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" 

 

Music Therapy With John Lennon : Mayday Parade, and Divide The Day

 "ISOLATION"    JOHN LENNON 

One of the first albums I owned was the John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band debut LP.   It's one of the most intense, personal, brutal,  revealing set of songs ever captured on vinyl.  From "God", "Mother", "I Found Out", "Love", and "Isolation", it's a John Lennon therapy session we're privy to listen to first-hand.    This particular epic song describes the struggle to fit in this crazy world, challenge your fears, and ultimately hope to overcome them.  When an artist of John Lennon's stature opens with "People say we've got it made, don't they know we're so afraid, isolation,"  it's very eye-opening and relatable especially as his first solo CD after the Beatles monumental success.   

"ONE NIGHT STAND"     DIVIDE THE DAY

A California-based band that combines Southern rock charm with hard rock riffs.    Their style reminds me of Ratt mixed with Black Stone Cherry and a little Shinedown added.    "One Night Stand" is a great mix of sex, big guitars, and swagger.   Their song "Let It Roll" was used for WWE Smackdown, NASCAR, and introduced the band to a much wider audience.

"BRUISED AND SCARRED"     MAYDAY PARADE

Part pop punk, part emo, Mayday Parade, based out of Tallahassee, FL have become "road warriors".   Songkick.com named them the #1 touring act of 2010 based on miles covered in one year.   This relentless schedule, appearances on the Warped Tour, along with their emotive yet catchy lyrics have built up a huge fan base and increased their popularity exponentially each year.  This song comes from 2009's Anywhere But Here CD.