Many things set the Beatles apart from their peers, but one defining factor was the equal contribution each member brought to the table. Though John Lennon and Paul McCartney are often considered the “leaders” of the group, George Harrison and Ringo Starr weren’t just simply hanging on. They brought their unique set of strengths as well. That being said, it can be hard to find a definite answer to question of “Who was the best songwriter in the Beatles?” Sheer numbers aside, their contributions were relatively even–at least in terms of talent. We’ve outlined each of the member’s strengths below, along with an argument for each. So, what do you think? Who is the best Beatles songwriter?
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John Lennon
John Lennon was more or less the grit in the Beatles. Though the band as a whole wasn’t as politically provocative as many of their peers (and didn’t hold a candle to Lennon in his solo career), he was the most socially conscious of the bunch. This made his songs era-defining. From imbuing a strong psychedelic sound to writing lyrics about social movements, Lennon was the change-maker of the group. For many, this makes him the top songwriter of the bunch. What is rock music if not a gritty look into the world around us?
You say you want a Revolution
Well, you know
We all wanna change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well, you know
We all wanna change the world
best songs: “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Revolution,” “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”
Ringo Starr
Next up on our list of Beatles songwriters, we have Ringo Starr. Starr had the fewest writing credits of the group. While that doesn’t give him the best chance of taking home the title of “Best Songwriter in the Beatles,” we couldn’t pass him over completely. Starr did contribute some beloved tracks to the band’s discography. He penned two songs on his own: “Octopus’s Garden” and “Don’t Pass Me By.” The former is a tender wish to escape the in-fighting the Beatles were experiencing at the time by becoming an octopus. We think that sums up Starr and his sensibilities well. It’s hard to not smile while thinking of Starr and his songs reflect that.
I’d like to be
Under the sea
In an octopus’s garden
In the shade
best songs: “Octopus’s Garden,” “Don’t Pass Me By,” “Dig It”
George Harrison
George Harrison fought tooth and nail to get his songs into the final cut of a Beatles album. He was often shut out by the mammoth force of the Lennon/McCartney partnership. Nevertheless, the songs he managed to get on the tracklist proved to be seminal hits for the group. Harrison had a keen sense of melody. His songs featured some of the most memorable choruses from the band’s tenure. Moreover, his interest in Eastern styles of music added a depth to his songs that his bandmates struggled to imbue. He wasn’t always the most celebrated songwriter, but he made the most of the measures he was allowed.
Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how
best songs: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Something,” “I Need You”
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney is often considered the best Beatles songwriter. His pop sensibilities produced some of the band’s biggest hits. When looking at a list of his writing credits, it’s almost too robust to believe. From ballads about racial tension to comforting anthems, McCartney rarely disappointed when he entered the writer’s room. However, there is a camp that feels many of McCartney’s songs were far too flowery. Lennon often found himself in the camp. Though he seems to be the clear choice for a winner, there is enough doubt to keep the debate going.
Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.
best songs: “Yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Hey Jude”
(Photo by John Downing/Getty Images)
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