55: Eight Days A Week

Album: Beatles For Sale
Writer: Lennon/McCartney
Singer: Lennon

Verdict: Now that I’m to this point in the countdown I think I rated this too high. One of my favorite of the “yeah yeah” hits, but the band didn’t care for the song and never performed it live. I just love John and Paul’s harmony with the “hold me, love me” lines. 

54: Think For Yourself

Album: Rubber Soul
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison

Verdict: On the surface it might seem like a broken relationship song, but more of anti-government song (though some speculate it’s about Pete Best and George wouldn’t admit it). One of several angry songs on Rubber Soul I love and I totally dig the double bass line.

53: Don’t Let Me Down

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

Verdict: A showcase for John’s ability to scream music out of his mouth, a heartfelt love song to Yoko. There’s a clash between the melody and the instrumentation that somehow works really well.

52: Savoy Truffle

Album: The Beatles
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison

Verdict: Literally a song about chocolate, or more specifically, Eric Clapton’s chocolate addiction. George actually shows some rare vocal range here and some sweet rhyming (montelimat: pineapple heart). I also love the up-tempo cadence of “Yes you’ll have to have them all pulled out…” I just realized now that George is talking about teeth.

51: Dig A Pony

Album: Let It Be
Writer: Lennon
Singer: Lennon

Verdict: Another Dylan-esque song from John that he hated. It’s non-sensical jamming but I almost get chills whenever John sings “All I want is you!”