I got John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band for Christmas in 1970. Still think it's the best Beatles solo album. Simply Amazing and raw! All Things Must Pass is no.2. Band on the Run at 3. Imagine at 4. Ringo at 5.
That’s pretty much my order also. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 , BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
London Town and Back to the Egg are incredibly inconsistent and overall disappointing albums. You really think Famous Groupies, Girlfriend and Cuff Link are Paul at the top of his game?
Nice list. Those would all be in my top 10. RAM might be my number 1 also. I liked it from the first play and never understood the initial disdain it received. It picks up where he left off on White album and Abbey Road
My wife would agree with your #2 choice. When we were looking for a CD, all she could remember was that it was " the one with John and Yoko sitting under the tree'. But we found it, and got a copy. I would put Band on the Run in my top two. It had some great tunes! Great video!!
1.Band on the Run; 2.Ram; 3.All Things Must Pass; 4.Imagine; 5.Tug of War; 6.Venus and Mars; 7.Walls & Bridges; 8.Ringo; 9.McCartney; 10.Double Fantasy
1. Ram ( One of my favorite albums. one of the most underrated albums upon release. First time you listen to it you're like eh. the second time you like a couple songs. the third you love the shit out of it lol) 2. Band on the Run ( The album that gave Paul his much needed critical success) 3. All Things Must Pass ( Two problems i got with it is it being a triple album and Phil Spector but the songs are great) 4. Tug of War (First time i listened to it i was like eh, but now i listen to it constantly) 5. Imagine (Good album the title track is one of the greatest songs of all time) 6. Cloud 9 ( Good album. George came back hard after a 5 year retirement) 7. McCartney (I love this album. Maybe I'm Amazed is my favorite post Beatles song.) 8. Plastic Ono Band ( A little emotional for my tastes but it was a great album. Moster is my favorite Post Beatle Lennon song) 9. Egypt Station (I was a little reluctant to put this because it was released last year but i love it as it shows Paul is still going strong) 10. Ringo 1973 ( Great album from a guy who was at a lot of disadvantages)
Huge Macca fan however BTTE is my least favorite Wings album . Paul wasn't enamored w/ the release either. I wonder if it will see an archive release; he'll have to add some quality bonus tracks as well as a live DVD for me to buy it.
It was Christmas time and I was invited to a huge party at a farm house in Sherbrooke Quebec, with snow sleighs, bells and plenty of song. The host said he had a treat and played All Things Must Pass on his superb sound system, well I thought I had heard everything, and being a Beatle fan, I was blown away by the sound, everyone just couldn't believe it. After getting home from the outing, I went out and bought the album immediately, it was love at first sound. I've never looked back since and George never failed to deliver. Actually none of them ever did.
Mine would be: 1-All Things Must Pass 2-Plastic Ono Band 3-Living in the material world 4-Cloud Nine 5-Ram 6-Imagine 7-Flaming Pie 8-Caos and creating in the backyard 9-Band on the run 10-Ringo
George Harrison’s. All Things Must Pass is a MASTERPIECE!!!! Great song all though, to me, I’d of thrown Spector out, on his on his. Ass, along with with his “Wall ‘along with his Wall’s of Sound of Sound.
kim simmons I have mixed feelings o. That regard. I wish there was a Non-Spector version of that masterpiece. But I think it works fine with a few songs of the album.
All down to taste if I was rating them I'd have Band on the run, Ram, Imagine , all things must pass, and Plastic Ono Band as my top choices but going by which albums I play most it would be between Cloud Nine and Flaming Pie both produced by Jeff Lynne
Nice list John, all great albums but my list would look something like this: 10. Walls & Bridges 9. Memory Almost Full 8. Brainwashed 7. Tug of War 6. Cloud 9 5. NEW 4. RAM 3. Plastic Ono Band 2. All Things Must Pass 1. Band on the Run (Sorry Ringo)
10: Living in the Material World 9: Mind Games 8: Wings over America 7: Double Fantasy 6: RAM 5: All Things Must Pass 4: Imagine 3: Band on the Run 2: Walls and Bridges 1: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
I love London Town too. It's probably the solo Beatles album I have listened to the most (along with BOTR). It's also the first McCartney/Wings album I bought back in '78 when it came out. Great memories from my teenage years.
Thanks for the video, John. Some thoughts... firstly, I love it that BACK TO THE EGG got a position on the list.. it's one of my favorite Paul albums for sure, and grossly ignored. I like what you had to say for John's WALLS AND BRIDGES, and I completely agree word for word!.. I like GEORGE HARRISON a lot, but it is interesting to see you choose it as high as #2. Finally, seeing JL: POB as #1 is a really brave move for you as well as John, since it's such a downer, though brutally sincere and honest. Take Care!
Thanks Joe. I think this video was a bit controversial probably but some albums need more recognition. JL POB is just the best for me in terms of an artistic statement.
Hi john. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video. TH-cam didn't send me an alert like it normally does. Better late than never I guess. Well while my list would be different I can't find any fault with with your list as all of these have been in my ten the most. Was so happy to see self titled George in there. I love that album and does not get enough attention. Also was pleased to see back to the egg. Great list John :) take care mate
I agree with "Back to the Egg". Liked it when I first heard it - and still do. I know most people wouldn't agree. But I've always thought that "All Things Must Pass" is the best of the solo albums.
Nice choices John. I find myself looking forward to both yours and Mean Mr Mayo's newest reviews. Enjoyable to watch. About your choices, not bad. I really can't argue with any of them. George Harrison is my favorite of his. I might have put Ringo and Imagine higher. Also, I might have traded out Living in a Material World or Back to the Egg for Flaming Pie or Tug of War. Those Paul albums have really stuck with me over the years. Other than that, good choices. Any chance you might do a review of maybe your top 10 choices of favorite solo beatle album covers or packaging, or, maybe top 10 favorite solo Beatle singles(including the b-sides). Just a thought. Anyway, keep 'em coming.
Thanks. Flaming Pie is my favourite latter day Paul album for sure. I just prefer the band feel on Back To The Egg vs Tug Of War although the latter is also a classic. Album cover review...noted!
That's lost in BOTR's shadow unfairly. It's Paul's power-pop pinnacle for me, with new Wings Jimmy McCullough and Joe English giving the band a new identity.
The 80s kid that I am is at least thankful that you’ve listened to (my favorite McCartney offerings) Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, even if they’re not included here.
Couldn't agree more about No1. It is an absolute masterpiece and grossly underrated. It's true that you have to in the right kind of mood to listen to it.
I love these type of top ten list videos but it is hard for me at least to just pick ten.All great choices and I also like the inclusion of Back To The Egg.One of Paul's best,back to basic rock 'n roll.Thanks for sharing your collection.
I love your framed album. Very neat and attractive with the wide frame and in a row. Wings Over America has to be a milestone. Beaucoups of Blues has grown in popularity, I agree. Living in the Material World is a complex piece of music with a great cast. Imagine, such a wonderful album. Back to the Egg, wow, it has been butchered by music critics. But I agree it is quite good. Ringo..oh yes, the closest reunion album you can get. John's Walls and Bridges, just amazing songs, his singing just incredible. London Town,,a commercial hit and Denny's songs good writing,,I'm Carrying is a Beatle classic. All Things Must Pass such a most brilliant piece of workmanship..with the most amazing guitar playing and song writing by George Harrison. Paul's almost solo work, Band on the Run, such a stunning Beatles type album. George Harrison album is a great one !! John Lennon Plastic Ono Band is just the most amazing. Rolling Stone had this album #1 of all time. I just wished Instant Karma and Cold Turkey would have been on the album and would even be greater !!! Very good selections. I would have George's 33 1/3 album in the mix because it was a great commercial success. His album cover one of the best I think !..Mind Games is another great album that is under rated but is so good for listening. I love Aissumesen..it is so brilliant. Take care.
1-Imagine, 2John Lennon P.O.B., 3-Driving Rain, 4-Cloud Nine, 5-All things must pass, 6-Band on the Run, 7-Ringo, 8-RAM, 9-George Harrison79, 10-Walls and bridges
Excellent video, and I enjoyed scanning down and looking at others' favourites. In my top ten, I'd include two which are often dismissed or even largely unknown: Wings' Back to the Egg (love that you included it) and McCartney's Press to Play. The former sounds wonderful 40 years later, while a remaster of the latter is perhaps overdue if only to tone down the drum machine somewhat.
Great choices John. So glad you included Walls & Bridges, my favourite Lennon album. Also great to see London Town and George Harrison's self titled LP in the mix too. Putting a list like this together is so subjective isn't it? Personally I would definitely put in Flaming Pie. Anyway, good work as always John.
Thanks Tim. Yes it's subjective...which I presume means it is the view of the subject only ie. me :- ) Flaming Pie is great....and quite a pleasant surprise when it came out as it was his best in many years.
Great choices john. I'm very happy to see back to the egg on your list. I've bitched about this album in the past because of side two falling apart, but i played it today and it really is a good album. Nice to see one of my favorites London Town also. A hidden little gem on the material world album is Don't let me wait too long. Listen to the line at almost the end where you hear I Miss You and i swore it was john, paul and george harmonizing. Even the DJ on the radio thought so. Wishful thinking i guess back then. We wanted them back together so much. I must add one more thing, just my opinion, i would change self title george with 33&1/3rd. Really good video john.
Thanks for your comment. 33&1/3 is up there with George's best too. And agree that the harmonies on DLMWTL are sublime...something generally missing from all the solo albums if we're honest.
1. All Things Must Pass 2. Imagine 3. Cloud Nine 4. Tug of War 5. Venus & Mars 6. 33 1/3 7. Brainwashed 8. Walls & Bridges 9. Flaming Pie 10. RAM Honorable mentions to the Ringo LPs "Ringo" and "Beaucoups of Blues". I like a lot of post-beatles work from all of them but I think George had the best overall solo work.
Nice video John - I made my own list in the comments on MeanMr.Mayo's video, and it was completely different from yours - that's what makes these things interesting. With hindsight, I should have definitely put "Imagine" on it - it was a bit too Paul-heavy... Glad that you gave "Beaucoups Of Blues" honorable mention - my favorite Ringo LP. I agree that country western suits him really well. Also, I think that there is a certain intangible aspect at work on that record.. Being so soon after the break-up, it's as if he still has that Beatles "mojo" in him, if that makes any sense at all. I feel that way about all of the 1970 solo album releases by the other three as well. I don't really know how to describe it, but hopefully you know what I mean..
Thanks Thomas. Yes I know what you mean, good point. By the way if you add up the placings of John, Paul and George in my top 10 and divide by three you will find that each has the same score! I did that as further evidence of my not having a favourite Beatle (I hope Ringo doesn't mind coming last :- )
I've loved London Town since I first heard it. I put it up there too, so many people dismiss it. Even Paul hasn't put it out on archive. Name and Address, come on!
Just a slight point of order regarding the Wings Over America Album. I saw a Wings on that tour in October 1976 and it was a great gig; in my top 5 and I’ve seen a few! The point is this tour was the first time most of us had heard Beatles tracks live by a Beatle and whilst they might have become common In macca gigs since then, to here blackbird, yesterday, lady Madonna and LAWR live was a truly special experience.
11 Mccartney 12 Dark Horse 13 Sometime in NYC 14 Milk and Honey 15 Ringo 16 Venus and Mars 17 Somewhere in England 18 Flaming Pie 19 Rock and Roll 20 Ultra textured
I really like your list John. It's nice to see some love for London Town and Back to the Egg. I am a big fan of both. I think my #1 would be All Things Must Pass however followed by Band of the Run. I personally struggle with Lennon's solo albums more than most fans but i still like them just not nearly as much as Paul or George. Nice video
Plastic ono band is easily number 1 in my opinion. It is gorgeous both musically and emotionally. ‘God’ is unbelievably good and gives me goosebumps. I appreciate all of your beatle videos. Subscribed!
I wholeheartedly agree with your number one choice (I was getting nervous, as you got to the last three that you might omit it). JLPOB is the best solo-Beatle work to date.
James Griffiths yeah I got a bit sick of the Ram adulation at the expense of his other early 70s work....having said that perhaps we needed it a bit as it got slammed at the time!
James Griffiths I couldn’t agree more, In fact I’d have Ram way down my personal list. I seem to be in quite a small minority with that opinion. However I’m right and everyone else is wrong! ;-)
James Griffiths--it`s a toss up between Ram and Band on the run,for me.I don`t know how anyone can rate London Town above Ram though.It`s way down the list--not as good as Flaming Pie,Chaos and creation,or even McCartney`s first 2 solo albums,is it?
Nice round up, I like the fact that you throw in a couple of dark horses near the top. Like the 'George Harrison', 'Walls & Bridges' and 'Back to Egg' albums.
It’s strange that no one ever mentions 33&1/3, one of my favorite all-time albums. Although I’ve listened to all his albums, I’ve only ever owned Lennon’s solo stuff In greatest hits form. Apart from many individual tracks, his solo work as a whole never spoke to me, perhaps because I identified with many of his early life experiences and didn’t feel the music as especially revelatory with respect to my own experiences. Kind of a been there, done that reaction I suppose. Of all the solo albums, Band on the Run and 33 & 1/3 have received the most plays from their vinyl to CD to digital incarnations.
33&1/3 is the best thing George released after ATMP, speaking for me. If you like "George Harrison" (which has one great side, Side 1), you'll love 33&1/3 all the way through. There are no weak songs, and four or five great ones waiting to be (re)discovered.
For sure !! Even stuff like the Smoky Robinson tribute tune is brilliantly executed and heartfelt. The slide guitars and his singing on Crackerbox make me tear up. It’s twu it’s twu.
@@Twotontessie "Pure Smokey" is a smooth-flowing highlight, but the great thing about "Thirty-Three And A Third" is how all the songs are so lyrically and musically well-made. Nothing stands out brilliantly from the pack, even the two modest hits, but everything is good to great in their own unique ways. George was moving from strength to strength effortlessly, a real pleasure.
My top 10 10) 2005 Paul McCartney - Chaos and Creation in the Backyard 9) 2002 George Harrison - Brainwashed 8) 1974 John Lennon - Walls and Bridges 7) 1971 Paul McCartney - RAM 6) 1987 George Harrison - Cloud 9 5) 1997 Paul McCartney - Flaming Pie 4) 1973 Paul McCartney - Band on the Run 3) 1971 John Lennon - Imagine 2) 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band 1) 1970 George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Your TOP3, is my TOP3. Has been for almost 30 years. I can definitely say that, because I have well over 1,000 album’s for sure, and 1) I haven’t bout an actual vinyl Lp since late 80’s....and 2) about 3/4 of them I keep boxed up and stored, but still in my reach. 3) The ones I do keep out; are ALL THE BEATLES album’s from Meet The Beatles to Let It Be, but out of the solo ones I keep out: All Things Must Pass Imagine Plastic Ono Band, along with Concert for Bangladesh.
Lists are always an interesting diversion, and like English weather will probably be different tomorrow. It's fair to have choices pre-dating John's untimely death when all four were still making music, although Paul has had a bit of a late re-flowering with Chaos and Memory. I've tried unsuccessfully to warm to New. I'd never listened to a whole Ringo album but put on Beacoups on your recommendation. There's a couple of decent tracks on there. Not enough to put it in my top ten, not least because they're other people's songs (at least Ringo has the merit of including songs written by other Beatles). It would be like including Kisses on the Bottom (which I wouldn't), Rock & Roll (which might fall just outside) or Run Devil (which I really do like). The only John album to make the cut for me is Walls & Bridges, which includes my favourite solo Lennon song #9 Dream. Magic. POB may or may not - like Tracey Emin's bed - be brave 'art', but I don't need it in my house. ATMP is a must and, like McCartney, Ram and Imagine contained Beatles rejects that other bands would have fallen on hungrily. I agree about London Town, my favourite Wings album were it not for Wildlife which I love that little bit more the more I play it - and I play it a lot. As for George, I always had a soft spot for Dark Horse. It may have been better received had he not had the bad throat when he put it together. I'll be interested to see your list in another year's time. Cheers.
Thanks for your detailed and interesting comment. It is fascinating how different solo albums appeal to different folks....they all have their mood and atmosphere...too bad you can't abide JL POB but great that you are championing Wild Life. London Town too of course, my personal favourite. Praying for the archive release of both these before long. Cheers.
Great list! This one is mine (Lots of George and John; no Ringo since I haven't had the chance to really get into his work): 10. Extra Texture (I really dig the depressive/cocaine side of George. This Guitar (Can't keep from crying) is great) 9. Tug of War (Wonderful production and energy. Here Today is so heart warming) 8. Double Fantasy (I love the "dialogue" of it. Yoko sounds great) 7. McCartney (I enjoy the basic, rough sound. Maybe I'm Amazed is really good) 6. Living in the Material World (Beautiful lyrics and guitar playing. Give me Love is wonderful) 5. Cloud 9 (Jeff Lynne's production was great and the energy was fantastic. This is love is my favourite) 4. Walls and Bridges (Combo of love, anger, and angst. Beautiful album. #9 Dream is so catchy) 3. Imagine (Amazing from Imagine to Oh Yoko!) 2. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (Soooooooo great. Wonderful listen. Wonderful lyrics and power. Mother always gets me) 1. All Things Must Pass (This album is all of George's Beatles Tracks from 1968-1970 on steroids. Beautiful tunes and Phil Spector's production is so power and I love. This album is just as good as Plastic Ono Band, however I find this one to be more inspiring of a listen. What is Life is my favourite)
These are great choices! I must say the Plasic Ono Band Lp and George s album from 79 are also my favourite Solo Beatles Albums.Back To the Egg and Ram are fantastic albums too ....I love Paul s hoarse voice on BTTE...
10:McCartney 2 9:george harrison 8:goodnight vienna 7:plastic ono band 6:flaming pie 5:all things must pass 4:ringo 3:wall and bridges 2:chaos and creation in the backyard 1:brainwashed Tell me you all what you think?
TIMETOGO Admittedly I haven't heard all of these albums, and I am a Paul fan, so, I'd have found room for Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, and Tug of War.
"Goodnight Vienna" is a bold and worthy choice. I really like his cover of "Husbands And Wives" and of course the Lennonized "Only You." "Snookeroo" was an unlikely grower for me, but it has grown on me all the same.
I’m sure you’ve answered this question before, but who’s autograph is that on your framed Imagine album? Thanks for the videos. I really enjoy your work.
Just off the top of my head: 10. Brainwashed 9. Walls & Bridges 8. Venus & Mars 7. Tug of War 6. Living in the Material World 5. Back to the Egg 4. Ram 3. Imagine 2. All Things Must Pass 1. John Lennon POB Might be a bit different if I really sat and thought about it though it would probably be roughly the same. (I did consider George Harrison, New and a couple of Ringo albums though.)
I'm a year and a half late on this but my top 10 would be: 10. Paul McCartney - Pipes Of Piece. Not anyones favourite but I just really enjoy this including Tug Of Peace and Hey Hey. Lyrics can be a bit dismissable but who cares, if you love it, you love it and I love it. Best song: Say Say Say (fantastic video) 9. Wings - London Town. Really underrated gem. It's only recently that I have really enjoyed Morse Moose & The Grey Goose. Best song: Don't Let It Bring You Down 8. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass. I think this would have made an even better single album as I find some of the songs a bit dull. Best song: My Sweet Lord 7. John Lennon - Imagine. Not as dark as Plastic Ono Band and more commercial sounding, this may have been higher but for I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier and the disgraceful How Do You Sleep? Best song: Oh My Love 6. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band. Very thought provoking album and quite a difficult listen but I can't deny the quality of the songwriting and the vocal performance. Best song: God 5. Paul & Linda - Ram. Most people's McCartney favourite, this is so varied and it all fits together perfectly. best song: Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey 4. Paul McCartney - Tug Of War. Top notch production wih top notch songs. Side 2 is flawless. Best song Tug Of War or Wanderlust (can't make my mind up) 3. John Lennon - Mind Games. John's best and most overlooked album. I Know I Know is awesome (has anybody else noticed that a flaw on both the album and CD of this where he sings " today I love you more than yesterday"was corrected with the 2003 CD remix?) and although he's still a bit preachy, it is with more humour (Bring On The Lucie). Best song: Out The Blue 2. Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run. My head puts this at No. 1 but my heart doesnt. I'm going with my heart. Brilliant songs throughout and even a couple sound like his old mates in The Beatles, Let Me Roll It (John) and No Words (George). Best song: Band On The Run 1. Paul McCartney - McCartney. The warmest album of all the solo Beatles. I never tire of this and never skip tracks. It's simply stunning. Best song(s) That Would Be Something, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed.
1 All Things... 2 RAM 3 Imagine 4 Band On The Run 5 Living in The... 6 Plastic Ono Band 7 Cloud Nine 8 Chaos and Creation.... 9 London Town 10 Double Fantasy
1. RAM2. Plastic Ono Band3. All Things Must Pass4. Band On The Run5. Imagine6. Ringo7. Egypt Station8. Walls And Bridges9. George Harrison Live in Japan10. Wings Over America
agree with you on much of it, I absolutely love Walls and bridges it has a very distinctive sound and brings back great memories for me of buying it in early 1975. I also LOVE I'm carrying so i'm glad i'm not the only one
yeah I loved it as soon as I heard it (the day London Town came out) I love the fact he kept the sound of his fingers moving on the guitar on the record (which he mentioned at the time in an interview) and the arrangement sounds like an old musical , it's so sentimental but in a good way
My Top 5: 1: Plastic Ono Band - Lennon 2: Imagine - Lennon 3: All Things Must Pass - Harrison 4: Double Fantasy - Lennon 5: Band on the Run - McCartney
I don't think I'd like Back to the Egg to be rediscovered. I rather enjoy having it as my little dirty secret of a record. You turn people on to it and they can't believe they've never heard it before, or knew how great "To You" or "Again and Again" were. I'm deeply curious and anxious to see Paul's re-issue of that and London Town.
Hi John. I have made my first preliminary Top Ten Beatle Solo albums. Keep in mind that it doesn't include Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, New, Ringo, or New. Some favorites like London Town, Ram, Flaming Pie, Time Takes Time did not make the cut. It does take a long time to rate them for me.....Here they are, subject to change! 1 - Living in the Material World 2 - Back to the Egg 3- Thirty Three and 1/3 4 - All Things Must Pass (excluding the Jam!) 5 - Cloud Nine 6 - Tug of War 7 - Goodnight Vienna 8 - George Harrison 9 - McCartney II (I was surprised this was that high!) 10 - Mind Games Number 11 is Double Fantasy......If I included compilations, All the Best and Best of Dark Horse would have made the top five. My rating is done by a numbering system, rating songs on a 1-10 scale, throwing out songs under one minute unless they rate high.
Interesting Martin. Five from George. I like that as he was overshadowed in the Beatle years. Only one from John and one from Ringo! It's great that we all have different opinions. Love your No 1 choice to be honest, an underrated classic. What year did you get into the (solo) Beatles?
Well...Can't say I agree with all your picks but agree one hundred percent on "John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band" John's ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE"...PLH-ELB
My Top 15 01 Walls And Bridges (1974) - John Lennon 02 Venus And Mars (1975) - Paul McCartney 03 All Things Must Pass (1970) - George Harrison 04 Ram (1971) - Paul Maccartney 05 Mind Games (1973) - John Lennon 06 Imagine (1971) - John Lennon 07 Band On The Run (1973) - Paul Mccartney 08 Red Rose Speedway /1973)- Paul Mccartney 09 Plastic Ono Band (1970) - John Lennon 10 London Town (1978) - Paul Mccartney 11 Off The Ground (1993) - Paul Mccartney 12 Thirty Three (1977) - George Harrison 13 Cloud Nine (1986) - George Harrison 14 Back To The Egg (1979) - Paul Mccartney 15 Flaming Pie (1997) - Paul Mccartney
I would at least have given Wings’ “Venus & Mars” an honorable mention, same goes for John & Yokos “Double Fantasy”. And I certainly think Paul’s “Flaming Pie” belongs somewhere in the Top 10. Agree on your controversial pick of “London Town”, love that album. Yes, “Plastic Ono Band” is no. one.
1, plastic Ono band2, living in the material world.3;Ram.4 memory almost full.5,imagine.6. Macartney.7. Macartney 28. Band on the run.9. All things must pass.10 RingoThis is my list lol ...dam forgot London Town...och it’s impossible and always in flux. Great review John .I love lists it’s a male thing I guess.
1. Band on the Run 2. Plastic Ono Band 3. Ram 4. All Things Must Pass 5. Tug of War 6. Imagine 7. George Harrison 8. London Town 9. Walls and Bridges 10. Flowers in the Dirt
For me: 1-All Things Must Pass 2-Ram 3-Imagine 4-Plastic Ono Band 5-Band on the Run 6-Mccartney 7-Venus and Mars 8-Flaming Pie 9-Tug of War 10-Living in the Material World
1. John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band 2. All Things Must Pass 3. Ram 4. Imagine 5. Living In The Material World 6. Band On The Run 7. Walls and Bridges 8. Venus and Mars 9. Flaming Pie 10. George Harrison (1979) Coz it's the Beatles here's 5 more. 11. McCartney 12. Mind Games 13. Cloud 9 14. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard 15. Ringo
My list: 1- Plastic Ono Band 2- All Things Must Pass 3- Imagine 4- Band on the Run 5- Tug of War 6- Living in the Material World 7- Chaos and Creation 8- Walls & Bridges 9- RAM 10- Flaming Pie
In no particular order: Ringo, Walls n Bridges, Mind Games, Band on the Run, RAM, Back to the Egg, Living in a Material World, Rock n Roll, Red Rose Speedway, Wings Over America. Honorable mention to All Things Must Pass, 33 & 1/3, McCartney 1, Plastic Ono Band.
That’s pretty much my order . I like everyone else, have a different,( my own) opinion. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 ,( I flips them back & forth) . I do the same with BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. ( I have. A tie for GV, V& M +MG) that’s why it’s 11 . Also Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
My top 25: 1. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison (1970) 2. George Harrison - George Harrison (1979) 3. Ram - Paul McCartney (1971) 4. Walls & Bridges - John Lennon (1974) 5. Ringo - Ringo Starr (1973) 6. Thirty Three & 1/3 - George Harrison (1976) 7. Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney (1997) 8. Back To The Egg - Paul McCartney (1979) 9. Cloud Nine - George Harrison (1987) 10. London Town - Paul McCartney (1978) 11. Venus And Mars - Paul McCartney (1975) 12. Mind Games - John Lennon (1973) 13. Red Rose Speedway - Paul McCartney (1973) 14. Living In The Material World - George Harrison (1973) 15. Tug Of War - Paul McCartney (1982) 16. Imagine - John Lennon (1971) 17. Gone Troppo - George Harrison (1982) 18. Time Takes Time - Ringo Starr (1992) 19. Somewhere In England - George Harrison (1980/81) (both versions) 20. Extra Texture - George Harrison (1975) 21. Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - Paul McCartney (2005) 22. Brainwashed - George Harrison (2002) 23. Goodnight Vienna - Ringo Starr (1974) 24. Stop And Smell The Roses - Ringo Starr (1981) 25. Rock ‘n’ Roll - John Lennon (1975)
I got John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band for Christmas in 1970. Still think it's the best Beatles solo album. Simply Amazing and raw! All Things Must Pass is no.2. Band on the Run at 3. Imagine at 4. Ringo at 5.
jthomas55 must have been a memorable Christmas although sad that the dream was over
jthomas55 I agree wholeheartedly.
That’s pretty much my order also. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 , BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
“Who were Wings? Only the Band the Beatles could have been!” Alan Partridge
Love love love London town this guy knows his Paul McCartney
Yes, what a nice surprise that one was, coming out when it did. Paul focuses on lyrics more, and it makes the melodies stick.
London Town and Back to the Egg are incredibly inconsistent and overall disappointing albums. You really think Famous Groupies, Girlfriend and Cuff Link are Paul at the top of his game?
RAM should be #1, Followed by All things and Plastic. I would have included McCartney's 1st as well
Those are exactly my top 3 Beatles solo albums. With numbers 2 and 3 switching positions depending on the moment. 👍
Here’s my top five
5: Mind Games
4: Band On the Run
3: John Lennon Plastic Ono Band
2: All Things Must Pass
1: RAM
I'd probably agree with your top 4! Ram is class.
Nice list. Those would all be in my top 10. RAM might be my number 1 also. I liked it from the first play and never understood the initial disdain it received. It picks up where he left off on White album and Abbey Road
Yes! So you’re the other guy who agrees with me on ‘Back To The Egg’!!!! Glad to finally meet you!! Also agree with your pick on ‘London Town’.
My wife would agree with your #2 choice. When we were looking for a CD, all she could remember was that it was " the one with John and Yoko sitting under the tree'. But we found it, and got a copy. I would put Band on the Run in my top two. It had some great tunes! Great video!!
Always loved old Siam sir. I have that tune in my head most days
Yeah, brilliant. I wonder if My Sharona nicked from it (recorded a year later)
1.Band on the Run; 2.Ram; 3.All Things Must Pass; 4.Imagine; 5.Tug of War; 6.Venus and Mars; 7.Walls & Bridges; 8.Ringo; 9.McCartney; 10.Double Fantasy
1. Ram ( One of my favorite albums. one of the most underrated albums upon release. First time you listen to it you're like eh. the second time you like a couple songs. the third you love the shit out of it lol)
2. Band on the Run ( The album that gave Paul his much needed critical success)
3. All Things Must Pass ( Two problems i got with it is it being a triple album and Phil Spector but the songs are great)
4. Tug of War (First time i listened to it i was like eh, but now i listen to it constantly)
5. Imagine (Good album the title track is one of the greatest songs of all time)
6. Cloud 9 ( Good album. George came back hard after a 5 year retirement)
7. McCartney (I love this album. Maybe I'm Amazed is my favorite post Beatles song.)
8. Plastic Ono Band ( A little emotional for my tastes but it was a great album. Moster is my favorite Post Beatle Lennon song)
9. Egypt Station (I was a little reluctant to put this because it was released last year but i love it as it shows Paul is still going strong)
10. Ringo 1973 ( Great album from a guy who was at a lot of disadvantages)
Back to the Egg is blooming amazing! After Ram it’s my favorite Wings album. Walls and Bridges - totally awesome
Agree with you on George Harrison George Harrison- it’s a tremendous record
I have always loved Back to the Egg also.
Huge Macca fan however BTTE is my least favorite Wings album . Paul wasn't enamored w/ the release either. I wonder if it will see an archive release; he'll have to add some quality bonus tracks as well as a live DVD for me to buy it.
Ram isn't a Wings album so Back To The Egg IS your favourite Wings album.
Loved your list! I just found your channel and have been enjoying it very much!
I totally agree that Ringo should record another country music album. He is such a natural country singer. I love his album Beaucoups of Blues.
1. for me RAM!!
It was Christmas time and I was invited to a huge party at a farm house in Sherbrooke Quebec, with snow sleighs, bells and plenty of song. The host said he had a treat and played All Things Must Pass on his superb sound system, well I thought I had heard everything, and being a Beatle fan, I was blown away by the sound, everyone just couldn't believe it. After getting home from the outing, I went out and bought the album immediately, it was love at first sound. I've never looked back since and George never failed to deliver. Actually none of them ever did.
Mine would be:
1-All Things Must Pass
2-Plastic Ono Band
3-Living in the material world
4-Cloud Nine
5-Ram
6-Imagine
7-Flaming Pie
8-Caos and creating in the backyard
9-Band on the run
10-Ringo
George Harrison’s. All Things Must Pass is a MASTERPIECE!!!! Great song all though, to me, I’d of thrown Spector out, on his on his. Ass, along with with his “Wall ‘along with his Wall’s of Sound of Sound.
!!’ His Walls of Sound
kim simmons I have mixed feelings o. That regard. I wish there was a Non-Spector version of that masterpiece. But I think it works fine with a few songs of the album.
"Tug of War" is classic, and "Flowers in the Dirt" is terribly underrated.
All down to taste if I was rating them I'd have Band on the run, Ram, Imagine , all things must pass, and Plastic Ono Band as my top choices but going by which albums I play most it would be between Cloud Nine and Flaming Pie both produced by Jeff Lynne
Glad you highlighted "London Town" and "George Harrison" (1979). They're both great and under-rated.
I will say one thing about London Town. The toot toot bit is hysterical.
Hey John just saw this video and can't argue with the list. I also just subscribed to your channel.
Nice list John, all great albums but my list would look something like this:
10. Walls & Bridges
9. Memory Almost Full
8. Brainwashed
7. Tug of War
6. Cloud 9
5. NEW
4. RAM
3. Plastic Ono Band
2. All Things Must Pass
1. Band on the Run
(Sorry Ringo)
Thanks Ross it's inevitable that us fans will not agree on the top 10 and that's fine with me!
Ross Goodall It seems like you forgot about Living In A Material World 😂
Absolutely agree with you about Back to the Egg - second only to Band on the Run as a Paul McCartney solo album. Love it.
10: Living in the Material World
9: Mind Games
8: Wings over America
7: Double Fantasy
6: RAM
5: All Things Must Pass
4: Imagine
3: Band on the Run
2: Walls and Bridges
1: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Nice reviews John, good to have a different slant on the solo stuff instead of the usual run of the mill choices, I too would have the same number 1
The demos from Flowers in the Dirt should be an album - they are so great
I love London Town too. It's probably the solo Beatles album I have listened to the most (along with BOTR). It's also the first McCartney/Wings album I bought back in '78 when it came out. Great memories from my teenage years.
Thanks for the video, John. Some thoughts... firstly, I love it that BACK TO THE EGG got a position on the list.. it's one of my favorite Paul albums for sure, and grossly ignored. I like what you had to say for John's WALLS AND BRIDGES, and I completely agree word for word!.. I like GEORGE HARRISON a lot, but it is interesting to see you choose it as high as #2. Finally, seeing JL: POB as #1 is a really brave move for you as well as John, since it's such a downer, though brutally sincere and honest. Take Care!
Thanks Joe. I think this video was a bit controversial probably but some albums need more recognition. JL POB is just the best for me in terms of an artistic statement.
Fun list, I'm glad you included Ringo.
Hi john. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video. TH-cam didn't send me an alert like it normally does. Better late than never I guess. Well while my list would be different I can't find any fault with with your list as all of these have been in my ten the most. Was so happy to see self titled George in there. I love that album and does not get enough attention. Also was pleased to see back to the egg. Great list John :) take care mate
Thanks mate, it's a great exercise to do and I respect your list too.
I agree with "Back to the Egg". Liked it when I first heard it - and still do. I know most people wouldn't agree. But I've always thought that "All Things Must Pass" is the best of the solo albums.
I agree, 💯%
BTTE has some terrific moments indeed: Paul should include “Getting Closer” in his live performances. ATMP is simply great.
Glad to hear someone else likes back to the egg, one of my favorites
Nice choices John. I find myself looking forward to both yours and Mean Mr Mayo's newest reviews. Enjoyable to watch. About your choices, not bad. I really can't argue with any of them. George Harrison is my favorite of his. I might have put Ringo and Imagine higher. Also, I might have traded out Living in a Material World or Back to the Egg for Flaming Pie or Tug of War. Those Paul albums have really stuck with me over the years. Other than that, good choices. Any chance you might do a review of maybe your top 10 choices of favorite solo beatle album covers or packaging, or, maybe top 10 favorite solo Beatle singles(including the b-sides). Just a thought. Anyway, keep 'em coming.
Thanks. Flaming Pie is my favourite latter day Paul album for sure. I just prefer the band feel on Back To The Egg vs Tug Of War although the latter is also a classic. Album cover review...noted!
I'd have found a spot for
Venus and Mars in there somewhere.
That's lost in BOTR's shadow unfairly. It's Paul's power-pop pinnacle for me, with new Wings Jimmy McCullough and Joe English giving the band a new identity.
The 80s kid that I am is at least thankful that you’ve listened to (my favorite McCartney offerings) Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, even if they’re not included here.
Couldn't agree more about No1. It is an absolute masterpiece and grossly underrated. It's true that you have to in the right kind of mood to listen to it.
It’s not under rated at all. Generally acknowledged as a great album
This a great way to round off a good day. Good choices!
Thanks Alec. Take care.
Totaly agree with your choices John.Back to the Egg and London Town are two of my favorite Macca albums.
Great. I'm glad I'm not alone :- )
I love these type of top ten list videos but it is hard for me at least to just pick ten.All great choices and I also like the inclusion of Back To The Egg.One of Paul's best,back to basic rock 'n roll.Thanks for sharing your collection.
Thanks Sam..long live Back To The Egg!
I love your framed album. Very neat and attractive with the wide frame and in a row. Wings Over America has to be a milestone. Beaucoups of Blues has grown in popularity, I agree. Living in the Material World is a complex piece of music with a great cast. Imagine, such a wonderful album. Back to the Egg, wow, it has been butchered by music critics. But I agree it is quite good. Ringo..oh yes, the closest reunion album you can get. John's Walls and Bridges, just amazing songs, his singing just incredible. London Town,,a commercial hit and Denny's songs good writing,,I'm Carrying is a Beatle classic. All Things Must Pass such a most brilliant piece of workmanship..with the most amazing guitar playing and song writing by George Harrison. Paul's almost solo work, Band on the Run, such a stunning Beatles type album. George Harrison album is a great one !! John Lennon Plastic Ono Band is just the most amazing. Rolling Stone had this album #1 of all time. I just wished Instant Karma and Cold Turkey would have been on the album and would even be greater !!! Very good selections. I would have George's 33 1/3 album in the mix because it was a great commercial success. His album cover one of the best I think !..Mind Games is another great album that is under rated but is so good for listening. I love Aissumesen..it is so brilliant. Take care.
I enjoyed quite a lot! Despite so many Paul's albums... thanks for the video!
1-Imagine, 2John Lennon P.O.B., 3-Driving Rain, 4-Cloud Nine, 5-All things must pass, 6-Band on the Run, 7-Ringo, 8-RAM, 9-George Harrison79, 10-Walls and bridges
Excellent video, and I enjoyed scanning down and looking at others' favourites. In my top ten, I'd include two which are often dismissed or even largely unknown: Wings' Back to the Egg (love that you included it) and McCartney's Press to Play. The former sounds wonderful 40 years later, while a remaster of the latter is perhaps overdue if only to tone down the drum machine somewhat.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band would be my no 1, too. A really nice selection of favourite albums, which i agree with for the most part.
Great choices John. So glad you included Walls & Bridges, my favourite Lennon album. Also great to see London Town and George Harrison's self titled LP in the mix too.
Putting a list like this together is so subjective isn't it? Personally I would definitely put in Flaming Pie.
Anyway, good work as always John.
Thanks Tim. Yes it's subjective...which I presume means it is the view of the subject only ie. me :- ) Flaming Pie is great....and quite a pleasant surprise when it came out as it was his best in many years.
Great choices john. I'm very happy to see back to the egg on your list. I've bitched about this album in the past because of side two falling apart, but i played it today and it really is a good album. Nice to see one of my favorites London Town also. A hidden little gem on the material world album is Don't let me wait too long. Listen to the line at almost the end where you hear I Miss You and i swore it was john, paul and george harmonizing. Even the DJ on the radio thought so. Wishful thinking i guess back then. We wanted them back together so much. I must add one more thing, just my opinion, i would change self title george with 33&1/3rd. Really good video john.
Thanks for your comment. 33&1/3 is up there with George's best too. And agree that the harmonies on DLMWTL are sublime...something generally missing from all the solo albums if we're honest.
33 1/3 ..is a very under rated ablum........
1. All Things Must Pass
2. Imagine
3. Cloud Nine
4. Tug of War
5. Venus & Mars
6. 33 1/3
7. Brainwashed
8. Walls & Bridges
9. Flaming Pie
10. RAM
Honorable mentions to the Ringo LPs "Ringo" and "Beaucoups of Blues". I like a lot of post-beatles work from all of them but I think George had the best overall solo work.
Scott Trumpolt finally someone gives Flaming Pie some love. Excellent album
Good and interesting list. Have to revisit some of them. Been a long time since I heard the Ringo stuff.
Nice video John - I made my own list in the comments on MeanMr.Mayo's video, and it was completely different from yours - that's what makes these things interesting. With hindsight, I should have definitely put "Imagine" on it - it was a bit too Paul-heavy... Glad that you gave "Beaucoups Of Blues" honorable mention - my favorite Ringo LP. I agree that country western suits him really well. Also, I think that there is a certain intangible aspect at work on that record.. Being so soon after the break-up, it's as if he still has that Beatles "mojo" in him, if that makes any sense at all. I feel that way about all of the 1970 solo album releases by the other three as well. I don't really know how to describe it, but hopefully you know what I mean..
Thanks Thomas. Yes I know what you mean, good point. By the way if you add up the placings of John, Paul and George in my top 10 and divide by three you will find that each has the same score! I did that as further evidence of my not having a favourite Beatle (I hope Ringo doesn't mind coming last :- )
I've loved London Town since I first heard it. I put it up there too, so many people dismiss it. Even Paul hasn't put it out on archive. Name and Address, come on!
Love love love back to the egg so glad it made the list
Just a slight point of order regarding the Wings Over America Album. I saw a Wings on that tour in October 1976 and it was a great gig; in my top 5 and I’ve seen a few! The point is this tour was the first time most of us had heard Beatles tracks live by a Beatle and whilst they might have become common In macca gigs since then, to here blackbird, yesterday, lady Madonna and LAWR live was a truly special experience.
11 Mccartney
12 Dark Horse
13 Sometime in NYC
14 Milk and Honey
15 Ringo
16 Venus and Mars
17 Somewhere in England
18 Flaming Pie
19 Rock and Roll
20 Ultra textured
I really like your list John. It's nice to see some love for London Town and Back to the Egg. I am a big fan of both. I think my #1 would be All Things Must Pass however followed by Band of the Run. I personally struggle with Lennon's solo albums more than most fans but i still like them just not nearly as much as Paul or George. Nice video
Thanks James. Good to hear your opinion, it would be boring if we all agreed.
Plastic ono band is easily number 1 in my opinion. It is gorgeous both musically and emotionally. ‘God’ is unbelievably good and gives me goosebumps.
I appreciate all of your beatle videos. Subscribed!
Can't argue with number one really, everyone is different obviously , personally I like Macca2 and Tug of war whereas a lot of people don't rate them.
What is your opinion of John's last work "Double Fantasy?" I remember at 14 being excited about his new release.
I wholeheartedly agree with your number one choice (I was getting nervous, as you got to the last three that you might omit it). JLPOB is the best solo-Beatle work to date.
y0us3rn4m3 My #1 will always be, ALL THINGS MUST PASS.
I agree that Band on the Run is Paul's best album. Refreshing for once to hear from someone who doesn't rate RAM ahead of it.
James Griffiths yeah I got a bit sick of the Ram adulation at the expense of his other early 70s work....having said that perhaps we needed it a bit as it got slammed at the time!
James Griffiths I couldn’t agree more, In fact I’d have Ram way down my personal list. I seem to be in quite a small minority with that opinion. However I’m right and everyone else is wrong! ;-)
It's natural, things that were underrated at the time, eventually become overrated in response.
Much as I like Ram, how can it be rated above Band on the Run?😖
James Griffiths--it`s a toss up between Ram and Band on the run,for me.I don`t know how anyone can rate London Town above Ram though.It`s way down the list--not as good as Flaming Pie,Chaos and creation,or even McCartney`s first 2 solo albums,is it?
All Things Must Pass . My #1
great list..well done
Thanks Don.
Nice round up, I like the fact that you throw in a couple of dark horses near the top. Like the 'George Harrison', 'Walls & Bridges' and 'Back to Egg' albums.
Ron Brown thanks Ron
It’s strange that no one ever mentions 33&1/3, one of my favorite all-time albums. Although I’ve listened to all his albums, I’ve only ever owned Lennon’s solo stuff In greatest hits form. Apart from many individual tracks, his solo work as a whole never spoke to me, perhaps because I identified with many of his early life experiences and didn’t feel the music as especially revelatory with respect to my own experiences. Kind of a been there, done that reaction I suppose. Of all the solo albums, Band on the Run and 33 & 1/3 have received the most plays from their vinyl to CD to digital incarnations.
33&1/3 is the best thing George released after ATMP, speaking for me. If you like "George Harrison" (which has one great side, Side 1), you'll love 33&1/3 all the way through. There are no weak songs, and four or five great ones waiting to be (re)discovered.
For sure !! Even stuff like the Smoky Robinson tribute tune is brilliantly executed and heartfelt. The slide guitars and his singing on Crackerbox make me tear up. It’s twu it’s twu.
@@Twotontessie "Pure Smokey" is a smooth-flowing highlight, but the great thing about "Thirty-Three And A Third" is how all the songs are so lyrically and musically well-made. Nothing stands out brilliantly from the pack, even the two modest hits, but everything is good to great in their own unique ways. George was moving from strength to strength effortlessly, a real pleasure.
He basically did Smoky tributes on back to back albums...Ooh Baby from Extra Texture . Love both those tracks.
My top 10
10) 2005 Paul McCartney - Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
9) 2002 George Harrison - Brainwashed
8) 1974 John Lennon - Walls and Bridges
7) 1971 Paul McCartney - RAM
6) 1987 George Harrison - Cloud 9
5) 1997 Paul McCartney - Flaming Pie
4) 1973 Paul McCartney - Band on the Run
3) 1971 John Lennon - Imagine
2) 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
1) 1970 George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Jerry Apgar very very good list.
Your TOP3, is my TOP3. Has been for almost 30 years. I can definitely say that, because I have well over 1,000 album’s for sure, and
1) I haven’t bout an actual vinyl Lp since late 80’s....and
2) about 3/4 of them I keep boxed up and stored, but still in my reach.
3) The ones I do keep out; are ALL THE BEATLES album’s from Meet The Beatles to Let It Be, but out of the solo ones I keep out:
All Things Must Pass
Imagine
Plastic Ono Band, along with
Concert for Bangladesh.
Lists are always an interesting diversion, and like English weather will probably be different tomorrow. It's fair to have choices pre-dating John's untimely death when all four were still making music, although Paul has had a bit of a late re-flowering with Chaos and Memory. I've tried unsuccessfully to warm to New. I'd never listened to a whole Ringo album but put on Beacoups on your recommendation. There's a couple of decent tracks on there. Not enough to put it in my top ten, not least because they're other people's songs (at least Ringo has the merit of including songs written by other Beatles). It would be like including Kisses on the Bottom (which I wouldn't), Rock & Roll (which might fall just outside) or Run Devil (which I really do like). The only John album to make the cut for me is Walls & Bridges, which includes my favourite solo Lennon song #9 Dream. Magic. POB may or may not - like Tracey Emin's bed - be brave 'art', but I don't need it in my house. ATMP is a must and, like McCartney, Ram and Imagine contained Beatles rejects that other bands would have fallen on hungrily. I agree about London Town, my favourite Wings album were it not for Wildlife which I love that little bit more the more I play it - and I play it a lot. As for George, I always had a soft spot for Dark Horse. It may have been better received had he not had the bad throat when he put it together. I'll be interested to see your list in another year's time. Cheers.
Thanks for your detailed and interesting comment. It is fascinating how different solo albums appeal to different folks....they all have their mood and atmosphere...too bad you can't abide JL POB but great that you are championing Wild Life. London Town too of course, my personal favourite. Praying for the archive release of both these before long. Cheers.
Great list! This one is mine (Lots of George and John; no Ringo since I haven't had the chance to really get into his work):
10. Extra Texture (I really dig the depressive/cocaine side of George. This Guitar (Can't keep from crying) is great)
9. Tug of War (Wonderful production and energy. Here Today is so heart warming)
8. Double Fantasy (I love the "dialogue" of it. Yoko sounds great)
7. McCartney (I enjoy the basic, rough sound. Maybe I'm Amazed is really good)
6. Living in the Material World (Beautiful lyrics and guitar playing. Give me Love is wonderful)
5. Cloud 9 (Jeff Lynne's production was great and the energy was fantastic. This is love is my favourite)
4. Walls and Bridges (Combo of love, anger, and angst. Beautiful album. #9 Dream is so catchy)
3. Imagine (Amazing from Imagine to Oh Yoko!)
2. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (Soooooooo great. Wonderful listen. Wonderful lyrics and power. Mother always gets me)
1. All Things Must Pass (This album is all of George's Beatles Tracks from 1968-1970 on steroids. Beautiful tunes and Phil Spector's production is so power and I love. This album is just as good as Plastic Ono Band, however I find this one to be more inspiring of a listen. What is Life is my favourite)
Nicholas Wanamaker thanks nicholas! Interesting choices although we overlap on quite a few!
These are great choices! I must say the Plasic Ono Band Lp and George s album from 79 are also my favourite Solo Beatles Albums.Back To the Egg and Ram are fantastic albums too ....I love Paul s hoarse voice on BTTE...
Thanks Frederic. Yes it's about time BTTE was seriously reappraised...all the fans seem to love it!
10:McCartney 2
9:george harrison
8:goodnight vienna
7:plastic ono band
6:flaming pie
5:all things must pass
4:ringo
3:wall and bridges
2:chaos and creation in the backyard
1:brainwashed
Tell me you all what you think?
TIMETOGO
Admittedly I haven't heard all of these albums, and I am a Paul fan, so, I'd have found room for Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, and Tug of War.
"Goodnight Vienna" is a bold and worthy choice. I really like his cover of "Husbands And Wives" and of course the Lennonized "Only You." "Snookeroo" was an unlikely grower for me, but it has grown on me all the same.
Big back to the egg fan love you
Amazing that even in at number 10 we’re into classic territory.
I like the way you think. I may differ on Back to the Egg, but generally I tend to agree with your take.
I’m sure you’ve answered this question before, but who’s autograph is that on your framed Imagine album? Thanks for the videos. I really enjoy your work.
Just off the top of my head:
10. Brainwashed
9. Walls & Bridges
8. Venus & Mars
7. Tug of War
6. Living in the Material World
5. Back to the Egg
4. Ram
3. Imagine
2. All Things Must Pass
1. John Lennon POB
Might be a bit different if I really sat and thought about it though it would probably be roughly the same. (I did consider George Harrison, New and a couple of Ringo albums though.)
Thanks Mathew, all good albums. Choosing 10 is not easy as you know.
YOU HAVE A NICE COLLECTION
I'm a year and a half late on this but my top 10 would be:
10. Paul McCartney - Pipes Of Piece. Not anyones favourite but I just really enjoy this including Tug Of Peace and Hey Hey. Lyrics can be a bit dismissable but who cares, if you love it, you love it and I love it. Best song: Say Say Say (fantastic video)
9. Wings - London Town. Really underrated gem. It's only recently that I have really enjoyed Morse Moose & The Grey Goose. Best song: Don't Let It Bring You Down
8. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass. I think this would have made an even better single album as I find some of the songs a bit dull. Best song: My Sweet Lord
7. John Lennon - Imagine. Not as dark as Plastic Ono Band and more commercial sounding, this may have been higher but for I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier and the disgraceful How Do You Sleep? Best song: Oh My Love
6. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band. Very thought provoking album and quite a difficult listen but I can't deny the quality of the songwriting and the vocal performance. Best song: God
5. Paul & Linda - Ram. Most people's McCartney favourite, this is so varied and it all fits together perfectly. best song: Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey
4. Paul McCartney - Tug Of War. Top notch production wih top notch songs. Side 2 is flawless. Best song Tug Of War or Wanderlust (can't make my mind up)
3. John Lennon - Mind Games. John's best and most overlooked album. I Know I Know is awesome (has anybody else noticed that a flaw on both the album and CD of this where he sings " today I love you more than yesterday"was corrected with the 2003 CD remix?) and although he's still a bit preachy, it is with more humour (Bring On The Lucie). Best song: Out The Blue
2. Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run. My head puts this at No. 1 but my heart doesnt. I'm going with my heart. Brilliant songs throughout and even a couple sound like his old mates in The Beatles, Let Me Roll It (John) and No Words (George). Best song: Band On The Run
1. Paul McCartney - McCartney. The warmest album of all the solo Beatles. I never tire of this and never skip tracks. It's simply stunning. Best song(s) That Would Be Something, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed.
1 All Things...
2 RAM
3 Imagine
4 Band On The Run
5 Living in The...
6 Plastic Ono Band
7 Cloud Nine
8 Chaos and Creation....
9 London Town
10 Double Fantasy
1. RAM2. Plastic Ono Band3. All Things Must Pass4. Band On The Run5. Imagine6. Ringo7. Egypt Station8. Walls And Bridges9. George Harrison Live in Japan10. Wings Over America
agree with you on much of it, I absolutely love Walls and bridges it has a very distinctive sound and brings back great memories for me of buying it in early 1975. I also LOVE I'm carrying so i'm glad i'm not the only one
I'm carrying is a masterpiece I might even ask for it at my funeral :- )
yeah I loved it as soon as I heard it (the day London Town came out) I love the fact he kept the sound of his fingers moving on the guitar on the record (which he mentioned at the time in an interview) and the arrangement sounds like an old musical , it's so sentimental but in a good way
calm down!!! you’re wayyyy to exuberant and emotional. take it down a notch !
My Top 5:
1: Plastic Ono Band - Lennon
2: Imagine - Lennon
3: All Things Must Pass - Harrison
4: Double Fantasy - Lennon
5: Band on the Run - McCartney
Same top 5
Hey - it's a summer album in February for us in Australia. :-)
I don't think I'd like Back to the Egg to be rediscovered. I rather enjoy having it as my little dirty secret of a record. You turn people on to it and they can't believe they've never heard it before, or knew how great "To You" or "Again and Again" were. I'm deeply curious and anxious to see Paul's re-issue of that and London Town.
Hi John. I have made my first preliminary Top Ten Beatle Solo albums. Keep in mind that it doesn't include Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, New, Ringo, or New. Some favorites like London Town, Ram, Flaming Pie, Time Takes Time did not make the cut. It does take a long time to rate them for me.....Here they are, subject to change!
1 - Living in the Material World
2 - Back to the Egg
3- Thirty Three and 1/3
4 - All Things Must Pass (excluding the Jam!)
5 - Cloud Nine
6 - Tug of War
7 - Goodnight Vienna
8 - George Harrison
9 - McCartney II (I was surprised this was that high!)
10 - Mind Games
Number 11 is Double Fantasy......If I included compilations, All the Best and Best of Dark Horse would have made the top five. My rating is done by a numbering system, rating songs on a 1-10 scale, throwing out songs under one minute unless they rate high.
Interesting Martin. Five from George. I like that as he was overshadowed in the Beatle years. Only one from John and one from Ringo! It's great that we all have different opinions. Love your No 1 choice to be honest, an underrated classic. What year did you get into the (solo) Beatles?
I would say around 1973 when Red Rose Speedway was released. I remember purchasing it then. I was 14 then!
That album and $2.25 will get you a cup of coffee.
Nailed the top two. Back To The Egg would be in my top 5.
Ram and Back to the Egg are my two fave Macca albums
Well...Can't say I agree with all your picks but agree one hundred percent on "John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band" John's ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE"...PLH-ELB
Personally I'd put " BAND ON THE RUN" at #1,#2and #3.
Off the ground is one of my favourite post Beatle albums
My Top 15
01 Walls And Bridges (1974) - John Lennon
02 Venus And Mars (1975) - Paul McCartney
03 All Things Must Pass (1970) - George Harrison
04 Ram (1971) - Paul Maccartney
05 Mind Games (1973) - John Lennon
06 Imagine (1971) - John Lennon
07 Band On The Run (1973) - Paul Mccartney
08 Red Rose Speedway /1973)- Paul Mccartney
09 Plastic Ono Band (1970) - John Lennon
10 London Town (1978) - Paul Mccartney
11 Off The Ground (1993) - Paul Mccartney
12 Thirty Three (1977) - George Harrison
13 Cloud Nine (1986) - George Harrison
14 Back To The Egg (1979) - Paul Mccartney
15 Flaming Pie (1997) - Paul Mccartney
I would at least have given Wings’ “Venus & Mars” an honorable mention, same goes for John & Yokos “Double Fantasy”.
And I certainly think Paul’s “Flaming Pie” belongs somewhere in the Top 10.
Agree on your controversial pick of “London Town”, love that album.
Yes, “Plastic Ono Band” is no. one.
1, plastic Ono band2, living in the material world.3;Ram.4 memory almost full.5,imagine.6. Macartney.7. Macartney 28. Band on the run.9. All things must pass.10 RingoThis is my list lol ...dam forgot London Town...och it’s impossible and always in flux.
Great review John .I love lists it’s a male thing I guess.
Good list Iain...I agree....my top 10 is always in flux...depending on my mood!
no RAM?
1. Band on the Run
2. Plastic Ono Band
3. Ram
4. All Things Must Pass
5. Tug of War
6. Imagine
7. George Harrison
8. London Town
9. Walls and Bridges
10. Flowers in the Dirt
This album with Ram and Venus and Mars are my top 3 albums of all time.
Venus and Mars is tops, IMO... amazing album.
For me:
1-All Things Must Pass
2-Ram
3-Imagine
4-Plastic Ono Band
5-Band on the Run
6-Mccartney
7-Venus and Mars
8-Flaming Pie
9-Tug of War
10-Living in the Material World
1. John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band
2. All Things Must Pass
3. Ram
4. Imagine
5. Living In The Material World
6. Band On The Run
7. Walls and Bridges
8. Venus and Mars
9. Flaming Pie
10. George Harrison (1979)
Coz it's the Beatles here's 5 more.
11. McCartney
12. Mind Games
13. Cloud 9
14. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
15. Ringo
My list:
1- Plastic Ono Band
2- All Things Must Pass
3- Imagine
4- Band on the Run
5- Tug of War
6- Living in the Material World
7- Chaos and Creation
8- Walls & Bridges
9- RAM
10- Flaming Pie
In no particular order: Ringo, Walls n Bridges, Mind Games, Band on the Run, RAM, Back to the Egg, Living in a Material World, Rock n Roll, Red Rose Speedway, Wings Over America. Honorable mention to All Things Must Pass, 33 & 1/3, McCartney 1, Plastic Ono Band.
That’s pretty much my order . I like everyone else, have a different,( my own) opinion. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 ,( I flips them back & forth) . I do the same with BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. ( I have. A tie for GV, V& M +MG) that’s why it’s 11 . Also Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
My top 25:
1. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison (1970)
2. George Harrison - George Harrison (1979)
3. Ram - Paul McCartney (1971)
4. Walls & Bridges - John Lennon (1974)
5. Ringo - Ringo Starr (1973)
6. Thirty Three & 1/3 - George Harrison (1976)
7. Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney (1997)
8. Back To The Egg - Paul McCartney (1979)
9. Cloud Nine - George Harrison (1987)
10. London Town - Paul McCartney (1978)
11. Venus And Mars - Paul McCartney (1975)
12. Mind Games - John Lennon (1973)
13. Red Rose Speedway - Paul McCartney (1973)
14. Living In The Material World - George Harrison (1973)
15. Tug Of War - Paul McCartney (1982)
16. Imagine - John Lennon (1971)
17. Gone Troppo - George Harrison (1982)
18. Time Takes Time - Ringo Starr (1992)
19. Somewhere In England - George Harrison (1980/81) (both versions)
20. Extra Texture - George Harrison (1975)
21. Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - Paul McCartney (2005)
22. Brainwashed - George Harrison (2002)
23. Goodnight Vienna - Ringo Starr (1974)
24. Stop And Smell The Roses - Ringo Starr (1981)
25. Rock ‘n’ Roll - John Lennon (1975)
I have, Maybe I'm Amazed, Give peace a chance & Back Off Bagloo on mixed cd's,but I don't have any of their Solo albums