John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band

John Lennon has as many critics as he has admirers. The critics say he was nothing without McCartney. More likely that McCartney was nothing without Lennon.

The thing that gets me is that Plastic Ono Band is no classic album. It's not an album that you'd frame and say it changed your life, like, perhaps, Imagine. What it is, though, is a very painful autobiographical album. It's a gross misconception to think that Lennon didn't have one of the greatest singing voice. There's something there that's so crude, normal, or sweet. True, not as sweet as McCartney. Yet, Lennon's vocals hook you into listening to his protests.

There are no real bad songs on this album, but here are some personal picks:

Mother is obviously about Lennon's love for his mother, the separation from his father, and his mother's death. The words that got me were 'Mama don't go Daddy come home' because these felt as if sung from the heart.

I found out is a heavier, religious, contemplation. It's denying any kind of faith, like, for example, Christianity, 'There ain't no Jesus gonna come from the sky'. It strikes the chord of realisation.

Love is quite Beatlesque in tone. It's a sweet love song with a twist of words, 'Love is real, real is love' for example. Love leaves a haunting impression.

Look at me is self-questioning, 'Who am I supposed to be?'. The feeling is so simple it's almost real.

I think Plastic Ono Band will stay in your greatest non-classic album collection. If you're interested in the application of music, this is a lesson.

Reviewed by

4/5