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" 

 

Rare McCartney: Ireland Protest Song: Paul McCartney, La Quinta Estacion, Nick Gilder

"GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH"     PAUL McCARTNEY

Part of the Beatles' chemistry combined Paul's silly love songs with John's insightful, deeper, semi-political lyrics.    But in the early 70's, Paul released a song so infamous that the song was banned on the BBC for his overly critical views of England and their role in the famous "Sunday Bloody Sunday" massacre in Northern Ireland.   EMI would not release the song.   It's one of my all-time favorites from Paul.

"QUE TE QUERIA"                    LA QUINTA ESTACION 

Translated, this band from Madrid, Spain, means the Fifth Season.    La Quinta Estacion is made of a female lead singer and a male guitarist.   Their sound is a mix of a pop/rock and Mexican/Tejano.    This video from 2009 is energetic, sexy, and went to #1 on the Latin Video charts.     I love the silohouettes of the lead singer with the fire in the background, very powerful imagery!   

"HOT CHILD IN THE CITY"                 NICK GILDER

A blast from my past in the 70's, "Hot Child In The City" is glam rock pop from a Canadian artist who got his 15 minutes of fame with this #1 hit.    Love the simple video, showing the 45 being played on a phonograph - retro feel all the way!    I remember hearing this one in bowling alleys in Wisconsin.    How many silly pop songs do you have stuck in your head?    Songs like this are dangerous, hear them once and you're humming it all day.