THE BEATLES' ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS. Today: #7. 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.

# 7

SOMETHING Declared by Frank Sinatra as "the greatest love song of the past 50 years", The Beatles' "Something"was the sole A-side released that was penned by George. After "Yesterday", it is reportedly the most covered song from the band's catalogue. Remakes have been recorded from an array of performers from Elvis Presley, James Brown, Smokey Robinson and Sinatra. George imagined Ray Charles singing it when he wrote it. Charles would cover it later. Surprisingly, before offering it to The Beatles, George gave it to Joe Cocker to record. It was included on 'Abbey Road'. The opening line is said to have been lifted from a James Taylor song. The rising singer/songwriter was signed to the group's Apple Records. George's inspiration was his then wife Patti. The song was written during sessions for 'The Beatles (White) Album'.  The single, unleashed in 1969, reached #1 in America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. In the UK, it peaked at #4.

WOMAN John Lennon Lennon's lyrics often had a sting, but on "Woman", the singer / songwriter was at his most loving and tender. It was written about his wife Yoko Ono. The track was lifted off 'Double Fantasy' and, in 1981, became a British #1 single. It also topped the Canadian chart. In America, the disc peaked at #2.