Blake Snow

writer-for-hire, content guy, bestselling author

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Top 5 best Beatles songs sung by George Harrison

George Harrison, Beatles, Let it Be cover

To commemorate the Beatles’ remastered catalog (which I will not be buying, especially since its CD only), I thought it an appropriate time to cash in on the uptick in Beatlesmania interest, some 40 years after the band broke up. So without further adieu, I give you: The top five greatest Beatles tracks sung by George Harrison. He may have only canaried 30 songs of hundreds, but when he did—man were they good.

5. “I’m happy just to dance with you” – Written by Lennon specifically for George to sing (so he could boost his song writing confidence), this little ditty from 1964 is classic Beatles pop. Upbeat. Short. And Sweet. Admittedly it’s not the best Harrison has ever sung. But it comes from one of the most rockin’ Beatles albums, A Hard Day’s Night.

4. “While my guitar gently weeps” – If this song has a different feel to it, it’s because Harrison isn’t playing guitar on it. Eric Clapton is. But Harrison wrote it. And its widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar songs ever written. It’s only fitting then that the Beatles’ lead guitarist sung it.

3. “Something” – Life isn’t fair. Paul McCartney and John Lennon received all the Beatles’ glory. Lennon once said Harrison wasn’t even in the “same league” as a song writer. That changed in 1969 with the release of “Something,” Harrison’s first and only American chart topper. Featuring a gentle mood, climatic breakdown, and one oh-so soothing solo, it’s my favorite Beatles love song.

2. “Taxman” – I hate big government. So does George Harrison, apparently. Written at a time when Harrison began realizing that “most of” his money was going to taxes, “Taxman” is a scathing criticism of overzealous government. “Let me tell you how it will be,” he sarcastically sings as the taxman, “There’s one for you, 19 for me,” he adds. By far the most passionate, politically-fueled, and energetic song recorded by the Beatles.

1. “Here comes the sun” – Is there a more beautiful song from the swinging ’60s? I think not. Written after an English winter that “seemed to go on forever” as Harrison said, the track is as relevant today as it was then. Although darkness can be a scary thing, the sun eventually comes up. And this song is the anthem to prove it.