1967 Beatles Hit Named Top Rock Song of All Time

The Beatles were no strangers to top hits, having 20 songs reach No.1 in their illustrious career. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, there's one song that stands out above the rest. In their list of the Top 100 Rock Songs of All Time, the website chose "Strawberry Fields Forever" as the best track. The song, written by John Lennon, was inspired by his memories of playing in the garden at a place called "Strawberry Field" near his childhood home.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" was The Beatles' first track released after their album Revolver. Revolver was the Beatles' first foray into psychedelic rock, and their following album, Sgt Pepper'sLonely Hearts Club Band, was them diving headfirst into the genre. "Strawberry Fields Forever" sits in the middle of this transition, showing the path the band would follow.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" included every trick in their new playbook: speed-altered tapes, backward loops, lyrical vagueness, and a musical sophistication that was eons ahead of their peers," said Ultimate Classic Rock. "The result was the Beatles' most forward-thinking single and a pop-music milestone that forever altered the divide between then and now."

The music video for "Strawberry Fields Forever" further showed this transition for The Beatles, as they ditched their clean aesthetic for a more "trippy" one. The band switched from their plain black suits, donning colorful outfits and whimsical accessories. Watch the video for "Strawberry Fields Forever" below:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 6:30 AM.