185: All I’ve Got To Do

Album: With the Beatles
Writer: Lennon
Singer: Lennon

Verdict: “I had the image of walking down the street and seeing her silhouetted in the window and not answering the ‘phone, although I have never called a girl on the ‘phone in my life! Because ‘phones weren’t part of the English child’s life.” Okay props to Lennon for writing a song for an American audience about something he had never done. Also apparently the first song in rock and roll history where the bass plays chords vital to the song. I just wish the lyrics or the melody were interesting.

184: This Boy

Album: Past Masters, Volume 1
Writer: Lennon
Singer: Lennon

Verdict: The attempt at a three-part harmony falls flat. A really slow song that somehow manages to be in your face the whole time.  B-side to I Want To Hold Your Hand.

183: Words of Love

Album: Beatles for Sale
Writer: Buddy Holly
Singer: Lennon/McCartney

Verdict: I’ll give The Beatles credit for improving Holly’s song. His version is done in a breathy voice that creeps me out. John and Paul harmonize pretty well, but there’s just not much to this song. Decent guitar work.

182: Misery

Album: Please Please Me
Writer: Lennon/McCartney
Singer: Lennon/McCartney

Verdict: Written for Helen Shapiro but she never used it. Paul refers to it as a hack-job and it only got on the album because they needed something to fill it out. George Martin is the highlight here as his piano playing is delightful, though it doesn’t get enough time.

181: She Loves You

Album: Past Masters, Volume 1
Writer: Lennon/McCartney
Singer: Lennon/McCartney

Verdict: The song that more or less launched The Beatles, it remains their highest selling single and it was the highest selling British single during the 60’s. Rolling Stone ranked it the 64th greatest song of all time. I rank it the 181st best Beatles song. I’ll admit the hook is infectious and it was a great idea for the group to use personal pronouns here. But other than the hook, I really don’t like this song. The verses grate on my ears, and “you know you should be glad” just feels forced every time. But I could sing “She loves you, yeah! yeah! yeah!” any day.