60: Back In The U.S.S.R.

Album: The Beatles
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney

Verdict: A nice rocker to begin the white album and I love that Paul wrote this during the height of the fear of communism. I mean, how dare he even consider that Soviets might be human beings. While it’s a parody of “California Girls”, it rises above that. 

59: Old Brown Shoe

Album: Past Masters, Volume II
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison

Verdict: While I don’t completely dig the organ, I love the rhythm. “For your sweet top lip I’m in the queue, baby, I’m in love with you,” is a line that always has me feeling good.

58:You Never Give Me Your Money

Album: Abbey Road
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney

Verdict: The beginning of the medley, yet another song lamenting the impending breakup of the band. I tend to like their songs that have two different melodies and this is no exception. Plus a pretty damn fine fade out with “one two three four five six seven” leading into Sun King.

57: Hey Jude

Album: Past Masters, Volume II
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney

Verdict: I remember this song was in my mother’s Fake Book that she had on the piano stand and it was probably the first Beatles song I knew, though I must admit I didn’t realize for years that Jude was a boy’s name. It’s a beautiful, touching song. I would probably rank it in my Top 20, but man I can’t stand the nah-nah-nah-nah fade out. It’s a near perfect ballad that for some reason turns into an anthem.

56: Don’t Bother Me

Album: With the Beatles
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison

Verdict: George’s first Beatles song and my favorite song on their second album. And, funny enough, George didn’t care for it much. It’s a simply lyric but man the music is right in his wheelhouse. Despite his limited range at the time he’s able to handle the varying crescendos and nails the ending.