Without George Martin’s maverick streak, the Beatles may have never become one of the most influential bands in modern music.

The Beatles’ “Lovely Rita” provides a moment of levity to ‘Sgt. Pepper,’ distinguishing itself from other tracks through its raunchy subject matter and clunkier sound.

“I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” reveals the Beatles’ country and rockabilly roots, even as it foreshadows – like much of ‘Beatles for Sale’ – the musical changes to come.

Tellingly, Paul McCartney still occasionally performs the Beatles’ “I’ll Follow the Sun” in concert. It’s an important stepping stone in his artistic development.

Find out why George Harrison had to be convinced to sing “The Inner Light,” an unlikely b-side to the Beatles’ more commercial “Lady Madonna.”

John Lennon’s willingness to shatter traditional notions of song structure and lyrical themes helped set the Beatles apart from other groups.

Another step in the Beatles’ development, “Another Girl” turned conventional love songs and traditional pop structures on their heads.

Paul McCartney’s “You Won’t See Me” points to a larger theme on the Beatles’ 1965 album ‘Rubber Soul’: the anguish and complexity of love.

George Harrison established his songwriting skills on “Within You Without You,” an often-overlooked Beatles track that boldly explored Indian styles.

During the late stages of the Beatles’ ‘White Album’ sessions, Paul McCartney made a controversial decision to enter the studio by himself.