JOHN LENNON ALBUMS RANKED AND REVIEWED - PLASTIC ONO BAND (1970)

[@canadianstudmuffin]

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[@connorcm3]

It doesn't matter whether john was a "working class hero " or not, the lyrics still ring true

[@jamesdean9183]

Just imagine the pressure following John Lennon walking into the studio to make this album. After a dozen fantastic Beatles records, he had to follow it up. I think it was a "make or break" moment for John. If this was a bad album, he might not have had the success he did even as a solo artist.

[@jimmyberry4451]

I see John as liberating himself in this album he knew he was the shit regardless of the Beatles I feel it was his moment to express his inner emotions top ten best albums of all time

[@robranney-blake8731]

This album blew my 13-year-old mind in 1971 when I first bought it. The raw edges and brutal honesty shocked and intrigued me. I knew this was something seriously grown-up. It took a few more years to really like it. Good thing there are the sweet, softer songs - I don’t think I could take a solid album of Well Well Well. Sometimes, alone, I sing My Mummy’s Dead with my ukulele, and go right into Let It Be. Both songs can make me cry like a baby, but it’s a sweet move from raw grief to dreams of comfort.

[@catsofsherman1316]

Best Lennon album. I have to be in the mood for it because it is so emotionally raw. Over 50 years old that album is. I wonder how much people will still listen to it and discuss it 50 years from now.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I finally was bought this on vinyl, this Christmas (I had it on cassette previously, but rarely listened to it). And I must say, it’s breathtakingly good. The stripped down production is way ahead of its time, and the songs, are superb. Stand outs for me are (apart from Mother and Cold Turkey, which I’ve always loved), Hold On, I Found Out, Look At Me, Remember, Well Well Well, and of course Love. A great album.

[@epsohapshiro]

Best Lennon solo album for me

[@jnb432]

His best work and definitely his best and my favourite Lennon solo album, simplicity at its finest. Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano & Voice, that's all.

[@kimpoulsen6623]

A true classic and probably my favorite of his. And I guess you nailed the top 3 songs too..

[@ste.6026]

'Mother' is probably my favorite Lennon song on any given day, 'Love' & 'Working Class Hero' are also high on my list... Until recently I had not listened to this album since the early 80's and 'Isolation' really stood out, absolutely beautiful, it was like hearing it for the first time... The whole album is fantastic and certainly in competition for 1st place with 'Imagine'...

[@SoloBeatlesPodcast]

this might be the best solo beatle album with ram and all things must pass.

[@holmes31100]

I think it is John's best solo album, but it doesn't have some of my favorite solo John songs on it. God is my favorite song on the album, and we learned the Walrus was not Paul.

[@Fantumh]

This has always been and always will be my favorite John album and my favorite solo Beatle album. It's such a masterpiece, and so honest and raw and brilliant. Imagine and Walls and Bridges are both brilliant albums too, but I almost kind of think John was hiding a bit behind the slick production of those albums, but on Plastic Ono Band he lets it all out.

[@Holywell88]

This is one of my favourite ever albums. I’ve had the CD since 1988 and last year when I bought a turntable this was the first new vinyl record I bought. Wouldn’t it have been even greater if Cold Turkey had opened side 2?

[@cmadams7]

I love albums like this. So simple, ruff.... great album.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

Plastic Ono Band (10/10) Top 3 favorite songs: 1. Mother 2. Working Class Hero 3. Hold On

[@grok023]

I got this in 1970 when it came out. It was influenced by the Primal Therapy he and Yoko were doing with Dr. Arthur Janov. Its my favorite Lennon solo album. The Yoko/P.O.B. is good too, although I didn't know it existed until some years later. Ringo's drumming shines in both.

[@littlestevey4172]

Perfect production and love the dry humour Larry! And yes, I think I like John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band better then Imagine , atleast as of now.

[@tomanderson9202]

And so we are blessed with this debut album, and this review from you. Can't choose a favourite with this album, fortunately, as there are many outstandish tracks on this album to listen to and of course I can't pick to save my life with these kind of choices. I will say however, I listened to Green Day's cover of 'Working Class Hero' and not only was it so dang awesome, but it added some more depth and intensity to John's song too, especially with the last lines of the cover song coming from his own song. Honestly, that probably made it at least in the top 3 songs of the album for me. I recommend the listen if you haven't done so already, as well as the other covered songs of John Lennon from other bands/artists of course. Quite a few recognizable names, and really good covers; all done for an international amnesty campaign too, one which was a tribute to John as well. Also, I never get tired of your reminiscing. I like to hear your stories and other information you wish to share; gives me more to contemplate too. People who don't want stories have come to the wrong channel then, simple as that.

[@panulourala6313]

The more I listen to this album, the better it gets! An absolute classic and the best beatle solo work.

[@tapeduk]

The F-word is used twice in Working Class Hero and Cock is used in I found Out.........Great album and Yoko's POB is brilliant too

[@AnthonyKiyola]

I was impressed by I Found Out, Well Well Well and Isolation on first listen. Many people misunderstand what Working Class Hero is about and say things like John was middleclass although it's not totally clear who the oppressor is. Anyway, great album and nice review.

[@benbrennan104]

One of his best, also I think a very personal album Larry, I'm gonna go and play it now, not heard in a while , nice one Larry😉

[@joseluisgarza4230]

Hi Larry. This is my third favorite John Lennon album. I know is the favorite album for many fans and magazines like RS. It's a very strong and personal album by JOHN with minimalistic musical arrangements and great lyrics. I love WORKING CLASS HERO, WELL WELL WELL, LOVE, GOD and MOTHER. I would give a 9/10 because the arrangements are too dry and minimal with tough songs that are difficult to hear when you are in a bad mood.But is a Great Album and a good example of a Personal Songwriter Album Greetings from Monterrey, Mexico.

[@jameswilson7084]

"Cookie!" ha! This album or "Imagine" are my favorite John Lennon solo album. A great and raw album. I first heard this in early 1982, and it was shocking, even then. I first played this LP out loud, in my families' living room. And this album got me some strange looks from my father, for buying it.

[@mulcairs123]

A case could be made for a few Beatle solo albums as being the best but this is probably the one that comes together the most as an 'album' to me. It really feels like these songs truly are an extension of John's self; brutally honest and baring it all. What really gets me are how simple the songs are but at the same time so affecting. Mother, for instance, is world's away from most his Beatles stuff but that song is just about as gripping as any he'd ever written, same goes for Isolation. The heavier songs really pack a pun, with what must be some of the nastiest sounding distortion on a major label record at that point. I would say that some the songs, by themselves, probably wouldn't work as well on their own but within the entirety of the album, they are greater than the sum of their parts. Just a classic of self expression.

[@TheVanmanderpootz]

My favourite Beatles album. btw 2nd is "Band On The Run" 3rd is "Rubber Soul". - Fave tracks - "Remember" ,"Well Well Well", "I Found Out", "Mother",

[@jwardbass4452]

Woooow I haven’t seen one of your videos since I was 7 years old in 2009! I believe it was “the longest sustained note in history” and I laughed my ass off. I haven’t been able to find it since. Anyway, nice to see your channel again I enjoyed this review, this is my favorite solo Beatles release.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Very cool! 🙂 I think I remember that video which I guess I deleted, unless it was The Longest Video On KZbin, which I also deleted due to a copyright issue.

[@zsatsfm]

An excellent review Larry. I too have come to appreciate Isolation more recently, I used to have a problem with the lyric "you're just a human" , found it a bit condescending, but otherwise it's such a great track. God is my favourite song, my least favourite is Look At Me. A definite A+ album.

[@BigSky1]

This and Yoko’s album recorded after they had both gone through Arthur Janov’s Primal Scream Therapy.

[@samlottmusic4084]

Nice review Larry, certainly my favourite of solo John Lennon albums, for me. I love the rawness and brutal honesty.

[@glennvane7426]

I Love this album. Even now, hearing John say i don't believe in Beatles still sounds shocking. My favourite track is Isolation. Finally a decent John Lennon album for you to listen to.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

A modern masterwork - and yes, I know it’s 50 years old - but the truth of raw emotion remains timeless.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

I feel like all the Beatles when they released their first album after the Beatles broke up there was a lot of rawness & honesty in their songs. It must’ve been a relief in one way and a bit scary in another.🤔

[@backbeat44]

This is definitely my #1, not only John Lennon solo album, but of all the solo Beatles albums. I know Phil Spector is listed as the producer but i believe it really was Lennon who was the main producer - i just don't hear any Spector on this at all. I remember getting this album, i think for XMAS, very excitedly opening it and starting to read aloud the lyrics in our family living room and coming to, "They hate you if you're clever, and they despise a fool. Till you're so..." Well, anyway thx Mom and Dad and slinking off quickly to my bedroom. Just a solid album that was years ahead of its time - i think Lennon referred to it as Sgt. Lennon. Brilliant.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

For me, it's John's greatest artistic achievement. I don't know whether I prefer this album over Imagine, though. They're like Part 1 and Part 2 of his greatest period of output. Especially if you include Cold Turkey, Give Peace A Chance, Instant Karma and Power To The People in that period. (I've never really considered listening to the 3 experimental albums.) You're right, every single song on this album is classic. I suppose I turn to "Look At Me" and "Love" more than the others - they're more hummable, a lot less painful. How many songs are there, though, that can affect the listener like "Mother?" Not many.

[@Rekko82]

I give 5 stars, the only good solo album from John Lennon IMO. I love the emotions on his vocals and lyrics.

[@dsteele27]

It's a classic. Full stop. It is my favorite of his solo albums for sure.

[@HowardLeaderman]

I appreciate the Yoko defending. Why especially is amazing.

[@TANMAC43]

This is one of those albums I really don’t revisit enough, but every time I do I remember exactly how great it is. It was a big risk for John to make such a raw album like this fresh out of the Beatles, but time has definitely been kind to this album. One of the all time greats. Also, I think I might check out Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band album for the first time since you’ve got me revisiting John’s stuff. I’ve heard some of her music (I love “Walking on Thin Ice”) but never listened to a full album, so it might be worth a shot.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

I highly recommend her album Approximately Infinite Universe, a double album with the Elephant's Memory Band.

[@renauddehan9163]

Defenetly the best Lennon solo album, Imagine would rank#2

[@ghostriders_1]

Only this LP & Blood on the Tracks took up permanent residence in my inner most circle.

[@1nelsondj]

I'm one of those people that accidentally bought Yoko's album by mistake. I didn't know what to make of John's album at first, it wasn't a pleasant listen really. Not just the screaming and swearing but the topics were mostly a downer. It's still not an album I play a lot although I appreciate it more now. Back in the day people were still blaming Yoko for breaking up the Beatles and everyone was hoping for a reunion so to hear John say he didn't believe in Beatles was a nail in the coffin.

[@AlterMann57]

Primal Scream Therapy was what John & Yoko were undertaking at that time, John was undergoing the death of his Mum ,Julia, whom was a teenager when John was born, so he was sent to his Auntie's home when he was raised. He only saw his actual Mum on rare occasions, and his father was out to sea, so he had no connection with him. John finally connected with his Mum just before she died, he also named his first child after her, Julian Lennon. Yoko was dealing with the separation of her child from her first marriage, a little girl name Kyoko, who was being raised by her former husband, who is also an avant garde artist. Yoko was too young and too self absorbed into her art career to devote her time to her child, so Kyoko stayed with her ex during her childhood. Yoko just recently reconnected with Kyoko in the past decade. So their paired exploration into Primal Scream Therapy, which was created by a group of psychologists during the late 1960's, was meant to dig deep into the soul of the individual and unleash the pain that person was suffering through loud guttural screams. Many fans of The Beatles were instantly turned off by this phase of John Lennon's musical career, but as he stated in the song God, "I don't believe in Beatles" was his way of telling his fans that he was departing what he was doing as a member of that quartet, and he was being himself. I had to go through psychological therapy myself in the past decade to deal with events that stayed with me from my childhood (I was physically and sexually abused by a family member), and the form of therapy I was given was called EMDR. This therapy is exhausting, but it works. It was developed in the 1980's and it's a post-primal scream therapy remedy for unlocking past traumas in a person's mental history.

[@janetsampson1779]

John really pours out his soul on this album,it's almost painful but Working Class Hero is kind of interesting seeing that John Lennon never worked a day in his life,still it's a very good album by John. Bob.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

The Beatles worked insane hours to be succesful...

[@gdmatter2286]

If two Virgins doesent get a F, I wonder what does. But siriously tho two Virgins is kind of a fun album for the weirdness and uneasynes. Plastic onoband on the other hand is kind of a pop masteripiece. Not even nearly as good as some McCartney stuff for me, but objectively a masterwork and a competitor for best Paul and George discs.

[@tysongames2750]

I really like that album, but only when I'm in a slit my wrist kind of mood. 😕

[@ronfowlermusic]

Me too. It's soooo negative. To get to the point where I reject God and everything else, that's jumping off a bridge time. Jump into the fire.

[@robertsaul234]

On my list, when the ranking is finished, it would remain in the top spot.

[@samanello3382]

You are so right about the song God. I am a year older than you so it definitely was quite the shock hearing I dont believe in Beatles. So torn back then about the song. Loved it but didn't like the lyrics. Now I love it all.

[@BigSky1]

Great album. Remember is the only one I am not keen on. It just goes on too long. Look At Me was a left over he written during the White Album. That God and Isolation are my favourites on it.

[@highwayblues638]

I like this album ... but there are a couple of tunes I have never been crazy about. I never liked the Primal screaming on this one. Well Well Well is the song I have never liked. Remember , I found a bit dull .... I like Mother but again the screaming at the end is a bit much for me. The other tunes are really great ... Isolation , God , Look At Me , Love , Hold On

[@knockedoutloaded279]

This album was a pre-cursor to punk..

[@BigSky1]

There are only 2 swear words. The F... word twice on Working Class Hero.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

More than that...

[@BigSky1]

@@canadianstudmuffin Ah Yes Larry I forgot about C... In I Found Out. Apologies.

[@samborn7120]

I always thought it was kinda silly when Lennon sang the “I don’t believe in” refrain.. So he sings like Dylan and then says he doesn’t believe in Zimmerman.. Self awareness completely absent on that one.

[@ryanflett4613]

I know I shouldn't wade into this one, but are you joking? He doesn't sing at all like Dylan. More importantly, he didn't say I don't like them or I hate them. He didn't say they were bad. He said he didn't believe in them. Like, I don't believe in Santa even tho I see him in all the malls. Surely you understand the song. He's referring to images and concepts versus real people. The funny thing was his switch from "Dylan" to "Zimmerman" -- leave it to John to come up with the perfect way to throw interpretations of the song.

[@marcbergeron8690]

Good music, good lyrics but so depressing that I have no fun at all listening to it.

[@SirRelkinstein]

I'd probably place this at #3 on my list

[@ryanflett4613]

Phil Spector didn’t produce the album. Hence your surprise that it wasn’t overproduced.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

He co-produced it with John and Yoko.

[@ryanflett4613]

@@canadianstudmuffin Respectfully, no he didn't. On paper only. John put an add out in Rolling Stone or something like that asking him to join them...There is an outtake where John refers to him as something like a midget junkie while questioning where he is and if he will show...and in a great documentary on the album with Klaus and Ringo, Ringo flat out says Phil didn't produce it and that he only remembered Phil showing up as one day of recording. At BEST Spector mixed it and I wouldn't assume that to be the case. It's 100% John with minor help from Yoko as a go-between with the engineers. John produced it like Dylan produced everything long before that time.

[@ghostriders_1]

God & I found out.

[@BigSky1]

I don’t see how they can remix it as there is nothing more there.

[@danerd8978]

Actually they can. John bounced tracks quite alot. He'd go from 16 Track to 16 Track or 8 Track to 16 Track. So they can remix it by bringing things further in the Stereo picture. Things such as Stereo Strings or clearer Vocals. You'd have to be a audio tech nerd to know this. Yes there is a diffence between the Mixes when they come out.

[@BigSky1]

@@danerd8978 I will take your word for it.

[@pete1759]

Was never crazy about this album. Yes it is shocking, riveting, raw, and personal, but other than a few songs, I found it to be musically turgid and a bit boring. I like McCartney much better.