THE BEATLES' ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS. Today: #8. Continues tomorrow.

The 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS of

The Beatles

Together & Apart

Two simultaneous countdowns related to the Fab Four. The group’s 100 most essential songs as well as the 100 best recordings from the members’ solo careers. Priority was given to original compositions, but some cover versions demanded inclusion. Songs are ranked in terms of sales, musical impact, influence and sustained quality.

# 8

ELEANOR RIGBY Paul came up with the idea of a spinster named Eleanor Rigby. He wrote the song with (possibly) some input from John. The song deals with the serious theme of loneliness. It is one of the  saddest Beatles tracks. While the single only reached #11 in America, it topped the British chart in 1966. The track was also found on 'Revolver'.

PHOTOGRAPH Ringo Starr Starr collaborated with George Harrison to create his best solo effort. "Photograph" is an enduring song that is as good as anything created by his former group. With the loss of Harrison, it has an even deeper poignancy now. Richard Perry produced the song and it was included on the 1973 album 'Ringo'. Issued as a single, the song reached #1 in the USA and Australia. In Britain, it peaked at #8.