Reviews (page 6 of 8)
At first, I was gonna kind of trash it, but then I read what the album was all about and then kind of relisted to a little bit and I think it was OK. I don’t know if it’s up there in the grates of an album that will get repeated, but it’s a good piece of musical history.
2.5
It's John Lennon. Good record. Liked him better with the Beatles though.
some fine stuff but some not great stuff too. don’t know if it’d be on this list if it wasn’t Lennon
It was only a matter of time, huh? Ol' John Lennon and Ms. Yoko Ono involved in the background. There are a few songs on here that I really enjoyed, and I can tell a lot was poured into this. As a whole, not as engaging as any Beatles albums, that's for sure. But I do appreciate what he was going for here, even if I didn't connect with it all that much. Favorite tracks: Mother, Isolation, Well Well Well. Album art: Is that John and Yoko laying under the tree? It's a really nice scene, though the picture quality isn't great. Guess I can't fault them since it's 1967, but still. The sort of album that looks like it has ringwear even when it's brand new, like jeans sold with holes. 3/5
How had I never heard Working Class Hero before? Fantastic song. The rest of the album is just ok. I think the lyrics for the most part were great. I've seen people call it pretentious or high minded but I think it was just a really personal record. I don't think I'd actually buy this record or even really play it again though. It gives a look into John Lennon's state of mind right after the Beatles broke up which is interesting but kind of makes you realize that the brilliance of the Beatles was at least in part because they were together. 3/5
Other than reviewing John Lennon's Imagine a few months ago, I'm not familiar with much of John Lennon's work after The Beatles. What little I do know about John Lennon, makes me view him as a bit of an asshole and an aloof and disingenuous doofus. I recently read a little about his song "Give Peace a Chance" in Dorian Lynskey's 33 Revolutions Per Minute, which only furthered these notions for me (I highly recommend that book by the way; it's a bit more history than music in its content, but it's still super interesting, and it covers a lot of music that's on this list). Given all of that, and how much I didn't like Imagine, I didn't think I'd care for this album very much. However, I was bit pleasantly surprised. While Imagine felt phony to me, this album felt a lot more genuine. I think Lennon really nailed the tone of this album by singing more about personal issues. "Mother" was really fantastic, and even if it wasn't completely autobiographical, it was really heartbreaking. "Working Class Hero" was really good too, and it felt like it came from a place of experience. Lennon's critique of social classes was really on point in this song, and it still feels incredibly relevant today. It felt like the songs on this album were either more piano driven or guitar driven in their melodies, but both were done well. I think my biggest criticism of this album is that even though the songs were done well, some of them were boring, and others just weren't memorable. A lot of it feels very akin to The White Album, but unfortunately, it's akin to the parts of The White Album that I don't really like. Still, this album was fine overall, but it's not an album that I'd seek out again.
Not my favorite from Lennon but has its great moments. Been listening to this my whole life but somehow I forgot about it, Working Class Hero is an excellent track and Love is one of the greatest ballads of all time.
Always nice to hear John's voice, a good chance to see what he's like untethered from McCartney's discipline.
klassiker, aber nicht so gut wie beatles, ausnahme working class hero
I wasn't looking forward to this but actually enjoyed it. It's more raw than I expected.
This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it in review and it probably won’t be the last time but I grew up a huge Beatles fan. that being said, though, I really enjoyed some of each Beatles music individually, the whole was always greater than the sum of its parts. Because of that, there was some stuff I never cared to listen to out of fear of its inferiority. I have to be honest, I, shamefully, knew nothing about this album. I assumed I would turn it on, and immediately hear Yoko shrieking at me. I was very pleasantly surprised. I am going to give it a three. That solid, not stellar. Jon took an interesting approach in how we ended some of these songs. Abruptly. I was ready for the Del into a bridge or maybe a chorus and then they stopped. I liked it the first time not as much in subsequent terms. Some of his songs get a little too “me“ centered. His God song literally says he only believes in “me“. sometimes, I just wanna hear a little Paul.
A couple of good songs, you can tell Lennon knows how to write a song, but man if it isn't boring to the point that you just feel he's arrogant. Almost like he's missing a song writing partner or something.
John going full trash vocal in some parts
Good album overall and love the raw sound of it. While not on the levels of the Beatles, I enjoyed it overall. Working Class Hero, Well Well Well, and God are all great tracks. Album is probably a bit longer than it needs to be to tighten it up, but overall good.
I’m a huge Beatles fan so I’m disappointed at my reaction to this. But it just felt like I was awkwardly sitting in on a therapy session for John Lennon. It’s like he wrote the songs in the therapy session and hasn’t changed them at all, just let they stay rough and unfinished as far as structure and melody go. But the Cohen-esc song God and songs towards the end are much stronger, pulling the score of this album up Stand out songs Give peace a chance (great song but goes on too long) Instant Karma! (Actually really liked this song) Working class hero
I feel like this is something I should like more. I appreciate the meaning behind it and people say it is a really powerful record but it just does not do that for me. It is still cool and there is no denying he is one of, if not the greatest songwriter of all time. This just didn’t blow me away like I was hoping. Just 3 stars. Stand Out Songs: Working Class Hero Isolation Love
I've not really listened to any solo-Beatle stuff, weirdly. So this is a good prompt to start that. This is heartfelt stuff. It made me think of modern indie singer/songwriters - though of course the influence is the other way around. I've only listened once but will try and revisit.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The sparseness seemed a strength, this time around.
Visceral
Disappointingly average for John.
Yup, Lennon's Beatles break-up / childhood therapy album. Plenty to unpack, if you're interested in that sort of thing - today I wasn't.
YouTuber Elliot Roberts once called this "the first grunge album," and while I don't think that is the most apt title, the amount of honesty and anger pouring out of this album is rivaled by almost no other record from the time. John Lennon seems at his most visceral of any point in his music career, with more guttural screams than you can shake a Midwest emo band at, and lyrics like "I don't believe in Beatles" to really show that he is done with it all. It truly feels like a personal project more than an album for the common man to hear, and I imagine in 1970 that was shocking for many Beatles fans ready to follow John anywhere after Paul """broke up the Beatles.""" However, despite this thrilling deep dive into the mind of perhaps one of the more misunderstood persons in popular music, there are flaws here. The album feels like it tends to ride on the trauma epicenter of it all, and it can lead to barren tracks that are just not enjoyable to listen to. Sure, that makes an exciting first listen, but it does not encourage repeat visits, and can make some of the songs very forgettable musically, despite the enthralling lyrics. Due to this, the album feels like it doesn't earn that magnum opus status that tends to be lauded upon it, with John's usual musical know-how seemingly lacking without a backbone like Paul to reel him in. Its a picture of a broken man with a lot more on his mind then it felt he let on whilst in the Beatles, but as a musical journey the music does not add much. Still, a decent romp, especially for a first listen.
It was a good album, full of trauma dumping by Lennon and Ono. With the themes of child-parent relationships and psychological suffering, not to mention Lennon's own personal feelings on the abandonment of his parents, feeling like we are hearing his own personal existential crisis. Despite it's themes it was an extremely approachable album, in whole. Best: Hold On Worst: My Mummy's Dead
This is a pretty average album, somewhat self-focussed. I hadn't realised before that there was a partner album by Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band - I've played it and it's much more interesting than the John Lennon album! 3/5
Sort of went into this album pessimistic because I thought John wouldn’t have the staying power he had with the Beatles. This was a good listen. It almost sounded like it could have been in the Beatles discography. I really like the song isolation. Hold on has great jangly guitar. 3.34
Some cool vibes, but lots of weird stuff. It’s alright
I love some of the songs but as a whole it’s not as good as i expected.
Good overall. Favourites: Hold on. Working class hero. Love
Meh
Very mellow easy listen in the background which was a bit boring at times. Kind of exactly what I expected from a John Lennon album. Well Well Well was very strange at hurt my ears.
Some “hits” and some decent songs all round, but coming so soon after The Beatles this is a bit disappointing, as was a lot of solo work from Paul and George. Sounds great in 7.1 surround
Pre listen, I knew I’d heard this before and had two songs (“working class hero” and “god”) on my Spotify liked songs. After listening, much the same. “God” really blew me away this time; I’d remembered it for the “don’t believe in Beatles” line, which feels shocking/antagonistic/angry, but today the song felt like a Buddhist love song (even though he doesn’t believe in Buddha). Something about renouncing all titles/man-made concepts and just feeling, just believing in the people you love. I loved it. And, knowing John Lennon, it probably is both angry (at his bandmates, at fans who keep clamoring for more Beatles) and optimistic (the dream being over allows for a new dream, of just being “John” without living up to being “the walrus”). But the rest of the album was just okay. Anyway, I hope this Lennon fellow figures it out. I expect big things from him, say, one year after this album.
Yllätyin että oli ihan luonnetta. Ja heti kuulee, että muusikontaitoja on kyllä reilulla kädellä. Ja VISIO, joka toteutuu. Aivan onnistunut levy. Herättää tosin minussa aika vähän tunteita.
John always to me to be trying too hard, forcing it, post-Beatles. I feel like he really let his cynicism take over and it’s not a nice edge. Still, he’s John and while not all his best, Working Class Hero of course focuses all of cynicism really well.
listened 3x - 3.4/5
experimental singer song writer vibe
Jawn dead
When I was younger, I never could have predicted that John Lennon would become my least favorite Beatle. This album isn't bad, but the songs sound like the filler songs on a Beatles album that help create ambiance, but aren't really what you come to a Beatles album for. There's nothing here like what George Harrison achieved on All Things Must Pass, and very little of it rises to the level of Band on the Run by Paul McCartney and Wings. It sounds fucked up to say, but the best thing that ever happened to John Lennon's legacy was him getting shot by a crazed former fan. Otherwise, I think the public would have had to contend a lot more with the hypocrisy of his world view. Unfathomably wealthy John Lennon singing about how a "working class hero is something to be" comes off as very hollow. 3/5 I don't think this album is bad, but it's disappointing from a musician who is so highly regarded. It felt like he wasn't trying
Never managed to listen to a Lennon solo album all the way through before. I liked it a lot more than I was expecting. Despite the obvious personal content that is being laid bluntly bare here, there is a sense of relief that the whole Beatles hullabaloo is over and he can just be a singer songwriter. It’s nice and stripped down though I hate all that weird slap back reverb everywhere. Tough to listen to in places due to near screaming etc. enjoyable for the lack of pretence. Distinct lack of big tunes though.
Lennon/McCartney were a great duo. They each helped to reign in the excesses of the other. They are clearly talented musicians alone, but those same excesses really get on my nerves. I understand the "importance" of Lennon's first solo album, but this feels obligatory in a way. The story goes that John wanted to move on from the Beatles, even move on from music. This album feels reflective of that sentiment.
Not his best work.
Think I actually liked *Imagine* more. Dunno quite what to do with that.
Identifying John Lennon - it’s John Lennon
solid 3
I don't like John Lennon. And this album is very very John Lennon. It's vulnerable, and pretentious, and well put together. 3 stars because it didn't make my ears hurt like a 2, i didn't hate it like a 1, but i could never hear it again and that would be fine by me.
Fine
Я заходил слушать этот альбом с очень низкими ожиданиями, потому что я хейтер йоко. Как-то вот видел эту запись, где она на концерте просто хватает микрофон и орёт в него, а Леннон такой улыбается, типа какая у меня девочка прикольная Но низкие ожидания сыграли этой пластинке на руку. Леннон, конечно, такой наивный душечка. Три звёздочки.
I'm familiar with all of the songs on here, even though I haven't listened to the album back to front before. I get why its a beloved album. But honestly it's just a big miss with me. Something about the very prospect of a therapy album by a very very wealthy man of a different era already puts it so far away from myself. I like the songs like Well Well Well where John is just like imma write a blues song. But in a throughline to American idiot, I find the bluntness of a lot of the lyrics kind of grating
чего-то не хватает, поэтому звучит просто как однотрековая озлобленность почему-то
Svært at underrate, men John virker samtidig til at have en lille downer?
This album is the reason global warming exists
I like this album. Such a tumultuous time for the Beatles as they parted ways and of course all sorts of things going on in the world at the time (I know, there's always a lot going on; I'm referring here to the visible things in Western culture that music was reflecting and participating in), yet I still hear the John Lennon voice and signature style. Side Note: it's a boring cliché, at least it was for decades, to hear people bash Yoko Ono for all manner of things, but I like her. Not so long ago, I was in the San Francisco MOMA and happened upon an exhibit of hers. It was excellent. And the paths the individual Beatles were on seem to me to have already been well underway when she and John got together. Anyway, neither here nor there, just had to mention it because she's involved in this album, too.
Classic John
Working class hero is an absolute banger and an new iteration of 'masters of war'. The rest of the album contains some beautiful and incredibly personal lyrics, but it has cemented myself as a McCartney fan over a lennonite.
I think out of the three main songwriters of The Beatles, I enjoy John Lennon's solo material the least. He was still a talented songwriter at this point in his career, and there are some classic songs on this album. However, it is extremely self-pitying and self-obsessed.
Makes me think there were other outstanding songwriters in the Beatles.
It was okay, it had some good songs.
Enjoyed. Was scared there was going to be actual Yoko Ono on it.
If you love Lennon, this one is for you.
Good
An overwhelming sensation of "will this do?" consequent to listening to this album. If Lennon weren't a Beatle, would this receive the kind of attention and critical scrutiny it has enjoyed if it were taken solely on its own merits? A couple of good tracks, but overall a minor disappointment.
Never a huge fan of Lennon's solo work and thus didn't much change that. Wikipedia suggests it was influenced by things happening to him in therapy and that scans, and not to its benefit. I didn't dislike it but it didn't really grab me.
i could have done without the screaming bits
miért üvöltesz ember?
This is my first time listening to this album although I did know a couple of the songs. Its okay. Many songs have very dark and personal lyrics that I don't love, and some of them feel like sketches or ideas instead of fully fleshed out songs. The best track on here is Working Class Hero which is an all time great song to me...lyrics are still dark but its a universal message instead of one that feels like Lennon's personal diary entry. I also like Mother and I Found Out.
It was fine, some good songs on it for sure.
I'm not particularly inclined to like John Lennon but there's definitely something to this album, it's not a charm, but it definitely has appeal, it's pretty raw and exposed, Mother is my favourite but Working Class Hero is up there too.
A really interesting listen, this. Feels like he's going through a proper breakdown (driven by his new relationship), there's moments of magic but some real dross too. Well Well Well sounds like he's deliberately trying to write a bad McCartney song. But then you have Working Class Hero, which is amazing and haunting, and God, which is one of the best breakup songs I've ever heard. Too much filler in there to get a really good mark, it's a 3/5.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is the debut solo album by English musician John Lennon. Released to mixed reviews, it was eventually regarded as Lennon's best solo album. It charted well around the world and has been certified gold in the US and silver in the UK (2021 re-release). John Lennon was going through primal scream therapy during recording this album, which emphasized his childhood traumas and influenced the themes of child abandonment and psychological suffering present on this album. Lennon produced this album with a chip on his shoulder and any listener can tell. But the music on this album was well done and fits the themes put forward. I liked the standout tracks of "Mother, Working Class Hero, and God". RIP John Lennon. This is a great album to remember him by.
Felt like a bunch of half-realized B-sides for later Beatles albums.
Hard to rate. I thought it was cool and unique and a little bit edgier and more raw than Beatles records. I’ve never really been a fan of John Lennons lyrics or him in general but whatever. 3.5?
Great solo outing from John with an unexpected deal of range. Things get much more experimental and exploratory without the confines of larger band holding Lennon back, and he executes well throughout the album. Does feel a little unfinished in my opinion though, ends somewhat suddenly and the tracks lack the cohesion to form a satisfactory, homogenous LP. Would’ve welcomed a Harrison-style mega album on this one, just feels like there’s so much more to say at the end.
Mostly kinda annoying imho. I did like some songs.
This is a really different John. It feels very emotionally raw, with lyrics that are so jagged. It's also a weird lumpy effort. Too high concept for me this morning.
Feels very John, listen tooable, but not always easy
stripped back, personal, extremely angry with chips on his shoulders. Ok songs, but galvanises my opinion that Lennon is the least likeable Beatle and does little to make me think he was more talented than Paul or George.
It’s the John we know and love, minus some powerful elements. It’s not bad. I like the creative mixture of jazz, folk, and pop. The screaming is neat I guess? Some strong tunes, just not fully finished.
Most of the solo efforts of the Beatles are not of consistent quality and not as good as the lads together. As this one shows with Mother and Working Class Hero as highlights.
I've never listened to this album before, which is surprising given that I thought I was a beatles fan. but songs like Well well well sound very much like he's wail wail wail without anything else... That was not a good song. not even a decent song.
Rip i guess
2.5
Never listened to this one before. Classic Lennon sound.
A couple of songs I enjoyed, I Found Out, Well Well Well, Working Class Hero, but found it so-so after that.
Good but not for me
I came into this album wanting to hate its guts. 1001 albums threw 4 Beatles albums and 1 George Harrison at me in the first two weeks, and I'm really not a big fan of theirs. So I gritted my teeth and figured I'd be in for another snooze fest. Fortunately, that wasn't the case at all - this album was innovative, drew from numerous musical styles and ideas and really broke out of the mold of the standard Beatles sound! I know that Yoko and John had a strained relationship, but her contribution to the artistic works is massive. Overall fan of this album. I wish I could rate it higher, but hints of the Beatles snuck in on almost every song, reminding me who wrote this and pulled me out of it.
Men will literally make an album with Phil Spector instead of going to therapy.
Working Class Hero is an exceptional song and I think the anger and attitude would have surprised fans in 1970. I Found Out and Remember I also like. Well Well Well, with its screaming is annoying. I think this provided fans with a deeper, unadorned look at Lennon.
downloaded the hero song dont like john lennon cuz hes a dick but it was nice to listen to
Not bad
Without the shouting it would be 4*
Really like working class hero but generally thought it was ok so high 3
Fine album
Appreciated this more than I enjoyed it. Lennon's singing is the driving force here, but I just didn't get into it.
Sonido casi-beatle característico. Canciones con poca instrumentalización. Tranquilo y sosegado
It's not a bad listen, but musically it's not that adventurous. He's always an engaging vocalist, and there are three standout songs in Mother, Working Class Hero and God. Just can never get that excited about any ex-Beatle solo stuff and this is no exception. Apart from the Frog Chorus of course.
Nou, daar gaan we dan. De eerste van John Lennon, word vast gevolgd door vele vele vele albums. Best een prima begin moet ik zeggen, ik vind Beatles nummers vaak een beetje saai/gedateerd, dit klinkt iets moderner soms? Maar ik heb nog nooit een Beatles album geluisterd, dus kan daar natuurlijk ook aan liggen. Voelt grotendeels wat experimenteel. Ik dacht dat ik Well well well een leuk nummer vond, maar toen kwam de 2e helft... de tering hahahahha God is een heel goed nummer, John redt de wereld door te zingen dat we niet moeten geloven in slechte dingen zoals Hitler. Het album is prima, het lijkt toch meer op The Beatles dan ik van tevoren dacht, maar vind het toch best prettig weg luisteren. FAVO: I found out, God
Streit
Est-ce qu'on peut ouvrir le débat John Lennon = surcoté ou on attend encore un peu ? Donnez votre avis sous l'album de Mike Ladd.
I'm pretty lukewarm when it comes to the Beatles, and less enthused when it comes to their respective solo works. Considering how much flack Yoko Ono cops for the Beatles demise I was expecting not to like this one too much. Whilst it didn't rock my world, the songs are pretty decent and it was quite comfortable listening.
My opinion of this album swung wildly depending on the song. Was originally gonna give this a 4 after listening to the first half, but coming back from my lunch break I gotta say Well Well Well is absolutely torturous. When solo Paul makes a song that doesnt resonate, it just meh - it doesn't completely spoil the vibe. It's not like I don't get it, it's a very Yoko dada-ism adjacent effort - I just truly don't see the merit in that here at all. Thank god the songs that follow bring me back, but 3.5 is as high as I can go here.
Not bad. An interesting mix of styles. Still, very little stood out to me. God was the only song I really liked (and I liked it a lot). Fun fact: John and Yoko sat in the same row as my mom in a movie theater once.
Een paar goede nummers, een paar middelmatige.
Seemed fine, just not very memorable. Don't think I'll listen to anything on this album on purpose again and I won't miss it.
Great album.
I don’t get it. Rubbish.
Tja, John Lennon. Geweldig, dat image maar uiteindelijk is er maar een handje vol nummers van hem dat echt mijn aandacht vast kan houden.
Go Johnny, go!
Een paar mooie nummers, maar verder zei het me niet heel veel.
I liked this album well enough, I guess, but he sure does come off like an asshole sometimes.
Plastic band is right
OK so I was worried it would be a bit too much yoko. She's interesting but her whelps and screeches aren't all that pleasing. But this was nice. It pales in comparison to the white album i had last night but still very good. Nothing too crazy but solid little tunes all over this thing. Minimal and not too over produced. Just a nice singer songwriter record. It also has an atmos mastering so I listened to that which is nice. Not too many atmos versions of anything out there. A nice and enjoyable 3*
Lennon's solo work offers a bit of a contrast dilemma to me. On one hand, the songs are raw and direct, and are obviously full of personal meaning (and just: meaning). On the other hand, and generally speaking, the music side of things is nothing special.
Favourite song: Working Class Hero
Inte lika vass när McCartney inte står bredvid.
It's a bit of a shame that Imagine is generally known among the public as John Lennon's high point, because this record is better. It leans more towards rock and has the grit, soul, and rawness that his other material lacked. That said, remove the 'John Lennon' of it all and it loses a bit of impact. Should a record be given higher marks than it deserves just because it came from a prolific and culturally relevant artist? Don't think so. Plus, he does this annoying growly sound on some tracks (like I Found Out) - not a big fan.
Tried a few times but can't really get into it. Too inconsistent perhaps. Nevertheless, there are some high quality songs of course.
Fine, a couple of songs I liked
He spent more time taking shots at his bandmates and his parents than anything else. That doesn't make it bad, but I wanted something more to hang onto. Best track: God
Not nearly as good as the George Harrison album I can appreciate the raw emotion on this album but it doesn't impact me very much Pretty good songwriting
Extremely generous 3
Standouts: Mother, Love, Power to the People 3.5 Solid Album.
Like Paul, far too overrated given their affiliation with the Beatles. But John has some great lyricism on this album on God and Working Class Hero. Musically, no boundaries broken here.
Despite the big name I can only give three stars here. A decent album without any real highlights or anything
Actually some nice stuff here, but he always has to go and ruin it somehow.
It’s alright but not ground breaking.
This is my first Beatles/-adjacent album and honestly was dreading when it would start. I've tried Beatles before and man, it just wasn't for me. Can only say it's still not for me.
Jedna dobra pjesma od 6 minuta ali preostale minute više nego dovoljne da to srozaju. Opet koliko ne volim Beatlese ovo mi je jedna od boljih stvari povezanih s njima.
This is a curiosity piece album of hey look the guy that used to be in the Beatles put out a solo record. I normally like a raw grungy sounding album but this one just doesn't do anything for me.
Look, we we've all been emotionally neglected by our parents. If you want me to care about YOUR mommy and daddy issues, your songs can't be mid at best.
There were some high points, but then there were some wildly pretentious self absorbed low points.
absolute nothingburger. Checked the information and you're telling me this is regarded as his best solo work??? he should have stayed with the beatles till he died, at least that makes him tolerable holy shit
pass 2/5
At least it was short. The Beatles after The Beatles don't resonate with me. Sorry.
Not a fan of Lennon or The Beatles
Eh, kinda depressing and boring... Ono!?
The dangers of becoming famous and doing a bunch of drugs
OK. 2/5
I’ve always loved “Working Class Hero”, and I thought Billy Preston’s piano on “God” was just gorgeous. But really, this was never going to be for me for the most part.
..
Fun fact: John Lennon was killed on the same day I was born, my mom was watching the news story in the hospital.
Not bad but not particularly good or interesting either. He was clearly working through a lot of issues and the songs are all emotionally charged. I Found Out was the highlight but not to the point where I want to put it on the playlist.
One of the shortest albums but plenty to consider here. Beautiful songs but left me a bit cold.
Stark, raw, angry and not a particularly pleasurable listen. The album's strength lies in its simplicity, from lyrics through to production, although it's a poor relation to Imagine.
This set of tracks is better than his average solo effort. But that's got more to do with the comparative lack of pompous cant and vitriol than because it contains anything intrinsically interesting. 2*
Proof positive that Lennon's former bandmates were a much better influence on his songwriting than Ono, his therapist or whatever else was going on in his post-Beatles life. I can't help but think that if he were to bring any of this stuff to a Beatles session that the rest of the band would be giving each other side glances gauging each others reactions and McCartney would be calculating in his mind what he could do to try and save the song(s) if Lennon wouldn't let them go. This was a therapy session set to music and if Lennon weren't Lennon, I doubt many people would be listening to or talking about this.
Very boring!
I judge anyone who likes this nonsense just a little bit.
LSD er skadelig, du kan bli en kjedelig artist av det....
I didn’t hate this. Still not a fan of the Beatles or any solo work from the Fab Four.
Not a fan of this, had high hopes with this being John Lennon, missed the mark massively
Several single note songs. I'll never understand what's so great about this album... Plastic Ono Band, is Lennon, with his undeniable energy and charisma, but without McCartney & Harrison's melodic and harmonic skills. "Working Class Hero" has some great lyrics, but lets face it, melody isn't impressive at all. He's almost singing-talking, what also happens in "God" and "Isolation". In both cases, he press the piano once in each 5 seconds (since there's no melody), and just 2 fingers are enough to play "Love". In "Well Well Well", he spent a couple of hours SCREAMING, after an interesting guitar riff, and that's it! Plastic Ono Band is oftenly described as a major honest work. Ok, it may be. It has some great lyrics too... But with just a single complete song ("Mother"), is one of the most overrated albums ever. Lennon was much more a lyricist, than an instrumentalist...
John Lennon sounds like the ice king on mother
Too simple and minimalist for my taste. With that said, I'm glad Working Class Hero exists!
This was a tough one for me. I consider myself on the side of John Lennon over Paul MacCartney in much the same way I am Beatles over Stones all the way. I’ve always appreciated John’s wit, evocative voice, and raw power over Paul’s practiced dry approach. Paul just ain’t as cool as John. However on this recording we have a man amidst personal crisis with seemingly no one to say no or to turn his raw talent into beautiful arrangements. He seems truly in pain over the death of his mother and in complete freefall as one of the most famous people in the word, a position he openly and rightly it turns out does not believe you the listener could understand. Artistically he seems to be trying very hard, too hard imo, to un-Beatle himself by eschewing any of the usual accoutrement like arrangements, accompaniment, production value or studio acumen for which they especially known. The songs are mostly him on piano or guitar, some drums, and a fair amount of vocal fry. Not my Fab Fave.
Lennon’s solo material was never great, but this record is a little worse.
I don't really like the Beatles, especially not John's stuff so this is a bit of a miss for me. I can kinda see what he's trying to do here, but he doesn't really have the chops to pull off the "I've got a groove here, let's just scream over it a bit" schtick.. it's missing the groove. It's like a mix between Bob Dylan and protopunk anger, but without the raw emotion and worse poetry.
This one didn't really click for me. It took me a while to get through it, and I just felt like it was a bit of a step down from his previous work. Definitely not too shallow though, and it offers an interesting snapshot into John's life at this point.
Didnt like it
Didn't understand the music at all
lennon loses his magic without the rest of the band to course correct. why is he screaming vicerally. Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: only because it's his first solo album 2.4
mother hurt my ears physically, and that pretty much set the mood for the rest of the album
Eh.
попайка от джона леннона. Битлы тогда переходили на новый уровень и он тоже хотел чего то эдакого, резульат - завывания и претенциозные тексты (под дудку йоко оно по ходу). Хз, ничего толкового, переслушивать бы не стал.
I don't know what I just listened to... I guess I will try again another day...
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I definitely didn't expect this. I don't really know what this is.
Better with Paul M livening up some of the more dreary tunes
I've always liked the track Working Class Hero. Otherwise the album feels kind of arrogant
Did not like this, it was boring, borderline painful like for Well Well Well !!
Boring and corny adlibs why did he say cookie that was so random
Love is not having to listen to Love any more.
i already don't like the beatles very much, so i went in with low expectations. i won't say i hated this but, i didn't finish it. I only listened to the first three or so tracks and cut it off...
Joa - warum nicht lieber die Beatles oder the kinks auflegen? Interessanterweise sind die rockigeren Songs die schwächeren, das finde ich ja meist eher anders herum
Oh my goddd shut upppp
I’m all for music being written as a form of catharsis. But dang. Dude had some mommy/daddy issues. This album was clearly an exercise as part of his therapy. And there are some good moments here and there exhibiting decent performance. But, literally crying out for mom n dad over and over again (literally), while being arrogant and pretty self-indulgent does not really make a great record. I know you’re supposed to worship at the feet of all Beatles, but I’ll take Paul or George’s debuts over this.
You know what I didn’t mind it
I don't like it and never have. I don't see or hear the 'talent' that everyone else does. boring
Je pensais ne pas aimer John Lennon solo, j'avais raison. Playlist pick : I Found Out
I dont know man. I've always been more of a Paul guy, and George. I can appreciate John, but I mostly like what he did in the Beatles. His post-Beatles stuff always feels a little Edge-lordy. Like, I can enjoy the craftsmanship, but it really feels like he wants to prove to you that he's a brooding intellectual.
Pretentious slop
Wow. John Lennon didn’t believe in much…
It’s as mid as it gets, a dime and a dozen.
Meh
This list is beginning to make me think John Lennon - while very talented - might be the most overrated musician of all time? There, I said it.
Well, it's easier to listen to than anything else with "Ono" in its name.
worse than every beetles album RIP
God I hate Yoko.
Mostly just dreary.
Oh dear. John Lennon meets Yoko Ono, loses way, and produces self-indulgent claptrap.
Not one of John's best albums. I could definitely do without all the screaming in "Mother" and "Well Well Well", what the heck?
I totally understand why someone likes this. That someone is not me. He's so whiny and also John Lennon + Yoko is not my working class hero
This album disappointed me. I thought of myself as a moderate fan of John Lennon. I cried when I saw his white piano and round glasses on display at the Beatles museum in Liverpool. But holy mother of Jesus, this was an obnoxious album, beginning with the vocal tantrum throughout the opening track, Mother, and proceeding throughout. Its only saving graces were the bonus tracks - Give Peace A Chance and Instant Karma - both of which never appeared on the original pressing and therefore won’t be considered in counting towards its score. This is his least appealing output, as far as I’m concerned.
If I'm being super honest, this is not John at his best. He maybe was better as a Beatle... That's a controversial opinion, I'm sure.
Not great, working class hero very good but most of the songs a bit dull
He sounds lost. Not sure what his solo sound will be. Working Class Hero is a glimpse at what will come.
Díficil de calificar a este. Por un lado tiene temones como Isolation, pero también hay canciones que no me gustaron nada como Mother, que se la pasa gritando. Como estoy calificando como discos le voy a poner un 2,5 (2 porque no llega al 3)
No fav song
Relieved it did not have Yoko in it. Parts of the middle are not too bad, but I just did not care for a good deal of it.
misschien is het mijn stemming en dat ik liever gewoon naar Rosalía (opnieuw) aan t luisteren zou zijn maar ugh.
I know Yoko is his wife and he clearly loved her a lot. It’s just that every-time I hear her name, I immediately think of her screeching that had Chuck Berry looking horrified. 😭🤣🤣 A true meme before it was a popular concept .This wasn’t my vibe though.
I mean its alright. John Lennon is a bit too mellow for me tbh
I honestly feel like there are some lovely songs on this album and then he starts screaming I want him to stfu.
My God, this dude really was so far up his own ass. Unfortunately, he did know how to write a solid piece of music. But "Isolation" is almost comically out of touch. No wonder the Beatles broke up. Fave tracks: - Mother - Hold On - I Found Out - Working Class Hero - Remember - Well Well Well - Look At Me
This one is actually bad. Like really bad in both songwriting and production, just no.
It's ok
Mother: starts out powerful then gets annoying towards the end Hold On: just okay I Found Out: don't care for the lyrics Track 4: boring Track 5: don't like how he says "isolation" right before the chorus Track 6:
I was never a Beatle's guy. Not to say that they aren't brilliant upon occasion or that I don't love several of their songs but I never listen to them by choice. 20% strength Beatles is much the same for me.
Not believing in God is okay, but not believing in the beatles, bruh.
Kinda shit
Half these songs were weird and not in a good way.
I dont think i liked any of those songs. Why is this great
Started off being afraid that Yoko Ono would make her presence known, luckily for us that wasn’t the case. Yet, maybe that would have made for a better experience as it was kind of forgettable.
Just hooting and hollering
Do people only like it because it’s John Lennon? I mean, the lyrics here are not bad at all—I’m gonna give it that—but outside of them, this album is just not that fun. It’s a pretty basic singer-songwriter record that feels underwhelming. A couple of songs stand out (Working Class Hero, God), but even then, the music itself feels barely better than if there were only an acoustic guitar in accompaniment. 5/10
Listened to and from work. Man, John really isn't as good as a songwriter as when he had Paul and George with him. Boring, self indulgent, at times grating while he just screams into your ear. If this album had anyone else's name on it, it would not even be considered to be included on this list. Disappointing.
Feels very much like a softer Beatles album but something is lacking. I can't put my finger on what exactly but no song really pulled me in and made me want to listen again or more.
I really feel like if this album didn't have Lennon's name attached to it, it really wouldn't have gotten any attention. It wasn't terrible, but just really wasn't memorable. The only track that stuck out to me was Well Well Well. 2/5
esses hippies são uma coisa né
Yawn. Some people need other people to tell them when their art is too self-indulgent. John needed Paul, George and Ringo.
I already have this. It's not the JL I normally go too. I usually go to "Mind Games"
Lennon first album after The Beatles is hit and miss, mostly miss for me. Working class Hero is a great Bob Dylan song, and I always enjoyed Ringo. TMI about your headspace, and most of these songs would be more entertaining performed by The Beatles. It’s okay. Challenging.
Like all John's solo work, it's uneven. His status gave him opportunity to record and release whatever he wanted. Can't fault him for taking that opportunity with both hands.
I hate writing this, but this is awful. It doesn't sound genuine to me, maybe Lennon's intent was to bare his soul to the fans but this sounds hollow and insincere. My thoughts may be scewed by what is known about him as a person today, but I still think it's fair given what this album is appearently meant to be. Musicly there is nothing here, lyricly if feels superficial and in parts intentionally provocative for no other reason than to get a gasp. Mission accomplished, I gasped at how bad this album is.
Unbesonders.
bezveze. nekad okej, al na trenutke nepodnošljivo. nikad baš dobro. al budući da nisam čuo da se ovo uzdiže u nebesa, dobit će dvojku umjesto kečine, kojoj je doduše dosta blisko
I definitely could've died without hearing this one. It's just John Lennon being a whiny baby for 40 minutes. With few exceptions. Hence the 2 rating.
Whole lot of meh.
I think this is proof that John was carried by Paul and George (and Ringo?) especially considering the general caliber of their solo output. The Apple Music description of this album says these are “some of the most nakedly emotional songs ever recorded.” Someone tell me what I need to do to reach that level of delusion because I feel like it would make 2026 a lot more bearable. With those obligatory hot takes out of the way, Working Class Hero is an incredible song. Far and away the highlight of this album for me. Look at Me has some great music and an intriguing melody if you can divorce that from the silly pseudo-existential lyrics.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono can suck my dick. And you know what? Harris Dickinson and Anna Sawai can too. (I’m in a bad mood.)
I’m really not a John fan that much. I’m certainly not a Yoko fan. And I just don’t find his and her work that appealing overall.
Goes somewhere and then gets weird
The Beatles it is not
Meh
Täitsa igav album, mis lihtsalt möödus minu jaoks erilise tähelepanuta. Tundub, nagu John Lennonil polnud lähedal ühtegi kriitikut ning sai oma esimese sooloplaadi peale igast jama panna. 2/5
At times the lyrics have something interesting to say, but most of the times they just sound deranged.
M'ha costat d'escoltar-lo sencer pq se'm fa molt feixuga música així. Tampoc és que sigui un album dolent, algunes cançons m'han agradat una mica... però aquest rollo no em va gens.
Mostly boring except for the artists name...
I've never been able to get into Lennon's solo stuff much. This is my first time sitting down to listen to an entire album of his. And it confirms what I already knew. His solo stuff just isn't as good as his work with the Beatles. This whole album felt pretty boring.
It’s fine. At times it felt like a bit of a tour of different 70’s sounds, but nothing really stood out to me as particularly good, with the exception of the Bob Dylan sounding Working Class Hero. Outside of that, very forgettable in my opinion. 5/10, 2 stars.
After getting both this and George Harrison’s solo debut within the last two weeks, I’m realizing maybe George WAS the real magician behind the Beatles. I did not enjoy this at all.
Too screechy
A bit melancholy this guy should be in a group.
sounds like him going through some sort of therapeutic process. i do pity the hundreds of thousands of people who bought it expecting something else though
Becoming mature is understanding that the majority of John's solo is pedantic and juvenile. As a person he may (?) have grown, but as a musician I find his solo stuff simply dull and unfocused.
John Lennon gets a bit preachy (about himself) on this one. Mother is a really sweet song sung with great heart! God is a bunch of self proclaimed crap. The whole 'I don't believe in Beatles' stuff (after not believing in any religious figure) was just overkill. Not a fan. The rest of the album was a selection of very cliche John Lennon songs. Even one where he rips off the riff to Dear Prudence (while matching the words to Tell Me What You See). 2 stars.
Starts with an angst ridden teen song sung by a successful, rich older man. And that really sums up the album. A rich man's project that'd doesnt really add anything. Working class hero is alright though.
I can see why people were angry at Yoko
Im not sure this guy can really write songs without help. This definitely fell short of my expectations for such an iconic artist. The lyrics in particular stood out as particularly below par, and just a bit amateur
The Good: We are regaled by non other than Mr John Lennon The Bad: This isn’t JL from the Beatles… The Ugly: The fucking screamin’ One can enjoy any kind of therapy one likes, does this mean that I have to exposed to said therapy? Listening to the wailing on Mother, all I kept thinking was “suck it up butter cup”… Don’t want to get into mental health discussions, but this is just sad… Anyway, I listened to the album, and will not ever want to listen to the album ever again. Thanks for bummin’ out my day JL 2*
I'm disappointed in this album - guess for me, Lennon's magic is at its best when among the rest of his former Beatles bandmates. "Working Class Hero" is a good & thoughtful ballad, but there wasn't a lot on this album that excited me.
I love John Lennon but not this one...
65
sounds like poetry written by children, nah
Die rockigen Songs mag ich hier nicht so gern (wobei ich es schon sympathisch finde, wie Lennon dabei die Sau rauslässt), eher die ruhigeren Nummern gefallen mir hier. Insgesamt solide, aber nichts, was ich mir voraussichtlich nochmal geben werde.
2.5
Although there are some fine songs it is a very dour collection lacking in memorable hooks. Unlikely to get a full airing with just cherry picking a few for a list.
Typical self righteous bullshit from the third most talented beatle
Narcissistic and pretentious. Far too impressed with itself. Nothing special. The screaming during track 1 gets really annoying. It seems that MaCartney and Harrison were the real talent in The Beatles.
I really like this album but maybe not so much.
I’m not sure if my Beatles bias extends this far. 2.5 stars.
This is my first John Lennon album. What a disappointment. John really just likes to repeat things in songs.
This album seemed to do quite well when it came out, and also has done well on this project. However, this album didn't really do much for me. It was listenable, but it was pretty boring. It lacks the energy and presence of Beatles albums that came before it. Where I already found Lennon's "Imagine" album to be mid, this is even worse for me. Oh well. We can't all be winners, and not all Beatles can be George Harrison. 2.5, I don't wanna round up.
Perhaps my least favorite of the John Lennon solo albums. Favorite tracks: "Love", "God" Everything else just seemed like pointless whining.
Not his best work. Two stars because John Lennon. Best I can do.
Didn’t really care for it
Shitty music from an asshole of a person.
The Beatles are my favorite band, and I always kind of instinctively avoided all their solo stuff. I feel like that was a good call. Lennon clearly needed someone to rein him in a bit
John Lennon, like most megastars, seems to be too caught up in his own drama until the end of this record. "I Found Out" was grating on the ears, and the first instance of a reoccurring problem throughout this record - it feels a bit phoned in on the composition/instrumental side of things. On top of that, Lennon's lyrics are about as impactful as a 13-year-old would allows them to be. "Working Class Hero" and the first half of "God" are a bit shallow, never offering anything beyond surface-level observations or statements. That being said, "God" moves along quite nicely to deliver a very personal message from John on his stance of being in a post-Beatles world. My pick is "Well Well Well" for it's memorable vocal delivery. While I must credit this project for finally getting out of it's own entanglements and speaking from the heart with "God" & "My Mummy's Dead" at the end, it takes far too long to get there. Many of these songs sound like glorified demo's that are only carried by Lennon's noteable persona/presence. Very torn on this one, but it gets a 2/5. I could probably revisit this a few times and find it in me to be more kind to it, but this simply didn't land well with me for three quarters of it's run time. I'd like some more elaborate backing tracks if the lyricism is gonna be so stark. Strong 2/5
Having recently gotten Harrison's first post-Beatles solo album on here, I am a bit struck by how differently they handled the production styles. ATMP was very polished and structured. In contrast, POB is very raw and stripped down. Harrison delved more into spiritual themes while Lennon went with personal experiences. Unsurprisingly, the results were two very different albums. I have to say that I liked Harrison's more. Maybe it's because Harrison was able to compile all the material he'd worked on that was rejected from Beatles albums over the years while Lennon was more writing from scratch. But the songs on ATMP just felt stronger and better written. My personal opinion is that Harrison grew as a musician and songwriter as he went, likely in part from working with the other Beatles so closely. By the time the Beatles broke up, he was able to rival the leaders he'd been following for the decade before. Lennon had a lot of talent from the start, which certainly matured as the band went on but didn't necessarily grow too much. He then expanded into other genres and artistry, as he became pretty famous for with Yoko. That's not intended to be a knock on either of them, just a thought on their progression. Specific to this album, it didn't sound all that inspired to me. It instead sounded painful, as though it were intended as a release valve to for an artist who was going through a lot. Parts of it reminded me of that scene in the Wedding Singer when he is way too upset to be performing but plays a song anyway. Emotion that strong can create really meaningful art, but I didn't get that from this. Maybe he was trying a little too hard to express those emotions and it fell flat. And, while I didn't dislike the simplified musical arrangements, I think the lack of other musician/artist input was detrimental to the work, which is noticeable when comparing this to his songs with the group. There were a few songs here I liked. I think my favorite track would've been Well Well Well if not for the screaming break in the middle. That really took me out of it. I did like his use of gradual buildup to screaming on the opening track, Mother, which felt like a real expression of his feelings compared to the other instance. Outside of a few tracks, the majority of songs here were not very memorable to me. The whole thing was kinda unappealing and lackluster. Beyond the music itself, there are plenty of issues surrounding Lennon without needing a lot of context to know this one is controversial. Even so, I found it pretty unremarkable other than the rawness of the emotion on it. Honestly, I don't know that this album would've made the list if not for it being the first John Lennon post-Beatles effort. I didn't find it all that good. Overall: 2.1/5
It sure is John Lennon, couple decent tracks in here but overall just kinda samey
Clearly very meaningful, especially to JL and YO, but a joy to listen to? No, not for me.
йоко оно конченная мразь
Favorite tracks: I Found Out, Working Class Hero Overall this was pretty boring, and the songwriting felt lazy. "Love is real, real is love"? I found myself rolling my eyes at a few of these songs. Definitely a disappointment.
Lennon opens with the heartfelt Mother and closes with the seemingly candid and improvised My Mummy’s Dead. Both are nice bookends to the mediocre library shelf that is this album. Working Class Hero is a great Dylan-esque folk tune. Otherwise this is a lyrically dead album. Either it’s trying to be quotable SO HARD it’s absurd (see God) or just beatnik slam poetry set to repetitive strumming or piano chords (see Love). I know. I know. It’s Lennon. And it’s him just learning how to be a solo artist and it’s followed by one of the greatest solo albums of all time, Imagine. But I just don’t like it that much.
Nothing more overrated than John Lennon
not great. You can tall he wasn't in a good headspace and was angry. Didn't produce the greatest music from there....
Very strange album. Some genuinely moving moments intermixed with raspy screaming that left me feeling jarred and kind of put off by the album. Felt very pretentious with only a surface level of depth, but there are a few songs to enjoy here that aren't as unhinged. Top tracks: Love, Well Well Well
Ich weiß nicht, was ich sagen soll. Nicht schlimm, aber auch nicht super. Irgendwie nervt mich John Lennons Stimme.
John Lennon's solo work is just so underwhelming, especially considering that he's the writer of some of my favorite Beatles songs. The only part of this that I really remember is the start of "Working Class Hero" is the intro, and that only because REM stole it for "Swan Swan H".
started a bit dull then i thought it turned good but the tailend feels like trolling, with lowlight well well well
Great artist. Great songs. A legend with the Beatles. Died way to young.
pretty boring tbh
Always felt the highlights on this one were “Mother” and “God,” with everything else being much needed catharsis for John, but does not make for much great listening music. The ending of “Remember” is always pretty funny though.
I think maybe Paul was the talented one... This just sounds like a bitter man shouting about stuff he doesn't believe in any more.
As someone noted, this is "barely ok". Dull and unconvincing.
The screaming is so… John Lennon always finding a way to irritate me
Thought this was fine. Some of the songs were enjoyable enough but I found some a bit boring. Probably just not really my thing. Fav song: Isolation Least fav: Love
Men are so scared of going to therapy that they'd rather write an album about their mummy issues and friendship troubles than talk about them. Favourite song: Hold On (preferably without the cookie monster feature) Least: Love
This was OK. Much more self-serious than anything involving McCartney, in the same way McCartney was probably too frivolous. Sounded a bit like Lennon just working his way through some things, I am not sure he really needed an audience for these thoughts - a journal would have been fine. God was distilled, almost parody, Lennon. All a bit on the nose for me.
Lowkey bleak.
1970 Pretentious drivel. If this had been released by anyone other than Lennon, we wouldn't be talking about it, but here we are... Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Overrated ★★☆☆☆ (3/10)
I'm not a fan of the Beatles or John Lennon, they were only just a little before my time. If I were born 10 or even 5 years earlier it may have been different. From the lyrics this is a JL departure from the Beatles with one finger. In the track "God", he states he is the dream weaver and the walrus, i.e. the core of the Beatles and without him they are nothing. It is the lyrics that tell different stories of John. In "Mother", a child who sought out love but never found it, or very little. What do you do if parents don't show love, it can destroy a life with anger that has no place to land, like an aeroplane with unlimited fuel looking for a place to land after the Earth has been destroyed, constantly trying, maybe even going back to the same place, just to check. That eternal pain shouts loudest at the ending of the track, with JL screaming Mama don't go, Daddy come back. Very very sad. The closing track, "My Mummy's dead", expresses 'so much pain', bottled up, 'I could never show it'. Maybe JL saw Yoko in part as a replacement mother figure, being 7 years older, one can only speculate. Was he special? My opinion, his talent was an outlet through which he could pour his emotions. His conditions of worth. 2 stars as I'm not a fan, but at least the lyrics stopped me in a pause for thought. Otherwise it would have been 1.
repetitives, langweiliges gesäusel. zum glück vor meiner zeit.
Rating: 1.6 This is pretty bad. A lot of discordant screaming and songs that wander all over the place and never really go anywhere. Almost like this guy needs some kind of band or something to make REALLY good music. What a shame that never happened huh?
The Beatles were definitely more than the sum of their parts. I rated Paul McCartney's first solo album as highly unappealing just over a week ago. This one's better in at least it doesn't sound like unfinished demo takes. But it's really not much better either. 2.5 rounded down.
Fine
John Lennon is no Bob Dylan. This just sounds like a bunch of outtakes and half baked ideas. If this is the kind of shit John was bringing to jam sessions, I can only imagine this is what made Paul, George, and Ringo throw in the towel. 2/5 #153
Very very whingy
entiendo por que te gusta. me embolo.
I don't enjoy the Beatles so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that I don't like this boring stuff either.