Anyone born in the 20th century might balk at the idea of someone hating The Beatles. But in a way, I get why the youth of today find The Beatles to be overrated. Music has evolved significantly since the Fab Four’s heyday, and what impressed youths back in the 60s won’t impress youths in the 2020s. That being said, if you’ve only heard the band’s biggest chart-topping hits and dismissed them, you might be missing out on some really good music from The Beatles. Let’s look at just a few tracks to give a try. You might just find one you like!
1. “Mother Nature’s Son”
“Mother Nature’s Son” was released in 1968 for The Beatles’ double album known as the White Album. It’s a folksy little tune inspired by the Fab Four’s trip to India, where they experienced a lecture from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Fun fact: The lecture in question also inspired John Lennon’s song “Jealous Guy”.
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2. “Norwegian Wood”
If you think The Beatles are overrated, give this little folk-rock ditty a chance. “Norwegian Wood” was released in 1965 on Rubber Soul. This Lennon-penned tune has raga rock and folk elements, and its lyrics are inspired by none other than Bob Dylan. George Harrison debuted his sitar skills in this song, and it’s really a gorgeous piece of work.
3. “Old Brown Shoe”
“Old Brown Shoe” was released toward the end of The Beatles’ career as a standalone single in 1969. It’s quite an obscure song in the Fab Four’s discography, and it really shouldn’t be. It’s one of George Harrison’s finest contributions to the band, and that guitar solo might just get under your skin.
4. “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”
“Happiness Is A Warm Gun” is on the proggier side of The Beatles’ discography and was released in 1968 on the White Album. Written by Lennon, this song is a double entendre of sorts about guns (inspired by an article Lennon read in an American firearm magazine) and his desire for Yoko Ono. The time signatures in this song are fascinating and inspired by Indian classical music.
5. “The Fool On The Hill”
You might not think that The Beatles are overrated after listening to this psychedelic pop tune. “The Fool On The Hill” was released in 1967 on Magical Mystery Tour. It’s quite an underrated track from that record that sounds different enough from the Fab Four’s bigger hits to pique the interest of non-fans.
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