In 1966, John Lennon, a member of the iconic Beatles, left an indelible mark on music history. Despite a life cut short and a substantial hiatus in the late ’70s, Lennon managed to release only seven post-Beatles studio albums, some in collaboration with his wife, Yoko Ono. Remarkably, within this limited output, Lennon’s solo work left a lasting impact. While certain tracks achieved massive popularity, others remain overshadowed. Here, we highlight ten John Lennon songs deserving of greater recognition.
1. “Isolation” (1970)
On the album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Lennon unleashed his innermost thoughts without the constraints of the Beatles. In “Isolation,” a restrained yet powerful track, he vulnerably sings over somber piano chords, expressing his fears and loneliness without the exuberance of his Beatles era.
2. “Crippled Inside” (1971)
From his second solo release, Imagine, Lennon recognized the need for accessibility. “Crippled Inside” delves into inner turmoil but presents it with saloon piano, a lively dobro solo, and Lennon’s cheeky enthusiasm, resulting in a catchy exploration of personal struggles.
3. “New York City” (1972)
Despite the misstep of Some Time in New York City, Lennon’s “New York City” stands out as a playful rocker with intact humor. The music may be a bit shambolic, but Lennon’s recounting of his time in the Big Apple, complete with odd characters, showcases his ability to pay homage to Chuck Berry.
4. “Tight A$” (1973)
While Mick Jagger is often credited for songs with salacious intent, Lennon’s funky rocker “Tight A$” from Mind Games reveals his prowess in this domain. The studio band’s chemistry, particularly Jim Keltner’s backbeat, complements Lennon’s naughty wordplay and innuendo.
5. “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)” (1973)
Inspired by his separation from Yoko Ono during the Mind Games recording, this ballad unfolds at a measured pace. Although on an uneven album, Lennon’s emotive lead vocal infuses the song with soul, making it a forgotten gem.
6. “Steel and Glass” (1974)
From Walls and Bridges, “Steel and Glass” sees Lennon critiquing Allen Klein, showcasing his adeptness at dismantling opponents. Reusing riffs from “How Do You Sleep?” adds a layer of complexity, perhaps signaling a tacit admission of past misjudgments.
7. “Nobody Loves You (When You’re Down and Out)” (1974)
Allegedly written with Frank Sinatra in mind, this after-hours ballad from Walls and Bridges provides a snapshot of Lennon’s emotional struggles. The song reflects on the emptiness of fame and his loneliness without Ono, making it a hidden gem from the mid-’70s.
8. “Just Because” (1975)
Closing Rock ‘n’ Roll, this track, produced by Lennon and Phil Spector, showcases Lennon’s interpretation of Lloyd Price’s classic. Stripping away unnecessary embellishments, Lennon delivers a heartfelt rendition, making it a standout on the album.
9. “I’m Losing You” (1980)
From Double Fantasy, “I’m Losing You” challenges the album’s perceived theme of marital bliss. As a bluesy rocker with gritty vocals reminiscent of the Plastic Ono Band era, the track, often overlooked, offers a unique perspective.
10. “I Don’t Want to Face It” (1984)
Recorded just before his death and featured in the posthumous release Milk and Honey, this rip-roaring track showcases Lennon’s energy and wit. With a faux-German count-in and falsetto vocals, he dissects hypocrisy with humor and insight, making it a noteworthy addition to his repertoire.