"Revolver" (1966) This is the gateway to Sgt. Pepper, the band’s first attempt at psychedelic music, and it works, mate. Paul McCartney’s offerings, of course, have a strong pop sensibility, but they also have much more dimension than his early songs. “Eleanor Rigby” haunts you and “Here There And Everywhere” has a complexity that bolsters its sweet lyrics. And who doesn’t love “Good Day Sunshine?” This album also marks the real emergence of George Harrison as a songwriter. “Taxman” is a kick-ass song with a message that hasn’t faded over the decades, and “Love You To” signals his full-on interest in Indian music and philosophy. But it’s John Lennon who truly soars on this album. And his best offering is the psychedelic and just plain funky “Tomorrow Never Knows.” John is making the turn in this song, and this album, toward his true introspective experimental self. He makes his declaration of independence in “And Your Bird Can Sing.” “You tell me that you’ve got everything you want/And your bird can sing/But you don’t get me, no you don’t get me.” Sing it, John.

"Abbey Road" (1969) The second-to-last album released by the band, it was in fact that last album the Beatles recorded together. After the torture that was the “Let It Be” recording session, the boys pulled together one last time and they go out strong in this, their swansong. There isn’t a bad song on the entire album. The Beatles had been individual songwriters for quite awhile, and this album clearly displays that by 1969, they were accomplished songwriters, ready to move on, while at the same time still kickin’ it as a group. The album opens with “Come Together,” another great Lennon anthem before moving to one of Harrison’s most beautiful songs ever, “Something.” The guitars are heavier, but the messages in the songs are somehow lighter and warmer. The side 2 montage (remember when there used to be sides to an album?) is an amazing amalgam of talent and production. The “Sun King” becomes “Mean Mr. Mustard” who becomes “Polythene Pam.” Pure poetry. And its final song, fittingly is, “The End.” “And in the end/the love you take/is equal to the love to make.” Amen.

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967) I know what you’re saying – it’s sacrilege that this album isn’t No. 1, let alone No. 3 – but remember, this is a subjective list. There is no disputing this album’s greatness. From the opening guitar of the title track to that final chord on “A Day in the Life,” “Sgt. Pepper” is a mix of pure pop (“Fixing a Hole,” “A Little Help From My Friends,” “When I’m Sixty-Four”) to experimental, concept rock (“Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” “Within You Without You”). It sent a clear message that there would be no more “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” Freed from the rigors of touring, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison had the time to stretch their legs in the studio, working with producer George Martin to use new instruments and new sounds in their songs. Almost 40 years after its release, the “controversy” about drug references and use during the making of the album has faded into history. What is left is an amazing collaboration of time, place and incredible talent.

"Rubber Soul" (1965) This album marks the Beatles shift from lovable mop-tops to serious songwriters. There’s still a lot of the bounce and energy that can be found on their early albums, but the tone and messages in the songs are much darker. Start with “Norwegian Wood” – John Lennon’s sitar-infused tale of a would-be one-night stand that goes very, very wrong. “She Loves You” it ain’t. George Harrison tells screaming fans to “Think for Yourself” and even Paul McCartney, the king of sweet, proclaims “I’m Looking Through You.” Clearly the early years of Beatlemania had taken their toll on the Fab Four, and it shows in these mature songs. But the hallmark of this album is Lennon’s haunting reflection of life, love and regret, “In My Life.” Written by a man in his early 20s, this song shows amazing depth and emotion and will always be the song I think of when I remember John Lennon.

"A Hard Day's Night" (1964) You have to have an early album on this list, and from the opening chord of the title track, this album jumps with the energy and pulse of Beatlemania. The soundtrack to the Beatles’ first, and best, movie, the music captures the exuberance and mania of the band’s great unleashing upon the world. The title track was a throwaway. Director Richard Lester needed a song to play over the opening credits and asked Lennon if he could write something. He and McCartney churned the song out overnight. Yes, they really were that good. “If I Fell” is still one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard and I can’t help but dance when I hear “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Love songs reign on this disc: “And I Love Her,” “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You,” “Things We Said Today.” Even in this early incarnation, there is sophistication to the lyrics. No matter what, this album is fun and a must-have for all Beatle fans.