Ah, the Beatles: the best-selling band in history. How could any of their songs be underrated? Well, as it turns out, even massively popular bands like the Beatles have their fair share of hidden gems. Here are the Beatles songs that I believe are often overlooked within their expansive and influential catalog.

5. “Oh! Darling” (Abbey Road, 1969) and “Happiness Is a Warm Gun” (The White Album, 1968) 

Never has Paul McCartney’s voice sounded this powerful. “Oh! Darling” not only stands as one of his best vocal performances but also contains one of his catchiest and most memorable melodies. “Oh! Darling” becomes even more powerful when you think about its lyrics within the context of the band’s imminent breakup. To me, the lyrics always felt like a plea from McCartney to John Lennon to stay in the Beatles and keep the band together. But, as we all know, Lennon had other plans.

Tied with “Oh! Darling” for the fifth spot is “Happiness Is a Warm Gun” from The White Album. Bouncing between proto-grunge doo-wop, and straight-ahead rock and roll, the Beatles transition through all these genres with ease and confidence. All the more impressive is the fact that the song is just over two and a half minutes long! 

4. “The Abbey Road Medley”: from “You Never Give Me Your Money” to “The End” (Abbey Road, 1969) 

Yes, I know the Abbey Road medley songs are fairly popular among Beatles listeners. I still think they don’t get their fair share of praise. This medley, through and through, shows the Beatles at their peak, musically, lyrically, and instrumentally and features some of George Harrison’s tastiest licks, some of McCartney and Lennon’s most impassioned vocals, and Ringo Starr’s masterful drum solo on “The End.” 

3. “She’s Leaving Home” (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967) 

Beach Boy’s co-founder Brian Wilson cried when he heard McCartney’s beautiful ballad, “She’s Leaving Home.” If that’s not enough praise for this song, I don’t know what is. But seriously, “She’s Leaving Home” contains some of McCartney’s most mature lyrics as well as a beautiful string accompaniment by producer Mike Leander. If only McCartney tried to write more mature songs like this one and “For No One” (1966) instead of spending weeks perfecting trifling ditties like “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” (1969).

2. “For No One” (Revolver, 1966) 

This is Elvis Costello’s favorite Beatles song: Need I say more? But seriously, “For No One” definitely contains McCartney’s most thoughtful and profound melodies of any of his songs to that date. The French horn solo is incredible, and the song ends in a beautiful contrapuntal melody that would make Bach proud.

1. “Dear Prudence” (The White Album, 1968)

Here’s another song that many Beatles listeners probably put in pretty high regard. Still, I think “Dear Prudence” is not only one of the best songs of “The White Album” but one of the greatest songs the Beatles ever created. Lennon’s vocals throughout the song are delicate and soft yet full of passion and ardor. While Lennon’s Donovan-inspired Travis-picking technique is probably the song’s most notable highlight, I think it’s Harrison’s beautiful guitar melodies towards the climax of the song and McCartney’s pounding piano that put this song at the top of the Beatles’ canon.

Brendan Kelso can be reached at bkelso@wesleyan.edu.