30 classic Beatles songs that never reached No. 1 in the U.S

The Beatles, often considered the greatest band in the history of popular music, dominated the charts in the 1960s. However, not every classic track by the band reached No. 1 in the United States. While many of their hits topped the charts, several of their most beloved songs never claimed the coveted No. 1 spot. Here are 30 classic Beatles songs that, despite their immense popularity, did not reach No. 1 in the U.S. (listed in no particular order).
1. **“A Day in the Life”**
One of The Beatles’ most ambitious tracks, this groundbreaking song from *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* was praised for its complexity and emotional depth. Yet, it only reached No. 2 in the U.S.
2. **“Hey Jude”**
Despite being one of the band’s most enduring anthems, “Hey Jude” peaked at No. 1 in the U.K. but only reached No. 2 in the U.S. after being released in 1968.
3. **“Yesterday”**
A timeless ballad, “Yesterday” is one of the most covered songs of all time. While it reached No. 1 in the U.K., it only peaked at No. 2 in the U.S.
4. **“Let It Be”**
The title track from The Beatles’ final album, *Let It Be*, is one of their most famous songs, but it peaked at No. 1 only in the U.K. and only reached No. 2 in the U.S.
5. **“Strawberry Fields Forever”**
An experimental and psychedelic gem, this song failed to top the U.S. charts, peaking at No. 8 despite being a groundbreaking piece of music.
6. **“Penny Lane”**
Released as a double A-side single with “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Penny Lane” reached No. 1 in the U.K. but only made it to No. 2 in the U.S.
7. **“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”**
This folk-influenced track, from *Rubber Soul*, peaked at No. 1 in many countries but only hit No. 9 on the U.S. charts.
8. **“In My Life”**
Although widely regarded as one of their greatest compositions, this song from *Rubber Soul* only reached No. 23 in the U.S. singles charts.
9. **“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”**
A masterpiece written by George Harrison, this song, from *The Beatles (White Album)*, is considered one of the band’s best, but it only reached No. 13.
10. **“Come Together”**
This track from *Abbey Road* was a critical and commercial success but peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. charts.
11. **“Something”**
Another of George Harrison’s contributions, “Something” is often considered one of the band’s finest love songs. It reached No. 3 in the U.S.
12. **“Help!”**
The title track from both their film and album, “Help!” reached No. 1 in the U.K., but it was only able to peak at No. 2 in the U.S.
13. **“Twist and Shout”**
An iconic track from *Please Please Me*, “Twist and Shout” was wildly popular but only managed to reach No. 2 in the U.S.
14. **“All You Need Is Love”**
A song that became a global anthem of peace, this track from *Magical Mystery Tour* only reached No. 2 in the U.S.
15. **“Eleanor Rigby”**
While “Eleanor Rigby” is a highly regarded song, it only reached No. 11 on the U.S. charts, despite being revolutionary in its use of classical elements.
16. **“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”**
This psychedelic hit reached No. 1 in many countries but only peaked at No. 2 in the U.S.
17. **“Blackbird”**
A beautiful, minimalist song from *The White Album*, “Blackbird” was a fan favorite, but it only made it to No. 29 in the U.S.
18. **“Lady Madonna”**
A rollicking track that shows the band’s versatility, “Lady Madonna” was a hit but only reached No. 4 in the U.S.
19. **“The Fool on the Hill”**
This song from *Magical Mystery Tour* was well-loved, though it only reached No. 6 in the U.S. charts.
20. **“I Am the Walrus”**
One of The Beatles’ most surreal songs, “I Am the Walrus” peaked at No. 56 in the U.S., not reaching the top ten.
21. **“Tomorrow Never Knows”**
Known for its experimental approach, this track from *Revolver* only reached No. 1 in critical acclaim but not on the charts.
22. **“With a Little Help from My Friends”**
Though covered by Joe Cocker and widely praised, The Beatles’ version reached No. 8 on the U.S. charts.
23. **“Can’t Buy Me Love”**
While it did top the charts in multiple countries, “Can’t Buy Me Love” peaked at No. 1 only in the U.K. in 1964.
24. **“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”**
A fun and catchy tune from *The Beatles (White Album)*, it reached No. 49 in the U.S. but failed to chart higher.
25. **“I Want to Hold Your Hand”**
This breakthrough song was a major success in the U.S., yet it barely made it past No. 1 in several charts.
26. **“And I Love Her”**
Though it was a top 10 hit, “And I Love Her” reached No. 12 in the U.S.
27. **“The Long and Winding Road”**
The final U.S. No. 1 single by The Beatles, this ballad was beloved, but it wasn’t a major chart topper for long.
28. **“Rain”**
Though widely regarded as one of their best B-sides, “Rain” never hit higher than No. 23 on the charts.
29. **“Yer Blues”**
From *The White Album*, “Yer Blues” was unique in its introspective lyrics but only achieved modest success.
30. **“Revolution”**
Another track from *The White Album*, “Revolution” was bold and rebellious but peaked at No. 12 on the U.S. charts.
Despite these tracks not reaching No. 1, they remain iconic and showcase the creative range and musical innovation of The Beatles. Many of these songs continue to influence modern music and remain essential in understanding their extraordinary legacy.