Beatles News
John Lennon, the legendary singer-songwriter, activist, and co-founder of The Beatles, left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. His songs, both with The Beatles and as a solo artist, have transcended generations, inspiring millions with their raw emotion, poetic lyrics, and timeless melodies. From heartfelt ballads to powerful anthems of peace and love, Lennon’s music reflects the depth of his artistry and the complexity of his soul. Whether exploring themes of personal introspection, social justice, or universal harmony, his songs continue to resonate as deeply today as they did decades ago.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 most popular John Lennon songs of all time—tracks that have not only defined his career but also shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From iconic hits that became cultural anthems to deeply personal compositions that reveal the man behind the music, these songs showcase Lennon’s genius in its purest form. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just beginning to discover the magic of Lennon’s artistry, this list is sure to remind you why his music remains as powerful and relevant as ever. Get ready to celebrate the legacy of one of music’s greatest visionaries!
1. Imagine (1971)
2. Instant Karma! (1970)
3. Jealous Guy (1971)
4. Give Peace a Chance (1969)
5. Working Class Hero (1970)
6. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (1971)
7. (Just Like) Starting Over (1980)
8. Mind Games (1973)
9. Mother (1970)
10. Watching the Wheels (1980)
“Imagine” is more than just a song—it’s a vision for a better world. Released in 1971 on the album of the same name, this timeless anthem encapsulates John Lennon’s hopes for peace, unity, and understanding. With its gentle piano melody and simple, yet profoundly moving lyrics, “Imagine” challenges listeners to picture a world free from division—no borders, no material greed, no war. The song’s message is utopian yet deeply personal, reflecting Lennon’s own beliefs about humanity’s potential for harmony.
Source: Edward Tomlin/singersroom.com
It may seem the four Beatles were fated to be together. But in reality, the group's lineup was defined from the beginning by the members accepting their individual limitations and bringing in players who could make up for them.
It’s well known that, in the beginning, the Beatles had three guitarists: John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney. Along with bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Pete Best, the five-piece Beatles landed in Hamburg in 1960, where for roughly two years they honed their skills.
But when Sutcliffe left the group in July 1961 to continue his art studies, it fell to McCartney to take over bass guitar duties. The instrument was beyond Lennon's abilities, and Harrison’s lead guitarist skills were too valuable.
But perhaps most crucial to that decision was McCartney's ill-fated attempt at a guitar solo on his first gig with Lennon. It not only put him off playing lead guitar — it also led directly to Harrison being hired as the group's lead guitar. And it all happened one fateful night in January 1958.
Source: guitarplayer.com/Christopher Scapelliti
Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, has been profoundly influenced by music throughout his life.
From his early days in Liverpool to his global fame with the Fab Four, music has been both a sanctuary and a driving force for him - and his work has made it into iconic artists' favourite songs lists across generations.
But the drummer has revealed one of his own inspirations, that helped shape his and The Beatles' music: Ray Charles. In a 2005 interview with CBC, Starr revealed that his favorite song is the American star's 'Tell the Truth'.
“I love it, I love the live version", said Starr. "Just always blowing me away."
'Tell the Truth' was originally recorded by The “5” Royales in 1959. Ray Charles, known for his soulful interpretations, covered the song the same year, infusing it with his distinctive style.
The live version, in particular, showcases Charles’ dynamic performance and the energetic response of the audience, elements that seemed to resonate deeply with Starr.
Source: express.co.uk/Maria Leticia Gomes
The White Album was the record where The Beatles felt emboldened to try anything. All the guardrails were removed, and the extra space provided by making a double LP meant pretty much everything was fair game.
In the case of “Long, Long, Long,” that meant George Harrison penning an almost alarmingly quiet love song. The sneaky part of it is the intended target of that love wasn’t a person, but rather a higher power.
If nothing else, the barely-a-peep sound of “Long, Long, Long” sets it apart from the rest of The Beatles’ catalog. You’d be hard-pressed to find another Fab Four song mixed in such fashion. The difference in loudness between it and the other songs immediately surrounding it on the album (“Helter Skelter” and “Revolution 1”) is striking.
Maybe that was appropriate, since George Harrison was already starting to separate himself from the other chief Beatles songwriters (John Lennon and Paul McCartney) in his preferred topics. Harrison’s songs were beginning to fall into two categories: snide and sarcastic (like “Piggies”) or questing and spiritual (like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”).
Source: Jim Beviglia/americansongwriter.com
The Beatles might just take home an award tonight from the Brit Awards, despite having broken up over half a century ago.
The Fab Four have been nominated for Best Single for their “last ever” song titled “Now And Then”. The song had been shelved for decades before officially getting an official release in 2023.
If The Beatles actually win, it will come at a record 47 years after their very first nomination in that category. The band was first nominated for “She Loves You” in 1977, back when the Brit Awards gave out their honors for performances over the previous quarter-century.
“Now And Then” has been dubbed “the very last Beatles song”, and we’re inclined to agree. Nobody really knows when a lost recording might pop up in the future. That being said, it does look like “Now And Then” might be the very last release from the Fab Four.
The Fascinating History Behind The Beatles’ “Now And Then”
“Now And Then” was originally written as a ballad that John Lennon recorded in his home studio in 1977. The song was left unfinished. However, it was considered a solid single to finish up and add to the band’s The Beatles Anthology project after Lennon’s death in 1980. Sadly, because of issues with production, the song was shelved for decades.
It wasn’t until 2023 that the two surviving Beatles decided to add some overdubs and guitar tracks to the song and release it. “Now And Then” also features guitar tracks from the late George Harrison. Those tracks were recorded during the band’s abandoned group sessions in 1995.
Paul McCartney added a few extra lyrics to the final version. The song also features Lennon’s voice, which was extracted from the demo using audio restoration technology with the help of The Beatles: Get Back director Peter Jackson.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Em Casalena
Many things set the Beatles apart from their peers, but one defining factor was the equal contribution each member brought to the table. Though John Lennon and Paul McCartney are often considered the “leaders” of the group, George Harrison and Ringo Starr weren’t just simply hanging on. They brought their unique set of strengths as well. That being said, it can be hard to find a definite answer to question of “Who was the best songwriter in the Beatles?” Sheer numbers aside, their contributions were relatively even–at least in terms of talent. We’ve outlined each of the member’s strengths below, along with an argument for each. So, what do you think? Who is the best Beatles songwriter?
John Lennon was more or less the grit in the Beatles. Though the band as a whole wasn’t as politically provocative as many of their peers (and didn’t hold a candle to Lennon in his solo career), he was the most socially conscious of the bunch. This made his songs era-defining. From imbuing a strong psychedelic sound to writing lyrics about social movements, Lennon was the change-maker of the group. For many, this makes him the top songwriter of the bunch. What is rock music if not a gritty look into the world around us?
Source: americansongwriter.com/Alex Hopper
There have been a lot of unlikely collaborations in music, though, one of the more unlikely ones is between Kenny Rogers and the famed Beatles producer, George Martin. Now, you’re probably scouring your brain to find a common thread between the two, and frankly we can’t come up with any other than they’re both musicians. Though, in this business, that is all you need to make some great music and even better partnerships.
Kenny Rogers was always strictly a country pop musician. He rarely strayed away from the genre and as a result, he still exists as one of the genre’s most notable artists. Thanks to his songs “The Gambler,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “Coward of the Country,” Rogers often found himself on the country charts. However, one time, he sought out a different type of sound, and the man that helped him was the iconic George Martin.
Like nearly every musician who lived through the ’60s, Kenny Rogers was a staunch and steadfast Beatles fan. Even though his music shares very few similarities with the group, Rogers was still very outspoken about the four-headed monster and particularly their song, “Eleanor Rigby.”
In his memoir Luck or Something Like It: A Memoir, Rogers stated, “Ballads have been a mainstay of traditional folk music since medieval minstrels went from village to village singing the adventures of Robin Hood.” “Many of the most memorable songs in both pop and country are ballads like this, from The Beatles,” added Rogers.
Thanks to his affinity for The Beatles, Kenny Rogers got the opportunity to work with the man who partially made them. The album they worked on was Rogers’ 1985 album, The Heart of the Matter. Regarding their collaboration, Rogers said, “It may be the highlight of my personal career” and “He brought a whole different touch to my life and my perspective on music. I’m only one of millions who will miss him greatly,” per Rolling Stone.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Peter Burditt
By the time The Beatles split, tension was at an all-time high within the legendary band. The making of 1968's 'The White Album' was infamously contentious, leading to Ringo Starr walking out temporarily, and the friction didn't subside during the 'Let it Be' sessions in 1969, originally referred to as the Get Back sessions.
It was amidst this tense atmosphere that George Harrison briefly quit, discontented with his position in the band and the difficult working conditions. During a pivotal meeting on 20 September 1969, John Lennon stated he wanted a "divorce" from The Beatles, signalling the beginning of the end.
Following that bombshell, Paul McCartney retreated to focus on his first solo endeavour, his eponymous album release in 1970 serving as the death knell for The Beatles. In April 1970, alongside the launch of 'McCartney,' Paul publicised his departure through a press statement, effectively ending his future with the band.
The Beatles' final offering, 'Let it Be', landed on shelves in May 1970 – a shocking reveal following the group's official disbandment. With tracks recorded between February 1968 and April 1970, its emergence spurred additional disputes among Paul, John, Ringo, and George.
Rock and roll band 'The Beatles' drink a beer in a still from their movie 'Help!' which was released in 1965. (L-R) John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney
'The Beatles' drink a beer in a still from their movie 'Help!' which was released in 1965 (Image: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
A simmering contention throughout 1969 revolved around Allan Klein stepping in as the band's new manager, exacerbating concerns over finances and music rights.
Source: irishstar.com/Dan Haygarth
The Beatles might have been busy making their mark on the musical world in the early 1960s, but that didn’t stop the band’s primary songwriters, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, from paying close attention to other ‘60s pop songs, er, popping up in the U.K. and across the pond in the States. One song in particular captured the heart of both Beatles guitarists.
Fortunately for Lennon and lead guitarist George Harrison, they were in quite good cahoots with the singer behind one of their favorite American pop tunes. So, they were able to get their lessons up close and personal (and free). John Lennon Loved The Guitar Riff On This ‘60s Pop Song
We often credit the Beatles for being one of the driving forces behind the popularity of jangly rock music. And while that’s true to an extent, they weren’t the only (or even first) artists producing this quintessentially 1960s sound. During an interview with Rick Beato, Doobie Brothers vocalist and keyboardist Michael McDonald described the influence that American pop artist Jackie DeShannon had on the Fab Four during their earliest days in the U.S.
“[Jackie] had a great big hit record, and it had this great guitar lick.” (The great big hit McDonald was talking about was DeShannon’s 1963 hit single, “When You Walk in the Room.”) “John Lennon loved that record. You can almost hear his affectation of that on “Every Little Thing.” [Jackie would say], “‘When I’d get on the 707 trying to make my way down the aisle, and, all of a sudden, [John] would pop out right in front of me with his guitar. He’d play the lick, and he’d go, ‘The greatest f***ing guitar lick ever written.’”
Source: americansongwriter.com/Melanie Davis
The Beatles hold several accolades that prove they are the most commercially and culturally successful band of all time. Between their 20 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, eight Grammy Awards, and insurmountable cultural influence, The Beatles’ success truly cannot be defined.
However, in regards to numbers, a few songs are certainly more successful than others. And today, we are going to try to define the robust success of three of The Beatles’ biggest hits. That being so, here are three of The Beatles’ most successful No. 1 hits of all time.
“She Loves You”
In addition to peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, The Beatles’ single, “She Loves You” became the best-selling UK single of the ’60s. As of 2022, the song became the ninth best-selling single in the history of the UK.
Beyond numbers, “She Love You” was the song that arguably garnered The Beatles both the spotlight and platform they needed to become an international sensation. Following the song’s 1963 release, The Beatles acquired mass notoriety and made their first US appearance a year later in 1964.
“Yesterday”
“Yesterday” by The Beatles remains a staple song for a melancholic day. Though, before it received its cross-generational appeal, the song dominated the charts and record store shelves. The song, unsurprisingly, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 4 on the UK charts.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Peter Burditt
