The Beatles: The Most Successful Band in the History of Popular Music
The Beatles are the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band in the history of popular music.
According to EMI, The Beatles have sold over one billion discs and tapes worldwide.
As clear leaders of the so-called British Invasion—alongside acts like The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Cream, The Yardbirds, and Dusty Springfield—they took America by storm. With their catchy rock and roll–infused pop, Beatlemania swept across the globe.
On the 29th of August 1966, The Beatles played their final live show at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Performing with little more than a Vox AC30 each, it has since become a historic moment. By this point, the Fab Four had grown tired of performing without being able to hear themselves over the screaming fans. As the saying goes, modern touring was invented fifteen minutes after this show—necessity is the mother of invention, after all.
There’s so much to say about The Beatles that you could spend a lifetime exploring their influence on popular culture. If you’re looking to dive deeper, perhaps these 10 books are a good starting point.
Here at Spytunes, we focus on the tunes—so let’s explore their extraordinary catalogue and highlight some key songs from each studio album.
They started in March 1963 with their debut album Please Please Me. Alongside the title track, standouts include Love Me Do, I Saw Her Standing There, Do You Want To Know A Secret, and Twist & Shout. The album was half original material, half covers—Twist & Shout and Baby It’s You (written by Burt Bacharach) among the latter.
Just six months later came With The Beatles, continuing the mix of originals and covers. None of the original tunes were major hits, but the covers included Money (That’s What I Want), You Really Got A Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson), Please Mr. Postman, and Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry. The American version shuffled the tracklist and was titled The Beatles’ Second Album. On this release, She Loves You closed the B-side and went on to top charts and break records across multiple countries.
In 1964, The Beatles released two more albums. The first, A Hard Day’s Night, also served as the soundtrack to their film of the same name. It featured only original songs, including the title track, And I Love Her, and Can’t Buy Me Love.
Later that year came Beatles for Sale, which saw the return of covers with material by Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly. However, the standout track was the original Eight Days A Week, which opened side B.
In 1965, Help! brought more iconic songs: Help!, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, Ticket To Ride, Act Naturally (a cover), and the timeless Yesterday.
And they weren’t done yet—Rubber Soul followed later the same year. Here the music evolved, both lyrically and harmonically. Key tracks include Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, Michelle, Girl, and I’ve Just Seen A Face.
Most bands would be overjoyed with that many hits in a career—The Beatles were only halfway through!
From Beatlemania to Abbey Road: Tracing The Beatles’ Studio Album Legacy
Next came Revolver in 1966—an even more complex record and the only album they released that year. Standout tracks include Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, Here, There and Everywhere, Yellow Submarine, Good Day Sunshine, For No One, and Tomorrow Never Knows.
By this point, The Beatles were operating on a whole new level of songwriting and production, though even this would be eclipsed by what came next.
In 1967, they released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, widely considered one of the most legendary recordings of all time. The entire world was stunned—how could a band sound like this?
Even more astonishing was the fact that it was all recorded on a four-track tape machine.
Key songs from Sgt. Pepper include the title track, With A Little Help From My Friends, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!, Within You Without You, When I’m Sixty-Four, and the monumental A Day In The Life.
How do you follow Sgt. Pepper? With a double album, of course. Officially titled The Beatles but known to most as The White Album, this 1968 release offered an eclectic mix of styles and ideas.
Among its highlights are Back In The U.S.S.R., Dear Prudence, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Blackbird, Rocky Raccoon, Yer Blues, Mother Nature’s Son, Helter Skelter, Revolution, and Savoy Truffle.
With these two albums, The Beatles had produced some of the most influential work in pop history. What followed almost felt like a breather—Yellow Submarine, released in 1969, was more of a soundtrack project, though it did include the anthemic All You Need Is Love.
Before disbanding and going their separate ways, The Beatles had two more studio albums in them. First was Abbey Road, also released in 1969, featuring Come Together, Something, I Want You (She’s So Heavy), and Here Comes The Sun.
Their final studio album, Let It Be, arrived in 1970. Alongside the title track, it gave us Across The Universe, Get Back, The Long And Winding Road, and my personal favourite, Don’t Let Me Down—though it only appeared as the B-side to the Let It Be single.
I don’t know about you, but to me, no band or artist has ever released a more impressive string of hit tunes than The Beatles did between 1963 and 1970.
Post-Beatles tunes
The Beatles officially broke up on 31 December 1970, when Paul McCartney filed suit to dissolve their contractual partnership. It would take four years before John Lennon signed the papers, effectively marking the end of the band.
Following the split, Paul, John, and George each launched solo careers, all enjoying significant success.
Paul McCartney’s Post-Beatles Tunes
Paul’s first major solo hit was Maybe I’m Amazed, from his debut solo album McCartney (1970). The follow-up, Ram, arrived the next year but didn’t produce any standout singles.
After Ram, Paul formed a new band with his wife Linda called Wings. Their debut album was also released in 1971. While the single Love Is Strange later gained attention thanks to Dirty Dancing, it wasn’t the film’s main tune (those honours went to Do You Love Me and Time of My Life).
Wings’ next release, Red Rose Speedway, featured My Love, their first big hit in the U.S.—though not as successful as what came next.
In 1973, Wings recorded Live and Let Die for the James Bond film of the same name. That same year they released Band on the Run, their signature song and the title track of their best-selling album. Another popular single from this album was Jet—all three charted well.
The remainder of the 1970s saw more releases from Wings, with Mull of Kintyre (1977) becoming a massive single, though it wasn’t included on an album. McCartney officially resumed his solo career in 1980.
In 1982, he returned to the charts with Ebony and Ivory, a duet with Stevie Wonder from the album Tug of War. This would be his last major hit.
McCartney has also performed and recorded numerous covers over the years, including Ain’t No Sunshine, All of Me, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Blue Suede Shoes, Ferry Cross the Mersey, and What’d I Say.
John Lennon’s Post-Beatles Tunes
Much like Paul, John Lennon frequently collaborated with his wife, Yoko Ono.
His first solo release, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970), featured Working Class Hero, a track widely regarded as a Dylan-esque statement. The only single from the album, Mother, wasn’t well received. Overall, this debut felt raw and bitter in tone. His next release would be a sharp contrast.
A year later, Lennon returned with the iconic Imagine (1971). The title track became one of the most universally recognised songs of all time. Another standout was Jealous Guy, later famously covered by Donny Hathaway—my favourite live recording of all time (included in the playlist above).
Lennon continued to release albums throughout the ’70s, though none matched the success of Imagine. His final studio album, Double Fantasy, arrived in 1980 and featured his last major hit, Woman.
He also recorded several covers during his solo years, including Stand By Me, Be My Baby, and Hound Dog.
Tragically, John Lennon was murdered in New York on 8 December 1980 by a deranged fan.
George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Tunes
George was actually the first Beatle to venture into solo territory, releasing two albums before the band had officially split.
His first, Wonderwall Music (1968), didn’t include any notable hits. The follow-up, Electronic Sound (1969), was an experimental two-track album that received little acclaim.
But it was on his third release, All Things Must Pass (1970), that George truly found his stride. The album featured My Sweet Lord, which became the first #1 single by an ex-Beatle.
Following that success, George released several more albums throughout the ’70s and early ’80s, though none produced major hits until 1987’s Cloud Nine, which included Got My Mind Set On You.
Cloud Nine was produced by Jeff Lynne of ELO, and during the sessions, the pair came up with the idea for the supergroup Traveling Wilburys. Alongside Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, they released several songs, in1989.
Fittingly titled, End Of The Line would be the final big tune from any Beatle—well, until AI managed to sort out Now And Then.
The Beatles Tunes | Related Pages
Ain’t No Sunshine | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| Am7 Em G5 | Am7 | Am7 Em G5 |
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, it’s not warm when she’s away…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Ain’t No Sunshine – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
All Of Me | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play All Of Me by Frank Sinatra using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Bbmaj7 | Bbmaj7 | D7 | D7 |
All of me, why not take all of me…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: All Of Me (the Real Book) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Back In The U.S.S.R. | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Back In The U.S.S.R. by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| A | D | C | D7 |
Flew in from Miami Beach B.O.A.C. Didn’t get to bed last night…
Blackbird | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Blackbird by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, TAB, chord analysis, a chord chart, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| 3/4 G Am7 G/B | 4/4 G |
Blackbird singing in the dead of night…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Blackbird – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Be My Baby | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Be My Baby by The Ronettes using chords, lyrics, TAB, a backing track, a chord chart, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| E | E | F#m | B7 |
The night we met I knew I, needed you so…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Be My Baby – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Blue Suede Shoes | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| N.C (E G) | A5 N.C (E G) | A5 N.C | N.C |
Well, it’s a one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go, cat…
Can’t Buy Me Love | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Can’t Buy Me Love by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C | C | C | C |
I’ll buy you a diamond ring my friend, if it makes you feel alright…
Come Together | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Come Together by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Dm7 | Dm7 |
Here come old flat top, he come grooving up slowly…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Come Together (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Drive My Car | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Drive My Car by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D7 | G7 | D7 | G7 |
Asked a girl what she wanted to be, she said, Baby, can’t you see…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Drive My Car (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
End Of The Line | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play End Of The Line by the Traveling Wilburys using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D D/A | D | D A | G |
Well, it’s alright, ridin’ around in the breeze…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: End Of The Line (Traveling Wilburys) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Get Back | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Get Back by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| A5 (A6) | A5 (A6 A7) | D7 (D6) | A5 (A6 A7) |
Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner, but he knew it couldn’t last…
Hound Dog | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Hound Dog by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| N.C | C7 | C7 | C7 | C7 |
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Hound Dog (Elvis Presley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
I Feel Fine | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play I Feel Fine by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| G7 | Gsus4 Gadd9 | G7 | Gsus4 Gadd9 | D7 | Dsus4 Dadd9 |
Baby’s good to me, you know she’s happy as can be, you know she said so…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: I Feel Fine (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
I Saw Her Standing There | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play I Saw Her Standing There by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| E7 | E7 | A | E7 |
Well, she was just seventeen, you know what I mean…
Money (That’s What I Want) | Chords + TAB
Learn how to play Money (That’s What I Want) by Barrett Strong using chords, lyrics, TAB, backing track, a chord chart, and Spytunes video guitar lessons
| F N.C | N.C Bb C |
The best things in life are free…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Money (That’s What I Want) – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Now And Then | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Now And Then by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Am (Asus4) | G6 | Am (Asus4) | G6 |
I know it’s true. It’s all because of you…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Now And Then (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Roll Over Beethoven | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D7 | G7 | D7 | D7 |
Well, I’ma write a little letter, I’m gonna mail it to my local DJ…
She Loves You | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play She Loves You by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| G | Em | Bm | D7 |
You think you’ve lost your love. Well, I saw her yesterday…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: She Loves You (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Stand By Me | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Stand By Me by Ben E. King using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| A | A | F#m | F#m |
When the night has come, and the land is dark…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Stand By Me (Ben E. King) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Twist & Shout | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Twist & Shout by The Beatles using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| A5 (C#) | D5 G5 A5 |
Well, shake it up, baby, now (shake it up, baby)…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Twist & Shout (The Beatles) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
The Beatles on the web
