John Lennon's solo career was a whirlwind of creativity, cut tragically short. In just a decade after leaving The Beatles, he released seven studio albums that showcased his restless genius, his political fire, and his deep emotional vulnerability. While every record has its champions, some have undeniably stood the test of time better than others. Here's our definitive ranking of Lennon's solo output, from the least essential to the absolute must-owns.
7. Rock 'n' Roll (1975)
Lennon's nostalgia trip to the rock and roll of his youth was a troubled project from the start. Recorded during a turbulent period in Los Angeles, separated from Yoko Ono, the album was meant to be a simple covers collection. But producer Phil Spector's erratic behavior—including a notorious incident where he fired a gun in the studio—derailed the sessions. The album finally saw release in 1975, and while Lennon's voice brings genuine warmth to classics like "Stand By Me" and "Be-Bop-A-Lula," it remains a covers record. It's a fun listen, but it lacks the singular vision of his best work.
6. Some Time in New York City (1972)
This is Lennon at his most overtly political, and it's a fascinating, if uneven, document of the era. The album tackles civil rights ("Angela," a tribute to Angela Davis), the Troubles in Northern Ireland ("Sunday Bloody Sunday"), and the fight against drug laws ("John Sinclair," which famously helped secure Sinclair's release from prison). It's a raw, angry record that wears its activism on its sleeve. But its agitprop style can be off-putting, and the music often takes a backseat to the message. It's an important piece of history, but not an easy listen.
5. Imagine (1971)
Ranking this iconic album so low might raise eyebrows, but hear us out. The title track is a global anthem, and songs like "Jealous Guy" and "Gimme Some Truth" are timeless. But the album is also marred by the vicious "How Do You Sleep?," a bitter attack on Paul McCartney that remains an uncomfortable listen. Still, Imagine is a masterpiece of melody and message, and its best moments are untouchable. It's a testament to Lennon's songwriting that even his "lesser" albums are this good.
4. Mind Games (1973)
After the political fire of Some Time in New York City, Mind Games was a welcome return to more personal territory. The title track is a beautiful peace anthem, while "Tight A$" rocks with a slide guitar that evokes George Harrison. The love songs for Yoko—"Aisumasen (I'm Sorry)," "One Day (at a Time)," and "Out the Blue"—are tender and sincere. It's a warmer, more optimistic record that has grown in stature over the years, even if it didn't set the charts on fire at the time.
3. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Lennon's solo debut is a raw, primal scream of an album. Recorded with the Plastic Ono Band, it strips away all artifice to reveal the man beneath. "Mother" is a heartbreaking cry to his parents, "Working Class Hero" is a bitter anthem for the everyman, and "God" is a stunning declaration that the dream of the '60s is over—even The Beatles. It's not an easy listen, but it's an essential one. This is Lennon at his most honest and vulnerable, and it remains a towering achievement.
2. Walls and Bridges (1974)
Often overlooked, Walls and Bridges is Lennon's most underrated album. Recorded during his "lost weekend" in Los Angeles, it finds him in a more playful, pop-oriented mood. The hit "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" is a joyful duet with Elton John, and "#9 Dream" is a lush, dreamy masterpiece. There are also moments of introspection, like "Nobody Loves You (When You're Down and Out)" and the touching "Bless You." It's a cohesive, melodic record that deserves far more attention than it gets.
1. Double Fantasy (1980)
Released just weeks before his murder, Double Fantasy is a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus. It's a dialogue between John and Yoko, with their songs alternating to create a conversation about love, family, and starting over. Tracks like "(Just Like) Starting Over," "Woman," and "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" are filled with a joy and contentment that Lennon had rarely shown before. The album is a testament to his happiness with Yoko and their son Sean, and it stands as a beautiful, heartbreaking farewell. It's not just his best solo album—it's a perfect final statement.
For more on the greatest music of the decade, check out our year-by-year guide to the best rock albums. And if you're in the mood for more rankings, we've got the top mystery movies of the past six years and the most flawless movie endings of the 2020s.
