Musician and self-described Beatles fanatic Jonathan Pretus ranked the entire recorded catalog of the Beatles, because he's a big, big nerd. Then he decided to make a podcast to talk with other people and learn about their connection with The Beatles' music.
Tune in as Jonathan and his guests, joined by his co-host/wife Julia (a more level-headed, casual fan) discuss the rankings, what they think makes each song so great (or not-so-great), and see if it really is a fool's errand to try and rank the music of the greatest band of all time.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
#62 - Leave My Kitten Alone with Dr. Richard Mills
Is this it? The great Beatles missed opportunity? How can something THIS GOOD have been NOT GOOD ENOUGH to add to Beatles For Sale? Pulled out of the bag when they lads w
Jul 3 1 h 39 min
#63 - Bad Boy with Brian Pretus
When the suits in America came asking the Beatles for some market exclusive songs, they reached back into the bag o' tricks, in particular their (John's) affection for La
Jun 19 59 min
#64 - I'm So Tired with Giggens & Jenny Jamball
While immersed in meditation with the Maharishi in India, John was not only substance-free for the first time in years, he was also coming to terms with the fact that he
May 1 1 h 16 min
#65 - Happiness Is A Warm Gun with Josh Bloom
We're back on the creepy side of the White Album this episode, exploring John's definitely not drug-influenced "Happiness Is A Warm Gun." This song moves through 3 differ
Apr 10 1 h 33 min
#66 - Boys with Jon Wurster
Ok, ok, ok, I know y'all might disagree with me. But for my money, "Boys" is one of the most fun, and energetic moments on Please Please Me. It's all energy and youthful
Mar 27 1 h 02 min
#67 - Rock and Roll Music with Kyle Melancon
There's just something magical when the most powerful band in the world reaches back into their bag for a song that's such a part of their DNA, they only need one take at
Mar 13 1 h 06 min
#68 - All I've Got To Do with Mary Devlin (aka @beatledirt)
"The rhythm's in the guitars" is how the Beatles used to excuse the fact that they had no drummer in the early days. And this rather obscure song features some really gre
Feb 27 1 h 03 min
#69 Martha My Dear with Sam Whiles
3 facts you should know about me:
I love the BeatlesI love Paul's jaunty granny musicI love dogsSo the jauntiest of januty tunes inspired Paul's dog, Martha? PUT IT IN M
Dec 19 2025 1 h 23 min
BONUS: Anthology Roundtable Review!
After 30 years, The Beatles Anthology is back! The documentary is available in a newly restored edit on Disney+ featuring a new 9th episode, and the music is out featurin
Dec 16 2025 1 h 00 min
#70 Anna (Go To Him) with Dan Absher
When The Beatles were still filling their sets with cover songs, they tended to avoid the obvious ones of their heroes, especially if other bands were playing them. While
Dec 5 2025 55 min
#71 - Oh! Darling with Caitlin Larkin
With the intention of returning to the Beatles' roots on the Get Back project, it's no surprise Paul chose to mine the New Orleans r&b/early rock and roll stylings that w
Nov 19 2025 43 min
#72 - I've Just Seen A Face with guest Jack Petruzelli
It's weird how many songs the Beatles have that aren't "hits" but are still universally loved. It seems everyone knows and loves "I've Just Seen A Face," despite never be
May 23 2025 1 h 07 min
#73 - Blackbird with Allan Kozinn (author, The McCartney Legacy)
McCartney's ability to craft the most capitvating, simple, and gorgeous melodies never fails to amaze. Conceived (we think/he tells us) as a song of encouragement and sup
May 9 2025 1 h 15 min
#74 - Julia with Jude Southerland Kessler
One of the best things about the White Album is seeing so many different sides of each Beatle. To close out the first disc, we get a rare glimpse of the really vulnerable
Apr 23 2025 1 h 12 min
#75 - Get Back with Robert Rodriguez & Jerry Hammack
Ever seen an artist create a global smash hit from the moment of inception through each and every moment of rehearsal and refinement to recording, live premier, and conti
Mar 27 2025 1 h 33 min
#76 - Slow Down with guests Blotto Beatles
Maybe it's just me, but I've got a real sweet spot for when, in the midst of all the chaos of exploding into the world's biggest band and becoming the greatest songwriter
Feb 20 2025 1 h 31 min
#77 - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds with Jason Kruppa
Did you guys know the Beatles did drugs? IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE TITLE, MAN, LSDDDDDDDD! Inspired by a drawing done by his son Julian, John's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamon
Feb 6 2025 1 h 17 min
#78 - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) with author Sara Schmidt
**Disclaimer: First show of the new year, and yeah, I know, I blew it, but I own up to it! The integrity of the list remains!**
The fabs sure loved writing songs about t
Jan 9 2025 1 h 00 min
#79 - Taxman with Vinyl Benjy
What do George Harrison and Big Worm from the movie Friday have in common? Messing with their money is like messing with their emotions. But Big Perm, I mean Big Worm, do
Dec 27 2024 1 h 14 min
#80 - For No One with Duncan Driver
Everyone knows that couple...everytime you go on holiday, they seem to get into a fight about SOMETHING. Then everyone's walking on eggshells, trying not to be awkward, n
Dec 12 2024 1 h 20 min
Chart trend
Position in the Music History chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#101#200JulAugSepOct
#21
all-time peak
104
days in the top 50 since Nov 2024
Chart positions
Where Ranking The Beatles ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 18, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
My new go-to Beatles pod. So much fun! I have personally ranked the Beatles in various ways with a good friend, so I love that Jonathan took this on and we get their deep dive on every song. The guests I’ve heard so far have been really enjoyable, and it’s one of those podcasts where you feel like you’re in a room with some likeminded friends. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the rankings! And I REALLY appreciate the lack of ads, bc some podcasts are soooo jarring with the relentless ad breaks. Thank you J & J for sharing this project with us!
DamDamDammy · Jan 2025
Love listening to the show and how it’s laid out. How the guest got into Beatles then discussions of song ranking and then rapid fire questions. I usually agree with Julia’s rankings more than Jonathan’s. Sorry Jonathan. My brother loved the Rank The Beatles poster I bought him as a gift. So… it makes a great gift. I will never get over Jonathan’s ranking of LAWR but will continue listening and throwing my phone occasionally😳. Oh and such great guests is another reason I listen.
OverZoosh · Aug 2022
Love the pod! I've been listening since the first few episodes and it's only gotten better as time has gone on. The energy between Jonathan and Julia makes for a really entertaining listen. His analysis of the songs and their backstories, along with Julia's fresh and unbiased perspectives really balance each other out. Although sometimes Jonathan has some.....bold takes....... it really wouldn't be fun if I agreed with 100% of the rankings! Keep it up guys :)
thebigcheese23 · Sep 2021
This kind of show could err in one of two ways. It could either be too analytical (and cold). Or it could be purely subjective (and snobby). Yet, through the warm relational perspective of John and Julia, the show finds itself in the middle of this spectrum. It’s fun, communal, smart, and just right (… just like Baby Bear’s porridge.)
thisisgabe · Jul 2021
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