John, Paul, George, and Ringo: Favorite Beatle Song They Sang Lead On

Picking a favorite Beatles song is actually a ridiculous idea.   Ask someone this question on a Monday you'll get a totally different answer on Tuesday.    So many amazing records, the greatest rock band in music history had sold 177 MILLION records in the U.S. alone and worldwide sales are staggering so how can you pick one?

But here's my list TODAY of my favorite Beatles songs as sung by each member based on vocals and personal memories to it.
"DON'T LET ME DOWN"    JOHN LENNON

John's song to Yoko recorded in 1969 has it all.  Primal screams, John's mature lyrics and vocal style, soft melodies building to his dramatic chorus.  The song is really a precursor to his future solo work.

"I SAW HER STANDING THERE"   PAUL McCARTNEY

So many choices, it comes down to the perfection of "Let It Be" or the youthful exuberance of early McCartney.   "I Saw Her Standing There" demonstrates the rock 'n roll side of Paul that was often overshadowed by his "silly love songs".   The song is energetic and unflinching, classic!

"SOMETHING"  GEORGE HARRISON

I really don't want to pick the obvious but "Something" from Abbey Road is truly special.   It was the first song George wrote and sang lead vocals that went to #1.   Over 100 different artists have covered this timeless love song and George's vocals are so heartfelt and PURE.   The lyrics are simple yet say everything.  During the tempo change at 1:19, George's intensity builds but maintains the beauty of the pop masterpiece. 

"OCTOPUS' GARDEN"   RINGO STARR

Love "I Wanna Be Your Man" for the early rock 'n roll energy but "Octopus' Garden" couldn't have been sung by anyone but Ringo.  Playful,  childish (in a good way), and "cosmic" (as described by George Harrison), the song also appears on Abbey Road.  Honorable Mention to "With A Little Help From My Friends" 

 

Across The Universe Soundtrack: Black Tide,Candlebox, Jim Sturgess

"THAT FIRE"    BLACK TIDE

A Spanish Miami-based metal band who first performed on the Ozzfest tour when they were all underage, I can only imagine how crazy that must have been for these teenagers!   Last year they opened for Iron Maiden.  This song got criticized for "selling out" and not being as metal as their previous work but it's still a hard-rocking track complete with a groom being set on fire at the end of the video! 

"BREATHE ME IN"    CANDLEBOX

This is the five minute shortened version of a song originally 9 minutes long!   Candlebox hit it big in the 90's with essential hits like "Far Between" and "You".   They dropped off the scene for ten years but came back with an amazing CD, Into The Sun, in 2008.   "Breathe Me In" will suck you in with its romantic lyrics and killer classic guitar riffs.

"ALL MY LOVING"  JIM STURGESS

From the movie, Across The Universe, Jim Sturgess' version of "All My Loving" captures the charm of Lennon/McCartney complete with Cockney accents and English charm.    The movie is a must-watch "musical" making the Beatles catalog come to life with a story that intertwines their songs with a love story for the ages.