The Beatles’ sonic signature—melodic basslines, rich vocal harmonies, inventive chord progressions, and studio experimentation—has echoed through decades of pop and rock music. While many artists have cited them as an influence, some songs go a step further: they sound so Beatlesque they could fool even devoted fans.
Lies – The Knickerbockers conjures Beatles vibes with jangly guitars and three-way harmonies. It climbed to #20 on the U.S. pop chart and #11 in Canada in 1966.
New York Mining Disaster 1941 – Bee Gees sparked rumors of being a secret Beatles record. George Harrison once admitted buying it thinking it was the Beatles.
Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra glimmers with orchestral pop and buoyant bounce reminiscent of Good Day Sunshine; Jeff Lynne has openly cited Beatles influence.
Come and Get It – Badfinger was written by Paul McCartney for the band—delivering unmistakable Beatles sensibility and details.
Time Will Show the Wiser – The Merry-Go-Round shines with sunny harmonies, chiming guitar tones, and melodic phrasing that recalls early Beatles singles; released in 1967, it became a cult classic in baroque pop circles.
Laura – Billy Joel carries period charm through melodic phrasing and intimate vocal delivery, often likened to a late‑Beatles ballad
Sub‑Rosa Subway – Klaatu floats with lush harmonies and orchestration that made many think the Beatles had reunited incognito
If You Want My Love – Cheap Trick carries bright melodies and urgent harmonies echoing Beatles-era pop.
Somebody Made for Me – Emitt Rhodes radiates sunny, McCartney-esque vocals and simple songcraft that feels like a hidden Beatles gem; released in 1970 as the opening track of his self-titled debut album.
Out of Control – Miles Kane channels a Beatles ballad with piano, melancholy lyrics, and psychedelic undertones; it appeared on his 2013 album Don’t Forget Who You Are.
Girl – Davy Jones echoes Lennon’s tender balladry with bittersweet lyrics and string-backed arrangement; it was released in 1971 and charted in the UK Top 40.
September Gurls – Big Star glows with chiming guitars, rich harmonies, and power-pop craftsmanship reminiscent of Revolver-era Beatles; it was released in 1974 and later covered by The Bangles.
Sowing the Seeds of Love – Tears for Fears explodes with Sgt. Pepper-style orchestration and vocal layering; it reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.
Bus Stop – The Hollies features sweeping harmonies and British charm reminiscent of mid‑’60s Beatles pop craftsmanship.
A World Without Love – Peter and Gordon was penned by McCartney and knocked the Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” from the top spot in 1964.
Happy Together – The Turtles sparkles with joyful vocals and snappy snare beats that could’ve easily passed for McCartney-era songwriting.
We All Belong – Dr. Dog, which wraps nostalgic melodies and lush vocal layers mimicking early Beatles brightness.
Wonderwall – Oasis (alas famously Beatles-inspired) gets a nod from fans for melodic structure and nostalgic charm.
While The Beatles left the stage in 1970, their influence never stopped recording. These twenty songs—spanning decades and genres—don’t merely borrow Beatles trademarks; they internalize and reinterpret them in deeply musical ways. If you’ve ever longed for a “new” Beatles track, these are as close as it gets—without crossing Abbey Road.