Beatles Songs That Should Have Been No. 1 Hits | American Songwriter

The Beatles, already cemented as the best-charting band of all time with 20 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, may have significantly expanded that lead had they chosen to release a few more singles, according to a recent analysis. While the Fab Four shared company with music icons like Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Michael Jackson in terms of chart dominance, some industry observers believe their potential for even greater success was untapped.

Missed Opportunities: Three Songs That Could Have Topped the Charts

A look back at The Beatles’ catalog reveals at least three tracks that, had they been released as singles, likely would have reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This assessment isn’t simply wistful thinking; it’s based on the enduring popularity and streaming numbers of these songs even decades after their initial release.

“Here Comes The Sun” – A Streaming Powerhouse

George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun,” a perennial fan favorite, currently boasts an impressive 1.7 billion streams on Spotify as of today, February 5, 2026. This remarkable figure, achieved 57 years after its original release on the Abbey Road album, suggests the song possessed the potential for massive commercial success as a standalone single. The analysis points out that both singles released from Abbey Road – “Something” and “Come Together” – reached number one, further supporting the argument that “Here Comes The Sun” could have followed suit.

“All My Loving” – The American Introduction

“All My Loving” holds a unique place in Beatles history as the song that largely introduced the band to American audiences. It served as the opening number for their groundbreaking appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Despite its cultural significance and immediate impact, it was never released as a single in the United States, a decision now viewed as a missed opportunity. The song’s context – its association with a pivotal moment in music history – likely would have propelled it to the top of the charts, potentially even debuting at number one, according to some assessments.

“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” – International Success, US Potential

While often cited as one of The Beatles’ more divisive tracks, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” has proven remarkably resilient, currently garnering around 350 million streams on Spotify. Interestingly, the song achieved number one status in several international markets, including Austria, Australia, Japan, West Germany, and New Zealand. The Beatles ultimately opted to release “Hey Jude” and “Revolution” instead, both of which were highly successful. However, the argument is made that “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” could have outperformed “Revolution,” which peaked at number 12 in the US.

The Beatles’ Chart Dominance: A Historical Overview

The Beatles’ reign over the Billboard charts was undeniable. During their eight-year run as a band (from 1962 to 1970), they amassed an impressive 20 number one hits and 34 Top 10 hits. “Hey Jude” holds the record for the longest time spent on the charts among Beatles songs, remaining at number one for 19 weeks. “Come Together” followed with 16 weeks at the top. Other enduring hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” and “Let It Be” also enjoyed extended runs at number one, spending 15, 15, and 14 weeks on the charts respectively.

Beyond the Number Ones: A Wealth of Uncharted Gems

While The Beatles’ 20 number one hits represent a remarkable achievement, their catalog extends far beyond those chart-toppers. Numerous other songs, though never reaching the top spot, are considered among their finest work. Tracks like “Twist and Shout,” a standout cover song, and “And I Love Her,” a pioneering ballad by Paul McCartney, demonstrate the band’s versatility and songwriting prowess. “No Reply,” opening the album Beatles for Sale, showcased a maturation in John Lennon’s songwriting, blending seamlessly with the era’s rock music style.

The enduring legacy of The Beatles isn’t solely defined by chart positions. However, the analysis suggests that strategic single releases could have further cemented their dominance, adding potentially three more number one hits to their already impressive tally. The continued streaming success of songs like “Here Comes The Sun” serves as a potent reminder of the band’s enduring appeal and the untapped potential within their vast catalog.