“John Lennon’s Surprising Disdain: The Beatles Hits He Secretly Loathed

John Lennon, known for his outspoken and sometimes blunt nature, was often unfiltered in his opinions about The Beatles’ music, including some of their most popular hits. Despite being a core member of the band, Lennon openly criticized certain songs that many fans loved. Four songs, in particular, stand out for having received his negative appraisal.

First on the list is the upbeat hit, “Eight Days a Week”, from the album Beatles for Sale in 1964. While fans embraced its catchy, commercial sound, Lennon had a different view. He saw it as a straightforward attempt to create a marketable tune rather than an artistic accomplishment. To him, the recording process felt forced, and he went as far as calling it a “lousy song.”

Another surprising critique was aimed at “Yesterday”, one of The Beatles’ most iconic tracks. This 1965 ballad from Help! is often praised for its timeless appeal and has become one of the most-covered songs in history. However, Lennon felt that the lyrics fell short of telling a complete story. He believed they lacked depth, leaving the message unresolved. To Lennon, it seemed like the song only hinted at regret without fully exploring it.

“Twist and Shout”, a cover rather than an original Beatles track, also received criticism from Lennon. Despite delivering an energetic performance of this classic hit, Lennon felt uncomfortable singing it, especially if Black artists were present at the same event. He admired the origins of the song and thought they could perform it better, making him feel out of place singing it.

Lastly, Lennon had mixed feelings about “It Won’t Be Long”, a 1963 song that helped expand the band’s early fan base. Although he acknowledged its role in attracting a new audience, he wasn’t personally satisfied with the result. He viewed it as a failed attempt to create another memorable single, recalling that the media’s intellectual interpretation of the song’s musical structure only further disconnected him from it.

These candid remarks reveal that Lennon didn’t hesitate to express disappointment, even with songs his fans cherished. While his blunt opinions could be polarizing, they offer a glimpse into his uncompromising creative standards and his desire to push The Beatles beyond mainstream appeal.