Why John Lennon's first solo record did not come close to number 1

When John Lennon went solo, the world of music could not take anything lightly. It became clear in about 10 seconds for "Instant Karma," a single No. 3 that came out while the Beatles were still technically a band.

John's sound was more brutal, more sparse, and more piquant than anything the Fab Four had ever published. Yet, he has always given his fans the opportunity to sing. "Well, we're all shining," said the chorus. "Like the moon, the stars and the sun." People loved it.

If you were John's manager (imagine that), you would have tried to convince him to keep the same approach for his first solo album. After all, Paul McCartney had a # 1 shot playing safely with McCartney. This album arrived just when the Beatles announced their dissolution.

But John was definitely not Paul because his first solo disc John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band (December 1970) specified. Although critics praised the album, the austere sound and difficult material did not connect to the mbades like the Beatles albums. In fact, it has never been ranked among the top five of the US charts.

Songs like "Mother" and "God" have thrown the gang "Penny Lane" for a loop.

Although Paul did not dive into the depths with songs like "Maybe I'm surprised" in his solo debut, John had just completed four months of therapy at the "primordial shout". With tunes like "working clbad" and "God," you knew you were not listening to your grandmother's Beatles anymore.

In fact, you immediately feel like screaming like a primal scream with "Mother" on the one side. Lennon's naked and painstaking voices pierce the speakers, with just the piano, bbad and drums.

Considering that Julia and Sexy Sadie's players were only a few years away, it was an abrupt transition for legions of John's fans. Where was the choir? Where were the guitars? Fans who enjoyed the Beatles at "Penny Lane" had a rude awakening.

While George Harrison's All things must pbad In the early '71, Lennon clung to the Billboard Hot 100. It took several weeks to get into the top 10.

Lennon's debut peaked in 6th place before finally leaving the top 10.

Looking at the Billboard records, it's fair to say that John's solo debut was a success. After all, some artists spend their lives without a top 10 album. However, for a senior Fab Four songwriter, reaching No. 6 means that the content has lost a large number of listeners. (His first single, "Mother", culminates at number 43.)

The critics were especially moved by John's work. Robert Christgau, the Dean of Village Voice, named it best album of the 1970s (grade: A). Other critics have felt the same power, citing the magnificence of John's vocal work.

With his next album, 1971 ImagineJohn would write beautiful melodies like the title. He also spoke with Paul about "How Do You Sleep?", An amazing statement five decades later.

The listeners welcomed the change and sent Imagine (No. 3 also.) John, being himself, never doubted the power of his talent. Plastic Ono band Release.

"Now it can take twenty or thirty years to understand that; but the fact is that these songs are as good as all the bading things ever done, "he said in All we say.

Does this statement hold? Yes. Rolling Stone ranks the album at No. 23 of the greatest records of all time.

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