17 Underrated Beatles Songs: Beatles Gems You Missed!

spinning tracks from the greats to the hidden gems for years. And while we all love “Hey Jude” and “Come Together”, The Beatles have a treasure trove of underrated songs that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve.

It got me thinking, why not shine a light on these lesser-known masterpieces?

So, for all my fellow music lovers and DJs looking to add a unique twist to their sets, I’ve compiled a list of 17 underrated Beatles tracks that you’ve probably missed out on.

Here are the best underrated Beatles songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Beatles Songs

Underrated Beatles songs in a list format:

1. “For No One”

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: Paul McCartney
For many, “Revolver” is synonymous with tracks like “Eleanor Rigby” or “Yellow Submarine”. Yet, nestled within this masterpiece is “For No One”, a hauntingly beautiful track penned by McCartney about the end of a love affair. Its melancholic lyrics paired with a standout French horn solo makes it a unique and evocative piece. I’ve always admired Paul’s ability to convey raw emotion, and this track is a testament to that. Notably, the haunting French horn is played by Alan Civil.

2. “I’m Only Sleeping”

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: John Lennon
If ever there was an anthem for all of us who love our beds a bit too much, this is it. The song, heavily influenced by Lennon’s affinity for lying in bed, uses reversed guitar riffs, giving it a dreamy feel. For DJs, this track provides a unique soundscape that’s both familiar and surprising.

3. “Cry Baby Cry”

Album: The White Album
Year: 1968
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: John Lennon
This song, with its eerie nursery rhyme-like lyrics and captivating melody, is a journey. The whimsical storytelling of kings and queens paired with a youthful chorus makes this a must-listen. Plus, who can forget the haunting “Can you take me back” outro by Paul?

4. “Old Brown Shoe”

Album: Non-album single (B-side of “The Ballad of John and Yoko”)
Year: 1969
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: George Harrison
Harrison’s songwriting prowess shines here. With its bluesy undertones and compelling lyrics about the duality of human nature, this track is an unexpected delight. George’s guitar work and the intriguing use of organ make it an essential for any Beatles enthusiast.

5. “I’ve Got a Feeling”

Album: Let It Be
Year: 1970
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: Paul McCartney and John Lennon
A raw and powerful song that captures the vibe of their rooftop concert. It’s a blend of two unfinished songs, one from Paul and one from John, showcasing their unmatched synergy. This song encapsulates the essence of the Beatles’ later years.

6. “It’s All Too Much”

Album: Yellow Submarine
Year: 1969
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: George Harrison
A psychedelic journey penned by Harrison, this track often remains overshadowed by other “Yellow Submarine” hits. With its distorted guitars and transcendent lyrics, it’s a trip to the era of flower power and remains a testament to George’s experimental spirit.

7. “The Inner Light”

Album: Non-album single (B-side of “Lady Madonna”)
Year: 1968
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: George Harrison
A gem that combines Indian classical music with profound lyrics, this track showcases Harrison’s spiritual and musical journey. The inclusion of traditional Indian instruments, like the shehnai and sarod, adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

8. “Your Mother Should Know”

Album: Magical Mystery Tour
Year: 1967
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: Paul McCartney
A delightful throwback to the music hall vibes of the early 20th century. McCartney’s penchant for nostalgia shines here, making it an endearing listen, especially with its catchy chorus.

9. “Long, Long, Long”

Album: The White Album
Year: 1968
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: George Harrison
Often overlooked, this track is a spiritual reflection on George’s relationship with God. The gentle acoustic guitar and hushed vocals make it one of the most intimate songs in the Beatles’ repertoire.

10. “I Want to Tell You”

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: George Harrison
This song speaks of Harrison’s struggles with communication and is marked by a dissonant musical sequence that mirrors the song’s theme. An underrated classic, indeed.

11. “Honey Pie”

Album: The White Album
Year: 1968
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: Paul McCartney
McCartney transports us to the bygone era of 1920s jazz clubs with this track. A tribute to his father’s favorite music style, it’s a delightful auditory journey back in time.

12. “She Said She Said”

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: John Lennon
Driven by a conversation Lennon had with actor Peter Fonda, this song’s trippy lyrics and innovative guitar riffs encapsulate the psychedelic spirit of the ’60s.

13. “Dr. Robert”

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
A cheeky nod to the doctors of the swinging ’60s, this track with its catchy chorus and jangly guitars is classic Beatles through and through.

14. “Savoy Truffle”

Album: The White Album
Year: 1968
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: George Harrison
A delightful, playful jab at Eric Clapton’s chocolate addiction, this song’s funky brass sections and upbeat rhythm make it an irresistible listen.

15. “Flying”

Album: Magical Mystery Tour
Year: 1967
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
One of the rare Beatles instrumental tracks. This song is a dreamy and atmospheric number, perfect for a calm introspective moment or setting a mood in any DJ set.

16. “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)”

Album: Non-album single (B-side of “Let It Be”)
Year: 1970
Record Label: Apple Records
Written By: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
This comedic, whimsical track showcases the playful side of the Beatles. A fun experiment in style, this one always brings a smile.

17. “Rain”

Album: Non-album single (B-side of “Paperback Writer”)
Year: 1966
Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
Written By: John Lennon
Lennon’s ode to British weather and the transcendental nature of existence. With its backward vocals and Ringo’s standout drumming, this song exemplifies The Beatles’ innovative spirit.

Fun Facts: Underrated Beatles Songs

1. “For No One”

• Inspiration: The song was written by McCartney after a heated argument with his then-girlfriend Jane Asher. It reflects the emotional aftermath and feelings of sorrow.
• Instrumentation: The song’s French horn solo was so challenging that Alan Civil, a renowned horn player, commented that the piece was “not playable”. Yet, he managed to perform it flawlessly, adding to the track’s unique charm.

2. “I’m Only Sleeping”

• Guitar Magic: The reversed guitar solos were groundbreaking at the time. George Harrison recorded them by learning the solos backwards!
• Influences: The song is said to be influenced by Lennon’s experiences with LSD, as well as his love for staying in bed.

3. “Cry Baby Cry”

• Tag-End: The song ends with Paul McCartney singing a short piece called “Can You Take Me Back”. It wasn’t intended to be part of “Cry Baby Cry” but ended up on the track due to the band’s experimental nature during “The White Album” sessions.

4. “Old Brown Shoe”

• Recording: This song features a rare instance where George plays the bass guitar, and it’s a pretty intricate bass line at that!

5. “It’s All Too Much”

• Lengthy Tune: The original recording was over eight minutes long, making it one of the Beatles’ longest tracks. The version on the “Yellow Submarine” album was cut down, but it still stands as a psychedelic marvel.

6. “The Inner Light”

• Location: It’s the only Beatles studio track that was recorded outside Europe. George Harrison recorded the instrumental track in Bombay, India.

7. “Your Mother Should Know”

• Film Connection: This song features in the “Magical Mystery Tour” film with The Beatles dressed in white tuxedos, dancing down a grand staircase.

8. “She Said She Said”

• Fonda Connection: The song was inspired by a comment actor Peter Fonda made during an LSD trip with The Beatles and others: “I know what it’s like to be dead.”

9. “Dr. Robert”

• Who’s Dr. Robert?: While the identity of “Dr. Robert” has been a topic of speculation, he is believed to be a reference to Dr. Robert Freymann, a New York doctor known to administer vitamin B-12 shots laced with amphetamine to his wealthy clientele.

10. “Savoy Truffle”

• Sweet Tooth: The song’s lyrics mention various flavors of chocolates, which were directly taken from a box of Mackintosh’s Good News chocolates, a favorite of Eric Clapton.

11. “Flying”

• Group Effort: This is one of the few Beatles songs to be credited as being written by all four members of the band: Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starr.

12. “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)”

• Comedic Vibes: The track’s zany antics were influenced by The Goons, a British radio comedy show that was much loved by The Beatles, particularly by John and George.

13. “Rain”

• Video Spotlight: The promotional film (or what we’d call a music video today) for “Rain” is considered one of the first true music videos, showcasing not just the band playing, but also featuring abstract, non-narrative sequences.

And there you have it, a deep dive into the hidden treasures of Beatles lore. From dreamy guitar riffs to chocolates, there’s always something new to discover with the Fab Four.

Keep listening and exploring, fellow music lovers!

Thanks for reading.

TBone