Top ten Beatles songs not included in the 'Across the Universe' soundtrack

“Across the Universe” is a 2007 musical comprised entirely of songs written by The Beatles. In total, the film incorporated over thirty songs into the storyline.

While obvious Beatles tunes, like “Hey Jude,” “Come Together” and “All You Need is Love” were included, there were many well known Beatles songs that were omitted from the film. Because the Beatles have such an extensive anthology of songs, it is no wonder that some popular Beatles singles did not make the cut.
 
It should be noted that the following list is not a criticism of “Across the Universe,” but rather the list is merely to point out additional songs that were likely included on the film producers’ list of potential songs.

10) Help! - This song is featured on a Beatles film and on their fifth album, each with the same title. Lennon wrote this song during a difficult time in his life, and the song is a reflection of the pressures facing The Beatles during “Beatlemania.”

9) She Loves You - While “Across the Universe” did make reference to the song during “All You Need is Love,” the reference was actually more of a tribute to The Beatles’ recording of “All You Need is Love,” which briefly has Paul McCartney singing lyrics from “She Loves You.” “She Loves You” is the top selling Beatles single in Great Britain and was the best selling single of 1963.

8) When I’m Sixty-Four - Arguably one of McCartney’s most catchy singles, “When I’m Sixty-Four” is an¬other song that got a brief reference in “Across the Universe.” The song is significant because it is one of the first songs McCartney wrote and was often played during The Beatles’ early years.

7) Ticket to Ride - “Ticket to Ride” stands out among Beatles songs due to the song’s heavier rhythm and unique musical sound. This song has been referred to as a “milestone in the evolution of the musical style of The Beatles,” meaning that the song serves as an indicator of the heavier, rhythmic songs to come like “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Helter Skelter.”

6) The Long and Winding Road - “The Long and Winding Road” was written by Paul McCartney while reflecting on the group’s rough times and future break-up. The song was both the last single released by The Beatles and their last song to top the United States charts.

5) Hello, Goodbye - “Hello, Goodbye” is a song, as the title reveals, that contains constant contradictions and is a reflection of McCartney’s more comical side. It spent seven weeks as the top rated song in both the US and Great Britain. This A-side track of the “Magical Mystery Tour” album forced “I am the Walrus” onto the B-side.

4) A Day in the Life - “A Day in the Life” is a favorite of numerous Beatles fans and has received high rankings (if not the top spot) on numerous top song lists. Author Paul Grushkin described the song as “one of the most ambitious, influential and groundbreaking works in pop music history.”

3) Yesterday - Many people were shocked when “Yesterday” was not included in “Across the Universe.” This is largely because “Yesterday” is not only the most covered song by The Beatles, but it is also the most covered song in history.

2) Here Comes the Sun - “Here Comes the Sun” is a favorite among many Beatles fans. The song, written in Eric Clapton’s backyard, is known for its simplicity and peaceful nature. While other popular George Harrison songs like “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” were included in the film, “Here Comes the Sun” is arguably the most popular of Harrison’s Beatle songs.

1) Eleanor Rigby - In an age of light, upbeat pop hits, “Eleanor Rigby” was one of the first songs to address the concepts of death and loneliness. The song relied on a string octet and the harmonies of Harrison and Lennon, and it is often mentioned in classical music books. In 1966, “Eleanor Rigby” earned McCartney a Grammy for “Best Contemporary Rock and Roll Vocal Performance, Male.”