My List 11. Unfinished Music No.2: Life With The Lions 10. Wedding Album 9. Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins 8. Some Time In New York City 7. Rock ‘n’ Roll 6. Milk And Honey 5. Double Fantasy 4. Mind Games 3. Walls and Bridges 2. Imagine 1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Funny story for ya. Back in December of 1970, a bunch of us went to the used/new record store (back when new albums were $3 and used vinyl was $1). My friend was looking for the brand new John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band album. As soon as we walked in, he sees it and buys it as fast as he can. He was so excited about hearing it, that he asked the clerk if he would play it for him. He said certainly, and instantly coming out of the speakers was a bunch of idiotic yodeling & screaming. He then realized that he had purchased, by mistake, Yoko Ono - Plastic Ono Band. The 2 albums have near identical covers, unfortunately for him. He asked if he could get a refund, and the clerk replied, no but we pay 50 cents for used albums. In great pain he said, I'll take it ! 3 dollars turned into 50 cents in a couple of minutes. The rest of us laughed until we were sick ! Not a good day for him !
7. Some Time in New York City 6. Rock and Roll 5. Walls & Bridges (I like the Menlove Ave. Versions better) 4. Mind Games 3. Double Fantasy/ Mill & Honey 2. Imagine 1. Plastc Ono Band
I happen to like "Rock'N'Roll",even though it's a covers album.John's version of "Stand By Me" is better than the original version by Ben E.King,to be honest. Double Fantasy is also a favourite,even though it's tragically John's last before he was killed.Who knows how much further he could have gone?There's not a dud track on it.
"Beef Jerky" might not be the greatest song in and of itself, I do understand your sentiments there. But as a Beatles fan, it's *very* significant, because it was clearly a response to "Let Me Roll It". After having watched them musically shred each other with songs such as "Too Many People" and "How Do You Sleep?" just a few years previous -- songs that just made fans despair -- it was amazing to see/hear this obvious change for the good. As such, "Beef Jerky" was, for me, one of the most astounding moments on the entire album.
Walls and bridges was written and recorded after the recording of Rock N Roll, there's interesting story behind it, Phil Specter stole the album and ran for over the year, thus it was released after Walls and Bridges :)
Interesting that you needed the re-master to pick up on the "cookie" moment. It was always big for me, but it became *huge* when Ringo referenced it on "Early 1970". That raised it up and put it on a pedestal for me, one from which it's never come down again.
Hi Andrew, I certainly agree about the top 3 choices! Good call with hilighting the 2002 remix of Mind Games. Though I accept that John loved Yoko can you imagine how good Double Fantasy would have been if it contained only John material.(say his songs from Milk and Honey). I have just purchased the complete Lost Lennon tapes which I highly recommend.Can get cheap from a seller on eBay. Thanks for mentioning Relic records in Leeds that I recently checked out.Cheers
I think I need to put together a Double Fantasy/Milk & Honey John only playlist, see how that plays (Might even do a Yoko one for balance! 😀) That 2002 remix of is so much better than any other version I've heard, I also think last year's Imagine remix is the best I've ever heard it.
I read that the R&R album was a business issue. I believe he owed another album contractually to Dick James (?). So he did not have his heart in it. Another item; I was at that Elton concert in November 1974 where Lennon was a surprise guest. Elton asked him to be there but Lennon agreed if their duet, Whatever Gets You Through the Night made No. 1. It did and it was an unforgettable night.
I’d switch the top two but other than that I agree. Plastic Ono band is my favourite and mother is my favourite Lennon song. You’re right it’s difficult to listen to but great music can have an impact on you like that. It’s a haunting but beautiful song
Great video. I agreed with all your choices except that I would flip the 1st and 2nd selections. I've always thought that POB is the best solo album in rock n' roll, and easily the finest Beatles solo album.
Yea, I cannot believe anyone who actually listened to the albums would say Some Time in NYC is better than Mind Games or Rock 'n' Roll. In fact, during the 70s and 80s, Some Time in NYC was considered to be one of the worst albums by any of the solo Beatles (well, maybe except for Ringo), borderline unlistenable except for the song 'New York City'.
I'm glad you didn't put Some Time in New York City the last spot. I think it's one of his best. Unpolished charm at its finest, and by far the grooviest of his work in the '70s. It's not like its politics were untimely. He saw it as his responsibility to call attention to the pressing issues at hand, and he did so with a great deal of specification. Sure beats the general "wokeness" of today's culture, and (most importantly) the songs didn't suffer for it. Those tracks (especially with that gritty production) were built for revolution.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll album was only made due to it being part of a legal settlement with Chuck Berry (coz John stole melody and lyrics for Come Together). It’s also why there are more Chuck Berry songs on that album than other artists.
@@dinnerwithgreedo Not true, John had wanted to make this for a while, he only added a couple of Morris Levy's songs to fulfill a settlement over his lawsuit. Rock 'n' Roll was going to be made regardless of the lawsuit, it wasn't made because of it.
I am in complete agreement with your order, although I would put Plastic Ono Band at 1 and Imagine at 2, but there's not much in it. Imagine is certainly more melodic, and accessible. "It's So Hard" and "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" are definitely the weakest moments, although I still like them. Plastic Ono Band is a little more consistent, for me. If the listener can get into the primal scream it is great! I know it wasn't to everyone's taste, or the general sombre mood. I don't think John sang rock 'n' roll as well as he did in his early Beatles days. To my ears his voice is noticeably thinner by 1973-75. "Stand By Me" indeed was the highlight. Walls And Bridges does seem slightly Americanised with the funky sounds of "What You Got" and the like. It also sounds a little aor in places, on tracks like "Scared" and "Bless You" which I think again has a slight American lilt about them.
Double fanasty was John's return too enjoying making music again all his songs and milk and honey showed everyone his return was gonna be huge not only his recordings but just think when Julian was ready to start recording wow you know he would have been right there plus the same for Sean plus a get back with a Beatles reunion would have been monumental
Such a pity there's so little of them, but let's see. The studio ones: 8. Milk and Honey 7. Some Time in New York City (1st LP) 6. Rock'n'Roll 5. Mind Games 4. Imagine 3. Walls And Bridges 2. Double Fantasy 1. John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band As for the live releases those would be: 3. Live Peace In Toronto 1969 2. Live Jam (bonus LP to STINYC) 1. Live in New York City (1986) As for the dreaded experimental stuff, those are: 3. Life With The Lions (1969) 2. Two Virgins (1968) 1. The Wedding Album (1969) The archive releases: 3. Acoustic (2004) 2. Menlove Ave (1986) 1. The John Lennon Anthology (1998) And finally - the compilations: 3. Shaved Fish (1975) 2. Lennon Legend (1997) 1. Working Class Hero (2005)
@@AndrewDixonMusic Oh, I've completely forgot about that release, thank you. Well, that was an interesting collection for its time, really. And the early 'guitar' version of "Real Love" opened it. Didn't listen to that collection for a long time. That one had got some unic mixes as far as I'm concerned, hadn't it?
Think you’re right about “Walls & Bridges” having an American vibe. There’s kind of a Soul inspiration on it, which I remember as something we Europeans heard as a very US kind of way to play Rock. Although The Stones and others had already been dabbling with it for some time...
1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band 2. Imagine 3. Double Fantasy 4. Mind Games 5. Walls and Bridges 6. Milk and Honey 7. Rock 'N' Roll 8. Some Time in New York City
John recorded the songs on Milk and Honey during the Double Fantasy sessions. It is his final album just like the also posthumously released Brainwashed is for George Harrison. Milk and Honey really should have been included in your ranking. John's songs on this album are really good! "I Don't Want To Face It" would have sounded great live in concert.
I have allways loved the way John used his emotions when he sings I get every lyric he sings from tock n. Roll to angelic all albums are interesting to listen to
I agree: "Walls & Bridges" does sound American. Not too sure about "Imagine", TBH and I think "Mind games" is underrated. He under-achieved as a solo artist, IMO.
Underachieved with Cold Turkey, Instant Karma, Working Class Hero, Imagine, Gimme Some Truth, Mind Games, Nobody Loves You, I'm Losing You, Nobody Told Me - gosh, I'd like to underachieve with those songs!
I agree with everything you say, and the order, too, although I would put the Plastic Ono Band and Imagine the other way round. Yes, Walls And Bridges does have an American feel - there are some funk influences in places.
John Lennon is my third favourite solo Beatle, and though I enjoy his solo work I've never bonded strongly with parts of it. I love Meat City from Mind Games, it's not exactly a great song but it's dirty and raunchy as hell. Obviously John was cut down in his prime, and I'm sure he would have gone on to great things in the eighties and beyond. Nice to see hear Sometime in New York City being defended for once. Do you know Yoko's album Season of Glass? I just got hold of a copy recently and I've really been enjoying it. I totally agree with your top two choices, and I'd probably have them in the same order. Cheers, James
Cheers James! Yeah I certainly don't want to claim Sometime In New York City as some kind of masterpiece but also I think it's very harshly treated some times. I just enjoy it! Not heard that Yoko album, I've got her version of Plastic Ono Band and also Fly. Also got dodgy MP3 of Yes, I'm A Witch which I find fun. Will have to check out Season of Glass!
@@AndrewDixonMusic It's the album she made right after John's death. Think it came out in May '81. It's pretty raw emotionally! There's a demo of one of the songs on TH-cam, which is just her recording her voice into a dictaphone at the Dakota apartment, hours after John's death.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Blimey! I am particularly interested in those parts of her career in which John was present but this sounds like it's certainly "part of that story" so I should definitely check it out!
Certainly wasn't in his prime when he died. He might have gone on to put out some real junk. DF has some good songs but was ruined by Jack Douglas and Lennons production. It's just soppy and over produced. Something John criticized George Martin of doing. Surprisingly, Yoko's stuff sounds fresher in 2020 then Lennons. I can't bear to hear it now for obvious reasons.
Plastic One Band #1 ( huge Lennon Fan, I had Life with the Lions, Wedding Album, Live Peace) Imagine #2 Sometime in New York #3 Walls and Bridges #4 Mind Games #5 I think of all the Beatles after the break up John suffered the most musically. Yoko was not Paul no doubt. I think what he heard of the “New Wave” bands of the time brought him back to making music again. Too bad he didn’t live to collaborate with others during the 80’s. I wish he would have stayed in England also. He got caught up in our Political jumbo gumbo and the so called Radicals of the time. Lennon had the best voice in Rock n Roll History.
New York number 3, interesting! I've taken loads of grief on this for not putting that album last, but I think there's plenty to enjoy there even though it gets a bit political.
Walls and Bridges is my fave. Rock n Roll would have been better if he had recorded Just Because straight without all the chatter. What a great song, and a great version once he gets around to it.
I'm another person who thinks John's solo career underwhelms. While I think he is the greatest creative force in the Beatles up to about 1967, his later Beatles work was pretty good, but his solo career was disappointing. He got the idea in his solo career that you had to write about your personal experience and I think that was a terrible straight jacket for his creativity. Walls and Bridges is the only album that tried to break out of that mould and it was a bit too unhappy to be a complete success, still for me that is his most promising solo album. POB I think is very over rated, sure it's powerful but lyrically I think it's almost teenage in its angst. After Walls and Bridges, I think John is best listened to on compilations, all the other Beatles have great albums that you go back to not so with John for me.
Yes he painted himself into a corner, until double fantasy...he restricted his creativity, I hope the new remasters improve his solo albums, he should have made a lot more....
Hi Andrew. My list: 7. Rock And Roll 6. Double Fantasy 5. Some Time In New York City 4. Mind Games 3. Walls And Bridges 2. Imagine 1. Plastic Ono Band A little different than your list. I can understand your rating, liistening to you reviewing the albums. In my opinion Rock And Roll is an album he should not have released. I do not like the production and his choice of songs. Double Fantasy is just a half album. If he had released this album as just a John Lennon album, combined with his songs of Milk And Honey, it would have been a classic. And maybe it needed a little less 80ties production, although they were recorded in 1980, just the start of the 80ties production sound. I think his songs on Some Time In New York City are strong ones. Yoko's songs I like better than her songs on Double Fantasy. Mind Games is a good album with no classics, but overall a more than average level. IWalls And Bridges is a great album. Old Dirt Road and Nobody Loves When You're Down And Out are the best in my opinion. Imagine is a classic. I think there is no explanation needed. Plastic Ono Band is his most honest album. It is John Lennon ..... Naked. But I need to say, sometimes I doubt his honesty. Was it his honesty or Yoko's? POB for sure was his. WAB as well. I have doubts on STINYC. But again, a good video. And a Bob Dylan top 10 or George Harrison list would be nice.
My ranking is the following: 7.some time in New York City 6.rock and roll 5.walls and bridges 4.Plastic Ono band 3.mind games 2.Double fantasy (I like milk and honey more tho) 1.Imagine
7. Rock and Roll 6. Some Time in NYC 5. Mind Games (I prefer the non falsetto version of One Day at a Time but there's a lot of songs I like on here.) 4. Imagine 3. Double Fantasy/ Milk and Honey 2. Walls and Bridges (I hope this gets a collector's edition one day with alternate takes and the quad mix.) 1. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band
“Rock’n’Roll” was started because of Mo Levy’s lawsuit which resulted from John using a line & the melody in “Come Together” from Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me”. John agreed to record 4 songs from Levy’s publishing company. I think he enjoyed it so much he decided to record a full LP of covers. As someone else said, that LP was started before “Walls & Bridges” but Spector stole the tapes. I don’t think that John was running out of ideas especially when you look at the quality of songs on “Walls & Bridges”. I think that after the commercial & critical failure of “Sometime in NYC” he backed off his more radical views. TBH protest songs were out of fashion by the mid 70’s, so I think that (as well as his separation from Yoko)accounted for his change of direction.
I agree with and respect your views, Andrew Dixon though would put Mind Games over Sometime. .. any day !!! Thank you for your GREAT programs and all the BEST !!!
What is your opinion as to what is the best-sounding master of John Lennon's albums? The 2010 Signature Collection has quite a different mastering than the releases from the mid 2000s. What do you consider to be the definitive/best versions?
Other people might have a different opinion but I think the latest 2010 remasters for Lennon are the best. However, for Mind Games, the remix from the early 2000s is way better than any other version.
Plastic Ono Band and Imagine are great records. Some moments on walls and bridges, Mind Games and Double Fantasy. His solo work is generally underwhelming after 1971, given the talent he had.
I like mind games. It would be in the the top five for me. Imagine at one, plastic ono band at two. I don't care for rock and roll or Sometime in New York city.
Andrew, what is the status of Milk and Honey, the posthumous sequel to Double Fantasy? I understand why you don’t include it in your ranking, but is it still available? Are any tracks included in any recent anthology of sorts?
Hi, yes it's still available to buy. I think there's a couple of songs from it on the recent Gimme Some Truth box: Nobody Told Me and Grow Old With Me (different version though)
John 1980 songs are the best. If he'd recorded a solo album in 1980, it would have been brilliant. His final demos were brilliant as well. mind Games and walls and bridges are good, but semi depressing.....
For me Mind Games is second after Imagine. Its bad sounding (compared it to the warm and open sound of Walls and Bridges), so i hope it gets a total re-mix, and a surround version, to open up the songs.
Pretty much agree, especially with the top 4! I could not help but notice the Blur 1997 cover in the back! Fantastic lp, you always look after your 'decoration'😉.
Isolation as got to be a giant of a song for me the emotions in the mans body shout out at me I agree with you John loved yoko and I like her she’s part of the Beatles history
8. Milk and Honey 7. Some Time in New York City 6. Rock 'n' Roll 5. Double Fantasy 4. Mind Games 3. Walls And Bridges 2. Imagine 1. John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band
I love Lennon, but his solo albums were generally not that good - they all have a mood to them that is not particularly a fun place to be. Very much the antithesis of what the Beatles were. Plastic Ono Band is a masterpiece that I probably haven't played in over 20 years because it's so depressing. Do we need that in our lives? Perhaps we do, from time to time. But it tends to be too heavy, too much angst, anger and sorrow. All important emotions, but many of his records don't get past that, don't take on other emotions to balance it out, which makes me think he really wasn't enjoying his life much during the years those records were made - except Double Fantasy, where the clouds have lifted and life seems much more bearable. OH HOW I WISH he had lived longer, chances are the music was going to show him in a happier place.
Believe it or not, that kind of mood comes from a real place, and real stuff of the sort is what makes music good. By that definition, that makes Pink Floyd not very good at all, which everyone knows is not true! John's music is good, because it's REAL!!!
I 100% agree, with the exception of Walls and Bridges that I absolutely love. I think being away from that heroine harpy for a year and a half helped John rediscover himself, until his old buddy Paul McCartney helped sabotage, I mean helped him rekindle his romance with the beast. 😕
I totally disagree with you I think that John Lennon’s music was always beautiful but I do agree that he shud had lived longer not only because I love him but also so that he could have showed people like you that he is better than any musician in the world I think that it is McCartney who hasn’t made anything good after the Beatles I end this by saying that there will never be anybody in this world better then John Lennon He has the most beautiful voice in the world and he was amazing in everything he did
1John Lennon( because of John's bared soul) 2Imagine (because of Give me Some Truth, I don't Wanna be..Do the Oz, the production) 3Mind Games( Aisumasen, I know, Meat City, an intense,upbeat album, badly produced) 4Walls and Bridges(downbeat,but it has Beef Jerky) 4= R&R(upbeat nostalgia/sentimental journey) 5 Menlove Ave( mad/unplugged outtakes from the previous two) The rest I know not, except the singles. I think he went to seed after 1975..sorry, aisumasen..
BS about Yoko's contributions of ANYTHING she did. If it weren't for John she could only sell albums to her friends and family...similar to someone starting out selling insurance. Cmon now.
@@AndrewDixonMusic Sure (and I'm counting all "studio" releases, from least to best: Two Virgins, Wedding Album, Life with the Lions, Sometime in NYC, Milk and Honey, Double Fantasy, Imagine, Walls and Bridges, Mind Games, Rock N Roll, Plastic Ono Band
@@AndrewDixonMusic I see....what would you rate it though? I think it's only better than Sometime in New York City and possibly Rock 'N Roll... I really think at least 'I'm Stepping Out' and 'Nobody Told Me' are pretty good songs! Probably 'I Don't Wanna Face It' too actually.
My List
11. Unfinished Music No.2: Life With The Lions
10. Wedding Album
9. Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins
8. Some Time In New York City
7. Rock ‘n’ Roll
6. Milk And Honey
5. Double Fantasy
4. Mind Games
3. Walls and Bridges
2. Imagine
1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Funny story for ya. Back in December of 1970, a bunch of us went to the used/new record store (back when new albums were $3 and used vinyl was $1). My friend was looking for the brand new John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band album. As soon as we walked in, he sees it and buys it as fast as he can. He was so excited about hearing it, that he asked the clerk if he would play it for him. He said certainly, and instantly coming out of the speakers was a bunch of idiotic yodeling & screaming. He then realized that he had purchased, by mistake, Yoko Ono - Plastic Ono Band. The 2 albums have near identical covers, unfortunately for him. He asked if he could get a refund, and the clerk replied, no but we pay 50 cents for used albums. In great pain he said, I'll take it ! 3 dollars turned into 50 cents in a couple of minutes. The rest of us laughed until we were sick ! Not a good day for him !
Ouch! I'll bet a few people have bought the wrong version over the years. Might have been worth something now if he'd kept it!
@@AndrewDixonMusic American Band Mad Season done a great Rock version of I Don't wanna be a soldier th-cam.com/video/HetrrBZl888/w-d-xo.html
7: Some Time In New York City
6: Rock ‘n’ Roll
5: Mind Games
4: Double Fantasy
3: Walls And Bridges
2: Imagine
1: Plastic Ono Band
7. Some Time in New York City
6. Rock and Roll
5. Walls & Bridges (I like the Menlove Ave. Versions better)
4. Mind Games
3. Double Fantasy/ Mill & Honey
2. Imagine
1. Plastc Ono Band
I happen to like "Rock'N'Roll",even though it's a covers album.John's version of "Stand By Me" is better than the original version by Ben E.King,to be honest.
Double Fantasy is also a favourite,even though it's tragically John's last before he was killed.Who knows how much further he could have gone?There's not a dud track on it.
"Beef Jerky" might not be the greatest song in and of itself, I do understand your sentiments there. But as a Beatles fan, it's *very* significant, because it was clearly a response to "Let Me Roll It". After having watched them musically shred each other with songs such as "Too Many People" and "How Do You Sleep?" just a few years previous -- songs that just made fans despair -- it was amazing to see/hear this obvious change for the good. As such, "Beef Jerky" was, for me, one of the most astounding moments on the entire album.
Walls and bridges was written and recorded after the recording of Rock N Roll, there's interesting story behind it, Phil Specter stole the album and ran for over the year, thus it was released after Walls and Bridges :)
Not exactly. It only started before Walls And Bridges.
Interesting that you needed the re-master to pick up on the "cookie" moment. It was always big for me, but it became *huge* when Ringo referenced it on "Early 1970". That raised it up and put it on a pedestal for me, one from which it's never come down again.
7. Rock N Roll
6. Some Time In New York City
5. Walls And Bridges
4. Mind Games
3. Imagine
2. Plastic Ono Band
1. Double Fantasy
7. Some time
6. R&R
5. DF
4. MG
3. WB
2. I
1.POB
Hi Andrew, I certainly agree about the top 3 choices! Good call with hilighting the 2002 remix of Mind Games. Though I accept that John loved Yoko can you imagine how good Double Fantasy would have been if it contained only John material.(say his songs from Milk and Honey). I have just purchased the complete Lost Lennon tapes which I highly recommend.Can get cheap from a seller on eBay. Thanks for mentioning Relic records in Leeds that I recently checked out.Cheers
I think I need to put together a Double Fantasy/Milk & Honey John only playlist, see how that plays (Might even do a Yoko one for balance! 😀) That 2002 remix of is so much better than any other version I've heard, I also think last year's Imagine remix is the best I've ever heard it.
I read that the R&R album was a business issue. I believe he owed another album contractually to Dick James (?). So he did not have his heart in it. Another item; I was at that Elton concert in November 1974 where Lennon was a surprise guest. Elton asked him to be there but Lennon agreed if their duet, Whatever Gets You Through the Night made No. 1. It did and it was an unforgettable night.
Great gig to be at! And the night John got back with Yoko....
I’d switch the top two but other than that I agree.
Plastic Ono band is my favourite and mother is my favourite Lennon song. You’re right it’s difficult to listen to but great music can have an impact on you like that. It’s a haunting but beautiful song
Great video. I agreed with all your choices except that I would flip the 1st and 2nd selections. I've always thought that POB is the best solo album in rock n' roll, and easily the finest Beatles solo album.
Hmmm, picking Somewhere in NYC over Rock 'n' Roll and Mind Games? Hard to take this seriously.
Yea, I cannot believe anyone who actually listened to the albums would say Some Time in NYC is better than Mind Games or Rock 'n' Roll. In fact, during the 70s and 80s, Some Time in NYC was considered to be one of the worst albums by any of the solo Beatles (well, maybe except for Ringo), borderline unlistenable except for the song 'New York City'.
I'm glad you didn't put Some Time in New York City the last spot. I think it's one of his best. Unpolished charm at its finest, and by far the grooviest of his work in the '70s. It's not like its politics were untimely. He saw it as his responsibility to call attention to the pressing issues at hand, and he did so with a great deal of specification. Sure beats the general "wokeness" of today's culture, and (most importantly) the songs didn't suffer for it. Those tracks (especially with that gritty production) were built for revolution.
This video really got me looking for my Lennon cds again, crippled inside is a excellent song from Imagine, excellent albums. Great video
What's your Lennon album rankings? Let's hear 'em!
The Rock ‘n’ Roll album was only made due to it being part of a legal settlement with Chuck Berry (coz John stole melody and lyrics for Come Together).
It’s also why there are more Chuck Berry songs on that album than other artists.
@@dinnerwithgreedo Not true, John had wanted to make this for a while, he only added a couple of Morris Levy's songs to fulfill a settlement over his lawsuit. Rock 'n' Roll was going to be made regardless of the lawsuit, it wasn't made because of it.
I am in complete agreement with your order, although I would put Plastic Ono Band at 1 and Imagine at 2, but there's not much in it. Imagine is certainly more melodic, and accessible. "It's So Hard" and "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" are definitely the weakest moments, although I still like them. Plastic Ono Band is a little more consistent, for me. If the listener can get into the primal scream it is great! I know it wasn't to everyone's taste, or the general sombre mood.
I don't think John sang rock 'n' roll as well as he did in his early Beatles days. To my ears his voice is noticeably thinner by 1973-75. "Stand By Me" indeed was the highlight.
Walls And Bridges does seem slightly Americanised with the funky sounds of "What You Got" and the like. It also sounds a little aor in places, on tracks like "Scared" and "Bless You" which I think again has a slight American lilt about them.
Double fanasty was John's return too enjoying making music again all his songs and milk and honey showed everyone his return was gonna be huge not only his recordings but just think when Julian was ready to start recording wow you know he would have been right there plus the same for Sean plus a get back with a Beatles reunion would have been monumental
Such a pity there's so little of them, but let's see. The studio ones:
8. Milk and Honey
7. Some Time in New York City (1st LP)
6. Rock'n'Roll
5. Mind Games
4. Imagine
3. Walls And Bridges
2. Double Fantasy
1. John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band
As for the live releases those would be:
3. Live Peace In Toronto 1969
2. Live Jam (bonus LP to STINYC)
1. Live in New York City (1986)
As for the dreaded experimental stuff, those are:
3. Life With The Lions (1969)
2. Two Virgins (1968)
1. The Wedding Album (1969)
The archive releases:
3. Acoustic (2004)
2. Menlove Ave (1986)
1. The John Lennon Anthology (1998)
And finally - the compilations:
3. Shaved Fish (1975)
2. Lennon Legend (1997)
1. Working Class Hero (2005)
Great overview! I know it doesn't fit in to your categories, but how do you feel about the Imagine soundtrack album from the 80s?
@@AndrewDixonMusic Oh, I've completely forgot about that release, thank you. Well, that was an interesting collection for its time, really. And the early 'guitar' version of "Real Love" opened it. Didn't listen to that collection for a long time. That one had got some unic mixes as far as I'm concerned, hadn't it?
Think you’re right about “Walls & Bridges” having an American vibe. There’s kind of a Soul inspiration on it, which I remember as something we Europeans heard as a very US kind of way to play Rock.
Although The Stones and others had already been dabbling with it for some time...
Double Fantasy is one of my favourites too,there aren't really any weak tracks on it to speak of.
1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
2. Imagine
3. Double Fantasy
4. Mind Games
5. Walls and Bridges
6. Milk and Honey
7. Rock 'N' Roll
8. Some Time in New York City
John recorded the songs on Milk and Honey during the Double Fantasy sessions. It is his final album just like the also posthumously released Brainwashed is for George Harrison. Milk and Honey really should have been included in your ranking. John's songs on this album are really good! "I Don't Want To Face It" would have sounded great live in concert.
Jealous Guy= Child of nature...not Rishikesh song; that is a different song from 79...
I have allways loved the way John used his emotions when he sings I get every lyric he sings from tock n. Roll to angelic all albums are interesting to listen to
The best thing about Rock n Roll is the front cover, I agree with u on all accounts
I think Paul definitely wins the battle of the rock n roll cover albums!
@@AndrewDixonMusic well Paul is on the cover of John's Rock n Roll album, along with George and Stu although blurred enough to be unrecognisable.
I agree: "Walls & Bridges" does sound American. Not too sure about "Imagine", TBH and I think "Mind games" is underrated. He under-achieved as a solo artist, IMO.
Underachieved with Cold Turkey, Instant Karma, Working Class Hero, Imagine, Gimme Some Truth, Mind Games, Nobody Loves You, I'm Losing You, Nobody Told Me - gosh, I'd like to underachieve with those songs!
Cool, I get why you put them in this order
John famously had to leave the stage to be sick during "Whatever Gets You Thru' The Night",he was so nervous,having to perform live again.
I agree with everything you say, and the order, too, although I would put the Plastic Ono Band and Imagine the other way round. Yes, Walls And Bridges does have an American feel - there are some funk influences in places.
John Lennon is my third favourite solo Beatle, and though I enjoy his solo work I've never bonded strongly with parts of it. I love Meat City from Mind Games, it's not exactly a great song but it's dirty and raunchy as hell. Obviously John was cut down in his prime, and I'm sure he would have gone on to great things in the eighties and beyond. Nice to see hear Sometime in New York City being defended for once. Do you know Yoko's album Season of Glass? I just got hold of a copy recently and I've really been enjoying it. I totally agree with your top two choices, and I'd probably have them in the same order. Cheers, James
Cheers James! Yeah I certainly don't want to claim Sometime In New York City as some kind of masterpiece but also I think it's very harshly treated some times. I just enjoy it! Not heard that Yoko album, I've got her version of Plastic Ono Band and also Fly. Also got dodgy MP3 of Yes, I'm A Witch which I find fun. Will have to check out Season of Glass!
@@AndrewDixonMusic It's the album she made right after John's death. Think it came out in May '81. It's pretty raw emotionally! There's a demo of one of the songs on TH-cam, which is just her recording her voice into a dictaphone at the Dakota apartment, hours after John's death.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Blimey! I am particularly interested in those parts of her career in which John was present but this sounds like it's certainly "part of that story" so I should definitely check it out!
Certainly wasn't in his prime when he died. He might have gone on to put out some real junk. DF has some good songs but was ruined by Jack Douglas and Lennons production. It's just soppy and over produced. Something John criticized George Martin of doing. Surprisingly, Yoko's stuff sounds fresher in 2020 then Lennons. I can't bear to hear it now for obvious reasons.
@@tonywillans7556 🤡
Plastic One Band #1 ( huge Lennon Fan, I had Life with the Lions, Wedding Album, Live Peace)
Imagine #2
Sometime in New York #3
Walls and Bridges #4
Mind Games #5
I think of all the Beatles after the break up John suffered the most musically. Yoko was not Paul no doubt. I think what he heard of the “New Wave” bands of the time brought him back to making music again. Too bad he didn’t live to collaborate with others during the 80’s. I wish he would have stayed in England also. He got caught up in our Political jumbo gumbo and the so called Radicals of the time. Lennon had the best voice in Rock n Roll History.
New York number 3, interesting! I've taken loads of grief on this for not putting that album last, but I think there's plenty to enjoy there even though it gets a bit political.
Andrew Dixon , I guess I like it because I’m Political. More so now with Trump.
Walls and Bridges is my fave. Rock n Roll would have been better if he had recorded Just Because straight without all the chatter. What a great song, and a great version once he gets around to it.
I'm another person who thinks John's solo career underwhelms. While I think he is the greatest creative force in the Beatles up to about 1967, his later Beatles work was pretty good, but his solo career was disappointing. He got the idea in his solo career that you had to write about your personal experience and I think that was a terrible straight jacket for his creativity. Walls and Bridges is the only album that tried to break out of that mould and it was a bit too unhappy to be a complete success, still for me that is his most promising solo album. POB I think is very over rated, sure it's powerful but lyrically I think it's almost teenage in its angst. After Walls and Bridges, I think John is best listened to on compilations, all the other Beatles have great albums that you go back to not so with John for me.
Yes he painted himself into a corner, until double fantasy...he restricted his creativity, I hope the new remasters improve his solo albums, he should have made a lot more....
Hi Andrew.
My list:
7. Rock And Roll
6. Double Fantasy
5. Some Time In New York City
4. Mind Games
3. Walls And Bridges
2. Imagine
1. Plastic Ono Band
A little different than your list.
I can understand your rating, liistening to you reviewing the albums.
In my opinion Rock And Roll is an album he should not have released. I do not like the production and his choice of songs.
Double Fantasy is just a half album. If he had released this album as just a John Lennon album, combined with his songs of Milk And Honey, it would have been a classic. And maybe it needed a little less 80ties production, although they were recorded in 1980, just the start of the 80ties production sound.
I think his songs on Some Time In New York City are strong ones. Yoko's songs I like better than her songs on Double Fantasy.
Mind Games is a good album with no classics, but overall a more than average level.
IWalls And Bridges is a great album. Old Dirt Road and Nobody Loves When You're Down And Out are the best in my opinion.
Imagine is a classic. I think there is no explanation needed.
Plastic Ono Band is his most honest album. It is John Lennon ..... Naked.
But I need to say, sometimes I doubt his honesty. Was it his honesty or Yoko's?
POB for sure was his. WAB as well.
I have doubts on STINYC.
But again, a good video.
And a Bob Dylan top 10 or George Harrison list would be nice.
HI Pe, great comment! A different list but not massively. Bob and George are both coming at some point, no doubts there!
My ranking is the following:
7.some time in New York City
6.rock and roll
5.walls and bridges
4.Plastic Ono band
3.mind games
2.Double fantasy
(I like milk and honey more tho)
1.Imagine
7. Rock and Roll
6. Some Time in NYC
5. Mind Games (I prefer the non falsetto version of One Day at a Time but there's a lot of songs I like on here.)
4. Imagine
3. Double Fantasy/ Milk and Honey
2. Walls and Bridges (I hope this gets a collector's edition one day with alternate takes and the quad mix.)
1. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band
I'd also like to see a big Walls and Bridges box set!
“Rock’n’Roll” was started because of Mo Levy’s lawsuit which resulted from John using a line & the melody in “Come Together” from Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me”. John agreed to record 4 songs from Levy’s publishing company. I think he enjoyed it so much he decided to record a full LP of covers. As someone else said, that LP was started before “Walls & Bridges” but Spector stole the tapes. I don’t think that John was running out of ideas especially when you look at the quality of songs on “Walls & Bridges”. I think that after the commercial & critical failure of “Sometime in NYC” he backed off his more radical views. TBH protest songs were out of fashion by the mid 70’s, so I think that (as well as his separation from Yoko)accounted for his change of direction.
I agree with and respect your views, Andrew Dixon though would put Mind Games over Sometime.
.. any day !!! Thank you for your GREAT programs and all the BEST !!!
Thanks Christopher, I agree Mind Games is probably the better album, but I just seem to get to the end of STINYC having enjoyed it lots more!
What is your opinion as to what is the best-sounding master of John Lennon's albums? The 2010 Signature Collection has quite a different mastering than the releases from the mid 2000s. What do you consider to be the definitive/best versions?
Other people might have a different opinion but I think the latest 2010 remasters for Lennon are the best. However, for Mind Games, the remix from the early 2000s is way better than any other version.
@@AndrewDixonMusic Thank you for your valuable opinion. I'll keep that in mind!
That's because the Signature series were the original mixes, while 2000 to 2005 were all remixes.
What do you think about Lennon's single, Serve Yourself?
If you mean the home demo acoustic guitar version I think it's great, typical Lennon Scouse wit.
Plastic Ono Band and Imagine are great records. Some moments on walls and bridges, Mind Games and Double Fantasy. His solo work is generally underwhelming after 1971, given the talent he had.
I like mind games. It would be in the the top five for me. Imagine at one, plastic ono band at two. I don't care for rock and roll or Sometime in New York city.
The song "I Know (I Know)" from Mind Games has grown on me a lot lately.
Andrew, what is the status of Milk and Honey, the posthumous sequel to Double Fantasy? I understand why you don’t include it in your ranking, but is it still available? Are any tracks included in any recent anthology of sorts?
Hi, yes it's still available to buy. I think there's a couple of songs from it on the recent Gimme Some Truth box: Nobody Told Me and Grow Old With Me (different version though)
John had recovered his melodic edge in his last year....
I can't stop expecting to hear Gilbert Gottfried's voice. AFLAC!
I must admit that Plastic Ono Band is absolute masterpiece and any other Beatle album is not as great as first Lennon attempt.
John 1980 songs are the best. If he'd recorded a solo album in 1980, it would have been brilliant. His final demos were brilliant as well. mind Games and walls and bridges are good, but semi depressing.....
He did record a Solo album in 1980. Two in fact. Or does Yoko being on there mean it’s not solo.
John was brilliant on Milk and honey.......
For me Mind Games is second after Imagine. Its bad sounding (compared it to the warm and open sound of Walls and Bridges), so i hope it gets a total re-mix, and a surround version, to open up the songs.
I felt the 2002 remix of Mind Games was a massive improvement over the original mix, worth a listen if you've not heard it.
@@AndrewDixonMusic I never did. I think I have the 2010 remaster. Maybe that's the wrong one ...
Pretty much agree, especially with the top 4! I could not help but notice the Blur 1997 cover in the back! Fantastic lp, you always look after your 'decoration'😉.
Thank you! The best Blur album in my opinion....
@@AndrewDixonMusic my second best! Guess the first...Love them!
@@TheBitterSweetgr let's try
..... 13
@@AndrewDixonMusic ha ha ha 13 and Modern Life! I cannot make up my mind. So I take that as correct!😀
If in doubt always guess 13!
Isolation as got to be a giant of a song for me the emotions in the mans body shout out at me I agree with you John loved yoko and I like her she’s part of the Beatles history
Yoko should be on her own separate albums so that the few people who want to listen to her can do so and to spare the rest of us.
I think 'Steel and Glass' was targeting Allen Klein. John was somewhat disillusioned with Klein, to put it politely!
Double Fantasy was his most accessible album since Imagine.....as well as Double Fantasy..
8. Milk and Honey
7. Some Time in New York City
6. Rock 'n' Roll
5. Double Fantasy
4. Mind Games
3. Walls And Bridges
2. Imagine
1. John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band
1,Imagine
2,Plastic ono band
3,Walls and Bridges
4,Mind Games
5,Double Fantasy
6 Rock n Roll
7,Sometime in New York
2. Imagine 1. Plastic Ono Band Easy.
I love Lennon, but his solo albums were generally not that good - they all have a mood to them that is not particularly a fun place to be. Very much the antithesis of what the Beatles were. Plastic Ono Band is a masterpiece that I probably haven't played in over 20 years because it's so depressing. Do we need that in our lives? Perhaps we do, from time to time. But it tends to be too heavy, too much angst, anger and sorrow. All important emotions, but many of his records don't get past that, don't take on other emotions to balance it out, which makes me think he really wasn't enjoying his life much during the years those records were made - except Double Fantasy, where the clouds have lifted and life seems much more bearable. OH HOW I WISH he had lived longer, chances are the music was going to show him in a happier place.
I can't disagree with any of that!
Believe it or not, that kind of mood comes from a real place, and real stuff of the sort is what makes music good. By that definition, that makes Pink Floyd not very good at all, which everyone knows is not true! John's music is good, because it's REAL!!!
I 100% agree, with the exception of Walls and Bridges that I absolutely love. I think being away from that heroine harpy for a year and a half helped John rediscover himself, until his old buddy Paul McCartney helped sabotage, I mean helped him rekindle his romance with the beast. 😕
I totally disagree with you
I think that John Lennon’s music was always beautiful but I do agree that he shud had lived longer not only because I love him but also so that he could have showed people like you that he is better than any musician in the world
I think that it is McCartney who hasn’t made anything good after the Beatles
I end this by saying that there will never be anybody in this world better then John Lennon
He has the most beautiful voice in the world and he was amazing in everything he did
@@angiethebeatlesgirl228 I agree with you. Plastic Ono band is a masterpiece that will shine forever.
i wouild go as far to say god its best song ever
1. Rock n Roll
2. Walls and Bridges
3. Plastic Ono Band
4. Imagine
5. Mind Games
My top 5.
I know it's a weird ranking but I have a soft spot for the underrated albums just like Beatles for Sale or Empire Burlesque by Bob Dylan.
Your ranking is an articulation of mine.
1John Lennon( because of John's bared soul)
2Imagine (because of Give me Some Truth, I don't Wanna be..Do the Oz, the production)
3Mind Games( Aisumasen, I know, Meat City, an intense,upbeat album, badly produced)
4Walls and Bridges(downbeat,but it has Beef Jerky)
4= R&R(upbeat nostalgia/sentimental journey)
5 Menlove Ave( mad/unplugged outtakes from the previous two)
The rest I know not, except the singles. I think he went to seed after 1975..sorry, aisumasen..
Ozzy Osbourne took, Just because demo and turned it into a ballad...
Oh Yoko shud have been a single..inspired Bright side of the road..
It's a great, happy song, yes never thought about it being like bright side of the road but I see the similarities!
Sometime could be John solo, a good album...
For some reason i like Milk & Honey better than Double Fantasy...
You are correct about most people putting “Sometime in NYC” at the bottom. I say absolute shite along with “Press “, “Gone Troppo” and “Ringo the 4th”
Two virgins is his best album....
3:03
BS about Yoko's contributions of ANYTHING she did. If it weren't for John she could only sell albums to her friends and family...similar to someone starting out selling insurance. Cmon now.
I disagree 100% with your list.
And that's fine, so long as our own lists are right for us, then they're all right! What's your order?
@@AndrewDixonMusic Sure (and I'm counting all "studio" releases, from least to best: Two Virgins, Wedding Album, Life with the Lions, Sometime in NYC, Milk and Honey, Double Fantasy, Imagine, Walls and Bridges, Mind Games, Rock N Roll, Plastic Ono Band
try polish masterpiece NIEMEN ENIGMATIC
What about 'Milk and Honey' ?
I was just sticking to albums that John himself released 👍
@@AndrewDixonMusic I see....what would you rate it though? I think it's only better than Sometime in New York City and possibly Rock 'N Roll... I really think at least 'I'm Stepping Out' and 'Nobody Told Me' are pretty good songs! Probably 'I Don't Wanna Face It' too actually.
@@edmundstrunkis1886 I find it an enjoyable album. Some of the songs would ja e fitted very nicely on Double Fantasy. I'd probably rank it mid table.
7. Rock N Roll
6. Some Time In New York City
5. Walls And Bridges
4. Mind Games
3. Imagine
2. Plastic Ono Band
1. Double Fantasy