While his best songwriting came when partnered with Paul McCartney, John Lennon’s solo career still produced brilliant and beautiful music. He teetered heavier toward poet than musician, but the simplicity of his melodies put more emphasis on his message. Only Bob Dylan has ever matched Lennon’s political influence through song. One can only imagine how different the musical landscape and the world as a whole would be if Lennon had lived to see his 70th birthday on Saturday. The following is a ranking of the top five songs from Lennon’s solo career.
5. Jealous Guy – Lennon took the previously unreleased song “Child of Nature” and replaced it with lyrics expressing insecurities in his relationship with Yoko Ono. The result is one of his best ballads.
4. Beautiful Boy – The song about his son, Sean, and helping calm him down from a nightmare, includes the famous line, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
3. Working Class Hero – This anthem for the common man and highlighted Lennon’s first solo album with its repetitive but catchy acoustic guitar.
2. God – This controversial classic discusses Lennon’s religious beliefs, describing God as, “A concept by which we measure our pain.” It also reflects on his breakup with the Beatles. No matter what your religious beliefs, the song makes you think.
1. Imagine – Lennon’s vision for what the world could be with no differences in religion or countries has yet to be realized. It may never be more than a dream, but it’s a brilliant thought that holds true today. It is easily Lennon’s most powerful and captivating song.
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