Abbey Road's 11 Best Songs: A Definitive Ranking

1. Here Comes The Sun (1969)

Sound: "Here Comes the Sun" opens with a bright, acoustic guitar riff that immediately establishes its optimistic and uplifting mood, a stark contrast to some of the darker tracks on *Abbey Road*.

Vocals: George Harrison's lead vocal performance is particularly warm and inviting, perfectly complementing the song's sunny disposition.

Emotional Impact: Its simple yet powerful message of hope and renewal makes it a timeless classic that resonates with listeners across generations, perfectly fitting the album's overall journey.

2. Come Together (The Beatles)

Driving Rhythm: "Come Together" boasts a relentless, infectious groove built around a powerful bassline and John Lennon's iconic, slightly off-kilter vocal delivery, making it instantly captivating and undeniably danceable.

Raw Power: The song's raw energy and unpolished sound, a deliberate choice by the band, contributes to its timeless appeal and perfectly captures the spirit of the era.

Lennon's Vocals: Lennon's vocal performance is a masterclass in controlled chaos; his slightly slurred phrasing and powerful delivery perfectly complement the song's primal energy, making it unforgettable.

3. Something (The Beatles)

Something - The Beatles

Mellow Melody: The song's understated melody and George Harrison's melancholic guitar provide a haunting beauty that perfectly complements the album's overall vibe.

Vocal Harmony: John Lennon and Paul McCartney's harmonies are exquisite, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that resonates deeply.

Emotional Resonance: "Something" transcends its simple structure, offering a timeless exploration of love and longing that continues to captivate listeners on *Abbey Road* and beyond.

4. Oh! Darling (The Beatles - 1969)

Heartfelt Vocals: Paul McCartney's raw, emotionally charged vocals are a standout, conveying a sense of desperate plea and vulnerability that perfectly captures the song's melancholic beauty.

Gospel-Infused Sound: The backing vocals and organ create a rich, gospel-tinged texture, adding layers of depth and intensity to the otherwise simple arrangement, making it a memorable moment on *Abbey Road*.

Unforgettable Melody: The instantly catchy melody and powerful chorus make "Oh! Darling" a captivating listen, solidifying its place among the album's most memorable tracks.

5. I Want You

Sound: "I Want You" boasts a driving, upbeat rhythm section anchored by a powerful bassline and Ringo Starr's characteristically tight drumming, creating an irresistible groove perfectly suited to Abbey Road's overall feel.

Vocals: Lennon's vocals are raw and passionate, conveying a sense of longing and urgency that adds to the song's intensity. The harmonies are tight and perfectly complement the lead vocal.

Emotional Impact: Despite its energetic presentation, the song's yearning lyrics inject an emotional depth, making it a compelling and memorable track on the album. Its raw energy and vulnerability fit seamlessly within the album's diverse range.

6. You Never Give Me Your Money (1969)

Sound: "You Never Give Me Your Money" opens with a distinctive, almost unsettling piano riff that immediately sets a unique mood, contrasting with the more upbeat tracks typically associated with *Abbey Road*.

Structure: The song's sprawling, almost suite-like structure, with its shifting moods and instrumental sections, showcases The Beatles' ambitious experimentation at the peak of their creative powers.

Emotional Impact: The lyrics, though seemingly simple, evoke a complex sense of disillusionment and weariness, adding depth to its place within the *Abbey Road* medley and contributing to the album's overall thematic richness.

7. Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Quirky Charm: "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" stands out on *Abbey Road* for its unusual, almost unsettlingly cheerful melody juxtaposed with its darkly comedic lyrics about a murderous student.

Unconventional Instrumentation: The song features a distinctive, repetitive use of a hammered dulcimer, creating a memorable and somewhat unsettling sonic texture that's unlike anything else on the album.

Unexpected Placement: Its placement amongst the album's heavier hitters makes it a surprising, almost jarring yet ultimately engaging listen—a testament to the album's eclectic nature.

8. Because (The Beatles - 1969)

Sound: "Because" features a hauntingly beautiful, layered vocal harmony, a hallmark of The Beatles' later work, perfectly showcasing their studio wizardry and creating a lush, ethereal soundscape.

Emotional Impact: The melancholic yet hopeful melody and lyrics evoke a sense of longing and bittersweet reflection, making it deeply resonant and emotionally affecting for listeners.

Vocal Performance: Paul McCartney's tender and soaring vocals are particularly captivating, demonstrating his vocal range and emotional control while perfectly complementing the song's reflective mood.

9. The End

Sound: A sprawling, epic soundscape, "The End" utilizes a powerful, layered instrumental arrangement that builds to a breathtaking crescendo, showcasing the Beatles' instrumental prowess at its peak.

Vocals: The interwoven, harmonized vocals of the three Beatles create a captivating tapestry, culminating in a triumphant final chorus that leaves a lasting impression. This intricate vocal arrangement is a hallmark of Abbey Road’s sophistication.

Emotional Impact: The song's blend of melancholic reflection and triumphant closure makes it a fitting end to both the album and a significant era in music history; its emotional resonance continues to captivate listeners.

10. Sun King (The Beatles)

Mellow, majestic feel: "Sun King" opens *Abbey Road* with a hypnotic, almost mystical atmosphere, created by its unique instrumentation and phased vocals.

Eastern-influenced instrumentation: The song features distinctive Mellotron sounds and a driving rhythm that evokes a sense of exotic grandeur, a departure from much of the Beatles' earlier work.

Unforgettable sonic landscape: Its innovative sound design and atmospheric textures make it a standout track, showcasing the band's adventurous spirit and musical prowess at the height of their creative powers.