John Lennon Albums Ranked

John Winston Ono Lennon MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in musical history. In 1969, he started the Plastic Ono Band with his second wife, Yoko Ono. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon continued as a solo artist and as Ono’s collaborator. In 1956, he formed his first band, the Quarrymen, which evolved into the Beatles in 1960. He was initially the group’s de facto leader, a role gradually ceded to McCartney. Lennon was characterized for the rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in interviews. In the mid-1960s, he had two books published: In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works, both collections of nonsensical writings and line drawings. Starting with 1967’s “All You Need Is Love”, his songs were adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger counterculture. From 1968 to 1972, Lennon produced more than a dozen records with Ono, including a trilogy of avant-garde albums, his first solo LP John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, and the international top 10 singles “Give Peace a Chance”, “Instant Karma!”, “Imagine” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”. In 2002, Lennon was voted eighth in a BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons, and in 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth-greatest singer of all time. In 1987, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of the Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1994. Here are all John Lennon albums ranked.

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10.Walls and Bridges (1974)

“In some respects, “Walls and Bridges” is John Lennon’s most fascinating solo project. Gone completely are Lennon’s activist tendencies. On this record, John is trying to figure his life out and where he is at the present time. It’s not what makes him feel good. There’s just as much of him here as there was on “Plastic Ono Band”. What differentiates “Walls and Bridges” is that his soul mate isn’t by his side this time and the music isn’t stripped down in the slightest way. John’s dabbling more in contemporary black styles as his music base. In most cases, the force percolates underneath its sheen and the self-production works well the majority of the time.”

9.Approximately Infinite Universe (1973)

“A fabulous array of songs throughout, AIU succesfully explores artistic territory few other albums attempt. Yoko’s singing and trademark melodies are both sublime and awe-inspiring. And the songs range from space-rock to proto-punk/new wave to junkie torch songs, feminist stomps, suicide ballads, hopes and prayers, and beyond. There’s heart, humour and thoughtfulness here. It’s a fantastic listen all the way through, and stands the test of time for sure.”

8.Mind Games (1973)

“Quite marvelous. As with all John’s post Beatle material, give it a few listens and you’ll be totally hooked. A master of minimalism, John uses few chords and the band brings the music to life behind his trademark edgy vocals. Lyrically it’s not self-righteous or political, it’s about love and loss and commitment and all the better for it. ‘Somewhere in New York’ was hard edged and political and this feels very much like a well polished sequel.”

7.Some Time In New York City (1972)

“To my ears, and from my heart, this is Lennon’s best solo album.. passionate, inspired, and Yoko helps out a lot, with 2 stellar songs (we’re all water, and sisters o’ sisters).. I am bored silly hearing “Imagine” and “War is over..”, 2 feel-good songs that I never want to hear again! you’ll never tire of these tunes, because you’ll never hear them anywhere, except those times when you care to pop the cd into your player.”

6.Imagine (1971)

“The 120 page hardback book is a terrific read. With plenty of previously unseen photos, it gives an over view of the album before giving a detailed insight into each track, as well as the five extra songs. And some of the lyrics of ‘Imagine’ itself don’t mean what you might think. There’s also information on the elements mixes, raw mixes, etc. and a handy 5.1 surround sound map. This insight helps you hear things in the songs you would certainly have missed – the stand up base on ‘Crippled Inside’, for instance, is played by someone hitting the strings with drumsticks to make it sound like a tin can. Lennon’s interview with Elliot Mintz is reproduced in full.”

See More: The Beatles

5.Plastic Ono Band (1970)

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“This is a raw, edgy, and angst-ridden solo album from John Lennon, his first “proper” solo piece of work. Lennon explores all sorts of mother and parental issues, anxiety about relationships, and some cynical, political protest thrown in. It is musically basic – guitar, bass, and drums for the most part with occasional piano and keyboards. Its sparse sound adds to its appeal for me, I always found parts of “Imagine” to be somewhat over-orchestrated. Old mate Ringo Starr is on drums throughout, giving it considerable gravitas.”

4.Live Peace in Toronto (1969)

“The song selection is excellent, with the band kicking ass on Blue Suede Shoes, the great Beatles’ number Yer Blues, Give Peace a Chance (which sounds better than the studio version), but the real treasure (and the reason I bought the album in the first place) is side two, which is when Yoko comes in. They do an excellent cover of Don’t Worry Kyoko, then kick into an epic, free form meltdown called John, John (Let’s Hope for Peace). It’s a great Yoko epic, surreal, vivid, memorable, and typical of her experimentation at this time. The crowd does applaud at the end of the numbers, even John, John, which runs 12 1/2 minutes.”

3.Wedding Album (1969)

“The John & Yoko experiences always took some getting used to. You either enjoy John’s demos and outtakes or you listen once and never again. Bought this because as far as I know, it’s the 1st time on CD. It’s cool to have the miniature cover art and the contents from the LP are all here in smaller form. I’m not going to open mine as it’s not something I’d listen to these days. Novelty stuff. Add it to the collection, which is a reason enough to buy it. I suspect they will become somewhat rare someday. Recommended.”

2.Unfinished Music No.2: Life with The Lions (1969)

“The first work of fourplay sponsored by BOB JAMES included a song that was very conscious of Bali Island. In fact, when I go to Bali and listen to fourplay songs, I remember that the image that made his song coincided with the actual Bali Island. I felt the consciousness of composing at that time in this album. I haven’t been to China yet, so I heard this album and got the illusion of a trip to Shanghai. It’s like a wind from a new blowing continent.”

1.Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins (1968)

“So I’m especially glad for this re-release. It’s good quality. The included booklets and poster are nicely done. The sound of the record is magnificent and strange. It’s not for everybody. It’s probably not even for most people. But it’s a bold and well executed experiment from what seemed initially like an unlikely source.”