Apple Corps. Ltd. EMI
The Beatles have sold more than 2 million songs and 450,000 albums in just their first week on iTunes. More importantly, though, iTunes sales rankings have finally allowed us to answer the question: What is the world’s favorite Beatles tune? Last September, EW ranked the Fab Four’s top-50 greatest songs, but iTunes’ current list represents a more populist opinion. Guess what’s No. 1 and check out the top-10 after the jump.
1. “Here Comes the Sun”
2. “Come Together”
3. “Let it Be”
4. “In My Life”
5. “Blackbird”
6. “Something”
7. “With a Little Help From My Friends”
8. “Yesterday”
9. “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”
10. “Dear Prudence”
“Dear Prudence”? Huh.
Did any of these top-sellers surprise you? What’s missing from the top-10?
“Here Comes The Sun”? Weddings.
I’m surprised Across The Universe isn’t on the list. Great song and since the film of the same name is so popular, you’d think it would be.
Dear Prudence should be on top.
AGREED!
Across the Universe is my favorite song of all time. 3,000 plays on my ipod since 2009.
It should be on the top.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps should be #1 based on radio popularity.
I am not suprised Here Comes The Sun is #1. It is a really well made song. Harrision was at his peak at this point (better than John and Paul at that time).
This list is inaccurate. I’ve seen the charts and Hey Jude was in the beatles top 10.
Agreed.
Every chart I see has Hey Jude as number 1. But if you’ve heard it so many times I would expect people to not purchase it. I have it on my iPhone and skip it everytime it plays.
One, it’s Dear PrudEnce. Two, it’s a fantastic song that’s been made more popular by its inclusion in Beatles Rock Band.
As for what’s missing, you’re seeing a lot of Sgt Pepper missing, especially A Day in the Life. My guess is that this is only tracking individual song purchases, and most people are buying the complete Sgt Pepper album.
A large part of me thinks that movie Across the Universe had something to do with a few of these. I know about a zillion women who couldn’t give two you-know-whats about the Beatles before they saw that film, but then afterward claimed to be the biggest Beatles freaks on the planet. Funny how they only like the songs featured in the movie.
Why do you have to hate on people like that? Why should anyone care about why other people like the music they like? Some fans are not as diehard as others, as with any music — I’m sure the Beatles aren’t complaining!
Because I like Mary can’t stand poser fans like that. Tourist fans that download the popular song ruin bands for the hardcore followers.
why does it ruin bands? Because you’re one of the pretentious “ohhhh everyone likes this band so I can’t anymore?” That’s a douchey way to be. Besides, the Beatles have been around for 40 years – some of their songs are more popular than others. Deal with it.
I agree steph. There is a song called “Admit It” that was created just for these people who are snobs when it comes to music. Do you honestly think that when the Beatles wrote and sang these songs, they did it with only letting certain people appreciate their music? come on
“Tourist fans that download the popular song ruin bands for the hardcore followers.” What kind of stupid, effed-up logic is that, and why should you care about other fans’ opinions anyway? Douchebag.
no hey jude?
Give me a break. I can see why “Hey Jude” wasn’t in the Top Ten–it sounds so dated today as well as other Beatles songs, such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” etc. I think one of the reasons why “Here Comes The Sun” is #1 is NOT because of weddings–it’s because it doesn’t sound dated. It fits in right now with contemporary music–acoustic guitar and all. “Here Comes The Sun” deserves to be #1. That away, George!!!
Aw, i LOVE all of the old old Beatles songs – they’re so happy and catchy!
I love songs that sound dated. Music was SOOOOO good back in the 60′s and if anyone doesn’t listen to music because it sounds dated…you are really missing out of some really great artists and great music that shaped a lot of artists that are still around today.
Yeah, definitely thought Hey Jude would be on there. Probably one of my favorite Beatles songs.
Shocked Hey Jude isn’t on there… or Strawberry Fields.
Very shocked about Hey Jude.
was “hey jude” available as a paul mccartney download before last week? just curious; i’m not sure of the whole mccartney/beatles connection on itunes.
Yup those were the two I was going to say.. I’m surprised Here Comes the Sun is number 1. I’s a great song, I just wouldn’t have guessed it to be the most popular. Glad to see Come together at 2. Its def The Beatles most Kick @$$ song.
Hey Jude is on there. This list is wrong.
I love Here Comes the Sun and Life Goes On. Both songs make me smile no matter how crappy of a day I’m having.
Life Goes On?
That would be “Ob La Dee, Ob La Da”, but thanks for playing anyway.
ooo, ouch, Ob La Di, Ob La Da. sorry.
That would be “Ob La Di, Ob La Da”, but thanks for playing anyway
My favorites are Sgt. Pepper, Twist and Shout, and best of all, ‘Rock & Roll Music’
Help!
Since someone’s already commented and it still isn’t fixed, I”ll give the 2nd reminder: It is “Dear Prudence”.
The EW Top 50 list was a joke, compiled by a pack of McCartney haters. A Hard Day’s Night #1? Are you kidding? In My Life, A Day in the Life, Hey Jude, Yesterday, Stawberry Fields Forever….all would have been worthy contenders. A Hard Day’s Night doesn’t belong in the Top 20.
For the record, Rolling Stone ranked Hey Jude higher on their list of greatest rock songs of all time than EW had on their greatest Beatles list!
What’s wrong with “A Hard Day’s Night”? I could see ranking that #1. It’s one of my favorites, and I’d rather hear it any day than some of the ballads. Also, I never understood why people are so crazy about “Hey Jude,” which goes on waaaaaay too long with the “na-na-na-naaaaaaaa’s.” Drives me nuts. And yes, I’m old enough to know all these songs from the first time around.
Although I was surprised “Here Comes The Sun” was listed as #1–”Yesterday” is usually cited as the most popular Beatles song–I’m glad that it was, as it gives its composer George Harrison some more recognition as a 1st-rate songwriter, especially as he languishes in the shadow of Lennon-McCartney.
My faves are “We Can Work It Out” and “Nowhere Man,” but I’m happy for “Here Comes The Sun” — such a fresh and joyful song, and one of George’s very best.
While my Guitar Gently Weeps is a great song. It’s hard to pick a top 10 when it comes to The Beatles…to many good ones to choose from. Got to get you into my Life is also a good one that doesn’t get enough recognition.
what, no Octopus’s Garden? ;D
What’s missing? All of my favorites save “Yesterday” and “Come Together”
My fave has always been Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. No one ever knows what I’m talking about though. Not a real popular one.
“Here Comes the Sun” is up there in my list of least favorite Beatles songs. I’d have chosen “Let it Be” as my favorite. Can’t believe “Strawberry Fields” didn’t even break the top ten.
10. Revolution 9
9. One After 909
8. Sie Liebt Dich
7. Your Mother Should Know
6. Doctor Robert
5. Only A Northern Song
4. Piggies
3. Savoy Truffle
2. What’s The New Mary Jane
1. Her Majesty
Don’t forget Hey Bulldog and You Know My Name (Look Up the Number). I always liked Run for Your Life too. So dark!
Top 10 for Real Beatles Snob
I want to hold your hand
I’ll be back
In my life
I should have known better
I’ll follow the sun
You can’t do that
This boy
If I fell
You can’t do that
I call your name
Top 10 for REAL REAL Beatles Snobs (McCartney Songs Need Not Apply, Mostly):
Hey Bulldog
All Together Now
Run For Your Life
I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party
I’ll Be Back
I’m So Tired
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
This Boy
It’s Only Love
You Can’t Do That
Make that Here, There, Everywhere
in place of the second You can’t do that
Top 11-20 for Real Beatles Snob (continuing in the non-McCartney vein)
Happy just to dance with you
Here Comes the Sun
Thank you girl
Not a second time
Any time at all
All you need is love
Penny Lane (one for Paul)
Things we said today (another for Paul)
Yes it is
Day in the Life
So many more….
All right, 11-20 then (with a better showing by Macca):
Every Little Thing
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You’re Gonna Lose That Girl
I’m Down
Penny Lane
She Said She Said
Good Morning Good Morning
For No One
Taxman
I Want to Hold Your Hand