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"John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" was John Lennon's debut solo album after the break up of the Beatles. Just having completed 'Primal Scream' therapy with Dr. Arthur Janov, John used this album to exorcise some of his demons. Released Dec. 11, 1970 (US & UK)
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Jul 1, 2008
frank
Well you know with this album, you either you get it or you don't. Some people won't relate to it. This album is about reality. OK? With "Mother", we all do go through the grief of losing a parent. The "Working Class Hero", going to school and choosing a career can be a trying experience. That's all he is pointing out. He brings other points in that song that are interesting. IN "God", he is just trying to believe in himself and maybe we all should believe in ourselves. "Remember" he is trying to suggest we all should forget about past mistakes and go forward. "Love" is excellent. He explains all about it there. "I Found Out" he gets a bit carried away but it's a great song. According to him, he's seen it all. Again, he is just pointing out we just should believe in ourselves again. It's a very John Lennon album. John Lennon has to tell you everything he thinks about in his songs. You get all his views on all issues too. I'll give him honesty. I've written about this album before. Paul fans may not like it as we have read in other reviews. They can "Ram On". Maybe this album amazes them. John Lennon is truly amazing.
Jun 18, 2008
mark ede
I can't believe what David Moses wrote about this album. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and he's entitled to his..!!! Melodically, and musically, it's Lennon's masterwork. 'Mother' is a fabulous track and 'God' is a masterpiece. What album are you listening to matey? I remember listening to this record when it first came out as a 14 year old and digging the tunes. Lennon is a master of the three chord trick and writing with simplicity and directness is an art in itself. Personally I love the production and 'rootsy' playing..it adds power and honesty to proceddings and I much prefer it to the other Lennon albums which are a mish mash of sugary and inappropriate arrangements and production values. This record is timeless and powerful..and not solely because of the lyrics...these are are just a great set of songs. Some of the worse music is played by the best musicians (listen to a lot of white jazz1) and it takes a true artist to strip things back to the barest level and still deliver such 'real' music which touches one emotionally and musically. I sa it again 'Mother', as but one example, is a great tune...akin to a Curtis mayfield classic or a blues/gospel standard...just cos it's 'simple' doesnt mean it's not great. You go write something as good??...not easy is it?? No, even the simplistic playing gives it character and humanity....David Moses you are entirely missing the point of music, bro...this is a classic, classic, record, underpinning Lennon's genius in a way his other solo efforts failed to so do...I feel sorry that yo don't 'hear' or 'feel' it, man, for you are missing out bro
Mar 24, 2008
Lennon Rocks
Dave Moses is hilarious, he hates this album just because people like it better than stuff his boyfriend McCartney has done, who he obviously drools over at night, lol! Give it a rest Davy boy! Paul was dead long ago when the Beatles split, John still lives on today, and that's why UR on this site hatin on him, just admit it! Lol!
Aug 5, 2007
greypeace
JUST A WORD TO "OWEN JOSEPH" WHO CLAIMED A FEW REVIEWS BELOW THAT THIS ALBUM WAS REPEATED "LESS INTELLIGENTLY" BY KURT COBAIN- 25 YEARS LATER! FIRST OF ALL, 25 YEARS AFTER 1970 IS 1995 BY WHICH TIME KURT COBAIN WAS DEAD. WHAT YOU PROBABLY MEANT TO SAY WAS 20 YEARS LATER, AND LET ME JUST CORRECT YOU ON WHO KURT WAS BECAUSE HE WAS NO DUMMY. KURT COBAIN WAS A HUGE BEATLES FAN,AND MORE IMPORTANTLY A BIG LENNON FAN.IT IS BECAUSE OF ALBUMS LIKE THIS THAT WE HAVE SUCH ANTHEMS LIKE "SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT" WE GIVE THANKS TO JOHN LENNON THAT HE HAD THE GUTS AND THE COURAGE TO POUR HIS HEART OUT ON VINYL AND JUST ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES. THIS ALBUM DIDN'T SELL TOO WELL AND ALTHOUGH IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE NOW MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT JOHN WAS A LITTLE BIT CRAZY! HE WANTED TO SUPPLY THE PEOPLE WITH SOMETHING THEY LIKED THOUGH AND I'M SURE HE WANTED CHILDREN TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC SO HE DID "IMAGINE" BUT THIS ALBUM (AS SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE IN THESE REVIEWS)IS NOT A POP ALBUM. JOHN DID NOT DO THIS ALBUM TO SELL RECORDS, HE WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT! THIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM OF JOHNS' IS A RARE AND PLEASURABLE TREAT INTO HIS LIFE AND AS FAR AS RECORDINGS GO,IT WOULD BE THE LAST REAL ALBUM FROM HIM WHERE HE WAS IN FACT NAKED IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
Jul 20, 2007
Andy Jones
This album is one of John Lennon's most innovative moments as an artist, lyricist, and musician. This album is one that has to be discussed on many levels, so forgive me if I jump around a little bit. Lyrically, the album offers very deep themes of emotion, pain and love, with serious and viable political undertones (and sometimes overtones). The title track, "Mother," as well as the closing track, "My Mummy's Dead," reflect Lennon's pain over the death of his mother and the pain that his father left at abandoning him during childhood. Other songs, such as "Isolation" and "Remember," are very poignantly written but have serious political messages under the surface. "Isolation" reflects the struggles that he and Yoko underwent trying to make a difference in the world, closing with perhaps an environmentalist statement, perhaps a cry that humanity is killing itself, or perhaps a little of both: "The sun will never disappear/But the world may not have many years/Isolation..." "Remember" examines and criticizes how society tries to shove down our throats a rose-colored image of how the good guys always win and the bad guys lose. It closes with what John Lennon referred to as a little joke in Rolling Stone but also could be look at as an interesting statement-- both musically and lyrically. In the song, Lennon talks about they myth that "the hero [is] never hung" but reminds people to be hopeful in the struggle for the world. But then, he closes with the line from an old nursery rhyme, "Remember, Remember, the fifth of November!" and the tape is cut with the sound of an explosion. It could be look at in this way: there is pain in the world, as illustrated by the world, but people keep going, just like the music continues. But then, when people take things too far and try to be violent, the music violently stopped. The next track, "Love," a beautiful melodic composition with a classical feel to it and an expression of John Lennon's belief in love, begins after I think around 10 seconds of silence following the explosion. When "Remember" is coupled with "Love," the sequence is added to: Violence destroys hope, or the music, but love redeems us in the end. Admittedly, this interpretation is a stretch, but I guess my point is that this album is interesting and can be looked at from many different angles. The album is mostly an effort at developing a stronger concept for Lennon's music. The album is about stripping music to its bare essentials and using raw emotional delivery to make up for all the flash that Lennon used on albums like Sgt. Pepper. All of the songs are simple and only use a few chords, but the melodies are beautifully written and the emotional delivery really does make up for the lack of flash. In the end of "Mother," Lennon begins singing, "Mama, don't go! Daddy come home!" repeatedly, each time building until he is screaming it at the top of his lungs. "Well Well Well" was probably the climax of this form of cathartic delivery. John Lennon said that the songs "Working Class Hero" and "God" were probably the two best "concepts" on the album in a Rolling Stone interview. The first is an overtly political attack on western society, and it is notable for being one of the first songs by a mainstream artist to use the word "fuck." The second is both a strong philosophical statement and a heart-felt expression of John Lennon's love for Yoko and his rejection of the way society had tried to place him in a little box called the Beatles. Anyway, I've probably said much more than necessary, but this album is certainly worth listening to.
Apr 21, 2007
philippe
I won't argue with anybody 'cause I don't compare, neither judge.I'd just like to remind everybody that Art is subjectively felt.Anyway,let's have a close look at this masterpiece.This is a rock album unlike any other. Why? John strips himself bare on this one, that's why.But not only, the compositions are brilliant, the voice is emotionally great, the writing daring and beautiful.And it's also commercial, listen to "Love" or "Look at me"! Otherwise it is powerful stuff, in "God" Lennon had never been more lyrical(The end of the song with"the dream is over").In "well well well", he screams his heart out, in "Mother", the singing is just fantastic, "working class hero" makes my hair stand as John delivers lyrics about childhood, school & society."isolation" is a fragile piano ballad about fear,loneliness and weakness.As you can see, it's not a poppy album, rather a piece of Art with a capital A
Apr 10, 2007
David
Frank below notes that if you compare Macca's first solo album to this, it is clear that Lennon is more talented. Fristly, this is a vacuous remark, as how can you compare talent on one album alone? particularly as they both have a wealth of music. Secondly, it is a remark that has no basis, except fot being his own subjective opinion, whereas I can back up my arguments with evidence.
Mar 24, 2007
Frank
This is John Lennon at his very best. This album is the best Beatle solo album. It shows when John Lennon is serious and is applying himself properly, he is the best. If you look the Paul McCartney solo ablum for 1970 "McCartney" and compare it with this one, you can see John Lennon is much more talented than McCartney. Every song on this album is better than the next one, if that makes sense. "Mother", "I Found Out" and "Remember" are just amazing. "Working Class Heroe" shows that John Lennon and just a guitar is a force. It may be a Bob Dylan type song, but John Lennon has a much better voice. "God" is heavy.......but a well written song. I mean this album is better than some of the "Beatle" albums if you ask me. Talk about the all time greats. Elvis had the voice but couldn't write. Dylan could write but sang as well as your next door neighbor. John Lennon had it all. George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" album was great, but he had help from a lot of people. Lennon does it all by himself here and is amazing. This is not a "pop" album. It is a very John Lennon album for intelligent adults. It's not gimmicky like Elton John or Paul McCartney albums which are basically made for young teenagers. This album is a very mature, intelligent piece of great work. It finished 6th in the charts because there is no commercialism at all on this album. Also, listening to this, you can see why the Beatles were as good as they were and who the brains behind that group was. He can write and sing better than the other Beatles easily. Of course, when he wants to do it. He outdoes himself here. A solid A plus.
Feb 26, 2007
Owen Joseph
It's so hard to believe this album was released in 1970, 25 years before Kurt Cobain released a more callow, less powerful and less intelligent version of the same truth. Lennon speaks of the lack of parental attention and support given to youth in 'Mother', although his own biographical loss of his mother gives the song an overpowering poignancy and raw power. It is a theme he returned to less successfully with 'Real Love' during the househusband period, reworked for Beatles Anthology 2. The funeral bells are deliberately echoed ten years later on Double Fantasy, which is unfairly critically lambasted for the Ono tracks. The primal energy of this sparsed down track is then contrasted by the vulnerable, understated but determined Hold On, a message of personal hope against great odds. The gentle, bittersweet melody contrasts too with the next song I Found Out, like Well Well Well a screaming rocker. This album is deceptively unpalatable on first listening, the anger and emotional pain discomforting, but the broad minded (or angry) listener will have their patience rewarded with one of the true great original rock albums. It is a pity there was no room for the iconic Cold Turkey which heralded Lennons first post Beatles musical direction in 1969, and that only Love and Mother have been lifted for compilation Best of collections post 1980
Jan 29, 2007
thebluemeanie
The greatest album ever released. From Mother all the way to My Mummys Dead. This record screams Lennon. From telling everyone how smart he is in working class hero. To the dreadful feelings he sings of in Isolation. It's all here. Look at me tells us of his confusion at times. And of course the amazing Well Well Well just plain one of the most rocking songs of all time. Remember Remember Remember the 5th of november.
Sep 4, 2006
CLOUD NINE
OK If you have never heard this album than let me give you a few warnings: FIRST;John Lennon claims on this album that he is not a Christian, Buddhist, ect..., We all know that Lennon was not a believer but this album is solid PROOF that he did NOT put his faith anywhere but in him an Yoko. Sad really to think that this was his first and last good solo album(not including "DOUBLE FANTASY" which was his LAST solo album) But in this record John lennon was claiming that "The dream is over"...WHAT DREAM?... The Beatles?...World Peace?...Whatever it was that he gave up on after this it was a BIG mistake. He recieved criticism for his "bed ins" with Yoko Ono, I can understand him being upset, but this is too much! Songs like "Isolation" "Hold on" and "Look at me" cut through with such an honesty and haunting realism that you understand that he is just singing his life. "Working Class Hero" also speaks of what he went through growing up in working class Liverpool. "Love" is a beautiful ballad that Phil Spector almost ruins. But the most haunting thing about this album is not "God" in which he pronounces that he doesn't believe in Jesus (silly fool!)But the song "Mother" in which Lennon exclaims" Mother, you had me but I never had you!"(His mother died when Lennon was a teenager) also "My Mummys'dead" is equally disturbing. If you are a Beatle fan and DON'T have this album than i would recommend it. It is simple, to the point, and very moving. If you are NOT a Lennon fan and just want to hear Beatle related music than go listen to "Band on the run"
Jul 30, 2006
Michael
for me, The Plastic Ono Band album is John's breakaway attempt from his Beatles persona.It sounded completely different and John's vocals were haunting, agressive and nerve-shocking so to speak. It really shows the creative Lennon which was really his distinguished trademark though in a negative tone. The songs were honest, asserting, and angry as a prisoner's wail to be free. Mother, the first time i heard this song, i never realized it was John who sang it. I just thought there are really great bands/artist other than the Beatles. and It was a shock for me to find out it was John Lennon of the Beatles after all. Even his wild screaming in their song Revolution is none comparable to that simple self-revealing "Mama, dont go.. Daddy come home" ending of that song. The lyrics were simple yet so engaging, begging for sympathy and angry. It lacked the sophistication of a Beatle song but were monumental in some respect, if we take into account John Lennon as a serious, honest, creative musician he was known to be. God is a purely self-expressive song that defies everything we render as sacred. Its vulgar expositions of his belief "I dont believe..." was more a song of desperation. The current state of affairs now that he had with Yoko and still licking the psychological wounds brought out by breakup with the Beatles. It is as if to affirm to everyone that it was for Yoko, it all started out with her and would end up with her. The Working Class Hero is a social commentary and a satire, one that you would also read from a psycho-analytical handbook. The Working Class Hero is like accepting its reality of being one and begging for anybody who would be enlightened by it and do something. He didn't offer any possible counter-actions. The title is quite provocative because it could have been a communist or marxist followers' anthem song. The proletariat or the working class as a hero in their will to annihilate capitalism-- the solution that was not offered in that song found its answers in Communism. It's just my opinion. Shalom. Be a Beatle Booster........
Apr 30, 2006
Alex
With his first proper album, Lennon reveals his raw talent. I have listened to the album many times via Yoko's 2000 reissue (bonus tracks Power to the People, DO the Oz). The players on the album are, as listed in the booklet, John-Guitar, vocals piano*, Yoko Ono-Wind, Ringo Starr-Drums, and Klaus Voormann-Bass. (*Phil Spector plays piano on Love, and Billy Preston plays piano on God). A song by song review could go on forever, but like the album, just saying things straight out works better. It is a fierce, raw, gut wrenching, screaming, emotionally painful album, that tracks Lennon's feelings in all aspects of his mind, from Love, to God, to anything that is meaningful. Mother is Lennon crying to his first true love, who gave him his real, virgin peace. Hold On is simple, and the message is the title. I found Out denounces everything that Lennon thought was, without forgiveness. Wrking Class Hero cries for someone to rise up despite the matter just discussed a track before. Isolation explains itself. Remember takes you to see yourslef of the past with the mind of today. Love is just 'real' love, nothing more. Well Well Well screams lines of simplicity. Look at Me questions ones own view of oneself. God is like I found Out, but with an answer. My Mummy's Dead reminds us what is at the core of these emotions. (Power To THe PEople is a riotous song, with energy.{'71 single} Do The Oz, from the Lennon anthology was written for the Elastic Oz Band, an Apple label group)
Dec 28, 2005
John Douglas-Reed
John Lennon was a genius beyond all expression whose own introvertion is as apparent on every recording he ever made post 'Rubber Soul' and arguably even before. Those who criticise him for his introspection on 'Plastic Ono Band' must therefore similarly disregard 'Norwegian Wood, 'Tomorrow Never Knows,' 'A Day In The Life,' 'I Am The Walrus' and post Beatles 'Beautiful Boy' for a kick off! What people tend to forget about John Lennon is that such was his chameleon nature that each and every one of his recordings is quite different from both that which precedes and succeeds it. 'Plastic Ono Band' is his towering solo achievement as far as I am concerned, but I think it would be wrong to assess Lennon on the basis of just that one album. It was John Lennon 1970, which was very different from the John Lennon of 1980. I remember very clearly the night he was shot, when some critic or other remarked as to 'Just what have we lost?' Well, on the basis of his decidedly mediocre work Stateside - including the vomit inducing 'Double Fantasy' and the horrendous rushes from the Lennon/Ono album which thankfully never was, 'Milk and Honey' - probably not very much. If, indeed, anything. But it is an insult to his memory to suggest that 'Plastic Ono Band' is any the less for that. We all still love and miss you, John.
Dec 26, 2005
CT Stough
Easily his best and one of the best of the 1970's. To say it is poor is, well, uninformed. Lennon uses the concept of minimilism perfectly. His lyrics reflect simplicity, yet are like zen riddles. The backing is minimalistic and rightly so- Ringo rocks. His singing is brilliant. A nod to McCartney is Lennon's singing on Remember and Isolation, which are similiar to McCarney's new found singing voice(one a many) on Get Back. I could go on, but I'll keep it...minimal.
Dec 20, 2005
Drew Sheafor
“This record is full of pure honesty (much like all of john's work.)” This is a direct quote from bizgotti which I firmly agree with. This album has so much passion put into it whether it’s for love, being scared, society, and anything dealing with life. If you like Lennon you will love it. I do believe this represents his first true solo album. “Mother”, “I Found Out”, “Isolation”, “Remember” , “Love”, and “Well Well Well” are some of Lennon’s greatest works along with many many others. If you like “Look at Me”, you should check out his Anthology version of this although they are both great. The Plastic Ono Band album is not plastic. It is Lennon’s’ heart and soul. I want to ask one question to all the people who follow all solo Beatle albums. As far as McCartney, Lennon, and Harrison with “McCartney”, “Ram”, “ Plastic Ono Band”, and “All Things Must Pass” albums. Can you at all see what I mean when I say that John and George tried to do there absolute best work on their albums and write meaningful, touching, and thought provoking songs such as “Mother”, “Working Class Hero”, “Love”, “God”, “My Sweet Lord”, “What Is Life”, “ All Things Must Pass”, and many more???? I love all the Beatles Solo work including many of Paul’s Albums such as “McCartney”, “Ram”, “Wildlife”, “Red Rose Speedway” “Band On The Run”, “Wings at the Speed of Sound” and others. But is it just me or did Paul kind of poop out on his first couple albums compared to Lennon and Harrison??? Anyone have any comments on this other than that Paul just steers toward the more happy/pop type stuff?? I know he is any excellent musician and very melodic. I also know that he plays every single instrument on the album “McCartney” which he made himself on a four track recorder at home. “Very impressive” and a great album, but Lennon’s words mean more to me. Also, has anyone listened to Harrison’s “Beware of ABKCO” album? I mean these guys write some touching tracks. But Paul just seems to be groovy. I know its all opinion, but does anyone sense this? “Plastic Ono Band” is a hard album to beat by anybody. Lennon is a hell of an artist. Sometimes I wonder how many songs the world missed. Any comments: sheafordrew@hotmail.com thanks alot.
Nov 22, 2005
Mike Eder
I think this is a self indulgent LP. I like the spare production and the raw guitar. I like most of the vocals but hate the stupid screams. I guess I just don't care about John's demons that much. Who wants to hear somebody complain about how bad things are without taking an ounce of responciblity for it? If Mother, God, Well, Well, Well, Working Class Hero, and My Mummys Dead, were not on here I would think much more highly of the album. These songs are just whiny. I do like I Found Out, Isolation, and Look At Me quite a bit. Even Remember isn't too bad. These later group of songs are well performed, and structured. Sure they are personal, but they seem to be less subjective. If I can't relate to something I cannot care. John seems like an OK guy in some ways but he was also a coward in others. I really wish he was still here and much of his work is briliant, but this LP is not a fave.
Oct 28, 2005
bizgotti
for better or for worse this record is full of pure honesty (much like all of john's work.) there is no sugar coating on this album. the emotions in john's heart are put into music on every single track. all the "pop" is left out here and replaced by "in your face" lyrics and melodies. the clever little hooks are still there but they seem to be drenched in a sort of saddness/resentment. the album on a whole kinda gives off a vibe of heart ache and sorrow but in some strange way it also gives off a vibe of stability and understanding. this record (once again like most of john's work) is very personal and straight from the heart. there is no such thing as "filler" here, because every track gives you a little look into the meaning of this record. from the opening morbid bells on "mother" to the last move of "do the oz" it's a full on story of hope,love,hate, and everthing in between.
Sep 2, 2005
Matthew Stead
This is an excellent album, it's painful and aggressive but is also melodic and peaceful. The first track Mother sums up the album with it's heartfelt and agonizing lyrics. Hold On is a brilliant song that grooves along nicely, a very wise track. I Found Out is a great follow on track that reveals an irratable and world-weary attitude. Working Class Hero is a classic simple acoustic guitar track, with a dark, sombre mood to it. Isolation starts off as a slow piano track but then gets quite aggressive. Remember is a great bouncy song with an awesome chorus. Love is an achingly simple piano love song that is soft and delicate but is very memorable. Well Well Well is a brilliant guitar track that is quite simple. Look At Me is my fave song from the album, using just an acoustic guitar but Lennon's voice is so strong. God is an epic track, that lives up to it's powerful title. My Mummy's Dead is a sad song that makes Lennon sound like a child strumming on his guitar playing on a cheap stereo. Power To The People was added to the album and therefore feels a bit out of place, but it's still a great song that you can imagine being played out into the streets during a protest. Do The Oz is a wild drug-sounding track that ends up being a good closing track. The only thing that would make this album the peak of perfection would be if it had songs like Cold Turkey and Instant Karma on it. But this album is still a definitive Lennon classic that has far more bite than anything else did at the time it was released.
Aug 21, 2005
Lennon Rocks
I bought this album after "Imagine", and actually I enjoyed listening to it. I liked how the album started off with the ringing bell of the cathedral. "Mother", the first track contains great lyrics. Lennon's strong voice on "Mother" near the end really creates the mood of the song. "Hold On" had a very nice sound to it. "I Found Out" is a good rocker. Although "Working Class Hero" isn't very melodious, the song contains very powerful lyrics which give a lot of meaning about life. "Isolation" and "Remember" were just fantasitc. The two songs had great melody, beat and lyrics. The explosion sound at the end of "Remember" was very unique. "Love" is one of my personal favorites. It's a beautiful song, one of those John Lennon is so good at composing. "Well Well Well" and "Look At Me" didn't surprise me much, but the lyrics in "God" was a surprise. John Lennon sang, "I don't believe in Beatles." which was ironic, but somewhat understandable since he did one quoted he wanted to quit the Beatles if he ever had the chance. That was way before McCartney left the Beatles in 1970. In "My Mummy's Dead", John Lennon is probably talking the death of his mother after a fatal car accident when he was young. The famous "Power To The People" was a bonus track for the newer albums. It also included John and Yoko's "Do The Oz". Overall an excellent album. I have no choice but to give it a two thumbs up. Great cover photograph too. This album is just incredible. This is a must have for John Lennon fans. This is definately John Lennon's masterpiece.
Aug 8, 2005
DJ Eric
plastic ono band 1.MOTHER- the opening sounds of this tell the story,,Very sad and honest tune as the purge of Lennons true emotions begin,the tune itself is average but the lyrics make it a standout as you can feel the "primal screams" shooting from your speakers-8 out of 10 2.HOLD ON-Ive always found this tune great,it has a bit of a jazzy feel to it with some Lennon wit thrown in "cookie".I love the guitar sound on this and if only the Imagine record had been prduced this way- 9 out of 10 3.I FOUND OUT-A great rock n roll lennon record via 1970 John.Everything is in place from the spartan minimal sounds to the roaring vocal line,a great rocker beautifully done-10 out of 10 4.WORKING CLASS HERO-An epic lyricto a simple tune that Lennon used so well.Again the sparse production makes it sound very indate even today,imagine if spector put his "wall of sound" on this it would have killed it,,thankfully he didnt and its a brilliant commentary and a classic classic track-10 out of 10 5.ISOLATION-one of those tunes that needs to grow on you,again the tune is average and the song is kept by its lyric,a very honest moving lyric,not a great track but the lyric keeps it interesting-7 out of 10 6.REMEMBER-another sort of son of I found out,a telling track which everytime I think this was released in 1970 its amazing,not the best track but again for the lyric it makes it very good-7 out of 10 7.LOVE-close to "oh my love" from Imagine,this is just a beautiful not overproduced and no cheese song,a clear message and epic in its statement,its nothing short of a great song-10 out of 10. 8.WELL WELL WELL-Primal scream to the bone this goes great with "cold turkey".One very spartan in your face tune which really rocks yesterday today n forever,a good lyric and powerful tune-9 out of 10 9.LOOK AT ME-a tune in the same vein as "love","oh my love" but not quite as effective,its not a bad tune the melody is pleasent and the lyric is good but doesnt have the same impact as the forementioned tunes-7 out of 10 10.GOD-A beatle sounding tune saying I dont believe in beatles,While Lennon often went back n forth on his feelings of a subject this tune always sounds great although the remastered version kills the "I dont believe in beatles part" and hurts the impact in my view but the original version is bloody great,I love this track because its a beatle doing a beatle like tune putting down everything except yoko???hmmmmmm.... anyway its a great tune set to a typical 50-60's melody g-em-c-d,and one of his best-10 out of 10. 11.MY MUMMYS DEAD- A Very sad lyric which again you can feel his pain coming out of the speakers,he missed his mother the way we all miss him-10 out of 10 overall his strongest album as an album..why it was dissed when it came out I'll never know,its great plain n simple, peace 4.W+
Jul 13, 2005
Mike Espinoza
This album and The John Lennon Collection are really the only John Lennon albums that I absolutely NEED (although parts of Imagine and STINYC are good, as well). "Mother", "Working Class Hero", "Isolation" and "God" are extremely powerful and overflowing with emotion. "Hold On", "Love", and "Look At Me" are, also, quite beautiful, but are more in a more relaxed and hopeful sense. Many people bash "I Found Out" and "Well Well Well" as being noisy crap, but some of us like dissonance and both of these songs are great in this respect. Both songs have a groove to them that make them quite enjoyable. If you like "Cold Turkey" (which I do), then you may like "I Found Out" and "Well Well Well". Those who like pleasant, relaxing, "nice" music probably should avoid this album. For those of us who like challenging, emotional music, this album is essential.
May 7, 2005
Green Hayes
This album is so essential in so many ways. First of all, it is probably the most honest album ever relased in pop music. Not many artists could make heartfelt songs tackling issuses like being abandoned by their parents, feelings of insecurity and isolation, and sell them to the public. Alot of artists are liked, but John Lennon is loved. It is not by accident, and the songs are Plastic Ono Band touched the very core of many. He sang songs of comfort, protest, and longing and tied it all together with songs of self determination. Probably the best therapy album ever. Mother is one of the bravest songs relased, and with that last line on every verse "Goodbye", he not only excersized his demons, but provided support, and a sound track for others excersizing their own as well. "Hold On" is a beautiful record promising that everythings gonna be alright. "Working Class Hero" is the thinking mans protest song. What makes it all the more impressive to me is that when he wrote it, he was already wealthy beyond most peoples imagination. "I Found Out" is pure therapy, and If you've ever gone through it you'll agree. "Isolation" is a beautiful ballad about not only fame but loneliness in general. In short this is an adult album dealing with mature themes of various insecurity and altimately overcoming our demons and being at peace with ones self. Many albums rock harder, but fewer albums touch have the ability to touch peoples soul as seemingly effortlessly as this one.
Apr 14, 2005
MARK THOMAS
THIS IS JOHNS BEST ALBUM. WALLS AND BRIDGES... CRAP... ROCK AND ROLL...CRAP.... MIND GAMES....EH!... IMAGINE WAS OK. BUT W/O PAUL MCCARTNEY AND GANG THE TRUTH IS LENNON WAS LOST. ONE CANNOT DEPEND ON THE OPINION OF YOKO TO MAKE GOOD MUSIC. OH YOKO! IS ONE OF THE LAMEST SONGS EVER. THE TRUTH IS THAT ALL OF THEIR MUSIC SUFFERED W/O THE OTHERS TO KEEP IT IN CHECK. IMAGINE WHAT GEORGE'S ALL THINGS MUST PASS WOULD SOUNG LIKE IF IT WERE A BEATLES ALBUM... BAND ON THE RUN WOULD BE WAY BETTER! JUST AS PLASTIC ONO BAND. PUT THOSE 4 GUYS IN A ROOM AND THEY RULED THE WORLD.... SEPERATE THEM AND BANDS LIKE LED ZEP KICKED BUTT! LETS PUT IT THIS WAY HAD THEY STAYED TOGETHER ALBUMS LIKE PLASTIC ONO BAND, ALL THINGS MUST PASS, AND ASSORTED TAKES FROM MECCAS 1st, WILD LIFE AND RAM WOULD HAVE KEPT THESE GUYS ON TOP OF MY WORLD. MAYBE IN HEAVEN.
Apr 6, 2005
David Moses
Yes. I admit my comment about the piano playing in the song 'love' was uncalled for, a bit over the top. I respect Lennon just as much as everyone else, I am just sick of the OVER praising he has received and the bashing Macca received- so I thought maybe one little unfair bash wouldn't hurt! It is withdrawn, but the rest I still stand by, while still really respecting Lennon and a lot of his more melodic work. :)
Apr 4, 2005
Kenny B.
I won't totally dismiss all of Dave M.'s analysis, though I do feel he's being overly cynical. There is some truth to what he says. This album does indeed have some pretty bad parts. I Found Out and Well Well Well are definitely crappy songs. John being expressive with his primal screaming you say? Not! No matter how much you dress it up and serve it on a silver platter, crap is still crap. They are overly simplistic and very repetitive for no apparent reason (unlike Love or Mother where repetition is used for effect to stress an emotional beat). However, apart from these two songs the rest of this album is sheer brilliance. Very raw, expressive and honest as it's been said over and over again. And it's done really well. I could just feel John's sheer piss-offness and sense of loss, isolation and despair. So it's a good album in my ears. But is it that *great*, deserving all the praises and accolades given to it from numerous fans and music critics? In my opinion, it only appears that way because of its historical significance and place in time. POB was released immediately after the Beatles split, the end of one decade and the dawn of a new one ("I don't believe in Beatles ... the dream is over", etc). I think if this album were released at any other point in the seventies, most people would consider POB to merely be a decent to good album but not so revolutionary. I believe the exact same things can be said about Sergeant Pepper. Last thing I'd like to comment on, is that last blip Dave M. made in his analysis: "Only good song is 'love', where the simplicity works, probably because someone more competent was on the piano!" No offense brother, I was totally digging your credibility up until that point. Kind of hitting a little below the belt there ain't ya, Davy ol boy? 8o) Reminds of that dude Goldman, author of The Lives of John Lennon. That dude did his homework, but slanted most of the facts towards the negative side of Lennon. It was like he had some hidden agenda to de-mythicize Lennon's legacy, doing is best to remove all the thunder from it.
Apr 1, 2005
Bonzo's Montreux
I'd like to dedicate some excuses to David Moses. I'm sorry not to have respect your opinion about this album, but I just would like everybody to understand the subversive and obviously pervading magic atmosphere present on this record. Just listen to "Love". Isn't it wonderful? It is repetitive? But this is just the strenght of this song. Listen now to "Well, well, well". And the most powerful of all,"God". This just make sense to my hear ; this song is just a thrill itself, a rarely-reached perfection, symbiose, unity, fusion is present there, but can't you hear, feel, understand it? Bonzo's
Apr 1, 2005
Bonzo's Montreux
David Moses. I'm sorry to tell you that, but I think you have not understand what music really is. It's not singular masterpieces, or great works where the musicians show all their valour and what is the best they can do with their instruments. Music is not a way to create complex masterpieces, but this is a way to transmit a message. On this point, this is just like literature. Some literar works doesn't make sense, but are very well written, and in my opinion, that's no kind of interest. Other works are not very good written, and then what is interesting is the message if there is one. Other works have no message and no lyrism, and other are majestic compositions full of senses. By John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band, we can say there is a still-important message, a one you are free to listen to or not. Moreover, the music, even if it is very basic, perhaps sometimes a little too much, is used in the most perfect way expressing what John is expressing with his lyrics.Therefore, there is a perfect fusion, a perfect harmony between music and lyrics. And please, you cannot say the music is awful. If you don't like Plastic Ono Band, you're not able to like or at least to understand John Lennon's work, that's all I can say to you. You just should listen to guitar hero or other kinds of music maestro. Bonzo's Montreux, the already seen frenchman.
Mar 19, 2005
emily
i do not wish to start a flame war here, but i'd just like to point out that in judging music or art as a whole, it should be looked at as a sum of all its parts. john lennon was the first to admit that the beatles were not the most technically proficient musicians. they could not sing like pavarotti nor could play like hendrix or horowitz. but in making a great sound that stimulated the emotions, they ranked amongst the best of them. what they lacked in virtuosity, they more than made up for in artistic innovation. that's what really made them one of the (if not THE) most popular and influential musicians of the 20th century. they always surprised you, kept things fresh, new and exciting. they wrote and played music that constantly challenged you and took your emotions on a helluva roller-coaster ride. they kept their music moving forward, even after their breakup. this album is a great example of this. though it's not so commercially appealing musically, it's quite intellectually stimulating. if you view music as "art", like me, you'll appreciate this album. and with all good art, true and honest expression from the artist isn't just one aspect in its greatness, it's a PREREQUISITE. but if you view music as a mastery of the media, evaluating the mastery and skill-level the artist has for his instruments of expression, or how skillful he is in constructing his work from her artist's palette, then POB can be quite mediocre. my personal rating is based on musicianship=3.0 combined with artistry=5.0. but who am i (or who is anyone for that matter) entitled to dictate what's "good music" (whatever that is). we're all entitled to opinions of course, and all i'm offering are different ways to view and evaluate something, especially something as subjective as music. and for the record, lennon can and has written great "commercially appealing" work when he chooses to. songs like 'woman' or 'starting over' are good examples from his solo career. but john just writes how he feels. if it just happens to be appealing to the masses, so be it. he is a genius who is capable of constantly spitting out hit after hit when he chooses, as he did with the beatles. but he's also a true artist who is more concerned with honestly and truly expressing himself. he knows much of his stuff shall not be approved by all, but doesn't care anyways. this of course can lead to highly experimental fluff like '2 virgins' or 'life with the lions'. but this is what leads to innovation - taking experimental risks. as with many of the greats, lennon was definitely quite the unbalanced individual. but throughout history, weren't all great geniuses and innovators anyway? van gogh, mozart anyone? lennon is up there, and this album clearly shows why.
Mar 16, 2005
David Moses
Being true to yourself is one thing, but that does not automatically equate with creating good music.
Mar 15, 2005
Jess Lopez
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is by far my favorite album by the musical genius John Lennon. I think its the best thing he had ever done. It is realistic and its true to the John Lennon that had been developing over the years from "Help" and "Strawbery Fields." John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is a very personal records. Thats what I love about his music he never did third-person songs. They were all personal,not some made up crap. Ther is an honesty to the record. It is very real. They are very true songs. Though there is no imagery it still is my favorite record. There should be more people singing songs that are true to themselves and simple. Thats what makes a good record.
Mar 11, 2005
David Moses
I recently listened to this album after a long break of silence from Lennon's music. I think the reason people praise it is because they feel like they want to try and connect to John Lennon, to try and understand the history behind his music. This album certainly offers a glimpse into his emotional psychee and all his complexes. So, people generally credit this album as the one where Lennon really was being himself. Problem is an historical analysis of the album is fair enough, but this needs to be distinguished from the actual music on the album. It is crap from start to finish. Simplistic piano parts that could be played by a beginner. Boring, plodding bass and out of tune vocals. The production is incredibly poor also. 'Mother' is a repetitive dirge of a song with absolutely no melody and a boring chordal piano part. So, yes it is emotional and we understand much about Julia and the pain he felt, but the music itself is rubbish. 'God' also has no structure and is a repetitive mess. None of the other songs have anything to credit them either. 'I found out' is truly unmelodic and 'well well well' is just plain nonsense no matter what anybody says. Only good song is 'love', where the simplicity works, probably because someone more competent was on the piano! A laughably bad album that has had heaps of unwarranted praise lavished upon it.
Feb 27, 2005
Bonzo's Montreux
I'm just a poor little frenchman. Therefore I'm not supposed to have something to say about music as we're unfortunatly the poorest music writers ever. But I believe in music, I believe in lyrics, I believe in poetry, I believe in masterpieces, I believe in creation, I believe in dreams, I believe in sadness, I believe in freedom, I believe in humanity, I believe in rock'n'roll, I believe in John Lennon, I just don't believe in ... John is free, free is John... Plastic Ono Band is the most astonishing John's creation ever, full of poetry, love, sensibility. It's just real music. John, you're a genius, and I hope it's not a shame to get such a congratulation from a frenchman.
Jan 11, 2005
Eric Varga
John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band is a truly seminal album. This is a remarkable masterpiece of emotion and craft shaped into the most important artistic statement of the Rock n’ Roll era. Purposely minimalist, it unintentionally prognosticates the turn popular music will soon take. Lennon’s remarkable life reads like fiction and with this album he attempts to bring himself some closure. Influenced by the work of Dr. Arthur Janov and his theories on Primal Therapy, Janov challenged John to exorcise his demons with his next musical creation. This biopic journey takes us through the emotional trip that was the Walrus. The album is clearly not for everyone and the detractors clearly don’t get it and they never will.
Nov 28, 2004
J.Williams
There is no question this is one of the best records ever released as well as produced, simply for it's pure honest direction! The only thing lacking which John would have agreed on is, "Instant Karma" would have been a great track to open this record with John's count in so to speak of "D-4" and it's 2 piano key chord opening..Da Da...and a thump! Some of these tracks such as "Isolation" were a fit for the Beatles White Album or the track "I'm So Tired" would have been a perfect fit on this 1st solo album! There is no question some of the tracks here are very much with the White Album feel! Over the years I found it odd that many so called Lennon/Beatles fans who skipped purchasing this record, so I find them not the true fans of Lennon's work as this record is pure Lennon at his finest! To this day this record really never got the attention it deserved as I found the track "Isolation" being on the same level as "Imagine" should be playing on some of the air stations today! Most CDs today have come a long way in terms of matching the original records recordings but still do lack the originals but I suggest purchasing the limited production run of this release on the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab master CD, without question this is the best recording of this record ever to be released! All backing hiss is gone, all the highs, lows and midrange are back from the master recording. Its well worth the $24.95 price tag, I suggest you pick this up now as these go up in price per year and they still only press 2500 copies per title! Put on your earphones and its if you are in the walls of sound with Lennon. A must have for the true Lennon fans. And those of the people who stopped listening to Lennon because there is no I love you blah blah blahs, well its your loss! By far one of the best records on earth!
Sep 27, 2004
Rick Jackson
as a die hard lennon fan,anything he did was gold to me, the album is stripped of any studio trickery and bare as his soul, he was going through primal scream at the time with arthur janov, this album was neccesary to put John Lennons demon and pains to rest, aside from this the album is pure brillance.
Sep 16, 2004
Dream Is Over
Maybe I´ll be the first one in saying this...but...after listen carefully this record again and again ( I have the original version, not that one with 2 bonus tracks ) I truly think Roger Waters had this record by the time "The Wall" was released, and "Plastic Ono Band" influenced him. Actually for me this album is the first ever "The Wall" released. "Plastic Ono Band" is based around John´s life..."The Wall" is based around Roger Water´s life. Also there´re a lot of similarities, for example, lyrics like "Isolation" (main idea about "The Wall"), "Mother" (even Roger used the same title years later),"My mummy´s Dead" ( the same ending album style Roger used for "The Wall", both with "Goodbye cruel World" and "Outside The Wall"), very personal and sensitive tunes like "Love" or "Look At Me". Even "The Thin Ice" has the same melody than the first part of "God". The main difference between "The Wall" and this fantastic album is actually the cover art !! ( Travis "The Invisible Band" used the same cover style than "Plastic Ono Band" ). As "The Wall" album, you can´t listen this one skipping tracks, or listening just 2 songs and then listen another John´s album. Rather you must listen this record with all your ears and your mind, and your heart. That´s the only one way you´ll realise how wonderful this album is. Is so sensitive, powerful, clear, deep, raw...most of the time when some reviewer say this word I imagined some kind of dirty Punk half finished records, with cracking vocals, awful sound, distorded guitars and instruments out of tune...that´s far from the truth on this record. Actually when I first listened songs like "God" immediatly I heard strings like "Jealous Guy" ( a fantastic song you don´t notice there´re strings there, but they´re !!), but then I realized there´re no strings !!, that´s talk about how fantastic and beautiful is the sound here, with just voice, guitars, drums, bass and piano. By the way, great Phil Spector work !! It´s no neccessary talk about well known songs like "Love", "Working Class Hero" or "Mother", because every fan who have "John Lennon Legend" have these songs. Also "God" is well known because appeared on the "Imagine" film. "Hold On" is a great song like "Double Fantasy" style. "I found out" and "Well well well" are his best heavy songs ever, probably. "Isolation" is such a great melody tune, and "Look at me" remains me "Julia", another great quiet one. This record is awesome, you won´t be dissapointed with this one. This is John at his best, definitely a poet needs pain.
Sep 16, 2004
burning man
The sound of a grown man having a tantrum. This album is seminal in showing how poor litle rich kids should despise their wealth and fame. A template for the careers of Kurt Cobain and Eddie Veddar, this is the noise a spoilt brat makes when he discovers the world is not the way he wants it to be and there is nothing he can do about it. Although the pain and anguish Lennon expresses is real enough (amplified as it is by his addictoin and dependance to heroin) his solution is to blame the world around him for his feelings and rail against a situation that he helped create. How much honesty does it take to hold the world responsable for your bad hair days? Taken in the context of its time this was indeed a stark and sometimes brutal assesment of where the world had got to particularly coming at the tail end of the "summer of love" (...the dream is over).The production quality is woefull, even though I prefer Spectors under-producing to his over-producing. Spector also contributed the piano part to "Love", one of the highlights of the set. Other great moments are "Hold on" and the completely essential "God". Lennon did not like the sound of his untreated voice, and as such the vocals on all the songs are covered with the sheen of echo, a technique that Lennon used on all his offically recorded work. Don't be fooled. This album only sounds raw through a concentrated effort. Although Lennon would have wanted this work to be seen as a spontanious outburst of emotion a la Bob Dylan, it is a calculated work, quite deliberatly meant to provoke a reaction, and on this level it was hugely succesful. However as a peice of musical entertainment,it fails as it is very hard to enjoy listening to this album particularly in one peice. To be perfectly simplistic, Lennon was a words man, and as such the musicality of this album in particular suffers.
Aug 1, 2004
Morozov Dima
After two months since I wrote my first review about this album here I can surely say one very important thing now: I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this album!!!
Jul 29, 2004
Ervin D.
This album totally defines what real music is. Music without much studio wizardry, very basic and very straightforward. The brutally honest nature of the songs remind me of those old blues records. Very organic and very real. Another part about the album that I absolutely adore is the outright honesty in the lyrics. This is self-expression at its finest, one can feel the hurt in every note John sings on songs like "Mother" and "Isolation." Whenever I hear that scream for "mother!!!..." I immediately picture an abandoned child looking for his mommy, it makes me ache inside. The aggressiveness both in sound and lyric also facinates me. "Well Well Well" has a proto-screamo approach to it, very heavy and angry. As is "I Found Out," very brutal and most times very rude in a very honest and "gentle" way. This album displays the different psyches of the artist during that time, and truthfully, it's very interesting. There's the little boy who longed to be loved. Then there's the angry man that is very sick and tired of his acquired fame. And then, there's the artist who is very proud of his art and who wants to share his art. If you're looking for an artist who can give you total honesty, John Lennon is one of them. And if you're looking for the album that expresses that honesty, then this would be it, in pure primal form.
Jul 12, 2004
Rhonnie P. Fordham
This is one of John's best albums. I mean his singing and songwriting on it is excellent.This album was made right after The Beatles broke up and you could tell John was depressed after hearing ''Working Class Hero''. It is also the only time that I know of that John said the f word. There are also more great songs by John including ''Hold On'' which is about him telling Yoko to hold on after the beatles broke up.Also there is ''Mother'' which is basically John in agony about his mother's death which also there is another track like ''Mother'' called ''My Mummy's Dead'' which if you hear this late at night you will be freaked out by John's soft singing with the slow guitar.''Isolation'' another song written by John while he was depressed is great in music and lyricwise the same with ''Remember'' with that repeating piano banging along with John's excellent voice.''God'' is another great song by John when he was depressed but also sending a message saying basically the beatles are over.My favorite song on the album was ''Working Class Hero'' which is one of the greatest John songs ever made when he was a solo artist.Buy this album you will not regret it.
Jul 3, 2004
Lennologist
A scream of an album, for sure. John's first solo album is one of the most painful and expressive albums ever made. As always with John, he doesn't cover up his songs in strange talk like Dylan does, he's honest and always tells the truth, even if the truth is sometimes painful. The opening track, 'Mother', opens with the now famous church bells which seems to go on endlessly before John shouts the title of the song and you almost jump into the air from fright. This song is what sets us up for the rest of the album. It is emotional, but angry and it is John at his best. This is light years away from the world of She Loves You and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. John then calms down for the beautiful next track, 'Hold On', before stepping back into angry mood with 'I Found Out' and the slightly quieter 'Working Class Hero'. One vulgar line in this song sums up the whole mind set of John at the time and that is "And you think you're so clever and classless and free, but you're still fucking peasents as far as I can see". Never has anyone been this honest in a song before and you can only imagine what the reaction of former teenage girl fans must have been when they heard this. Surely this wasn't the same lovable mop topped lovable joker that we saw in 'A Hard Day's Night'! Surely this must be some evil person trying to live off his name! Well, the John Lennon of The Beatles was the artificial one and this is the real one here, at his most honest. The remainder of the tracks can go up and down. They're all good, but some are better than others. The last four tracks, though, are absolute genius. Well Well Well, Look at Me, God and My Mummy's Dead let John get out everything he has wanted to say for probably his whole life and when the album ends, we breathe a sigh of relief, probably along with John. It's the most emotional of almost any of his albums, it's definitely the most painful (although 'Walls and Bridges' is up there too) and it's pure genius from start to finish. There is one minor problem I have and it isn't with the album 'Plastic Ono Band' but the new CD release that has the two extra tracks Power to the Peopleand Do The Oz. I felt these two songs took away from the emotional impact of My Mummy's Dead, not to mention that they are two of John's worst songs, in my opinion. If they wanted to put on extra tracks, they could have at least put on something relating to 'Plastic Ono Band' and the time it was made, like some demos, outtakes, John's cover of Baby Please Don't Go, Long Lost John or the full version of My Mummy's Dead, the opportunities are endless. Still, it's a brilliant album and I highly recommend picking it up.
Jun 1, 2004
The Full Lennon
On December 8th , 1980, news of a earth-shuttering event filtered across the airwaves about John Lennon, one quarter of the most famous pop group the world has ever seen, was dead at the age of 40, he was murder by a fan outside his New York home. The Chilling broadcasts were hard for many to comprehend. John Lennon was not just a popular musician by the end of the 1960’s he had also become one of the most prominent standard bearers for world peace.
May 30, 2004
Morozov Dima
When I was writing to this site a year ago I thought that "Imagine" was the greatest John Lennon's album. Now I'm taking my words back.Two months ago I bought the MP3 disc with all Lennon's albums and soon I found out that his best studio album is "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band"! For the first time I listened to this album I loved "Hold On","Working Class Hero","Love" and "God". But soon I loved "Isolation","Well Well Well","I Found Out" and "Look At Me". Actually, I love all the tracks in this album although,in my opinion, the Anthology vrsion of "God" is better.I'd like to notice that this album is my favorite STUDIO album but I also like the "Lennon's Anthology" album, "Menlove Avenue" and "Live In New York City" albums. Anyway' this is gret album and I'd recomend to listen to this album for everyone!
May 26, 2004
J. Starling
PLASTIC ONO BAND is not only a departure from Lennon's work in the Beatles, its mininalist production also stands in contrast to his later solo work. Almost every song features Lennon, with piano or guitar, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Ringo Starr on drums. Billy Preston performs gospel piano on "God". Lennon's voice has fully evolved as a powerful instrument, capable of conveying any emotion, and his vocal performance on this album is among the finest in all rock music. Ringo Starr's drumming is the other musical highlight of this record. He is a severly underrated drummer. I am certain none of the "superstar" drummers that Ringo is often unfavorably compared to could deliver such a superb performace as the one Ringo delivers on this album. I have rarely heard drumming that so effectively complimented and served the songs. This was a very personal album for John, and while John wanted to distance himself from the Beatles at this point, he also needed the support and collaboration of old friends such as Ringo and Klaus Voorman, to keep his work grounded. The opening song "Mother" is, in my view, the strongest of the album. The minimalist production (I am almost convinced the credit to Phil Spector is a joke) provides John's voice with space to emote. The rests between the piano chords and phrases provides a deep sense of emptiness, as if John is truly alone in the world. The closing admonition, "children don't do what I have done" is the most revealing moment in the song: John is acknowledging that he is as guilty as his own parents in being an often uninvolved father. "Hold On" is a short but beautiful song, with simple but warm guitar notes cradling his words of support for his wife, and the rest of the world as well. It is a beautiful gesture of optimism in an often bleak album. "I Found Out" as "Well Well Well" is based on a scraggly guitar riff and driven by some direct drumming from Ringo. These songs anticipate the sound and spirit of punk rock, as does "Working Class Hero", with its sneering description of a dead end life based on the pursuit of material objectives. "Isolation" addresses the vitriol directed at himself and Yoko; in the middle break John seems ready to clench his fist and explode with rage - but instead he finds a way to empathize with his critics. "I don't expect you to understand, After you've caused so much pain, But then again, you're not to blame, But you're just a human, a victim of the insane" In the end, he reminds us that we all share the same human condition. There are no disappointing songs or major defects on the album. One cause for complaint is the curious mix of "Love" The piano intro, which is quite beautiful, is almost inaudible at a normal volume setting. This album is, without question, John's very best.
May 11, 2004
Peter
John Lennon's first "true" solo album "Plastic Ono Band" was originally released in December, 1970; a full year after the Beatles technically broke up. It is, by far, the most powerful and honest album that Lennon produced during his tragically brief solo career. This album even rivals some of his best work within the Beatles. Remastered this year under the supervision of Yoko Ono, "Plastic Ono Band" sounds twice as clear as the original cd release. New liner notes and packaging were added, including some nice pictures of John and Yoko during this period and examples of hand-written lyrics by John for every song. This is an extremely attractive looking re-issue, which is fitting for a classic album of this quality. What's so timeless and appealing about "Plastic Ono Band" was Lennon's ability to record a simple and sparse sounding album that contained some very deep and diverse songwriting. He brought in a very solid group of musicians for these sessions; Ringo Starr on drums, Klaus Voorman on bass, Billy Preston on piano, Yoko on wind (whatever that means!), and Lennon himself on vocals, guitar, and piano. The album was produced by veteran/eccentric producer Phil Spector. The album begins with the most well-known song from this album, "Mother". It's a painful reminder of the loss that John felt with his mother's death and the abandonment from his father. The song was written during John and Yoko's primal scream therapy period, and the song does come off sounding like a release of some very strong/deep rooted feelings Lennon had at that time. It's only fitting that "Mother" would follow with the hopeful sounding "Hold On": "Hold on John, John hold on... it's gonna be alright. You're gonna win the fight." This song features some nice echo guitar to an easy going melody. Lennon actually sounds like an angry punk on "I Found Out" and "Well Well Well". Gritty guitar-work accompanies both songs, and "I Found Out" contains the classic line "I've seen through junkies, I've been through them all. I've seen religion from Jesus to Paul". John never had a problem with being honest about himself or his feelings about his ex-mates. With the Beatle's breakup still fresh in his mind, John tries to set the record straight on "God". He attempts to discredit reliance in religion and many rock icons at the time such as Elvis, Bob Dylan, and even the Beatles. "I just believe in me, Yoko and me, and that's reality" is how the song finishes. But, even with John setting his life apart from being a Beatle, he still has a few songs on here that would fit well on any Beatle's album. "Look at Me" sounds like it came right off the "White Album" and "My Mummy's Dead" wouldn't be too out of place on "Revolver". The latter song ends "Plastic Ono Band" in a sad manner, but it's a true statement to what Lennon was going through at the time. He wore his heart out on his sleeve, and he never did it quite better than on "Plastic Ono Band". As a nice addition, this re-issue contains the bonus tracks "Power to the People" and "Do the Oz". The latter track is really just a throw-away song that already appeared on the Lennon box set. "Power to the People" is a timeless anthem with plenty of soul to it. I always thought of this song as being a more militant version of "Give Peace a Chance"! In addtion to this album, "Imagine" and "Double Fantasy" were also remastered and released with new liner notes. It's a great way to remember Lennon's solo work 20 years after his murder. Hopefully, the rest of his releases get the same treatment. If you have to own just one Lennon solo album, "Plastic Ono Band" would be the one to own. I always thought that if you took a few of these songs along with some selections from the other Beatle's first solo albums (Harrison's "All Things Must Pass", McCartney's first album, and throw in a little bit of Ringo such as "It Don't Come Easy"), you would have a pretty impressive final Beatle's album. Oh well, a fan can still dream a little can't he?!
May 9, 2004
Kelvin
So here's John in all his glory. None of that happy clappy Beatle image anymore, John is raw and powerful here and although the album is produced by Phil Spector, it never seems too "wall of sound" for my taste. Of course, most of you will know that this was John's first real solo album and the result of primal scream therapy. This may lead some people to believe it's basically an album of him wailing for forty minutes or so. Although tracks like 'Mother' and, most noticeably, 'Well Well Well' feature a lot of screaming and pain in their lyrics, quiet tracks like 'Love' and 'My Mummy's Dead' are much more quiet, thoughtful pieces although still displaying the same emotion. It's really hard to say what makes this album so powerful... Part of it is really due to the fact that it is a slightly disjointed album. Pain displayed through two emotions, screaming wildly and quietly contemplating. The cover, featuring John and Yoko lying in the grass, has an almost dream like feel to it and the picture of John as a young boy on the back is his way of saying that this is the real John, no fancy image stuck on, like it was for most of the Beatle years. Although most of the results of this non-image John aren't pretty, it finally lets him loose, taking away the frustration of the Beatle years. This album works as the perfect companion piece to the book 'Lennon Remembers', both showing a side of John that was completely angry and raw, but at the same time thoughtful and witty. 'Plastic Ono Band' would be topped by other Lennon albums over the years but it still shows a side of John that we saw only once, for a short period of time, and we're all the better for seeing that.
Apr 14, 2004
Nigel
This is John's best album. It shows the pain he went through and the search to find himself and to release the demons. The Primal Album explains it all. This album got me through some very bad times myself and when ever I think that I don't need to work hard to keep the "good times" good I play this cd and I remember the pain. Working Class Hero / Mother / *Isolation* does it every time. Reality is a bitch the alternative is worse.
Apr 11, 2004
Christian
Not only Lennon's best album, but one of the best albums ever. As you may read below, some may be put off by the minimalistic production, but that's the point of the album and one of it's strongest features. The lyrics, playing and production are all spare at first listen, but on repeated playing you may discover that there is a grand canyon of depth to this album. The screaming on Well,Well Well is the best that Rock and Roll has produced. The guitar on I Found Out is gloriously gut wrenching. The lyrics to Love are the best love song lyrics i've ever heard; it describes it perfectly. Working Class Hero has aged poorly, but i liked it the first 20 listen's or so. My favorite is Remember. It is a great song because it sounds ominous and sad, but it's a very positive song. This leads me to one of the most strongest features of this album. The more one listen's, the better one likes it. Each tune reveals more of itself with each listen. The singing on this album is fantastic; easily the best of Lennon's career. What I like best about this album is that it hits you in the gut; and that's what Rock and roll is all about.
Mar 21, 2004
Fast Eddy
One of the most difficult albums to describe, review, or even experience of all time. When I was a teenager in the 70's, this was the greatest thing I'd ever heard, I related so much to the feelings of frustration, lonliness, and pain. Nearly 30 years later, I rarely listen to this anymore, and to be honest someone who isn't a John Lennon fan, or is merely a casual fan will be turned off by this album. It's two biggest strengths are; its bare-bones production (it could easily be mistaken for home demos or bootlegs with good sound quality), and its purging confessional honesty. Its two biggest weaknesses are; the bare-bones production (except for Billy Preston's piano on "God", there isn't anything else that sounds like professional musicianship), and the purging confessional honesty. It's almost like a letter you write to yourself to get your feelings out in the open, but never intend for anyone else to ever see. John's purging of all his inner demons was a huge comfort for me when I was a depressed youth, now it seems like some huge self-indulgence. I really doubt it would've ever seen the light of day if anyone other than someone of John's stature had recorded it. All that aside, there are great songs on it, some a bit overrated (Mother, God), some that were daring and topical in 1970 but sound dated and tame today (Working Class Hero, I Found Out), and some simple tunes that still sound great today (Isolation, Remember, Love). For the casual fan, or for the person who wants to get an introduction to John's work, "Imagine" would be a better starting point among the solo albums, but any of the collections or anthologies may be better yet.
Feb 9, 2004
SupaFish
While it can be argued that Lennon is showing his true feelings on this album, I feel that anyone who really wants to know who Lennon is should listen to Double Fantasy/Milk + Honey or STiNYC: the man who is alive, and not wallowing in the past. Mother is the most honest, and one of the best, works on this album but, as my first review says, the album goes downhill from there.
Feb 4, 2004
Jos Witteman
I still consider POB the best solo-album by an former Beatle, it's pure .. simple and very honest. John at his best. Klaus Voormann on bass ... Ringo on drums ... what more do you need? And on one track Billy Preston. I play this record over and over.
Feb 3, 2004
Dingy
I won't give perfect cuz musicly it aint, but conceptually and artistically it is, reminiscent of ex-beatle JWL's former Revolver and Pepper heydays. An album that simply exhibits how raw "Art" can be combined with music seamlessly, something Lennon paved the way for most 21st century musicians of today. Musicians today are STILL catching up with what Lennon the poet/writer/artist/musician had done over 30 years ago, and this album is one that exemplifies this. A great introspective piece of work that self-expresses all angles of a man's state of emotions, angst and philosophies that couldnt have been done any better in any art media for that matter. A simply brilliant piece of work. (To the 1-star rating? I think not!!)
Jan 21, 2004
Thomas
I simply CANNOT UNDERSTAND why people would rate this 1 star or 2 stars. This is a GOOD album. It may not be the best musicwise, but if you look at the lyrics, they are geniuinely showing John's feelings. I would recommend this to any one who has an open mind.
Jan 10, 2004
SupaFish
Certainly Lennon's weakest album release (after 1969 as I do not know what the previous material was like) and at times painful to listen to. The strongest song is by far 'Mother' as you feel an articulate expression of pain and anguish. 'Hold On' is another quite good cheery song but with this exception the album is depressive and painful to listen to. Parts of the album suffer heavily from over-Spectorisation with walls of sound looming aggressively at the background of the music. Probably the worst song is the roaring hatred of 'I FOund Out' which is filled with aggressive, arrogant hatred of almost anything, when compared to Imagine and other classic tracks, it gives almost the opposite message that Lennon strives to give in the rest of his career. As a concept, God is good for destroying flase ideals, though again filled with egocentrism (esp. final verse). For someone who grew up in pleasant middle-class suburbia for most of his life, Working Class Hero is somewhat hypocritical but that can be argued for most music in some way or another. Working Class Hero is nice enough to listen to and could be a really cheeey and encouraging (I don't mind the cynicism)song but the low dull stretched sound really detracts from what are otherwise good lyrics and arrangement. Isolation is a nice expression of the Lennon's situation with the media at that time but is still very downtrodden and lacks sparkle beyond simple aggression. Remember is a good rock-an-roll song about life and is a shining song in an otherwise dull album. Remember s followed by Love (bit repetitive) and Well Well Well which is lively and original, but let down by weak and repetitive lyrics. Look at Me, I feel is thwe first truly honest Lennon song, instead of railing and shouting and hating, he just asks 'who am I suposed to be?' even though the lyrics sheet claims this to be pre-Janov (the master of Primal Scream therapy, which John was undergoing at this time). At least in Look at Me, you feel he is searching for an identity and not just shouting wildly that he hasn't got one. The last track on the original album is probably the worst: to the tune of 3 Blind Mice, John sings bluntly about the death o9f his mother. Unlike 'Julia' on the White Album though, there is no positive note to the song and the album ends in a depressed deep hatered of the world and eveerything because though Lennon is singing about something very personal to himself, as in Isolation, you are invited to feel this with him when most of the emotions are manufactured. On the CD re-release, there is Power To the People; a brilliant classic and Do The O; flip to God Save Oz which both go to show the great musical heights Lennon could aspire to in the future. With only a few mediocre songs, this album is by far the worst album by Lennon that I have ever heard.
Dec 29, 2003
Laura
Imagine what a surprise POB must have been on its release. No songs about your typical Beatles stuff...no peace, love, and flowers...just pure, unaltered thoughts and emotions from John at that time. Plastic Ono Band deals with John's feelings on his whole life up to that point...his mother's death, his father's abscense, The Beatles' fame and popularity, abscense of friends and support, and (of course) the solace he found in Yoko. Sometimes the tone of his lyrics and voice are quite harsh, and he can be very finger pointing on this album, but when you really think about it- John had to go through this. He wasn't JohnPaulGeorgeandRingo anymore...He was John Lennon and he was ready to make a place for his own voice in the world. I highly reccomend you this album. It's amazing, the words, the music. Perfect.
Dec 20, 2003
Chopboy from philippines
Classic! A very honest John Lennon! Although Lennon's albums produce heavy feeling inside, you'll still love it. God, Love and Isolation are the best tracks in this album, goodbye! You know I don't give long comment that says nothing at all- Back in the US sucks( too much audience close-ups)
Dec 12, 2003
Richard
To many this is Lennon's finest solo album. I can see why; it is perhaps the most human of his albums in terms of feelings of pain, isolation and loneliness which all of us feel occaisonally. The sad confessional songs and the raw emotion of the sometimes screaming vocals really pull at the heart-strings. You can really understand and usually feel the pain of the songs. The sparse arrangements of the songs (like the solo acoustic 'Working Class Hero') create a sound and feel unique to Lennon's music on this album, it may not be his most pioneering work but it's his most heart felt and honest work (Bob Dylan's 'Blood and the Tracks' plays a similar role). I just love the acoustic songs and Ringo's drumming is perfect throughout. This album is just such a great piece of work and an album that anyone with an interest in music must hear.
Dec 3, 2003
Kyle (Working Class Hero)
Plastic ono band what can i say one of lennons greatest albums he has ever made from start to finish, it is a masterpiece. First of all we have the classic song MOTHER which starts off with funeral bells then lennon comes in with his excellent voice and the song kicks off.Next up is HOLD ON JOHN which is a more slower song it is very relaxed and peacful a nice song.I FOUND OUT goes back to the more rockier sound with lennons voice on top form,the guitaring in this song is great from lennon. Next up is probaly one my favourite tracks on the album WORKING CLASS HERO which is lennon on acoustic singing about life of a working class hero this song is very deep it deals with what lennon was going through at the time very good track. ISOLATION starts off with a nice piano introduction then goes into lennon really getting into the song then slows down very nice song. REMEMBER starts of with a very nice beat from RINGO on the drums this carries on till the end good work from the two beatles.LOVE is next one of lennons famous songs this starts off if nothing is happening and then you can hear the piano come in then lennon with a very nice soft voice. WELL WELL WELL this a fast rocker with an excellent guitar at the start of the song.Lennons voice is very rocky and hard a great rock song keep you rocking forever GREAT!. LOOK AT ME is a very soft song with lennon with is very soft voice nice song.GOD is next one of my favourites this has lennon talking about what he does'nt believe in such as Elvis,Beatles Jesus he only believes in him and yoko a very good song.The album ends with a song called MY MUMMYS DEAD which is sang in a sort of nursery rhyme form with lennon talking about how his mum has died like going back to the mother at the start of the album The remastered edtion comes with a very nice bookley with lyrics and nice pictures of john and yoko in 1970 it also come with two bonus tracks power to the people and do the oz which are great tracks to end this great album hope this review is useful to you happy listening
Nov 13, 2003
Sylvia K.
John Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" was the perfect demonstration of the maturity he experienced while in the process from breaking away from the Beatles. It would be his first solo appearance as a revolutionary songwriter and although this was exhibited slowly while he was a Beatle, the chord struck home when alone he stood and told the world with his album "this is me". One of the most remarkable trends he started was the use of music as a way to get a message across by true, and emotional personal experiences. "Mother" is a perfect example of this. . . not only do the words play a song quite different from its beautiful and peaceful melody, but he also uses his voice to emit his frustration, pain, and sadness. It was perhaps the first time I could honestly say that the "imperfect" voice was the best way to display real feelings. The song "Love"'s haunting melody also makes one sit and realize that the subject he is singing of is as deep as the music that accompanies it. Not only does he use his lyrics and music to voice a message, but he also plays around with the volume of the song, phasing in and then out at the beginning and end as if to symbolize you never are aware of when love is arriving or preparing to leave. The album as a whole has these type of new and trendsetting features but what I think is the best song of the album is one that is the true testament to Lennon as we know and love him and that is "God". From the beginning, Lennon boldly contests our current perception of God as something sacred- to merely a tool used to intimidate and control people. He goes through a list of things, ideas, and people he refuses to believe in and as it goes on and on, there is a building strength. It finally climaxes when he says "i just believe in me. . . me and yoko- that's reality". It's one of the most powerful messages he has given to us, nicely wrapped as a gift. It was the ideology that prompted the rest of his beliefs until the end of his life- and that is- YOU are in control. Because of this basic belief, he is able to take conventional, untouched yet accepted ideas ( like religion, established "role models", and the like) and boldly face them, destroy them- and move them aside to see what is the truth. Through "God" he showed that what is true is what is clear and simple - "i just believe in me and yoko, that's reality". anything else is dressed up to be something it really isn't as is there merely to control you. This was the first statement he made as a solo musician that paved the way for everything else he introduced to us-and instilled the belief in all of his listeners that we are in control of our lives, our surroundings, and world and that we should do everything in our power to pursue what is right and what is true and to let nothing stand in our way. A true musician is known by the effects he generates in his society. With just his first album, Lennon did a hell of a job*
Sep 4, 2003
Nowhere Man
First of all, I want to start up by saying that I think this is John's best album. Actually, it's my most favourite album of all music albums I've ever heard. This is pure Lennon, without any major Yoko Ono influences. The Janov therapy made him scream out all his feelings which he kept inside and it produced this album. Some people might dislike it, but I particulary enjoy the simple instrument arrangement on all songs. Not more than 4 instruments included on any of them (not counting Power to the People and Do the Oz, which are included as a bonus on some CD versions). It starts on a quite creepy tune with the ringing of a bell which eventually crosses into Mother, a sentimental piano song in which he expresses his feelings towards his ma and pa. And it ends with great roars on "Mama don't go/Daddy come home". Really makes you admire this guys voice. The second song, Hold On, is a simple tune but it is very nice, makes you relax after the Mother experience. Then comes I Found Out, where he basicly reflects what Dr. Janov told him. Kind of reminds me of I don't Want to be a Soldier (from the album Imagine) but it is less experimental and it has both more lyrics and melody (but don't get me wrong, I don't... is good as well). Then comes another highlight after Mother - Working Class Hero. A great protestsong inspired by Dylan (my friend actually thought it IS by Dylan), criticising the extreme pressure that the capitalist society puts on a person. What I love about this song is that it's only guitar, nothing else. The next song is a great ballad, Isolation. Not much to say, a very good piano song. Remember is track number 6. It's another piano song but definetly not a ballad. For some reason it's one of my favourite overall. Then comes love, a fantastic ballad with only Phil Spector on the piano. One of Lennon's best songs (although I don't like it that much, it's too soft for my taste). Next is Well Well Well, a quite average Lennon song (by average I don't mean bad, but it is "only" good). Lyrics are about the uprising feminist movement. And yet again, a wonderful series of roars, like on Mother but even stronger. Nice ending I have to say... Then another ballad, based on the chords of Julia from the White Album (Beatles - a little band Lennon was in before his solo career). The type of Julia/Oh My Love song but I like it best of those three. And then ot comes, for me the absolute highlight of the whole John Lennon career (although I haven't heard Serve Yourself yet, they say that it's even better) - God. Undescrivable (if that is a word). Billy Preston on the piano, John on vocals and you can hear that he FEELS the song. It's fabulous (I'm runnung out of adjectives here). Here he refuses all the ideas that Maharishi Yogi told him in India. Includes the famous "I don't believe in Beatles/I just believe in me/.../And that's reality". And cleaning himself from the Beatles brand by "I was the walrus/But now I'm John". And after that, after a beginning on a creepy note, also an ending on a creepy note. My Mummy's Dead. A simple childsish song with freezing lyrics. That's the end of the official album. The CD version has also two bonus songs - Power to the People and Do the Oz. Power is good but it kind of ruins the mood of the album for me. Do the Oz is co-written by Yoko Ono. Need I say more...? All in all, it might seem that I'm a Lennon fanatic who sees the album as something godly although it actually sucks. That is a wrong conclusion. It is a great album, even for non Lennon fans. The one who says the opposite has some issues going on. That's all. Only one recommendation - if you don't have it, buy it. Nowhere Man.
Jun 2, 2003
Rene Butler
In my opinion, Lennon profited from being without the Beatles if you consider this album on it's own merits. I was forced to give it five stars, I did'nt set out to. Believe me, it more than deserves the highest possible accolades. You would not have thought that Ringo was the drummer on this and that the normally, elaborate Phil Spector produced it. 'Mother' is a song which portrays Lennon's turbulent childhood relationship with his parents.Musically speaking I rate it. 'Hold on' has a distinct bass line from Klaus Voormann. It has a pleasant melody and gentle vocals. The anti-establishment feel is heard in both the great 'I found out' and the Buskers classic 'Working class hero'. The former has fighting spirit and no nonsense lyrics. 'Working class hero' hits the nail on the head (though I'm not sure just how Working class Lennon actually was). Superb acoustic sound with a potent cause. 'Isolation' is a very underrated track. Soothing vocals with a crescendo. The Piano makes this song. The sentimental 'Love' is certainly worth it's hype. Just John, his Piano and an acoustic. Lennon at his best. 'God' seems like John Lennon is clearing his mind (as one may clear their throat). A series of what he does not believe in, God, Yoga, Elvis etc. It signified that the Beatles really were over should anyone have been in doubt. Although 'God' fails to inspire musically it is an important song with a fitting end "The dream is over". Plastic Ono Band is a personal and very uncommercial sounding album....and all the better for it.
Mar 6, 2003
Gabe
Well, what more can be said about Mr. Lennon's actual first studio album, that hasn't already been said? Although it was indeed his fifth album release (one of them being live), this was truly the first of strictly songs that had been newly recorded. One should keep that in mind whilst reviewing this piece of work, that it was his first (obviously not in the studio, but by himself). A first often has faults that would be improved on a following project. The songs, as any one who's heard this knows, are nothing but TRUTH. This record is John's heart. It's his soul. Much of the record is used to express pain and suffering from various sources in John's life, such as "Mother", which John himself actually said that it was not about his parents, but I refuse to believe that, as most JL Fans would. The Beautiful, yet very simple "Love" is marvellous. "Working class hero" Shows some of John's disgust with the worldly systems and expectations of Him and others. Several of the album's 10 tracks are slightly repetetive ("Well Well Well") But Fun to listen to. "God" showcases John's frustration with dependency on Father Figures, Leaders, Many People are named after He sings.."I don't Believe In..." Such names inlude Hitler, Kennedy, Etc. but at the end He sings the above, and says... "Beatles...." then the music stops and he continues with... "I just believe in me.." That's John Lennon. Over all, this album is raw, Meaty, full of substance, yet it is sometimes quiet, calm, and simple. Very honest and a first step in The Direction of John's tremendous musical outpouring over the next ten years.
Feb 16, 2003
bandontherun
POB was John Lennon's "real" debut solo album--the others are just bookends for the music of the genius. The single edit of "Mother" (on Lennon Legend) is better, but the bells and screaming are an important adjunction to the song, and I'm glad both versions are available. The next song is the musical warning to calm down, it will all be fine. "Hold On" is a beautiful song. Next up is "I Found Out," an excellent guitar based number with screeching Lennon vocals--a must. "Working Class Hero" is an anthem, the "Imagine" of POB. "Isolation" is so powerful. It's almost a shame CDs aren't two-sided, as this closed side one, giving the listener a chance to reflect upon the statements in the previous songs before flipping over the record and going into "Remember," a piano-based song where John takes the sugar-coated versions of what we knew and gave us the truth--heroes *don't* always get away. "Love" is so simple, and yet it says more than almost any Lennon track released after it. Breathtaking. "Well Well Well" is based on one repetitive guitar lick that runs just a bit too long, but it is still great. "Look at Me" is calming, but it leads to "God," which, I'll admit, is overrated. "My Mummy's Dead" is pointless, but is a better way to close the album than with "God."
Oct 14, 2002
Andrew Bowman
As John's first solo album, this really stands out as a masterpiece. Perhaps tellingly, he doesn't give everything away, and it's almost as if he's writing a couple of the songs as an outsider. (Well Well Well and Working Class Hero). The latter of these is, of course, the strongest track on the album as it deals with subjects such as a broken childhood, bullying and career choices, to retirement and death. But to put these tracks in context, and rather than an overall review, let's look at each track individually. 1) Mother This song has one of the most remarkable openings, the bell chimes. Obviously slowed down to accomodate the general mood of the song, it is as haunting a piece of music as a solo cello in an operatic aria. The song itself is perhaps the most telling, as it came off the back of his primal scream therapy with Arthur Janov. His anger at his parents soon becomes forgiveness, as he pleads for their return. Hauntingly beautiful, and a strong, if understated, opener. 2) Hold On This is quite a simple song, with contribution from Ringo on drums. It seems that this is a gentle plea with the world to let him live as he chooses, as the third verse seems to testify. On a lighter note, there seems to be some confusion as to what John says in the instrumental break. Some say 'Cocaine' although I believe it is nothing as serious, a rather innocent 'Cookin''. 3) I Found Out This is a hard hitting song, with ferocious bass guitar played in time with the vocal. The subject matter seems to change with each verse, but concentrating mainly on religion, in particular, the Mararishi. The line 'I've seen religion from Jesus to Paul' is an obvious reference to his comments about Jesus in 1966, and the sledgehammer approach that Paul alledgedly adopted in the last years of the Beatles. A reasonably strong track. 4) Working Class Hero A personal favourite of mine, which I believe no review could possibly do justice. My advise would be to listen to it youself, as you are more than likely going to get something different out of it than me, although the second verse mirrors my school-life, so it seems quite personal. Sorry for sounding pretentious, but there you are. 5) Isolation A rather Beatle-y sounding track, that wouldn't have seemed out of place on the White Album. A suggestion of things to come, it holds it's own amongst a collection of strong songs. Should have been considered for release as a single. 6) Remember Perhaps it could be said of this track that he tries to hard to find something to write about. The fact that he scruppulously nicked the opening to Sam Cooke's Bring It On Home To Me suggests that he was struggling with this one, and as a consequence, doesn't make a very convincing opener for the second side. 7) Love This hauntingly beautiful love song was finally released as a single in 1982, and was quite a big hit. The song itself features Phil Spector on piano, which is superbly understated. Another strong track, and another that requires independent listening. 8) Well Well Well The title says it all, but fails to deliver. With lines like 'I took my loved out to dinner' rhyming with 'and though we both had looked much thinner', the song seems forced, and an unnecessary addition to a strong album. 9) Look At Me Another gentle plea, but this time it seems too simple to convey any real meaning, almost relying on the strength of Hold On. That said, a nice track which could have achieved more. 10) God The song that ended it all. Here he declares that the dream is over, and that he no longer believes in the Beatles. An interesting song which has a '50's doo-wop style opening verse, which leads into a litany of things he doesn't believe in, ending with a promise of the future with Yoko. Should have ended the album like this. Instead... 11) My Mummy's Dead The title seems like a sick joke, and the song is sung to the tune of Three Blind Mice. An attempt to recapture the power of the opening track, and falls flat on it's face. Disappointing. Overall, the album is strong enough to carry the weaker tracks, and Phil Spector's uncharacteristically understated production allows the songs to breath. One of his best albums. A must.
Sep 21, 2002
Joe
This album, the first "real" solo release John put out, is simply amazing. To call it anything but a masterpiece is blasphemy, but I will add an asterisk to my five star rating: this is not an album simply for listening. It is intensly personal, and definitely not a party record. That said, the album is very noticably double sided, side one being predominantly about John and Yoko, and how they feel. Side two, on the other hand, is John (and Yoko, depending on your personal feelings) talking to us, trying to pass on their message. Track one, "Mother" opens with a low, haunting funeral bell, struck four times, possibly for each Beatle, but probably because we expect only three. The song cuts in on the trailing edge of the last bell, with John singing very well and the very simple piano does not seem in any way lacking. By striking the chords one at a time, he lets his voice carry through the verses, with excellent effect. The end of the song builds to his repeating scream of "Mama don't go, Daddy come home!" with the very last scream so raw and primal that we wonder how he summoned that degree of power to his voice. On a much more optimistic note, we have "Hold On" taking the number two spot, with a very nice tremolo guitar. Ringo's druming is very timid, and goes well with the very jittering, self assured tone of the song. John is singing to himself, "Hold on, it's gonna be alright," even though he isn't sure that is. At number three, we get "I Found Out" a great rocker, with wicked riff at the beginning and John singing over some very nice muted guitar. If you listen, you can pick out the same style of guitar line seen in "How Do You Sleep," but it a much more savage form. Here he's singing about how he sees through the artificial, patronizing world, basically saying "I see through your shit, get out of my life." Working Class Hero is probably the least personal song on the album, for while it conveys Lennon's working class background, it was obviously written with some of the underground movements in mind, a la Revolution. It's just John and his acoustic, as scaled down as it gets. The whole album is played with a three piece group, but this vocal/guitar combination is Lennon doing a very strong, sarcastic "Dylanesque" tune, far better than Bobby ever did. At the end of the song, we here Lennon destroy his earlier ambiguity, with the line "If you want to be a hero, well just follow me." The number five song, and final on side one, is Isolation. In my opinion, this is probably some of John's best piano work, much more dynamic than Imagine. It is a song about lonliness and pain, how he feels so cut off from a world that hates him, all their affection is simply for his music. The middle eight, with it's powerful double tracking and fantastic chord progression is excellent. The very last line his especialy great. Side two begins with Remember, a song to the public about growing up in the idealic fifties, then maturing to deal with the same issues that Lennon was singing about on side one. He consols us with the chorus "And feel sorry/about the way it's gone. And don't you worry, about what you've done." The staccato piano really drives the tune, despite the fact that some criticize it for it's lack of variety. But it is bare and simple, without any illusions to cover the message. This song becomes political in the last line, "Remember the Fifth of November." Referring to Guy Fawks day, when the English rebel tried to blow up Parliament. At number seven we have love, featuring one of the most beautiful melodies John ever wrote, and the classic piano melodies played by Phil Spector is well backed by John's acoustic. The verse is primarily a combination of inversions: Love is real, real is love. The combinations are very true, very ingenious, and it is simply John singing about love, what he felt for Yoko, and allowing us to see it. Oddly, this song has the same place on the LP that the similiar "Oh My Lover" has on Imagine. The number eight song is Well Well Well, one of my all time favorite rockers by any artist. Heaving than anything the Beatles ever did, this is grunge rock, and you can easily picture Lennon picking out the distorted blues scale that makes the intro and verse, as well as the grinding chords of the chorus. Lyrically, it isn't much, but this song is all about the music. John plays an excellent guitar, with an overdubbed solo against the chorus about halfway through. And despite the basic nature of his "Well well well, oh well" lyric, he's basically saying "So?" And as he goes into his primal screaming it is almost as if he is fighting himself to get past the issues of life, screaming the dismal "well." This song has been emulated several times, noteably by Kurt Cobain, but I think it could be placed up against any rock song of today. Number nine is "Look at Me" a live recording of a song written in India, with the same acoustic finger picking sound as Dear Prudence. It is John alone with his guitar again, trying do discover who he is. He's played the tough guy, but deep down, he just wants some one (his mother, Yoko) to look at him, love him, and respect him. The peak of this album is God. Billy Preston plays the piano part, which is frankly, beyond Lennon's skill level, but wonderfully written. The famous litany of disbeliefs is has some dated topics, but many others are just as valid today as they will always be. Casting off all illusions, all false "isms," all the institutions that people join to let their selves die, Lennon sees through all of them. The very last line of the sequence is "I don't believe in Beatles" followed by a pause, then John singing alone "I just believe in me, Yoko and me, that's reality." From there, he precedes to tell us that the "dream" is over, that he: "was the Walrus, but now, I'm John." The emotion is undeniable, and the truth is striking. Lastly, we have the heartbreaking "My Mummies Dead" bringing the album full circle, beginning and ending with mother. The tune is simple, and the recording was done on a simple tape recorder with only two chords. It is a such a personal tune, we can truly see the weakness of John. The two bonus tracks take away from the album, Power to the People is alright, but Do the Oz is a piece of crap. It was a B-side to what John admitted was a mediocre record "God Save Oz" and is insulting to end such a masterpiece. If bonus tracks were that important, Instant Karma and Cold Turkey would have been much better choices, as they follow the spirit of the album. Overall, this is masterpiece, both intensly personal but understandable to all.
Sep 11, 2002
David Moses
I find it bewildering how people can actually like this album. The songs are under produced, simplstic, and for the most part tuneless. Granted many of the songs are autobiographical, but this does not make the music good. Anyone who praises this album is either a Lennon fenatic, or just has no ear for a good melody. 'Mother' is tuneless, with Lennon wailing an out of tune vocal, that increasingly gets worse. The piano is so simplistic, anyone could pay it. This truly is a dirge of a song. Other terrible tracks inlude 'I found out','Remember', 'Well, well, well', which are all just noisy nonsense, that goes nowhere. As for 'God' it has no structure and the repetitive nature of the song soon tires. The only song that is not beneath redemption, is 'love', but even this is badly sung by Lennon and rather uninspired. Still, this is a nice song with a heart felt sentiment. A shocking solo album to start with. It just shows what rubbish Lennon came up with, when left to his own devices. Rubbish. I'd give it O, if I had the option.
Sep 3, 2002
James
This is plain and simple a great album! It strips away the studio production which was so prevelent in the latter years of the Beatles and takes full advantage of John's amazing vocals and poetic lyrics. I know I probably shouldn't do this, but don't listen to Kevin. He's got the right to his opinion and everything, but I just don't feel that a song that wasn't even on the original album can be the best song on an album. God is probably my favorite on the album, just for the sheer emotion in the lyrics. Love is a masterpiece. Lyrically it is so caring, and musically it is very unique. Mother is also amazing (the primal screaming at the end is very moving). I Found Out is one of many angry songs on the album, and I feel it's the best of the songs in which John is pissed at the world. Well, Well, Well, is, well, very stripped down and raw. The screaming is kind of cool, but a little bit too much of it makes the song drag on a bit, but it is definitely a great rocker. Working Class Hero is a bit over-rated in my opinion, but I still love the song, with it's biting lyrics and soft instrumentation it fits in well with the themes on the album. I'll let you decide for yourself on the other songs on this album, except for the final track on the actual album, My Mummy's Dead. This song is soooooo incredibly personal and sooooooo painful that it makes me wanna cry everytime I hear it, and I haven't even lost my mom. To call it a waste of space is just rude. Anyway, the last two songs really don't belong on this remastered masterpiece, but they are, but you can always do what I do, and end the album where it's supposed to be ended, with a short, haunting sentiment, just like John planned it.
Sep 2, 2002
Kevin
John's first excellent album to be released and my favorite by him, IMO. On this album you have "Mother" which is a very powerful song and I like this one. "Hold On" is a short and sweet song which definitely belongs on this good album. There's the decent "I Found Out" with the cool guitar. "Working Class Hero" is a classic and one to remember. "Isolation" is awesome, great vocals, great lyrics. "Remember" is alright but nothing so striking about this one. "Love" is extremely annoying and the second worst on the album. "Well Well Well" is my second favorite off the album, I like it when John screams like that. "Look At Me" is a dull and boring song. "God" is a powerful song but it doesn't impress me as much as it does with other people. "My Mummy's Dead" is a waste of space although it's really short. "Power To The People" is my favorite off the album. Great vocals! "Do The Oz" is a nice rocker and I like it. This is Lennon's best album. Buy it now!
May 17, 2002
Liam
John's first "proper" solo album, this is very popular among the fans, and you can see why at a glance through the lyrics - quite simply, this album is Lennon's best as a lyricist. Working Class Hero is of course the real standout track of the album, simply played on a guitar, and sung with more emotion than you can shake the proverbial stick at, this is THE social commentary. Equally moving is "God (The Dream Is Over)", a very poignant song about being relatively alone in the world, with nothing to believe in. The piano line is a killer on there. As if that wasn't enough to make you fill up, "Love" is another stunning ballad, again acoustic on piano and guitar, describing what love is in so many ways. The album is worth the price you pay for it for these three songs alone, but these are just the merest glance of what it holds - the emotional monolith of an intro, "Mother", features John practically crying about being abandoned by both parents in some way or another, and makes a lump come to my throat every time . . . equally poignant is "My Mummy's Dead", the finale. Musically, it sounds like the sort of song you might sing in infant school . . . except for the lyrics, which are fairly straightforward enough! More social commentaries abound in the form of "Remember", and "I Found Out" - which features strong language, as does Working Class Hero, I should mention. At the same time, I must point out that this is not used for its own sake, but rather it is for effect. On the "lighter" side, we have Hold On, with its lyrics trying to reassure the narrator that things will be ok. Further commentaries round off the album. This is quite clearly John's bridge from Beatles to solo work. And brilliant at that.
Mar 16, 2002
Stacia
The greatest thing about John Lennon, whether you like or hate his music, is that the man was just brutally honest. He just said it like it was and never tried to cover any of it up. Now that music has taken a terrible shift into CRAP (like all these little boy bands prancing around to music written by some guy in Europe), I think it is important and very satisfying to have albums by people like Lennon in your collection. And ESPECIALLY this one. "Platic Ono Band" is, to me, the best solo Beatle album, and one of the greatest artistic achievements in music ever made. You hear music from people like Alanis Morrissette and PJ Harvey, and you can completely see the influence. This was the second album I got by John Lennon (the first being "Double Fantasy"). I honestly was shocked by the entire thing the first time I heard it. I had never heard a record where a person's emotions were so openly put on the line for observation, and I fell in love with it. Besides, these are damn good songs on here. "Mother" has to be one of the most powerful songs ever written. The way he sings, then screams, then sings...its beautiful. "God" is a masterpiece. Simple and poignant. It is so obvious that he is just trying to say that he no longer has something/someone to hero-worship or follow, that he has dropped all his gurus. He was just saying "I want to be normal now..." Amazing song. In fact, there is not one bad song on this record. Every song conveys a strong message, but then it is sung to make that message even more understandable.I would have to say my favorite song is "I Found Out" because of the songing, the beat, and the entire feeling put into it. The words are incredible. This whole album is a masterpiece. Beautiful. Passionate. Definite. Vulnerable. I now know what was/is so great about John Lennon, and why so many people site him as an influence in their lives. He wasn't just a brilliant songwriter and lyricist. He could sing with such passion songs that were so personal and soul-bearing, and make them matter to anyone who could hear them-even for those 2,3 minutes. Its unbelievable. Happy pop songs are really nice-sometimes- (cough*McCartney*cough), but in reality the world isn't just this happy little place where everyone is going to get "hi hi hi" or "with a little luck" everything works out. As we all know,in reality,the world has a lot of really shitty, serious issues. And its good to see that someone can take these issues and express feeling that many people would like to say but can't. Its good to know, as well, that it can be expressed in such beautiful music. God bless him...he was special.
Feb 6, 2002
Blue Jay Way
The 'Primal Scream' ellement of this album really enhance the music. This is really the only album where you see John's more insecure side, all the songs on the album show what John thought about himself or the world. The album begins with the chilling 'funeral bells' at the beginnign of 'mother' really set a tone for the screaming and wailing of John releasing his sadness, grief and almost hatred for his mother for dying. When I first heard the album, I was woried when 'Hold On' began, and thought it was going to be like the moozak on Double Fantasy, but was rather relieved to find a song about love and the world. The best track on the album by far, is 'I Found Out', the hard guitar notes and the heavy singing and beat puts the song well into the top 5 solo John Lennon songs, the lyrics are also brilliant, they cover religion and drugs and life in general and are just.... great. Another classic song is 'Working class hero', it starts off about the way the working classes are looked down on, but, John spoils the idea of a working class anthem with the 3rd verse (You think your so clever and classless and free...), however, this verse could be taken to show that although workers think they're so free, they're not. Remember is probably the weakest track on the album, being about growing up in the fifties, and the ending is silly (5th of November). 'Isolation' is much better, being John talking about the way the press and public attacked him and Yoko, the most memorable part for me being 'I don't expect you to understand after you caused so much pain, but then again your not to blame, your just a human, a victim of the insane' which is talking about the way the public are lead along and believe what is written in the press. 'Love' is a lovely song, sort of a quiet twin of 'Give peace a chance', 'Love' describes all kinds of love. 'God' is Johns own feelings about religion, and beliefs, he denounces Maharishi, Buddah, Jesus, Hitler, Kennedy, Elvis, Bob Dylan and the Beatles. 'Look at Me' is a phoney song talking about what John felt before Janov, but probably written in retrospect and cannot be trusted to see into what John thinks. The last song on the album is totally real and about John losing his mother, it is based on the very simple tune of 'three blind mice' and is like a release of pain, John's voice is very croaky and waily and as if he doesn't really want to sing about his mother's death, leaving you with a 'more more more' feel to see what music would come on the next album, however, you would be disapointed.
Jan 23, 2002
Lee Rundle
Every time I listen to this great album i never skip a track. The Opening Chimes are sound so old and unsettling, the impact of MOTHER is fantastic, with great emotional screaming at the end, the song is called MOTHER but could easily have been called FATHER it is John (as always) being honest. After the dramatic opening song we are given a mellow but an uneasy song with HOLD ON giving us more truth about John. GOD represents John`s dissolusion with myths (Denouncining belief in Kennedy, Buddah, Hitler and The Beatles among Other things) some might say he is saying to us dont get caught up in all the crap that goes on, however you percieve it, GOD is still an interesting song. I FOUND OUT is a great rocker, it sounds as if they are using very battered instruments, enhancing the the biting theme of the song, (something many have done since) WORKING CLASS HERO is (in my Opinion) about people he had to attend dinner parties with as a Beatle, people who look down on the Working Class, John returned his MBE back with these views as well as protesting against war. LOOK AT ME was written with the same finger picking technique as JULIA and DEAR PRUDENCE, and is the most mellow track on the album. MY MUMMYS DEAD is a very unsettling song, this track will obviously bring personal feelings that make it unbearable, but it is the most apropriate ending to this brilliant album, that shows an artist in his most honest and dark mood.
Sep 30, 2001
Lance Noyes
First off, I have to say that I believe this was one the best albums ever created by anyone ! All of John's music always seem to make a connection with life as it was then and still is (in several different ways) today. True some of his music may have sounded off the wall to some people, but to those people who didn't or don't have a hint as to what he was trying to say with his music have, and are losing out. This part that I now say is very true, and hopefully a wake up call to some,I remember very clearly to this day, I was in my bedroom back in 1971 (drugs were of course the Big Thing back then) anyhow I was listening to this album and sniffing a spry can of underarm deodorant in a plastic bag, I remember being higher than hell and the bag was stuck to my face, but I did not relaize that I was cutting my air supply off, when all of a sudden Mother began to play with the bells ringing it seemed to be so loud that it made me snap out of my high and pull the bag away from my face. But I noticed afterwards that the volume was not turned up loud, I honestly feel to this day that John Lennon saved my life. I was always a big fan of John and intend to remain so until the day I leave this world. I only hope that I am lucky to meet with John then. John had written so many great songs its really impossible for me to say which was the best, but the one that I will always treasure will be MOTHER. God gave us John and John gave us his thoughts which he put into music, what a great gift God and John has given us! Lance Noyes
Jun 15, 2001
The Cookie Monster
You lot have got it all wrong. 'Plastic Ono Band' is a tremendously positive, life-affirming record. It is John Lennon's quest to find the true meaning of his life. Throughout the album, John confronts major issues and events he has faced in an effort to understand them and, if possible, overcome them. In 'Mother' he confronts his parents for abandoning him when he was a child. In 'Working Class Hero' he confronts all the people who tried to hold him back when he was growing up. In 'I Found Out' he challenges the hangers-on who tried to exploit him when he became famous. This process of confrontation culminates in the track 'God'. After a charged litany denouncing more fake idols, John reaches the singular statement: 'I just believe in me, Yoko and me, and that's reality'. What could be more positive, more life-affirming? In this light, the cover of 'Plastic Ono Band' represents John and Yoko as a modern day Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden sitting under the tree of knowledge. John and Yoko have reached a point of knowledge within themselves that all they need is each other and that is enough. The last piece on 'Plastic Ono Band' is absolutely heartbreaking but, still, it is another attempt by John to come to terms with an episode in his life. This time, it is the profoundly tragic death of his mother when he was just seventeen. Such a public display of such private grief could have been disastrous, a cheap stunt of emotional exhibitionism, but 'My Mummy's Dead' is affecting beyond words. John regresses back to a little boy exposing all his vulnerability and sensitivity, a remarkable step for such a 'tough-guy'. I personally feel I have no right to hear something so personal and painful but if the act of performing 'My Mummy's Dead' aided John's comprehension of his Mother's death then it was worth doing. This album is incomparable. Trust me. Don't listen to the yedders.
Dec 7, 2000
Johnny Savage
This is John Lennon's first true solo album and is some of the best music he ever laid onto recording tape. His previous excusions with partner Yoko Ono, such as the 'Life With The Lions' or 'Two Virgins' albums, must be considered self-conscious, "arty" efforts. 'Plastic Ono Band' is the sound of a man stripping bare his music and his soul. It is a titanic success, if only because this album could've ultimately been an embarrassing, self-pitying mess. Instead, using old friend Klaus Voorman on bass (Voorman designed the cover for 1966's 'Revolver') and trusty Ringo Starr on drums, Lennon sings and plays both guitar and piano like there's a hellhound on his trail. For much of the record, the sound the trio achieves, with John apparently allowing for little rehearsal or retakes, is nothing less than an amalgam of garage punk and early rockabilly. They really rip it up! "I Found Out" cuts all bullshit to the quick, with wicked, nasty guitar licks and lines that dismiss spurious religious cranks, phony machismo and even the Christian idea of resurrection. On a rare Japanese pressing of this track, you can hear John segue into Carl Perkins' 1955 Sun single "Gone, Gone, Gone" as it fades out! "Working Class Hero," where Lennon condemns the status quo ideology, is one of the first songs by a major songwriter to use expletives in a way that amplifies rather than diminishes its lyrical impact. Listen closely and notice how John shoves his acoustic six string right next to his vocal mic after the final chord, adding a very emotional flourish to an outstanding work. "Love" takes simplicity to a higher level, with John crafting an almost child-like prayer to the essential need we all have for this emotion. The neo-classical piano, provided by co-Producer Phil Spector, is a superb compliment to Lennon's gorgeous vocal. "Hold On" features John's heavily-tremeloed electric backing a lyric about survi
