The 21 Best Beatles Songs Not on One, Red, or Blue
Everybody knows the Beatles. But believe it or not, there are still some people out there who’ve only heard the hits. When 1 was released in 2000, it sold 12 million in copies in three weeks, making it the fastest selling album ever. But it only contained 27 songs.
Prior to 1, back in 1973, all four Beatles participated in compiling their two double-album, “best-of” collections, 1962-1966 (the Red album) and 1967-1970 (the Blue album). Together, these gathered 54 songs, including all 27 of the songs that would end up on 1.
This, of course, is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to officially released Beatles studio recordings. The catalog can be overwhelming, so to assist the newbies, Glorious Noise has compiled an accessible collection of album tracks and a couple of b-sides.
Why 21? It’s a good number. It fits on a single compact disc (remember those?), and you can listen to it in one comfortable setting.
We began the project a few years ago on the GLONO message boards, but abandoned the idea before finalizing the tracklist. It took us a while, but here, sequenced for maximum listening pleasure, are the 21 Best Beatles Songs Not on One, Red, or Blue:
1. Tomorrow Never Knows (Revolver, John)
2. It’s All Too Much (Yellow Submarine, George)
3. Helter Skelter (White Album, Paul)
4. Rain (Past Masters, John)
5. I’m Down (Past Masters, Paul)
6. I’m a Loser (Beatles for Sale, John)
7. Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight (Abbey Road, Paul)
8. Dear Prudence (White Album, John)
9. Blackbird (White Album, Paul)
10. Long Long Long (White Album, George)
11. And Your Bird Can Sing (Revolver, John)
12. The Night Before (Help, Paul)
13. If I Fell (Hard Day’s Night, John)
14. For No One (Revolver, Paul)
15. Happiness is A Warm Gun (White Album, John)
16. She Said She Said (Revolver, John)
17. Only a Northern Song (Yellow Submarine, George)
18. Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey (White Album, John)
19. You Never Give Me Your Money (Abbey Road, Paul)
20. Baby, You’re a Rich Man (Magical Mystery Tour, John)
21. Two of Us (Let It Be, Paul)
YouTube: GLONO Beatles Playlist
Many thanks to GLONO message board community for helping us beat this into shape and keeping us in line!
P. Best
1156 days ago
Score:
John: 10
Paul: 8
George: 3
Ringo: 0
Andy
1156 days ago
It’s a good list, but I’ll nitpick. Take these off:
Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight
Long Long Long
For No One
Baby, You’re a Rich Man
and put these on:
Taxman
I’ve Just Seen a Face
Hey Bulldog
I’m looking through you
Luke Powers
1155 days ago
I agree. Ditch, “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” and “Golden Slumbers” (BTW why would you scream a lullaby?) For that matter “Monkey” should go, just for the cow-bell.
And “And Your Bird Can Sing” ain’t “She Said, She Said.” Nuff said?
“I’m Down” is a Little Richard rip-off that deserves B-side-dom.
“Night Before” is okay, but Paul’s guitar solo is flat.
“You Can’t Do That” is much stronger than many of the early stuff on the list.
And if we’re gonna put on “Two of Us” we might as well go with “I Got a Feeling” which is just as strong.
Also “Within You Without You” deserves a spot on the list–one of George’s greatest lyrical compositions. Not to mention the omission of “If I Needed Someone”–one of the better songs off Rubber Soul.
And am I crazy but did we miss “I’m Only Sleeping” and “Here, There and Everywhere” from Revolver? To include “And Your Bird Can Sing”? Nifty guitar line, but c’mon.
I’ll stop now.
I’d also add “Oh Darling” from Abbey Road before either of the two on the list.
But, I’d keep “Long, Long, Long” and “For No One” and go along with Andy’s additions.
Jake
1155 days ago
Where were you guys three years ago?
Luke Powers
1155 days ago
I was in lock-up. Didn’t ‘low no internet.
j franky
1155 days ago
“”Monkey” should go just for the cowbell”?!?!
Monkey should STAY just for the cowbell. She-ite.
Luke Powers
1155 days ago
You’re right. In fact they probably should have double-tracked the cowbell. Where was Christopher Walken when they needed him?
Jake
1154 days ago
Isn’t it odd that comedians can spoil the way a bunch of people respond to a perfectly valid instrument?
The cowbell in “Monkey” is perfect for the song, and perfectly placed in the mix. Seriously. There’s no better use of the cowbell in recorded history. Come on, come on!
Jake
1154 days ago
“I’m Down” is a Little Richard rip-off
Which is exactly what Paul is best at.
Luke Powers
1154 days ago
I hear you re. Little Richard. Paul does owe him alot. I guess that’s the root of my fondness for “Oh Darling” (or is it “Oh Darling!”?). An unpretentious rocker that lets Paul sing with his full range. BTW I think your list is a great idea (sorry I got to it three years late).
Tart
1154 days ago
Gorgeous!!!! And many kudos to you for including my all time favorite song, “And Your Bird Can Sing”, keep it! I love John’s voice on that. I’m constantly amazed that anyone still cares xoxoxox
thousandfold
1152 days ago
“Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” is gorgeous. All you haters can suck it…