John Lennon embarked on a deeply personal musical journey with the release of the groundbreaking album Plastic Ono Band in 1970, which differed significantly from the more commercial approaches of his former Beatles bandmates, such as George Harrison’s grandiose releases. Lennon?s approach was to lay bare his emotions and experiences, creating a raw and authentic sound that resonated with many. This album not only achieved Top 10 status internationally but also garnered gold certification. More importantly, Plastic Ono Band established a framework for honest and introspective artistry that would characterize Lennon?s work throughout the 1970s.

The commercial zenith of Lennon’s career came with the iconic track Imagine, which offered a more accessible interpretation of the themes introduced in Plastic Ono Band. This song became a global hit, reaching the number one spot in numerous countries. Additionally, the 1970 single “Instant Karma” showcased Lennon?s ability to look outward and engage with the world. Following this, his albums Mind Games and Walls and Bridges not only achieved gold status but continued to explore profound themes, unveiling layers of Lennon’s character that were both enlightening and cathartic.

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Interestingly, an examination of Lennon’s work in the 1970s reveals that his most challenging moments often coincided with an excessive focus on contemporary politics and events. Notably, tracks from the 1972 album Some Time in New York City are absent from this countdown, as well as songs from 1975’s Rock ‘n’ Roll, an album primarily composed of cover songs reflecting Lennon?s musical influences from his youth.

Lennon’s musical career in the 1970s concluded with a significant hiatus as he devoted time to raising his son. Yet, he had already built an impressive legacy, marked by an authentic voice that eschewed pretentiousness in favor of heartfelt expression. His candidness in songs like “I Found Out” and “Gimme Some Truth” revealed an orphan’s deep-seated fear of betrayal and dishonesty, while more whimsical pieces like “Mind Games” and “#9 Dream” remained firmly grounded in his personal experiences and reflections. Even the beloved anthem “Imagine,” often misinterpreted as purely utopian, contains a poignant admission of doubt in its lyrics: “You may say I’m a dreamer.”

This unfiltered honesty about his aspirations, anxieties, and emotions imbued Lennon’s music with enduring significance during the decade following the Beatles’ breakup. Below is a retrospective of the Top 25 John Lennon songs from the 1970s:

No. 25. ?Old Dirt Road?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

During his tumultuous “Lost Weekend” period alongside Harry Nilsson, Lennon created the whimsical track “Old Dirt Road.” Although Lennon himself regarded this collaboration as a minor work, the song’s charm lies in its nostalgic reverie. Nilsson, appreciating the song’s allure, later recorded his rendition for his 1980 album Flash Harry, demonstrating the track’s lasting appeal beyond its initial release.

No. 24. ?Power to the People?
From: Shaved Fish (1975)

“Power to the People” foreshadowed the more politically charged themes that would appear in Some Time in New York City. However, rather than taking a didactic approach, Lennon crafted a catchy and anthemic chorus centered around universal empowerment. With Alan White’s vigorous drumming driving the momentum, the song offered an exuberant call for activism. Unfortunately, it arrived at a time when such messages felt somewhat outdated, a fact Lennon later acknowledged, suggesting the song may have been more impactful had it emerged a decade earlier.

No. 23. ?Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

<p"Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)" represents one of the first compositions Lennon tackled for Walls and Bridges, capturing him at a point of joy and desire. Interestingly, the initial demos were steeped in darker themes reminiscent of a classic ’50s ballad, influenced by songs like “Little Darlin’” by the Diamonds. As the song evolved, it blossomed into a celebration of love and lust, culminating in a playful homage to the Beatles? “Drive My Car” as it fades away.

No. 22. ?Working Class Hero?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

In “Working Class Hero,” Lennon channels a Bob Dylan-esque sensibility, utilizing a simple three-chord progression to deliver a poignant critique of societal expectations. His sharp, ironic commentary is often overshadowed, yet it reflects the deep significance this song held for him. Lennon dedicated countless hours in the studio to perfect this piece, ultimately integrating a powerful verse from a different take to express the emotional turmoil he faced during its creation.

No. 21. ?Going Down on Love?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

Originally conceived with a stark honesty reminiscent of Plastic Ono Band, “Going Down on Love” underwent a transformation as Lennon infused it with a vibrant horn section, creating a striking contrast to its bleak emotional landscape. The lyrics reveal a disoriented Lennon standing on the brink of an emotional crisis, yet the arrangement elevates the song into a lively exploration of love and desire.

No. 20. ?Bless You?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

In the midst of personal turmoil, “Bless You” emerges as a contemplative moment within the richly layered album. Reflecting Lennon’s own struggles, particularly during an affair while still grappling with feelings for Yoko Ono, the song provides a touching glimpse into his emotional landscape. It serves as a moment of introspection, as he dreams of reconciliation with his estranged wife, highlighting the complexities of love and longing.

No. 19. ?I Know (I Know)?
From: Mind Games (1973)

“I Know (I Know)” reveals the fragility of Lennon?s relationship with Ono, echoing themes of regret found in songs like “How?” and “Jealous Guy” from Imagine. The emotional resonance extends beyond his personal life, potentially reaching out to estranged friends, including Paul McCartney, who had just started his band Wings. The song’s opening riff bears similarity to McCartney’s “I’ve Got a Feeling,” which adds another layer to its context.

No. 18. ?Nobody Loves You (When You?re Down and Out)?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

In “Nobody Loves You,” Lennon confronts the profound sense of isolation that accompanied his separation from Yoko Ono. Unlike the brash bravado of his earlier work, this track offers a more vulnerable perspective on loneliness and despair. The emotional depth reflects a significant evolution in his songwriting, revealing a more introspective and contemplative artist grappling with the consequences of his choices.

No. 17. ?Whatever Gets You Thru the Night”
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

Breaking through the barriers of his solo career, “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” marked Lennon’s first No. 1 single. Inspired by a late-night television evangelist, the song combines playful lyrics with an infectious melody. Elton John’s confidence in the track led to a famous bet that resulted in Lennon?s final live performance, showcasing the song’s significance in his career.

No. 16. ?How Do You Sleep??
From: Imagine (1971)

In “How Do You Sleep?”, Lennon delivers a biting critique of Paul McCartney, referencing iconic Beatles songs like “Yesterday” and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This confrontational piece serves as a low point in their public feud, yet it also showcases George Harrison’s remarkable slide guitar work, blending tension and artistry in a compelling manner.

No. 15. ?God?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

As the centerpiece of Plastic Ono Band, “God” represents a powerful declaration of Lennon’s personal beliefs and disillusionment with past idols, including religion and his former band. By proclaiming that “the dream is over,” Lennon signifies a transformative moment, ultimately affirming his love for Yoko Ono as he forges ahead into a new chapter of his life.

No. 14. ?Isolation?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

“Isolation” serves as the emotional counterpart to “God,” where Lennon expresses his deep-seated insecurities following the Beatles’ breakup. The sparse arrangement, featuring minimal instrumentation, underscores the raw vulnerability in his voice, mirroring the internal chaos he experienced during this transitional phase.

No. 13. ?Out the Blue?
From: Mind Games (1973)

In “Out the Blue,” Lennon offers a candid glimpse into the anxiety surrounding his relationship with Ono, poignantly singing, ?I was born just to get to you. Anyway I survived, long enough to make you my wife.? The orchestral arrangement adds a layer of poignancy, evoking a bittersweet reflection on love and the passage of time.

No. 12. ?Love?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

In “Love,” Lennon beautifully captures the essence of romantic connection through simple yet profound lyrics. The song features an evocative piano part played by Phil Spector, who contributed to the track’s intimate ambiance. Originally conceived as a guitar-driven demo, “Love” showcases Lennon?s ability to convey deep emotions through minimalist artistry.

No. 11. ?Happy Xmas (War Is Over)?
From: Shaved Fish (1975)

Initially conceived as part of an anti-war billboard campaign during the Vietnam War, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” has since evolved into a beloved holiday classic. Despite its initial lack of commercial success upon release, the song’s poignant message and heartfelt melody have resonated with generations, solidifying its place in the modern Christmas canon.

No. 10. ?Oh My Love?
From: Imagine (1971)

In “Oh My Love,” Lennon takes a moment to express his tender affections for Yoko Ono amid the chaos of his life. This track stands out as the only song on Imagine to feature her co-writing credit, highlighting the significance of their relationship during this creative period. It?s a heartfelt and vulnerable expression of love, contrasting with the more politically charged songs on the album.

No. 9. ?Mind Games?
From: Mind Games (1973)

With “Mind Games,” Lennon interweaves whimsical, Lewis Carroll-inspired imagery with a poignant anti-war sentiment. The track’s dreamy lyrics and catchy melody reflect the artist’s desire for peace amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War. This delicate balance between fantastical elements and a sincere message likely contributed to its success, landing it in the U.S. Top 20.

No. 8. ?How?
From: Imagine (1971)

<p"How" resonates with the thematic depth of Plastic Ono Band, revealing profound introspection and vulnerability. Yet, it presents these emotions in a polished and approachable style, showcasing Lennon?s growth as a songwriter. The song’s syncopated rhythms cleverly mirror the tension of his insecurities, creating a compelling listening experience.

No. 7. ?Jealous Guy?
From: Imagine (1971)

?Jealous Guy? has become one of Lennon?s most covered solo tracks, with over a hundred renditions, notably by Roxy Music, whose version enjoyed immense popularity after Lennon?s tragic passing. The song’s atmospheric composition and Lennon’s fragile vocal delivery create a deeply emotional experience, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.

No. 6. ?Imagine?
From: Imagine (1971)

Lennon himself encapsulated the essence of “Imagine” by describing it as ?anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional, anti-capitalistic ? but because it is sugarcoated, it is accepted.? This profound anthem for peace continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, serving as a timeless call for unity and love.

No. 5. ?Mother?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

In “Mother,” Lennon transitions from guitar to piano, channeling his anguish over his absent parents. The song features a raw and emotional performance, marked by Starr’s minimalist drumming that enhances the lyrical intensity. Lennon?s decision to record the climactic ending in single takes showcases his dedication to conveying authentic emotion, resulting in a powerful and heartbreaking experience.

No. 4. ?Gimme Some Truth?
From: Imagine (1971)

Originally demoed during the sessions for Let It Be, “Gimme Some Truth” merges Lennon’s sharp wit with a biting critique of societal hypocrisy. The track’s energetic instrumentation, accented by Harrison’s fierce guitar work, elevates its message, making it a standout protest anthem of its time.

No. 3. ?Instant Karma?
From: Shaved Fish (1975)

Lennon’s aptly titled “Instant Karma” was recorded on the same day it was written, showcasing his spontaneous creative process. Though it didn’t achieve the rapid release he envisioned, it still made its way to record stores just ten days later, further solidifying its place in Lennon?s illustrious catalog.

No. 2. ?I Found Out?
From: Plastic Ono Band (1970)

In “I Found Out,” Lennon unleashes a barrage of criticisms against various societal constructs, from politics to religion and family. His fervent delivery, complemented by Starr’s driving rhythm, creates an impactful and memorable listening experience, encapsulating the artist’s raw energy and passionate convictions.

No. 1. ?#9 Dream?
From: Walls and Bridges (1974)

In ” #9 Dream,” Lennon revisits the enchanting soundscapes reminiscent of his creative peak with the Beatles, delivering a mesmerizing blend of ethereal lyrics and melodic charm. The dreamlike quality of the song, inspired by a vision he experienced, evokes the whimsical spirit of albums like Sgt. Pepper?s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Interestingly, the original demo, titled ?So Long,? was influenced by a contemporary string arrangement he crafted for Harry Nilsson?s cover of ?Many Rivers to Cross? from the album Pussy Cats.

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