Unreleased Beatles Hits and John Lennon’s Solo Singles

Did all John Lennon's songs manage to make it onto Beatles albums? The answer, as we'll explore, is no. Several of Lennon's tracks were not included in Beatle albums, creating a fascinating array of solo work and unreleased songs that shed light on the creative output of one of rock's most iconic singer-songwriters.

Highlights of Unreleased Beatles Tracks

Several notable John Lennon songs were not included on Beatles albums, showcasing a diverse array of his work. Here are a few examples:

Power to the People - This song was released as a single by the Plastic Ono Band but did not appear on any Beatles studio album. It was written in 1969 and is a strong example of Lennon’s political leanings. Give Peace a Chance - Initially recorded in 1969 and released as a single by the Plastic Ono Band, it also appeared on the album Live Peace in London. However, it was not included in any Beatles studio album. Yer Blues - Recorded during the sessions for Let It Be, Yer Blues was left off the final album and later released as a single by the Plastic Ono Band. Jealous Guy - Written as a demo for the White Album in 1968 but later rewritten with new lyrics and released as a solo single by Lennon in 1971. The original version was titled "Child of Nature." Stand By Me - This track, originally recorded in 1968, was not included in any Beatles album, contributing to a backlog of material from that period.

These unreleased songs give insight into Lennon's extensive songwriting output during the Beatles era and highlight the creative freedom he experienced outside the band.

The Evolution of Songwriting for the Beatles

While a significant number of songs by Lennon and the other Beatles members were never included in official albums, it's worth noting that this creative process varied over the band's history. Early in their career, many songs were written with the intention of inclusion in Beatles albums. As time progressed, the complexity of the band's recording habits and the personal challenges faced by the members led to a more sporadic release of new material.

Paul McCartney, in particular, wrote songs for other artists outside the scope of the Beatles during the later years. Songs like Step Inside Love for Cilla Black, Goodbye for Mary Hopkin, and Do the Backside for the Muscle Shoals Three exemplify this practice. These songs were intended for specific artists and released outside the Beatles discography.

Political and Personal Reflections

Much of the unreleased material, such as Cold Turkey, represented Lennon's political ideologies and personal musings. "Cold Turkey" was initially intended as a Beatles single but was rejected by the band. Lennon later released it as a Plastic Ono Band single in 1969, capturing the frustration and disillusionment of the time.

"Child of Nature," originally written for the White Album, was later rewritten and released as "Jealous Guy." This transformation demonstrates the evolution of Lennon's songcraft and his ability to refine his work over time.

Overall, the unreleased songs and singles by John Lennon offer a richer understanding of his creative process and the divergent paths the Beatles took as a group and individually during their influential career.