The Beatles, in a Word Trivia Quiz

Answer:

First, the incorrect songs from the list:

John Lennon - "Mother" (1970), "Imagine" (1971), "Woman" (1981)
Paul McCartney - "Junk" (1970), "Tomorrow" (1971), "Listen" (1975), "Pipes" (1983)
George Harrison - "Circles" (1982)
Ringo Starr - "Photograph" (1973), "Sixteen" (1973)

The first three songs on the Beatles one-word songlist were released on March 22, 1963 on the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me."

"Boys" - A cover of a girl-group hit by The Shirelles, sung by Ringo Starr. It's energetic and playful, showcasing early Beatles charm.
"Chains" - Originally by The Cookies, this track features George Harrison on lead vocals and reflects the group's early love for American R&B.
"Misery" - One of the first Lennon-McCartney originals, written quickly to fill out the debut album. It's a simple, sorrowful tune about romantic disappointment.

The next two one-word titles by the Beatles were included on their fifth studio album, "Help!," released on August 6, 1965.

"Help!" - The title track, written by Lennon during a period of personal stress. It's upbeat musically but lyrically introspective, marking a shift toward more personal songwriting. The song was also released as a single on July 23.
"Yesterday" - Composed by McCartney and performed solo with a string quartet. It's one of the most covered songs in history, reflecting themes of nostalgia and loss. It was also released as a single in the US on September 13.

With their sixth studio album "Rubber Soul," released on December 3, 1965, the Beatles had three more one-word song titles.

"Girl" - A Lennon composition blending folk and pop, with lyrics that explore the emotional complexity of romantic relationships.
"Wait" - Initially recorded for "Help!" but held back and later completed for "Rubber Soul." It deals with themes of longing and uncertainty.
"Michelle" - A McCartney ballad with French lyrics and a jazzy feel, inspired by his teenage attempts to impress art school students.


"Revolver" - their seventh studio album, was released on August 5, 1966, and included one more one-word title... well, two, actually... I'll explain.

"Taxman" - Written by George Harrison, this track opens the album with a biting critique of British taxation, featuring a sharp guitar solo by Paul McCartney.
"Rain" - Recorded during the "Revolver" sessions, but only released on May 30 as the B-side single to "Paperback Writer," neither of which appeared on a studio album. "Rain" features backward vocals and psychedelic textures. Ringo Starr has praised his drumming on this song as his best.

On their "Magical Mystery Tour" soundtrack - released on November 27, 1967 - the Beatles produced another song with just a one-word title.

"Flying" - A rare instrumental credited to all four Beatles. It uses mellotron effects and has a dreamy, ambient quality.

November 22, 1968 saw the release of "The Beatles (White Album)," their ninth studio album - and a whopping FIVE tracks with one-word titles.

"Birthday" - A spontaneous rock track recorded during a birthday celebration. It's raw and energetic, with shared vocals from Lennon and McCartney.
"Blackbird" - McCartney's solo acoustic piece inspired by the American civil rights movement, using fingerpicking and natural sound effects.
"Julia" - Lennon's tribute to his late mother, blending poetic imagery with gentle guitar work.
"Piggies" - Harrison's satirical take on class and consumerism, featuring harpsichord and sound effects.
"Revolution" - A hard-edged variation of Lennon's political anthem, first released as the B-side to "Hey Jude" on August 26. It reflects his ambivalence toward violent protest.

The last two of our 18 one-word titles were released on September 26, 1969 on the Beatles' eleventh studio album, "Abbey Road."

"Because" - A harmony-rich track inspired by Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," reversed and reinterpreted. It features three-part vocals from Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison.
"Something" - Harrison's romantic ballad, praised by his bandmates and widely covered. It's one of his most successful compositions. It was also released as a double A-side single with "Come Together" on October 6.