Attempting a "10 Best Solo Beatles Albums" Ranking

[@BassicVIC]

“All things must pass... McCartney’s approval!” -George 😂😂😂😂

[@mikebass3723]

Haha, thanks for the shout out, Joe! Sorry, I'll put my request to rest. It'll happen when it happens. ;) I'm not disciplined enough to put a top 10 list together for the record, but my mine would be similar, and Ram would definitely be number one. I had no idea that it has been getting an overwhelming amount of praise lately from people, but I too have just recently discovered it's brilliance. It's a masterpiece, and it's even better when you add "Another Day" and "Oh Woman, Oh Why" to the lineup! Enjoyed the video, and your signature wit! :)

[@henrynursesings]

all things must past is the best for me

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

Mine as well, the first too i ever owned, a great album!!

[@shanemckenna9416]

Two I think glaring omissions are “ Walls and Bridges “ ( Lennon’s best solo album in my opinion ) and Paul’s “ Tug of War “ apart from “ Ebony and Ivory “ a perfect album. Just outside my top ten would be Wings “ London Town “ and George’s “ Living in the Material World “.

[@keriford54]

I too am inclined to rate Walls and Bridges as John's best, I think it his most creative, but I do find his solo output disappointing. I'd put Tug of War above New, but I do find it hard to rank McCartney albums, he has a lot of enjoyable albums, but none that really stand out. I think I too would put RAM at the top of his work. As for George I love his self titled album, it's got beautiful songs and was so meticulously made.

[@BeatUpRecordsCDs]

Top review Joe. All of those albums are first class. Look forward to your next album review.

[@OzTwanger]

I dislike Yoko Ono but I love “Oh Yoko”

[@BM-mw4nv]

George is my favorite beatle by far, if i had to pick my least favorite its ringo, although i still think hes awesome. i actually was into George before i was into the beatles

[@liammcqueeney8768]

Brady V Same

[@spookislandd]

Same here. I grew up with All Thing Must Pass, i was so in love with the song Run of the Mill when I was a kid... then at 9 or 10, I discovered the whole Beatles catalogue and I loved it.. but for me, give me George over The Beatles, and tha's just a personal taste... I'm not saying George discography was better than the Beatles'

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Yeah he wrote many if my favourite beatles songs!

[@IronmanKMSA]

I can't honestly put any of Ringo's in there. 10. John - Double fantasy 09. George - Living in the material world 08. George - George Harrison 07. John - Walls and bridges 06. Paul - Speed of sound 05. George - All things 04. John - Imagine 03. Paul - Ram 02. Paul - Venus and Mars 01. Paul - Band on the run

[@jamesragan7956]

That would be very close to my top 10 also.

[@jldraw]

Great idea for a video Joe! I have to say that I'm glad to see that other Beatles fans are starting to recognize the brilliance of "All Things Must Pass". While it's always been a very highly regarded album, I certainly have come to believe that it deserves to be upgraded in status to not only one of the best albums of the decade but one of the best albums of all time. It's in my top five albums of all time anyhow and quite frankly I think it's really the only solo Beatles album I feel one hundred percent comfortable in saying is better than some of the group efforts. I'm going to make another somewhat bold prediction here and state that given another twenty-forty years, "Flaming Pie" will be looked upon as McCartney's greatest solo album. I think music fans tend to genuflect towards the earliest works of an artist's career because in most cases that is when musicians tend to spin hay into gold at a greater rate of frequency. I also feel there is some degree of discomfort when it comes to the general public in having to admit that an "adult" can create great art. But I think more than any other album in his catalog, "Flaming Pie" is a complete statement in terms of what an album can be as a piece of art. It just took him what thirty plus years into his solo career to make that record. Don't get me wrong McCartney's albums in the seventies for the most part are tremendous records but I think in many ways during that era he's was still searching as to what was the exact statement he wanted to make with his music each time out. I think with "Flaming Pie", he finally achieved what he was aiming for with so many of his earlier efforts and that was an album that was not only sublime but demonstrated a complete understanding and mastery of what made his music so great and that was the ability to relate what are in essence themes that listeners can not only relate to but at the same time rediscover through the eyes of the artist which is an accomplishment that many seek out to attain but very few ever get there. "Flaming Pie" for me is either a 10/10 or a 9/10 depending on how generous I'm feeling on that particular day. Cheers Mayo!

[@MeanMrMayo]

jldraw - Love your thoughts on FLAMING PIE! So true.

[@Vincent-bs5mf]

I really like your list of albums, i'm glad you placed "Ram" as #2 it's one of my favorit McCartney albums,keep on rocking!

[@collectorofstuff158]

My personal top 5: 5. Flaming Pie 4. George Harrison 3. Imagine 2. All Things Must Pass 1. Band On the Run

[@collectorofstuff158]

no

[@collectorofstuff158]

I like POB but these are the top 5 I find myself listening to the most.

[@timshearn3792]

Great video Joe and very brave choice of subject! Top 10 solo Beatle albums?! Some good choices in there, especialy Flaming Pie, which is an awesome album. Personally I would have made room for Walls & Bridges and perhaps Living in the Marerial World over Cloud 9. But hey, that is the beauty of these things, everybody has a different opinion and that is what keeps it interesting! For the record my list today would be: 10: Walls & Bridges 9: Living in the Material World 8: Wild Life 7: All Things Must Pass 6: Mind Games 5: Flaming Pie 4: Plastic Ono Band 3: Band on the Run 2: George Harrison 1: Ram. Ask me tomorrow it might be different!!

[@MeanMrMayo]

Tim Shearn - Some interesting thoughts there, especially WILD LIFE.

[@timshearn3792]

+MeanMr Mayo Thanks Joe. Wild Life just one of my favourites right now. Great to play on a nice summer's day - not that we get many of those here in the UK!

[@MikeVernonProd]

Tim Shearn I definitely enjoy Wild Life quite a bit. A totally underrated record in my view, it's the most "natural" sounding of any solo album, and great for a drive in the country

[@robertbalboni3797]

nice ranking joe! its difficult to choose the best because they had so many as individual artists and the material is subject to ones personal taste and style. each of the beatles did certainly put out some classics though that's for sure. rob

[@renemies78]

Awesome list! I"m so glad you added "New" to the list. It's one of Paul's best solo albums. The songs sounded so damn good live when I saw him. My all-time favorite Solo Beatles album also is "All Things Must Pass". Wow, what an album. There are some filler tracks ("Apple Scruffs" comes to mind) but what a spectacular album. Your review has actually made me want to purchase the "Ringo" solo album. I'm going to get it this weekend and hear it for the first time in me life. Thanks so much.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Rene Rodrigues - Thanks for providing your thoughts.

[@martinluther7052]

Thanks for trying to do the impossible. Interesting watch all the albums you mentioned certainly are great. Would have thrown walls and bridges in there some where and Ram would be behind Imagine and Plastic Ono but as you stated it really is an ever changing list. Keep up the good work

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks, Gregory.

[@matipedia_]

It's amazing how it seemed that Paul was making his last album "Memory Almost Full" with songs talking about ends, and suddenly NEW the complete opposite

[@MeanMrMayo]

Matipedia - I never thought of that. Good point.

[@jshdllrd]

I would have very similar picks. I love Chaos and Creation and actually Sentimental Journey (I may be alone in that...). But only 10--that's tough! I am interested to hear more on what makes George your least favorite. Another great Beatles video!

[@keriford54]

I too love Sentimental Journey, Ringo runs on his charm and it is on full display on that album. Also love Chaos and Creation, but there are lots of Paul albums I love. George is probably my most favourite solo Beatle.

[@bryanmiller6110]

I agree totally with your 1, its an amazing and really thick album, i would put it ahread of both Ram and Plastic Ono

[@Beatlecat1]

Great ranking video, Joe. I'm sure it was hard to do. Take care.

[@corkbender]

I agree with you on All Things Must Pass, that is a pure monster classic, and is as relevant today as it was in 1970. As for Paul, I actually prefer his newer stuff, perhaps from Electric Arguments to his latest, so New is a good call. Thanks for the nice review!

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@markpercival7076]

This is a pretty reasonable list to me. I wouldn’t put ATMP at #1 but I can understand your rationale. At a time when George was getting 1 or 2 songs on a Beatles album for him to put out a double album of mostly original material as a post-Beatle debut must have blown people’s minds. The quality of the material and production is great too. I’ve always felt that George's albums (for the most part) were more consistent than the other were. Thanks!

[@SamFugarino]

Totally agree with #1. I think you should have included the first McCartney album. If for no other reason than the song Every Night. I just like the roughness of that album. Anyway, enjoy your videos even though I don't always agree.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Samuel Fugarino - No first McCartney album on my personal Top Ten List! But thanks for your opinion!

[@Jameshatford1966]

Really great choices! Can't wait to see you review Ram and All Things Must Pass.

[@johnjedennett2206]

me neither 👍

[@bibsteenson]

I Love NEW it is the LP that made me rediscover McCartney after years of dismissing him

[@HolocronStudios]

People’s lists of this are always different but everyone has All Things Must Pass as number one, you can’t beat it

[@new_mercury5367]

great vido again. I agree with the top 10. maybe not the order but like you said that would change daily depending on my mood.

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

One small reason for Helen Wheels to belong on Band on the Run is that it has that name "Sailor Sam" in it, just like the song Band on the Run. I don't even know what it refers to, but that makes it sound like they're both part of some theme.

[@gazzap6776]

Hi Joe.Great video. That surely is one of the hardest lists to pick. One day I'll post a video on the same topic, if I can eventually decide! Gaz (Melbourne/Australia)

[@jtmichaelson]

I've heard that argument time and time again about how Paul hasn't done anything "great" since the 70's, some even give Tug of War or Flowers In The Dirt credit, but I've heard many at least say Paul lost it after so and so year, or decade. But honestly, Paul kicked ass On Chaos and Creation, Flaming Pie, New, Driving Rain. These are some of the greatest post-Wings albums with some of the best songs ever recorded. Especially Flaming Pie. It's a masterpiece in its own right. New is an amazing album. But then again, like you, I'm a lover of such Beatle stuff as Back To The Egg. So who knows.

[@MeanMrMayo]

JT Michaelson - I agree - though I draw the line at DRIVING RAIN. Worst thing he's ever done, IMO.

[@timallen2336]

I'm not surprised by your picks at all Joe. For me, the only "what?" moment came at the end, like you thought it might. I knew what the two albums would be, but the order did surprise me. What you didn't mention is the uplifting quality of All Things Must Pass compared to the depression of The plastic Ono Band LP. For John wanting out of the Beatles first, his album did not convey his happiness out being done with them, while Georges album is the pure joy of a new found freedom. Anyway, I think you got it pretty right (today). Take care...

[@MeanMrMayo]

Tim Allen - I like your description of "pure joy of a new found joy".

[@link19942013]

Amazing ranking Joe! Glad you put All Things Must Pass on first place. Couldn't agree more.

[@joshf.4270]

You definitely chose the right Number 1.

[@Onteo1]

The top five is exactly the same for me for the same reasons. I've always loved All Things Must Pass. So much so that I collected every format of the original including the RSD version and the reissue on cd and Vinyl. My turntable mat is an ATMP sliced apple replica. Nice job !!

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheOompahRoundabout]

Tough call, very hard to create any order of their albums! Great fun vid.

[@jeffkendall9188]

good choices...had to decide on those....and like your shirt too

[@bazza5699]

Great vid, would love to see your top ten had you had a cut off point of 1980. Making it fair on John.

[@MeanMrMayo]

baz za - That is certainly an interesting idea.

[@ouroborosnagyok9306]

1. Paul 2. George 3. John 4. Ringo

[@IndyDefense]

George's albums would take up half of my top ten: ATMP, Material World, George Harrison, Cloud Nine and Brainwashed. And if you count the Wilburys, that would be 7 of the top 10 lol

[@Ihy744ppp]

In the world tonight was the last McCartney song where he still had his full range (almost).

[@MeanMrMayo]

You could be right there.

[@jackx.cassway]

All things must pass is also my #1 choice if I had to rank my top ten Beatles solo albums

[@luciusblackwood2640]

Great list! I think my order would be different but I love the choices. I might put Band on the Run and Flaming Pie in the top 3. And also that shirt is awesome!

[@cheerdown87]

Hi, loved listening to your ranking of best solo albums. I know this is a list that could subjectively change from month to month for me and the albums you have mentioned have all been there at some point. There are so many albums to consider and was cheering your inclusion of Cloud 9 and Flaming Pie (both which have a touch of Lynne to varying degrees). The 2 Lennon picks are great and I would have included Walls & Bridges at some point (perhaps in the latter count). All Things Must be one indeed! I love early McCartney (the first 2 albums and am a fan of the later Back to the Egg which would overtake Venus for me personally). I agree with your assessment of Paul latest works starting with Flaming Pie, a bit of dip with Driving Rain, but really strong Chaos and Memory and of course, New.

[@cheerdown87]

oh, I wanted to ask you: I want to get an inexpensive but decent turntable if such exists: what turntable do u use?

[@MeanMrMayo]

WALLS AND BRIDGES would be in the Top 15, and so would BACK TO THE EGG.

[@MeanMrMayo]

I'm not an expert on turntables at all. But don't go for the cheap Crosley brands.

[@coldwaxmn]

Great video and great choices. If John & Paul where feuding during "imagine" & "ram" is there something to it with the post card that came with "imagine" where John is in a picture in similar fashion as Paul and the ram on cover of his album? I've always wondered that. "Ram" is definitely my favorite solo Beatle record and one of my favorites of anyone all time:) ✌🏼️✌🏼✌🏼

[@MeanMrMayo]

Yes, that was John giving a shot at Paul, making fun of his album cover.

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Hi Joe. I don't know how you do these top 10 things, as you say it's so difficult. God job though, thanks for putting in the effort!! The 'New' album still hasn't quite clicked for me, but your analysis of the title and what it means is very interesting. Personally I would have Cloud 9 above Venus and Mars - I think! Band on the Run would go above Ram. I was really pleased you had the Ringo album in there, it definitely belongs in any Beatle solo top 10. I must revisit it, I haven't listened to it for years. I might have Imagine higher than Plastic Ono Band, although it'd be a close call. As you say, it's not an easy album to 'enjoy' as such, it's so harrowing. I may well be with you on the top slot. Very intrigued by George being your least favourite Beatle. Maybe another video in its own right? I think had he not done Something and Here Comes the Sun on Abbey Road, then All Things Must Pass would have been much more surprising. But he'd already demonstrated (albeit right at the end) that he had what it took. It's a bit of a shame that his later solo career struggled to catch up with it. Great video here anyway, thanks.

[@jldraw]

I think what broke George Harrison as a commercial artist was the '74 Dark Horse tour, where he went out on tour ill advised and had a rough go of it. If you look back at it, I believe this was the first time that any of The Beatles had gone out and done a proper tour of the United States since bidding adieu at Candlestick Park in 1966. For what it's worth George Harrison did not have a good go of it on that tour. His voice was shot, he at times seemed ambivalent about being up there and at times presented a program that challenged his audience rather than embraced them. Although the tour did solid business, as Harrison said at the time "I was ready for the broom after that tour!". So I think it broke him in terms of wanting to be a modern commercial artist at the time because his work until Jeff Lynne helped to turn his career around in 1987 was spotty at best. He had a handful of hits ("Blow Away", "Crackerbox Palace") and at least one solid album in my opinion (33 & 1/3rd) but also released a lot of music which sounded as if he was just recording it because he was under contractual obligation to do so. You could literally sense the ambivalence in a great deal of his music back then, it was palpable. So he was very fortunate to encounter the likes of Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty who did a great deal to help him get back on track in terms of not only bringing his sound in line with commercial records but also I think buoying his spirits as well by giving him a new group of great musicians to work with.

[@MeanMrMayo]

James Griffiths - It WAS very tough, that's for sure. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@rockboy680]

Hi joe. Cool video. There isn't much here that wouldn't be in my top 10 either really. All things must pass is defiantly a number one for me. I'd go flaming pie and ram next but after that I'd need to put some serious thought into. Great video mate and take care

[@MeanMrMayo]

rockboy680 - Hi James. I would love to see a video ranking from you in this, if you care to!

[@rockboy680]

+MeanMr Mayo thanks Joe. Well I've been trying to do something similar and with you recommending it I think I'll give it a go :) haha. Great video again Joe and thanks :)

[@johnheaton5667]

Interesting list, bit Paul heavy in my opinion but there you go. I would perhaps agree with your No 1 choice were it not for Apple Jam. Thanks for posting.

[@MeanMrMayo]

John Heaton - I've never even played the Apple Jam record! As far as I'm concerned it's like it doesn't exist!

[@jupitermadcat]

I Wholeheartedly agree with the number one spot the rest is subjective. it's a very hard thing to do. for me personally Driving rain would be in there somewhere but that's just me. like always great video Joe!

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks James!

[@Townshend90125]

Great list! I agree Paul made lots of great albums after the 70s! Here’s my top 10 (ofc since it’s the Beatles it’s subject to change) 1. Plastic Ono Band (John) - 10/10 2. All Things Must Pass (George) - 10/10 3. George Harrison (George) - 10/10 4. Tug of war (Paul) - 10/10 5. Beaucoups of Blues (Ringo) - 10/10 6. Mind Games (John) - 10/10 7. Thirty Three & 1/3 (George) - 10/10 8. London Town (Paul) - 10/10 9. Wings at the speed of sound (Paul) - 10/10 10. Band on the Run (Paul) - 10/10

[@astrosjer822]

Great list Joe. New and Flaming Pie definitely belong. Even Back To The Egg and Walls and Bridges would crack my top 10! How about a top 10 solo Beatles compilation list-live albums, greatest hits, box sets etc?

[@MeanMrMayo]

It's another idea for the notebook.

[@ElvisPresleyCollector]

Joe! i appreciate your attemp at a top 10! I loved it. im not to familiar with beatles solo! and i know how tricky it is to pick a top 10! my elvis one has alreadt changed slightly:). I thank you because this gives me some albums to get to dip my toe in the large pond of beatles soli

[@MeanMrMayo]

Sounds good .. thanks!

[@greedo591]

1- band on the run, 2- plastic ono band, 3- all things must pass, 4- tug of war, 5, flaming pie, 6- mind games, 7- ram, 8- chaos and creation, 9- imagine, 10- mcCartney

[@ouroborosnagyok9306]

1. RAM 2. All Things Must Pass 3. Plastic Ono Band 4. Band On The Run 5. Imagine 6. George Harrison 7. Ringo 8. Flaming Pie 9. Double Fantasy 10. McCartney II

[@TomCwimpRock]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Joe, I enjoyed the video...OK, this list will be different a month from now, and I only spent about ten minutes thinking about it... It just reflects which albums that I honestly enjoy the most, except that I wanted to include one Ringo record, so I picked my favorite of his, even though it probably doesn't belong.... OK, lol...(10. "Beaucoups Of Blues" - Ringo (9. Wings At The Speed Of Sound" - Paul. (8. "McCartney II" -Paul. (7. "Chaos & Creation" - Paul. (6. "Band On The Run" - Paul (5. "Walls & Bridges" - John. (4. (Gasp) "Red Rose Speedway" - Paul. (3. "McCartney" - Paul. (2. "Plastic Ono Band" - John. (1. "All Things Must Pass" - George ..... I don't expect anyone to agree with this, but it is what it is, lol..

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks, Thomas! I enjoyed seeing your choices.

[@johnheaton5667]

Interesting list Thomas. Love the 1970 focus. I nearly had 'McCartney' in mine, it's very Beatley. Beaucoups Of Blues is a forgotten gem (well not forgotten by us of course).

[@TomCwimpRock]

John Heaton & MeanMr.Mayo.. Your lists are much more thoughtful, comprehensive, and balanced than mine - but since I don't make videos and have to show my face and stand by my choices, I could go with sentimental favorites. Enjoyed both of your videos..

[@Beatlevinyl85]

Hi Joe! Interesting ranking of the Top 10 Solo Beatles albums. I agree it's hard. I did remember you saying that George is your least favorite of the 4 but not your least favorite talent wise of the 4. Take care Joe

[@MeanMrMayo]

You have a great memory, Marv!

[@Beatlevinyl85]

+MeanMr Mayo You do too Joe! Did you watch my Ringo video yet?

[@MeanMrMayo]

Not yet.. time takes time! :)

[@Beatlevinyl85]

+MeanMr Mayo Absolutely true Joe!

[@simon-pierretremblay5473]

Love your videos sir , a true beatles fan

[@charleswells8453]

I’m a bit late to this given the video is 6 years old. Anyway here’s my list: 1. RAM 2. Band on the Run 3. All Things Must Pass 4. Imagine 5. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard 6. Walls and Bridges 7. Tug of War 8. Double Fantasy 9. Flowers in the Dirt 10. John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band The order could vary a little depending upon the day and I put JL/POB at 10 as it can be a difficult listen. Honourable mentions to Living in the Material World and Ringo which could have crept into the top ten on another day. These 12 albums are where I would recommend anyone unfamiliar with the solo Beatles work to start.

[@slappyabromowitz]

I have seen multiple lists and this is the closest to my list out of Flaming Pie...I also think the Fireman Electric Arguments is underrated...) 1) RAM 2) All Things Must Pass 3) Plastic Ono Band 4) Band On The Run 5) Ringo 6) Imagine 7) Cloud Nine 8) Venus And Mars 9) Twin Freaks (mashup of great McCartney tunes) 10) New in the end , its all subjective...

[@JackieFlash]

Nice top 10. While you were talking, I did mine. At first it was very hard. I kept moving albums in and out and the ones I had in but the ones I kept are: All things must pass Band on the run Ringo Double fantasy Plastic ono band Cloud 9 Venus and mars Imagine Wings over america Ram (the first 5 above are ones I immediately wrote down and knew HAD to be there) The ones I had to take out are: Traveling wilburys vol 1. Living in the material world Tug of war Flaming pie Brainwashed Like you said...that's today. My favorites depend on the day. There are days (even years) when London Town is right up there for me. I got a soft spot for Wild Life too. I really like your videos.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks.. I should have listed some runners-up albums.

[@blachubear]

Great video Joe. Here's my Top 10 1. "Chaos & Creation In The Backyard" McCartney 2. "Flaming Pie" McCartney 3. "Band On The Run" McCartney 4. "All Things Must Pass" Harrison 5. "Plastic Ono Band" Lennon 6. "Tug Of War" McCartney 7. "Imagine" McCartney 8. "McCartney" by "McCartney 9. "Flowers In The Dirt" McCartney 10. "RAM" by McCartney Honorable mention: "RAM"/"Living In The Material World"/"Cloud Nine"/"Back To The Egg"/"Cloud Nine"/"Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1"

[@mskisimms]

blachubear Concert for Bangladesh

[@stevebiesiadabada6669]

MMM, NEW this album is one of his best, I like Flaming Pie it does sound Beatle-ish, Cloud Nine a fantastic album, Venus Mars Great Album, Band on the Run Awesome I like it, Ringo a fabulous album with a little help, Imagine is his greatest album it’s too bad wish he was here miss him, Plastic Ono I Love It one of his Best, Ram another one of his best, All Things his best he is missed always, every album you chose are great all their works are genius forever Thank You Steve

[@perryscollectorscorner2380]

Joe, before I even started watching this video, I knew you would have Ringo and All Things Must Pass in the top ten somewhere. I myself am not sure about New and Flaming Pie...don't know if they would ever make my top ten, but I agree with your comments about Plastic Ono Band...You really have to be in a certain kind of mood to give that a listen, although I think it's a brilliant album. The Imagine album and Band on the Run, while I believe are fantastic albums in each of their canons, I look at those like those overplayed songs you mentioned on the radio (example: Hotel California), so I don't think at this time right now, they would make my top ten. I think I would have to put London Town in my top ten and Walls and Bridges. Great post....makes you think.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks, Perry. I know what you mean about being overplayed, and that is something I always have to try and put aside when considering a list such as this one.

[@Egyptobear]

Your top 10 is very risky, I love it! Including "New" & "Flaming Pie" is audacious, but so true! My personal favorites! 1. Plastic Ono Band 2. All Things Must Pass 3. Ram 4. Imagine 5. Tug Of War

[@jimroyal475]

Joe, very good ranking of solo Beatle albums. I think the reason why most of us like the golden age (1970-1980) of post Beatles the best, is that was when we grew up. Sure later releases are good, sometimes surprisingly so. Listened to Memory Almost Full the other day, a great album.

[@mlghitler251]

Joe I'm surprised that cloud nine was her but not material world

[@MikeVernonProd]

Really solid list! I definitely enjoyed your picks and your reasons for choosing each album. Here is my own top ten, which is slightly different. 10. Ringo 9. Cloud Nine 8. London Town 7. Venus And Mars 6. Back To The Egg 5. Imagine 4. Band On The Run 3. Plastic Ono Band 2. Ram 1. All Things Must Pass

[@MeanMrMayo]

Good list. Works for me today.

[@MikeVernonProd]

Why do you say that? You don't enjoy the title track London Town? Or Deliver Your Children? With A Little Luck? Don't Let It Bring You Down?

[@johnjedennett2206]

Hey Joe great list. Mine is not too disimilair. I like How do you sleep and i like Too many people i think they are among the standout tracks on each album because they wrote them with such passion at that time? Any chance of you coming up with 'The Next Beatles album'? The idea is The Beatles had a break after 1970 but came up with all these songs(solo) album tracks aswell as hits dont want it to be like a greatest hits kind of album. For example Every night sounds like something off The White Album so that would be good. And they didnt do anything with them till they got back together mid 73. They idea i got from watching Candian Studmuffin channel and thought of you. Cheers .

[@MeanMrMayo]

John JE Dennett -- I saw that video you mentioned (I'm subbed to him). I might tackle that idea.

[@thewalrus6636]

Great video! I agree on most things,but I wouldn't put "New" anywhere near the Top 10 ,and I think I would put George Harrison (1979) in my top 10,but thats just my opinion.Also I think Cloud Nine and Flaming Pie are a tad overrated. I can never make up my mind on which album to put number one because it's so hard to say.All things must pass is definitely at the top somewhere.

[@scampbell777]

Great list!! All these albums mentioned here are brilliant. Can you imagine how many more great albums we'd have have got from lennon had it not been for his untimely death??

[@paulb111]

As indicated by my following Best of Solo Top 10, I pretty much dropped off after Double Fantasy. So, with that in mind, they go like this: 10. Ringo 9. All things Must Pass 8. Mind Games 7. Double Fantasy 6. Red Rose Speedway 5. Rock 'N' Roll 4. Wild Life 3. Ram 2. McCartney 1. Plastic Ono Band

[@shawnshepherd7128]

I believe you gave a beyond fair review! I really enjoyed how you didn't focus on the major points of the solo careers and really panned it out. Personally I find Ringo both the album and musician criminally underrated. He was a left handed drummer and was very ill as child. Most people consider him a running joke of the Beatles which is really sad considering what his accomplished. However he's not reached as much fame as the others but I don't feel he should be CPU Ted out for it.

[@shawnshepherd7128]

I didn't mean to write CPU Ted I was writing counted out but was typing too fast to realize.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Shawn Shepherd - And yet it was Ringo who seemed to have the most hit singles for a bit after the breakup.

[@shawnshepherd7128]

I know it. I forgot to mention, I agree with All Things Must Pass being the best solo Beatle album. It was this album that really showed George was holding something back in the Beatles. I believe Band On The Run was put in a good place on the list as well. If you was(may of already, I'm new to your channel so I don't know) to rank just Wings I believe Band On The Run would top, but this isn't just Wings its all throughout his career. And I believe people new to the Beatles will look at Band On The Run or Ram and think that's the best one just cause they're more commercially received. When in reality if you look back at all of Paul's(or the others) albums their a lot more great albums than the ones that are talked about. Another example with John Lennon, Imagine is probably his most talked about album just because of the title track. When,in my opinion, albums like Plastic Ono or Double Fantasy are better. Most people disregard Double Fantasy only because its shared with Yoko.

[@shawnshepherd7128]

Also thanks for replying to my comment and I apologize for writing so much. What are your thoughts on Julian and Sean Lennon's music career?

[@MeanMrMayo]

Shawn Shepherd - Please never apologize for writing a lot.. I appreciate the feedback! I have enjoyed some of Julian's music, and though I haven't heard a lot of Sean's, my nephew did play a song off a newer LP of Sean's (forget the name) and it was pretty good.

[@CookieMusic43]

1. Band On The Run 2. All Things Must Pass 3. McCartney 4. Mind Games 5. Imagine 6. Red Rose Speedway 7. John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band 8. Tug Of War 9. Pipes Of Peace (shock! horror! I love it. I think it's great fun) 10. Memory Almost Full

[@busterclyde]

Mind games is better than Imagine or the plastic ono band album? you got to be kidding me.

[@SintJonh]

I love the Red Rose Speedway album and it could have been better if he added some other availlable songs to it. Like The Mess and Soily. He could have put Hi Hi Hi on it and Live and Let Die was recorded during the album sessions.

[@ClarenceFisher]

Cloud Nine 0 hell of a comeback - and I've finally warmed up to and am enjoying Gone Troppo..

[@MeanMrMayo]

ClarenceFisher - I was thinking of including GONE TROPPO on my "least" list... I might have 30 years ago, but now I'm not so sure.

[@ClarenceFisher]

Funny thing - I didn't like it much years ago, but I can't seem to remember why. I played it a few months back, after having not heard it for a while, and it was such a nice album, very relaxed, very happy. You can have a pretty good time hearing this one. I think it's because I was "19 years old" when it came out. I like heavy lavish George with a lot of minor chords, like you'd find in Let It Down, That is All, Learning How to Love You, but it too aging to fully appreciate all his stuff. I was middle aged before I discovered he's my favorite Beatle. It also took a while to warm up to "George Harrison" come to think of it.

[@keriford54]

Gone Troppo is a grower, I listened to it yesterday, one thing that struck me is that it is made with care and it has a lot of variety. There is playfulness and sadness on that album and even experimentation. It has a poor reputation but I think underserved, I suppose George was making no attempt at being "relevant".

[@MoeSchavezstein79]

This ranking is quite difficult, but here I go: 10) Time Takes Time. 9) Brainwashed. 8) Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. 7) Walls and Bridges / Mind Games (tied, sorry, lol!) 6) Ram. 5) Ringo. 4) Double Fantasy. 3) Plastic Ono Band. 2) Band On The Run. 1) All Things Must Pass.

[@JohnBieniaSongbook]

I pretty much agree with your entire list and it's order. However, I haven't heard much of New, but I have recently bought it and will be giving it a chance.

[@VinylCollectorJames]

Huh very interesting to see your ranking. I'd say I agree with about 6 of your 10 in the top 10. I really do like the Ringo album but as you said many would say.:: there is no way I'd put that over Band in the Run. Well just as you predicted haha - really enjoyable though thanks Joe

[@MeanMrMayo]

James, now you've got me curious as to what the four are that you don't agree with, and what your list might be!

[@VinylCollectorJames]

+MeanMr Mayo Joe been thinking about that since I woke up and I think I'd replace 3 of them not 4. I'd keep Flaming Pie but I initially thought I wouldn't but it would be 10. What I'd add and this is really more for sentimental reasons because I loved this album so much as a boy is "Tug of War".. That would make my top 5 most likely. The other 2 that would be on my list somewhere are "Back to the Egg" and "33 1/3", again just sentimental personal favorites I think. Back to the Egg is the first album I ever bought with my own money when I was 12. 33 1/3 was a family favorite. No Ringo, sorry haha... Would be really difficult to rank so I give you big time credit for your list. Thanks Joe

[@VinylCollectorJames]

the 3 for me I'd take out (but of course they are all excellent) is Venus and Mars, Ringo, and Imagine... and replace them with the 3 I noted above. Well at least for today, because as you said, this list would change a lot and frequently.

[@TheSgtpeppers13]

Great choices! All great albums!!

[@llewellynGS1]

Good choices Joe. Though personally for me, I would not have "Venus and Mars", or "Flaming Pie", and "Ram" would be lower. I would also rank mine with 50% favourites and 50% looking at musical excellence, songwriting and influence. Mine would be something like this: 10: New. 9. George Harrison. 8. Ram. 7. Ringo. 6. Cloud 9. 5. Chaos and Creation in the backyard. 4. Band on the Run. 3. Imagine. 2. Plastic Ono Band. 1. All things must pass.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks for playing along.

[@OzTwanger]

All four of them are great. We should all be grateful that it happened

[@keriford54]

I enjoyed your list, I agree with number 1 and possibly number 2. I think All Things Must Pass is the solo album that achieves real greatness. I tend to think Lennon POB is over rated nearly everyone that ranks it highly acknowledges that they can't listen to it much, well I can't listen to it at all now so I'd leave it out of the top 10, Walls and Bridges is way more creative, still a flawed album. I probably would have included more George work, love his self titled album and maybe also would have included Brainwashed. I like that you included Flaming Pie a great album, it could have been even better by just leaving off a couple of filler tracks. New hasn't captured me but I like his recent material. One album of Paul's that I really love and others don't is Off the Ground, to me it sounds great, the song writing is quirky and the arrangement are fantastic. For Ringo if I was going with personal favourites I love his Sentimental Journey, it was rubbished on release and still hasn't got a huge following but for me it is full of Ringo's charm.

[@whatthejim]

PEACE AND LOVE TO JOE, JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE AND RINGO!!!😃👍☮️❤️

[@dom6906]

I 100% agree with your list

[@Kilgore_Trout_]

Tough, tough decisions. I'll make them harder by going with a top five. 5. Ringo 4. McCartney 3. Plastic Ono Band 2. RAM 1. Walls and Bridges

[@MeanMrMayo]

Alex Fader - Good choices, and nice to see love for WALLS AND BRIDGES (which almost could have made my Top 10 ).

[@daytripper9222]

Hi joe I'm not a copycat at all and to some people it might take some of the fun out of my list, like i could not come up with a list of my own but my list is your list and that's the gods honest truth. But like you always say joe i could wake up tomorrow and say maybe i would change that album for another. But as of right now your list is dead on. I'm glad helen wheels was on band on the run and it fits. Maybe you could remind me was it paul or the record company that didn't want it on the album. Nice going joe.

[@MeanMrMayo]

day tripper - I'm pretty sure it was Paul who did not want "Helen Wheels" to be on the album, but the record company wanted it there.

[@SintJonh]

1. All Things Must Pass & Band on the Run 3. Plastic Ono Band 4. Ram 5. Flaming Pie 6. Imagine 7. Cloud Nine 8. New 9. Tug of War 10. Ringo! To select the best 10 albums is relative easy, but giving each album it's rank in this top ten is not easy. I have to put ATMP and BOTR as a shared number one. Both men at their peak both albums very consistent with a great theme. Both albums are on the same level as the best Beatles albums. In artistic way Plastic Ono Band is on the same level, but the album is less enjoyable to listen to. I agree with New as a great album, worth to be in the top ten. I judged the Ringo! album on it's original release, but the cd version with the bonus tracks is even better. These tracks integrate nicely with the original tracks, though two of them are from earlier years. But hey, nowadays artists take years to make an album. Some albums are close to the top ten of mine. Like Chaos and Creation, George Harrison or Venus and Mars.

[@prodigygetgud7921]

Great Video man! Love people expressing their opinions!

[@brandx1604]

You should do a follow-up on this, the ten worst solo albums. That would be interesting.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Brand X - I'm already thinking of it.

[@brandx1604]

Many people might put George's Gone Troppo on that list without having heard it, but after having given it a listen, I have to admit it's a pretty good album, even if it sounds a little too Jimmy Buffet-ish at times.

[@MeanMrMayo]

I was thinking about a possible list for the "ten least albums" all day, and the problem for me is that I like enough songs on just about all of them! I may have to narrow it down to a "Least 5" .

[@nowhereman6496]

Pretty much spot on Joe. "All things" would have been my #1 as well which is odd cuz I didn't discover that album until 1989 after the release of Cloud Nine. I might have ranked Flaming Pie a bit higher, but over what? I also might have ranked Band on the Run higher and dropped Ram a bit, but, all great albums as you said. I personally would have included the George Harrison's self titled album from 1979 which is one of my favorites of his. That album to me just has a feel good, relaxed mood throughout every track from "Blow Away" to "Love Comes to Everyone" etc. I don't think there's a weak track on it(IMO). That album never fails to put me in a good mood. Also, I would have included McCartney's "Tug of War" instead of "New" and "Venus and Mars". I always felt Tug of War was his best 80's album. I can do without "Dress me Up as a Robber" but just a great pop album. Love Venus and Mars but to me the second side really kind of drops off a bit for me with the Venus and Mars(reprise) as well as the two non-McCartney songs and the close out instrumental Crossroads which, I feel, weakened the album as a whole for me. Maybe if the song sequencing on that album had been a bit different. I dunno. Although I agree with you about the freshness of "New" and most of the songs are pretty good there are just some things I can't get thru that deters me from really wanting to listen to that album much. I've tried to really really like the album but the tracks I don't like on the album like "Alligator" "Hosana", "Appreciate" as well as a couple others I really, really don't like. Something also about Paul's overall singing bothers me I guess. For instance, I love Paul's aging voice on a song like "Early Days" or even "End of the End" from "Memory almost full". However, I just don't care to listen to him to try and Rock n Roll anymore on songs like "Save Us" or "Everybody out there"(2 tracks I actually think are ok) with his aging voice. A bit of age discrimination on my part I guess. I just suppose as I get older my musical tastes as well as my listening habits have changed. I still think "New" is a pretty good album I just don't give as much time as I would have years ago. Still, as usual another enjoyable video to watch. Keep 'em coming. I always find myself late at night after work catching your videos. Great stuff.

[@MeanMrMayo]

nowhereman64 - I appreciate all of your detailed thoughts, thanks. As for the NEW album, I don't feel Paul's voice sounds aged on "Save Us" or "Everybody Out There", and I think he pulls off the 'Rock' aspect on those. I really, really, love "Hosana's" vibe and mystical sound. I can't stand "Appreciate" though.

[@nowhereman6496]

I think that's what I meant by my musical tastes and listening habits have changed as I've become older. I think part of me just doesn't want to hear Paul sing rock songs(even if he does sing it well) cuz I guess I want him to play songs that have a bit more introspection or softer feel to them. I completely agree with you that on songs like Save Us or Queenie Eye, etc he does carry the songs well. But for me, he's not that young Paul that could belt out a great tune like Helter Skelter, I'm down. Oh WOman Oh Why, and then turn around and sing a Yesterday or Here there and everywhere. I'm just getting older and prefer the softer stuff. I think that's why I really liked(and still do) the albums Flaming Pie and Chaos cuz I think both these albums have a certain acoustic driven, softer feel throughout them even though there is a rock song here and there. Yeah, "Appreciate" is somewhat of a clunker. Don't really understand how it made it onto Pure Paulie. Sounds like it could have been on Electric Arguments(an album I really liked alot)

[@MeanMrMayo]

You like ELECTRIC ARGUMENTS, but wouldn't you say there were those "hard" type of songs on there as well? It was not a very "ballad-y" album. I think Paul probably put "Appreciate" on PURE M because it sounded like today's techno pop drivel.

[@nowhereman6496]

Actually, I think EA is a very unique album. True, there are a couple of tracks that are rockers on EA such as "Nothing Too Much Out of Sight" and "Highway" and those are my least favorite tracks on that album. I really prefer the more atmospheric tracks like "Sun is Shining" "Lifelong Passion" "Is This Love" as well as the nice melodic tracks like "Sing The Changes" "Dance Till We're High" and "Light From Your Lighthouse". The whole album just has a vibe going thru it. It's not one I play alot but, I think it's a great overlooked album. As much as I loved Paul's rocking voice in The Beatles and thru Wings I always felt by the 1980's it was almost embarrassing for Paul to really try and "pull off" rockers. I can't really think one rock song that Paul has written in the past 30 years that I think stands up against anything he even did in Wings. It's kind of the way I feel when I see Mick Jagger up there on stage in his 50's, 60's etc prancing around like he's 20. It just doesn't work for me anymore.

[@MeanMrMayo]

I think Paul's hard rockers off 1999's RUN DEVIL RUN match anything he did in his youth. If I didn't know when they were recorded I would swear they were early '60s Hamburg recordings!

[@kevincaronrecords8274]

Great List. I think John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is the best solo Beatle album.

[@MeanMrMayo]

In many ways it is, I agree.. but I couldn't give it to the album which was so dark and dreary.

[@pete1759]

I agree that it was a brutally honest album, but I find it weak musically.

[@HolocronStudios]

Paul has always been my favourite Beatle, since I was born and I prefer his solo stuff, McCartney 2 is one of my favourites I own... but All Things Must Pass is definitely my favourite

[@jesserussell7242]

I think all things must Pass has to be one of the best little solo albums ever and I love the fact that Jorge Harrison had so many songs to release and I’m a huge Phil Spector fan I always have been and I always will be such great great music all the songs are great including the apple jam is fantastic, because it shows that George Harrison can play with the best of them.

[@marksmemorabilia3743]

Joe , what kind of turntable do you use? I have an AudioTechnica AT- LP 120 USB. I'm having problems with the cuing of the tonearm, coming down on the vinyl to fast. The unit has lost it's "dampening" speed. let me know your knowledge about a good dependable unit with pitch control. Thanks Mark USA

[@MeanMrMayo]

Hi Mark.. I have the same turntable, and I have the same "too fast" trouble with the cuing of the tonearm coming down. So far, no other problems. I wish I could advise you on a better unit, but that's not an area I'm familiar with.

[@lennonfanatic3524]

my top 10. 1. Plastic Ono Band 2.Mind Games 3.Walls and Bridges 4.Imagine 5.Living In The Material World 6.Driving Rain 7.All Things Must Pass 8.Tug Of War 9.Brainwashed 10.Off The Ground

[@MikeVernonProd]

Lennon Fanatic Driving Rain is an interesting pick

[@ravenpascal8762]

McCartney (Paul's debut) is my favorite (I have not heard All Things Must Pass yet though, do that's subject to change.)

[@kuba99pp]

10. Mind games 9. Back to the egg 8. Somewhere in uk 7. Tug of war 6. Walls snd bridges 5. Press to play 4. Chaos 3. Ram 2. Electric Arg 1. MAF

[@Prechtl91]

Great choices! It must have been really difficult.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Sarah R. - It was, but not nearly as difficult as it will be when I rank my favorite UK Beatles albums!

[@Prechtl91]

I believe that! I only know which albums to put last but the first 3 are very difficult since they had such good albums. But it will be interesting to see what your favorite Beatle albums are.

[@MeanMrMayo]

Same with me.. the last 3 or 4 are easy enough for me.

[@Prechtl91]

MeanMr Mayo For me it's Yellow Submarine, Beatles for Sale, With the Beatles... Don't really like the older albums.

[@pegasus5547]

I would have many of your picks in my top 10. Id probably take out venus and mars and new, although they are fantastic, and probably add in two of the george harrison albums. I do really like flaming pie, maybe a little more than the new album. Making a top 10 solo beatles albums is incredibly hard.

[@bhusar1]

The 10 best are hard, now the worst can be easy

[@Dargone007]

I really like your videos. :)

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thanks..

[@stevebiesiadabada6669]

Mmm New is a great album, Flaming Pie is another one of his best, Cloud Nine is a good album, Venus and Mars fabulous album, Band on the Run one of my favorite, Ringo album I like it very much, Imagine my all time favorite wish he was here, Plastic Ono Band my all time favorite a masterpiece, Ram is great I like it, All Things Must Pass a great great album wish he was here to, Thank You this was awesome

[@ravilsharipov3290]

I like the interior of your room, real treasure cave.