The Beatles dominated the U.S. charts throughout the 1960s, setting records that still stand today. With their infectious melodies, innovative production, and cultural impact, it seemed like every song they released was destined for the top spot. Yet, despite their overwhelming success, not every track became a massive hit with American audiences.
While many of their singles soared to number one, some songs fell short of expectations, either peaking lower on the charts or failing to gain the same momentum as their biggest hits. Some of these tracks went on to become fan favorites over time, while others remain underappreciated gems in their legendary catalog. The reasons vary—whether due to competition at the time, shifting musical trends, or simply being overshadowed by other Beatles classics.
These overlooked songs reveal an interesting side of the band’s journey—where even The Beatles, at the height of their power, weren’t guaranteed a chart-topping smash. Here are five songs that, despite their pedigree, didn’t quite capture the same widespread attention from U.S. listeners.
“Twist and Shout”
Few songs capture the raw energy of The Beatles’ early years like “Twist and Shout”. With John Lennon’s gritty vocals and the band’s electrifying performance, it became an instant classic. The song helped define the excitement of Beatlemania and remains one of their most recognizable covers.
Surprisingly, despite its massive appeal, “Twist and Shout” never claimed the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It stalled at number two, unable to push past the reigning hit at the time. Even so, it played a crucial role in The Beatles’ explosion onto the American music scene.
Not hitting number one didn’t stop the song from becoming an enduring fan favorite. Decades later, “Twist and Shout” still brings audiences to their feet, proving that chart positions don’t always determine a song’s lasting impact.
“Yellow Submarine”
With its playful lyrics and upbeat melody, “Yellow Submarine” is one of The Beatles’ most whimsical tracks. Designed as a lighthearted sing-along, it captured the imagination of fans young and old. Its carefree nature made it a standout in their catalog, proving that The Beatles could create more than just love songs and rock anthems.
Despite its charm, the song never sailed to number one in the U.S. “Yellow Submarine” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, falling just short of the top spot. Given its widespread appeal and lasting presence in pop culture, its failure to hit number one remains a surprise.
Still, chart rankings don’t define a song’s legacy. Decades later, “Yellow Submarine” continues to be a fan favorite, often appearing in retrospectives and Beatles compilations. Whether sung at concerts or played for children discovering the band for the first time, its infectious spirit lives on.
“With a Little Help From My Friends”
Released on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, “With a Little Help From My Friends” is one of The Beatles’ most beloved tracks. With Ringo Starr on vocals, the song radiates warmth and camaraderie, embodying the communal spirit of the late ‘60s. Its sing-along charm has made it a staple in Beatles history.
Despite its status as a fan favorite, the song barely made an impact on the U.S. charts. Upon re-release in 1968, it peaked at a modest number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even more surprising, Joe Cocker’s bluesy cover outperformed the original, reaching number 68 the same year.
Though it didn’t soar to the top, “With a Little Help From My Friends” found success in other ways. Cocker’s version became an anthem of its own, while The Beatles’ original remains an essential part of their legendary album. Sometimes, a song’s true impact goes beyond its chart position.
“Eleanor Rigby”
“Eleanor Rigby” was unlike anything The Beatles had done before. Released in 1966 on Revolver, it moved away from their usual rock sound, replacing guitars with a haunting string arrangement. Its somber lyrics told a vivid story of loneliness, making it one of the band’s most emotionally powerful songs.
Despite its brilliance, “Eleanor Rigby” didn’t break into the top 10 on the U.S. charts. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, a surprisingly low position for such a groundbreaking track. While other Beatles songs dominated the airwaves, this orchestral ballad stood apart—perhaps too different to claim the top spot.
Yet, chart numbers don’t always reflect a song’s legacy. “Eleanor Rigby” remains one of The Beatles’ most celebrated compositions, influencing countless artists and solidifying its place as a defining moment in their evolution. More than just a hit, it’s a timeless work of art.
“Here Comes the Sun”
Few Beatles songs radiate warmth quite like “Here Comes the Sun”. Released on Abbey Road in 1969, it became one of George Harrison’s most cherished compositions. With its gentle acoustic melody and hopeful lyrics, the song perfectly captures the feeling of brighter days ahead.
Surprisingly, despite its enduring appeal, “Here Comes the Sun” never reached number one in the U.S. In fact, it didn’t even chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of its release. It later gained recognition on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, where it peaked at number three—an unexpected ranking for such a beloved classic.
Yet, numbers don’t tell the full story. Decades after its release, “Here Comes the Sun” remains one of The Beatles’ most streamed songs and a staple of classic rock playlists. Whether played on the radio, in movies, or at celebrations, its message of hope continues to shine.