For three days during Thanksgiving week, Beatles fans will get a chance to jump in a time machine and watch Get Back, the Peter Jackson-helmed documentary that takes previously-unseen footage from what would ultimately become Let It Be.
From the clips we’ve seen, it’s going to be everything die-hards dream of and more — behind-the-scenes footage of songs being put together from the bottom up, the bandmates having a laugh, and the chance to revisit a tumultuous time in the legendary band’s history that might get more context to it.
Given the thrilling event, as a Beatles megafan, I decided to celebrate with a new rankings list. I’ve done the greatest songs and ranked their best albums. So now I’m going to give you the definitive list of the best covers of their tunes from the past few decades.
25
Something by Billie Eilish
Call it recency bias if you want. But the simple stripped-down sound with a piano and Eilish’s whisper-singing — including a hummed take on the guitar solo — makes for a more haunting rendition of George Harrison’s gorgeous classic.
24
Come Together by Gary Clark Jr.
Shoutout to my colleague Blake Schuster, who reached out when hearing about this list and asked if I had ever heard this version? I had not … and when I did, I knew it belonged on the list. The solo in the middle is so so so good.
23
Hey Jude by Wilson Pickett
You have to love how this builds like the original does. You want to take the horns and put it on the Beatles’ version, but it’s Pickett’s iconic voice that stands out.
22
I Wanna Be Your Man by the Rolling Stones
The story goes that John Lennon and Paul McCartney were at a Rolling Stones rehearsal and happened to have a song they thought would work for the band. And it did! I happen to love the Ringo-sung version from the Beatles, but this dirtier, rawer take is great.
21
Within You Without You by Patti Smith
Smith took Harrison’s Sgt Pepper offering and completely reframes it. And it’s just fantastic.
20
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away by Eddie Vedder
From the Beatles-covers-filled I Am Sam soundtrack, it sounds a lot like Lennon’s track from Help! But sometimes, a good cover is one legendary singer barely changing a thing. Vedder hits this one out of the park.
19
Day Tripper by Otis Redding
It’s Otis Redding. What do you want me to say? Fine, I’ll expound: It’s Otis Redding belting a Beatles song as only Otis Redding can.
18
In My Life by Johnny Cash
Tears. Lots of tears. That’s all I’ve got.
17
Come Together by Soundgarden
I know we have a Come Together above, but whatever — listen to what Chris Cornell et al did here!
16
Yesterday by Marvin Gaye
I love when artists make these songs their own and treat them with reverence like Gaye does.
15
Let It Be by Bill Withers
Let It Be already had touches of gospel in it. Withers’ version goes all in with that direction and it’s glorious.
14
She Came In Through the Bathroom Window by Joe Cocker
SPOILER: Not the last Cocker Beatles cover on the list. But also I love this stripped-down piano-heavy version.
13
All My Lovin by Amy Winehouse
I discovered this while digging deep for the list. Holy moly. Jazzy, pop-y, heartfelt … I’ve listened to this about 450 times since I found it.
12
Blackbird by Bobby McFerrin
If you’ve never heard McFerrin beyond Don’t Worry, Be Happy, you’re in for a treat. This is WILD. You’ve got to hear another version.
RIGHT?!
11
Golden Slumbers by Ben Folds
Again: A cover can be similar to the original. Folds’ take isn’t much different, but how beautiful is that?
10
Yesterday by Boyz II Men
Sit back, turn up the volume and let the a cappella take wash over you.
9
Eleanor Rigby by Aretha Franklin
Amazing how she changed the first verse with one word: “I’m.” The soulful arrangement is incredible, but I love the little adjustment that makes her Eleanor.
8
Blackbird by Crosby, Stills and Nash
I guess I’m a sucker for harmony (see above) but: Isn’t this gorgeous???
7
Sgt. Pepper's Lonley Hearts Club Band by Jimi Hendrix
The story is as good as the cover: Per the BBC, the Beatles’ seminal album of the same name was released in 1967 … and some 48 hours later, Hendrix performed it London with Paul McCartney and George Harrison in the audience.
6
Got to Get You Into My Life by Earth, Wind and Fire
The original had one of the better brass arrangements of any Beatles song … and that was taken to a whole new level with EWF. So much joy and danceability here.
5
Across the Universe by Fiona Apple
She totally nailed every aspect of John Lennon’s amazing tune for the Pleasantville soundtrack, slowing it down and adding a modern drumbeat to go along with her ethereal vocals.
4
Something by Paul McCartney
Oh, this DEFINITELY counts. Have you ever wondered what Beatles songs sound like when sung by another Beatle than the Beatle who sang the song originally? Well, here you go. And McCartney paying tribute to his late friend with a ukulele version is just lovely.
3
We Can Work it Out by Stevie Wonder
Just straight fire.
2
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison
For anyone forgot that Prince is an all-time unreal guitarist, here you go, from the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. And then watch as he throws it up in the air … and it doesn’t really come down as he struts off, does it? (It does in the director’s cut, see below, but it doesn’t matter. It’s still AWESOME).
1
With a Little Help from my Friends By Joe Cocker
No, it’s not just because it was The Wonder Years‘ theme song. It’s because: Look at how he took the original, a whimsical, sweet tune sung delightfully by Ringo Starr … and he turned it into a screaming, emotional, gut-wrenching explosion of needing someone to love. The live performance at Woodstock is amazing to watch, and I’d say if there’s one cover that’s better than the original, it’s this one.
