Album: The Beatles Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney
Verdict: John and George detested this song with a passion, and John only was able to get through the session high as a kite. In one on-line poll in 2004 it was voted the worst song of all time. I take polls like that with a grain of salt (I mean really, worse than “Detachable Penis?”), but yeah, most people hate it. I hated it at first, too, especially since my introduction to the song was the evening soap “Life Goes On.” But I kind of like it now. I can’t defend it that much, but John plays a killer piano and I love it at the end when Paul screams the title. If it weren’t for the excessive hand clapping and the other random noises Paul’s hateful bandmates were shouting, I’d probably like it more.
Verdict: A beautiful way to end the Abbey Road medley and a nice song for the group to go out on together. Each player had their own solo, and it was the only time Ringo had a drum solo with the band. I’d rank this higher but I don’t care for the “love you” chant in the middle of the song. But the ending is killer. Paul does his thing with “Oh yeah! All right!” and then sends us home with the touching final bit of wisdom: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
95: Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey
Album: The Beatles Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon
Verdict: I’m still not sure why John refers to Yoko as his monkey, unless he’s referring to her singing voice. Either way, the song (especially the ending) is a bit harsh with the percussion and shouting. But I can’t help but sing along to, “Come on take it easy!”
Album: Past Masters, Volume 1 Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon
Verdict: I am crazy for the opening note of this song. Allegedly, it was the first song ever on vinyl that intentionally used feedback for musical effect. After that, it’s a fairly standard, pleasant pop song. When you’re rhyming “girl” and “world” you’re usually not shooting for the stars. I do love the guitar ending as well. Having good bookends apparently helps my opinion of a song quite a bit.
Album: Past Masters, Volume 2 Writer: Harrison Singer: Harrison
Verdict: The inspiration for one of the best sci-fi episodes of all-time. I love the Indian music. I would have ranked this higher if the verses would have been abolished all together.
Verdict: We’re definitely in the middle of a bunch of songs where I love parts of them and are meh about the rest. For Wait, I love the monotone verses by John. I’m less impressed with the middle eights sung by Paul. George’s tone pedal guitar is probably the biggest highlight. All in all, a song I like in the middle of Rubber Soul but not one I seek out.
Album: With the Beatles Writer: Smokey Robinson Singer: Lennon/Harrison
Verdict: This isn’t my favorite song lyrically, but John and George(!) pair up wonderfully here. Paul’s harmony also complements them really well. I love the crescendo in the chorus. Very pleasant.
Album: Beatles for Sale Writer: Carl Perkins Singer: Harrison
Verdict: A rare song where George hits some higher notes, though now I read his voice was heavily produced using echo delay. A pretty decent cover, and it firs the theme of the group during this time due to their fans’ obsessions.
Album: Let It Be Writer: Lennon/McCartney Singer: Lennon/McCartney
Verdict: A few times John and Paul each had a song that they had only partially composed and decided to combine the two songs together. This is my least favorite, though the two guys were barely speaking at this point so it’s not that surprising. I love the bridge where Paul screams “All that I’ve been looking for was somebody who looked like you!” John’s “everybody” song at the end is a nice fade-out but it goes on a bit too long.
Death By Troggles 
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