ESSENTIAL BEATLES' 200 SONGS. This update: #40-36. More 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.

4 0	BIRTHDAY The Beatles recorded "Birthday" in 1968. It was mostly Paul's song, but John added his touch to it. Both share lead vocal duties. The chorus includes Yoko Ono and Patti Harrison, partners of John & George. Paul released a live solo version of the track in 1990. The original group version appeared on 'The Beatles' (aka White) album.
	LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID Paul McCartney & Wings Wings' 1975 'Venus And Mars' album spawned some standout tracks, including the melodic "Listen To What The Man Said". The song, penned and produced by McCartney, reached #1 in the US and Canada. It made the British Top 10 too.
3 9	SHE'S LEAVING HOME Paul drew inspiration from a newspaper story about a runaway whose departure left her parents bewildered as to her reasons for leaving home. It was co-written with John. Their lead vocals were doubled to resemble 4 vocalists. The track is found on 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
	BLOW AWAY George Harrison In 1979, Harrison issued a self-titled album from which the single "Blow Away" was lifted. It is a soothing track penned by the artist himself. Harrison co-produced it with Russ Titelman. The single peaked at #16 in America.
3 8	THE BALLAD OF JOHN AND YOKO "The Ballad Of John and Yoko" was written by the member in the title following the couple's wedding. It is a fun song with John on lead vocals. Only John and Paul perform on the track. The latter filled in on drums as the former was in a hurry to complete the recording. This was the group's first stereo single, issued in 1969. Despite being banned in the USA and by the BBC for the line: "Christ, you know it ain't easy" and references to crucifixion, the single topped the British charts and made the Top 10 in America. It also reached #1 in many European nations and in Malaysia.
	LETTING GO Paul McCartney & Wings McCartney is too often criticised for some of his songwriting and "Letting Go" is proof that he deserves more credit. Here, he has penned lyrics that are intriguing. The members of Wings add power to the rock song that never strays into excess. The single was lifted off 'Venus And Mars' in 1975.
3 7	MICHELLE The strength of The Beatles' catalogue is in the rich diversity of their songs' moods, sounds and styles. "Michelle" was largely penned by Paul, but John serves as a brake on the former's inclination to be cheesy. Their collaborative work on this ballad is balanced and the song is the better for it. John was inspired by NIna Simone's reading of "I Put A Spell On You". French lyrics were provided by Jan Vaughan, wife of a childhood friend of the 2 writers. The love song was included on 'Rubber Soul'. Issued in 1965, the track collected the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
	HEADING FOR THE LIGHT Traveling Wilburys The influence of Wilbury member Jeff Lynne is more evident on "Heading For The Light" than any other track off the super group's 1988 debut album. That's not to say that the remaining 'Wilburys' don't leave their stamp on the rocking track. The harmonies and musicianship all blend seamlessly. Jim Horn complements the track on saxophone.
3 6	OH! DARLING Recorded in 1969, Paul tried for a few days in succession to capture the rawness he was looking for in his vocal approach to "Oh! Darling". His composition was featured on 'Abbey Road'. It was crafted like a 1950s rock song.
	GOD John Lennon The track "God" finds Lennon at arguably his rawest. He namechecks all the sources of his disenchantment. It was a track contained on his 'John Lennon' (aka 'Plastic Ono Band') album, released in 1970. Its subject matter was sure to attract controversy but Lennon had never steered away from expressing his views.