. Anyway, I really like live recordings of the Beatles and this was definitely not a disappointment. Honestly, I don't know why they didn't record it on a studio album, it was so well done. This one is also a cover.

7) Baby It's You (from Please Please Me) - Apparently this is also a cover! I didn't realize the Beatles re-recorded so many songs, but they really did it well. Anyway, this song definitely has a dated sound, but I think that's sort of part of the listening experience. This is another really sad song, so it fits in really well with the rest. "You should hear what they say about you...cheat, cheat", I mean that's really coming from a place of real emotion and hurt. I like that.

8) I'll Be on My Way (from Live at the BBC) - I think this is another one that's only available on Live at the BBC, at least, that's the only place I can find it. This one is actually fairly cheerful, which is nice. It's just a pleasant, reassuring song that makes you feel good about the world in general. Maybe the words aren't terribly original, but it's got a really cool, unique sound and it's a really good example of the Beatles' early work.

9) I've Just Seen a Face (from Help!) - This is actually a really cheerful, really hummable song. It's the sort of thing that sticks in your head and puts a little spring in your step. It's just a lovely, hopeful song, done in a really masterful way. I think the great thing about the Beatles is that, even in the simplest songs, you can really hear their talent.

10) You've Got to Hide Your Love Away (from Help!) - Another mournful, although strangely upbeat song. Again, it's just really masterful, typical of the Beatles. It's not really one of my favorites, although I certainly like it better than "I Am the Walrus"! Also, the entire Help! album is just really good, so you should give it a listen.

Just sayin' 

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