The Beatles are undoubtedly one of the most influential and successful bands in music history, dominating the 1960s and shaping the future of rock and pop music.
With over 600 million albums sold worldwide, they revolutionized the industry through their innovative songwriting, studio experimentation, and unmatched cultural impact. However, much of their success was built in an era before digital streaming. The Beatles were kings of vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, and radio airplay, long before Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube became the dominant ways of consuming music.
Despite this, The Beatles continue to thrive in the modern streaming age, with their songs racking up hundreds of millions – and in some cases, billions – of streams. Based on official Spotify streaming figures, here are The Beatles’ top 10 most streamed songs, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. ‘Help!’
With over 300 million streams on Spotify, ‘Help!’ was released in 1965 as the title track for both the Beatles’ fifth studio album and second feature film, reflecting John Lennon’s growing stress under the pressures of fame. Lennon later admitted that ‘Help!’ was a genuine cry for assistance during a turbulent time in his life. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with the vulnerability in the lyrics, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution.
9. ‘Something’
Penned by George Harrison and amassing 381 million streams, ‘Something’ stands as one of The Beatles’ most celebrated love songs. Featured on the 1969 ‘Abbey Road’ album, it was the first Harrison composition to be released as an A-side single. Frank Sinatra famously dubbed it “the greatest love song ever written”.
8. ‘In My Life’
With 493 million streams, ‘In My Life’ is a reflective piece from the 1965 ‘Rubber Soul’ album. John Lennon’s lyrics reminisce about his past. The song features a distinctive baroque-style piano solo by producer George Martin, adding a classical touch to its pop framework. ‘In My Life’ is often hailed as one of the band’s finest compositions, capturing the maturation of their songwriting.
7. ‘Blackbird’
‘Blackbird’ has garnered 551 million streams, standing out as an acoustic gem from the 1968 ‘White Album’. Paul McCartney wrote the song inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States, using the blackbird as a metaphor for racial struggles. Its minimalist arrangement, featuring McCartney’s vocals and guitar, underscores the song’s poignant message of hope and resilience.
6. ‘Twist and Shout’
With 579 million streams, ‘Twist and Shout’ captures the raw energy of The Beatles’ early years. Originally recorded by the Top Notes and later by the Isley Brothers, The Beatles’ 1963 rendition became one of their most electrifying performances. John Lennon’s vocals, recorded at the end of a long session, added a gritty edge to the track.
5. ‘Hey Jude’
Amassing 647 million streams, ‘Hey Jude’ is one of The Beatles’ most enduring anthems. Released in 1968, Paul McCartney wrote it to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce. The song’s extended outro invites audience participation, making it a staple at concerts and events.
4. ‘Yesterday’
With 743 million streams, ‘Yesterday’ is among The Beatles’ most covered songs. Paul McCartney composed it after waking up with the melody in his head, initially unsure if he had subconsciously borrowed it. The track’s melancholic lyrics and simple acoustic arrangement convey a sense of longing and regret.
3. ‘Let It Be’
Paul McCartney wrote the song inspired by a dream about his late mother, Mary, offering words of wisdom during a period of turmoil. The gospel-infused arrangement and soothing lyrics provide a message of hope and acceptance, making it one of the band’s most cherished songs. ‘Let It Be’ has accumulated 784 million streams.
2. ‘Come Together’
The silver medal goes to ‘Come Together’, a song that shows The Beatles’ versatility and experimental edge through its interesting backstory. John Lennon penned the song as a campaign tune for Timothy Leary’s gubernatorial run, but it evolved into a standout track on the ‘Abbey Road’ album. Today, it has over 818 million streams.
1. ‘Here Comes the Sun’
Topping the list with a remarkable 1.539 billion streams, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is a testament to George Harrison’s songwriting prowess. Written in Eric Clapton’s garden during a break from the business side of the band, the song reflects Harrison’s relief at the arrival of spring. Its uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics have made it a seasonal favorite, capturing the essence of renewal and hope. In May 2023, it became the first Beatles song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.