THE BEATLES' ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS. Today: #15-11. Continues next week with the Top 10.

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.

1 5	HERE COMES THE SUN Bored with all the business affairs demanding his attention at the Beatles' Apple office, George sought refuge at Eric Clapton's home. "Here Comes The Sun" was written in the garden. It deals with the optimism that spring brings after an English winter. The track was recorded in 1969. It's one of George's best: simple yet beautiful; and a song anyone can relate to. The track was included on 'Abbey Road'.
	VENUS AND MARS / ROCK SHOW Paul McCartney & Wings McCartney delvered one of his best rock anthems with the medley comprising of "Venus And Mars" and "Rock Show". The former was the title track of the 1975 album dropped by his group Wings. Remaining focused for most of the songs' duration, this remains a highlight from one of his best post-Beatles LPs. McCartney wrote and produced the cut. It charted in America, climbing to #12.
1 4	GET BACK The label on the "Get Back" single credits the song to The Beatles with Billy Preston. This was the first case of a guest artist sharing credits with the group. He played on the electric piano. The well known song was penned by Paul in the studio and recorded soon after as part of the 'Let It Be' sessions. Issued as a single in 1969, the disc topped charts in Britain, America, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. It is best remembered for the rooftop performance.
	WATCHING THE WHEELS John Lennon Posthumously issued in 1981 as the 3rd single off 'Double Fantasy', "Watching The Wheels" recounts to the listener what Lennon had been up to prior to his return to the recording studio. It is a frank autobiographical assessment of his life. Fortunately, it is also a well crafted song. Robbed of his vintage years by an assassin's bullet, this track remains his self-penned epitaph.
1 3	COME TOGETHER Drawing some inspiration from Chuck Berry, John wrote "Come Together". It was a novel approach in terms of sound. Paul created a piano lick that is a key ingredient in the track's cool factor. Berry sued, arguing the song was too close to his "You Can't Catch Me". John settled and recorded 3 cover versions on his mid-70s solo albums. The song was banned by the BBC because "Coca Cola" was mentioned in the lyrics. Released in 1969, the single (a double A-side with "Something") was lifted off 'Abbey Road'. In the USA, it reached #1 and peaked at #4 in the UK.
	BANGLA DESH George Harrison War between India and Pakistan, resulting in the mass slaughter of refugees inspired the creation of the song "Bangla Desh". Harrison was made aware of the plight of the Asian country by his longtime Bengali friend, Ravi Shankar. Long before events such as Live Aid and other global concerts, Harrison assembled other musicians to join his fundraising effort. Along with the single, he spearheaded the Concert for Bangladesh. Regarded as the first charity pop single, it reached #10 in Britain and was a major hit in parts of Europe.
1 2	I AM THE WALRUS “I Am The Walrus" is one of The Beatles' songs that ensures the group's catalogue will be analysed well into the future. On this track, the influence of drugs is well chronicled. The idea of the song was inspired by "Alice In Wonderland". Aurally, the group maintains the interest on what could have been a mess in lesser hands. With George Martin at the helm, it all comes off brilliantly. Recorded in 1967, the song was included on the 'Magical Mystery Tour' soundtrack album. John's song was issued as a double A-sided single with "Hello Goodbye".
	MAYBE I'M AMAZED Paul McCartney McCartney’s first post-Beatles album contained the mighty "Maybe I'm Amazed". Here, he delivers a song that was worthy of inclusion on any Beatles album. It's perfect McCartney: showcasing his strengths as a songsmith and musician. He wrote and produced the track for his 1970 LP 'McCartney'. Following the breakup of The Beatles, he was facing difficulty and his wife helped him through the difficult period. Linda encouraged him to write and record as a soloist. The song is McCartney's acknowledgement of her efforts.
1 1	REVOLUTION John wrote "Revolution" while in India in 1968. Opening with a blast, the anthemic track boasts one of the most exciting intros ever recorded. For a group that so radically affected popular music, the idea of a revolution was apt. Lennon gets political, with references to Chairman Mao, destruction and the like. The song, unleashed in 1968 as a double A-side with "Hey Jude", is the Beatles at their fiercest.
	JEALOUS GUY John Lennon "Jealous Guy" was first noticed on Lennon's 1971 album 'Imagine'. The touching ballad is a tender song that oozes sincerity from the performer. Years later, the song was re-released as a single. This was after his assassination. Along with Lennon's original, the song has been covered by others. Some of the best interpretations include versions by Donny Hathaway and Roxy Music. The latter remake topped the UK and Australian charts in 1981 after Lennon's death.