Two criteria were used in choosing the songs: artistic quality and historical impact; see list ‘Estadão’
Waiting for yet another arrival Paul McCartney in Brazil, the Estadao selected the 20 best songs by Beatles. The eternal singer and composer of the English quartet will perform in Sao Paulo on 15 and 16 October, at the Allianz Parque.
When choosing the songs, two main criteria were used: the artistic quality (combination of lyrics, melody, harmony, arrangement and production) and the historical importance, not only in the 1960s, but the respective impact in the following decades.
The following order corresponds to the release year of each track.
I Want to Hold Your Hand (1963)
The band’s first chart-topping success in the United States marked a turning point in the British Invasion and catapulted the boys to international fame. Its importance transcends the catchy melody, symbolizing an era of cultural and musical change and cementing the Beatles as global music stars.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The song’s title was inspired by a casual comment made by Ringo Starr about a difficult day, and the track became the theme song to the Beatles’ first film, helping to cement their superstar status.
Yesterday (1965)
Composed by Paul McCartney (although credited to the Lennon-McCartney duo), it became the most covered song in history, by names such as Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. The piece is notable for its melancholic melody and use of a sophisticated string arrangement, something relatively unusual for pop songs of the time. McCartney stated that the melody came to him in a dream and initially called it “Scrambled Eggs” while working on the final lyrics.
Help! (1965)
The title track of the band’s album and second film is a typical John Lennon bittersweet lyric with an emotional plea for help, reflecting the stress and pressure he felt at the time.
In My Life (1965)
This mix of pop and folk is present on the album Rubber corestands out for its lyrical reflection on the passage of time and on the people and places that leave an indelible mark on our lives. John was responsible for most of the lyrics, while Paul was responsible for the melody.
You Never Know Tomorrow (1966)
Revolutionary track in the Beatles’ career, from the album Revolverscharacterized by its innovative studio production, with loops, eccentric sounds and inspired lyrics Tibetan Book of the Deadexploring themes of transcendence and the nature of existence.
Eleanor Rigby (1966)
This ballad composed primarily by McCartney tells the story of two lonely people: Eleanor Rigby, a woman who cleans the church and is buried with her name, and Father McKenzie, who writes sermons that no one will listen to and takes care of the funeral. The song addresses themes of loneliness and desperation, standing out for its deep and thoughtful narrative, something that was uncommon in popular songs of the time.
Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Gang (1967)
The title track of the Beatles’ most brilliant album represents a work that revolutionized pop culture with its sonic and production innovation. Paul’s original idea was to disguise the band with another identity, different musical elements.
Penny Lane (1967)
The song is inspired by Paul McCartney’s childhood memories and portrays the daily life and quirky characters of Penny Lane, a street in Liverpool where the band members spent part of their youth.
Strawberry Fields Forever (1967)
‘Sister’ of Penny Laneis John’s vision of his childhood memories in Liverpool, particularly around the Salvation Army orphanage called Strawberry Field. The song is a psychedelic masterpiece that reflects the band’s sonic innovation in the 1960s.
Helter Skelter (1968)
The song from the “Album Branco” is famous for its heavy and chaotic nature, being considered a precursor of heavy metal and punk rock, reflecting another musical aspect of the group.
While My Guitar Softly Cries (1968)
George Harrison’s first magical composition is distinguished by Eric Clapton’s moving guitar and profound lyrics that reflect on the transitory nature of love and life.
Hey Jude (1968)
Written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon’s son Julian during his parents’ divorce. It became one of the band’s best-selling singles, famous for its catchy “na-na-na” chorus and message of hope and encouragement.
Come Together (1969)
The range of Abbey Road It has lyrics by John Lennon, but the arrangements were adapted by McCartney and went down in history with its enigmatic chorus and signature groove.
Something (1969)
Considered one of Harrison’s finest compositions, the song is a love serenade for Pattie Boyd that became one of the band’s biggest hits, standing out for its engaging melody and emotional vocal performance.
Don’t Let Me Down (1969)
Single written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney duo. It was released as the B-side of Go back. The song expresses Lennon’s deep plea for emotional support, likely inspired by his relationship with Yoko Ono. It became even more famous after the band’s performance on the roof of the Apple.
I’ve Got a Feeling (1970)
Present on the album Let It Be, it is one of the greatest examples of collaboration between the Lennon/McCartney duo. It combines two distinct compositions, creating a powerful fusion of optimism and reflection.
The Long and Winding Road (1970)
Written by Paul and released on the album Let it beit is characterized by its emotional melody, orchestral arrangements and reflects the turbulence faced by the band, symbolizing the end of their journey together.
Let It Be (1970)
Written by Paul after having a comforting dream about his mother, Mary, during a tumultuous time for the band. The song, with its message of hope and acceptance, became one of the Beatles’ greatest classics.
From Time to Time (2023)
John’s unfinished song, reworked after his death during the project sessions Anthology in the 1990s by the remaining members. Due to noise in the original tape, it was released only in 2023 with the help of artificial intelligence under the reins of Paul, becoming a modern classic.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
