I got John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band for Christmas in 1970. Still think it's the best Beatles solo album. Simply Amazing and raw! All Things Must Pass is no.2. Band on the Run at 3. Imagine at 4. Ringo at 5.
That’s pretty much my order also. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 , BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
London Town and Back to the Egg are incredibly inconsistent and overall disappointing albums. You really think Famous Groupies, Girlfriend and Cuff Link are Paul at the top of his game?
Nice list. Those would all be in my top 10. RAM might be my number 1 also. I liked it from the first play and never understood the initial disdain it received. It picks up where he left off on White album and Abbey Road
All down to taste if I was rating them I'd have Band on the run, Ram, Imagine , all things must pass, and Plastic Ono Band as my top choices but going by which albums I play most it would be between Cloud Nine and Flaming Pie both produced by Jeff Lynne
10: Living in the Material World 9: Mind Games 8: Wings over America 7: Double Fantasy 6: RAM 5: All Things Must Pass 4: Imagine 3: Band on the Run 2: Walls and Bridges 1: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Fair point. Mac has never put out an album without something to redeem it. Most solo Beatle albums have some filler in the space that could have been occupied by classics from the other guys.
Condensing Paul risks losing a lot of eccentric, whimsical material that speaks very strongly to smaller portions of the fan base and expands Paul's musical palette. Would I say "Loup," "Magneto & Titanium Man," "She's Given Up Talking," "Famous Groupies" etc are great Paul? No, but I'm glad they're around!
Correct.....Band on the Run went close to total excellence, but then you had albums like Red Rose Speedway with excellent tracks like My Love, Get on The Right Thing and When The Night alongside forgettable tracks like Loup the Indian on the Moon...I forget how it even went.
1.Band on the Run; 2.Ram; 3.All Things Must Pass; 4.Imagine; 5.Tug of War; 6.Venus and Mars; 7.Walls & Bridges; 8.Ringo; 9.McCartney; 10.Double Fantasy
Mine would be: 1-All Things Must Pass 2-Plastic Ono Band 3-Living in the material world 4-Cloud Nine 5-Ram 6-Imagine 7-Flaming Pie 8-Caos and creating in the backyard 9-Band on the run 10-Ringo
George Harrison’s. All Things Must Pass is a MASTERPIECE!!!! Great song all though, to me, I’d of thrown Spector out, on his on his. Ass, along with with his “Wall ‘along with his Wall’s of Sound of Sound.
kim simmons I have mixed feelings o. That regard. I wish there was a Non-Spector version of that masterpiece. But I think it works fine with a few songs of the album.
Nice list John, all great albums but my list would look something like this: 10. Walls & Bridges 9. Memory Almost Full 8. Brainwashed 7. Tug of War 6. Cloud 9 5. NEW 4. RAM 3. Plastic Ono Band 2. All Things Must Pass 1. Band on the Run (Sorry Ringo)
1-Imagine, 2John Lennon P.O.B., 3-Driving Rain, 4-Cloud Nine, 5-All things must pass, 6-Band on the Run, 7-Ringo, 8-RAM, 9-George Harrison79, 10-Walls and bridges
1. Ram ( One of my favorite albums. one of the most underrated albums upon release. First time you listen to it you're like eh. the second time you like a couple songs. the third you love the shit out of it lol) 2. Band on the Run ( The album that gave Paul his much needed critical success) 3. All Things Must Pass ( Two problems i got with it is it being a triple album and Phil Spector but the songs are great) 4. Tug of War (First time i listened to it i was like eh, but now i listen to it constantly) 5. Imagine (Good album the title track is one of the greatest songs of all time) 6. Cloud 9 ( Good album. George came back hard after a 5 year retirement) 7. McCartney (I love this album. Maybe I'm Amazed is my favorite post Beatles song.) 8. Plastic Ono Band ( A little emotional for my tastes but it was a great album. Moster is my favorite Post Beatle Lennon song) 9. Egypt Station (I was a little reluctant to put this because it was released last year but i love it as it shows Paul is still going strong) 10. Ringo 1973 ( Great album from a guy who was at a lot of disadvantages)
Huge Macca fan however BTTE is my least favorite Wings album . Paul wasn't enamored w/ the release either. I wonder if it will see an archive release; he'll have to add some quality bonus tracks as well as a live DVD for me to buy it.
That's lost in BOTR's shadow unfairly. It's Paul's power-pop pinnacle for me, with new Wings Jimmy McCullough and Joe English giving the band a new identity.
Thanks for the video, John. Some thoughts... firstly, I love it that BACK TO THE EGG got a position on the list.. it's one of my favorite Paul albums for sure, and grossly ignored. I like what you had to say for John's WALLS AND BRIDGES, and I completely agree word for word!.. I like GEORGE HARRISON a lot, but it is interesting to see you choose it as high as #2. Finally, seeing JL: POB as #1 is a really brave move for you as well as John, since it's such a downer, though brutally sincere and honest. Take Care!
Thanks Joe. I think this video was a bit controversial probably but some albums need more recognition. JL POB is just the best for me in terms of an artistic statement.
I agree with "Back to the Egg". Liked it when I first heard it - and still do. I know most people wouldn't agree. But I've always thought that "All Things Must Pass" is the best of the solo albums.
10:McCartney 2 9:george harrison 8:goodnight vienna 7:plastic ono band 6:flaming pie 5:all things must pass 4:ringo 3:wall and bridges 2:chaos and creation in the backyard 1:brainwashed Tell me you all what you think?
TIMETOGO Admittedly I haven't heard all of these albums, and I am a Paul fan, so, I'd have found room for Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, and Tug of War.
"Goodnight Vienna" is a bold and worthy choice. I really like his cover of "Husbands And Wives" and of course the Lennonized "Only You." "Snookeroo" was an unlikely grower for me, but it has grown on me all the same.
I don't think I'd like Back to the Egg to be rediscovered. I rather enjoy having it as my little dirty secret of a record. You turn people on to it and they can't believe they've never heard it before, or knew how great "To You" or "Again and Again" were. I'm deeply curious and anxious to see Paul's re-issue of that and London Town.
It’s strange that no one ever mentions 33&1/3, one of my favorite all-time albums. Although I’ve listened to all his albums, I’ve only ever owned Lennon’s solo stuff In greatest hits form. Apart from many individual tracks, his solo work as a whole never spoke to me, perhaps because I identified with many of his early life experiences and didn’t feel the music as especially revelatory with respect to my own experiences. Kind of a been there, done that reaction I suppose. Of all the solo albums, Band on the Run and 33 & 1/3 have received the most plays from their vinyl to CD to digital incarnations.
33&1/3 is the best thing George released after ATMP, speaking for me. If you like "George Harrison" (which has one great side, Side 1), you'll love 33&1/3 all the way through. There are no weak songs, and four or five great ones waiting to be (re)discovered.
For sure !! Even stuff like the Smoky Robinson tribute tune is brilliantly executed and heartfelt. The slide guitars and his singing on Crackerbox make me tear up. It’s twu it’s twu.
@@Twotontessie "Pure Smokey" is a smooth-flowing highlight, but the great thing about "Thirty-Three And A Third" is how all the songs are so lyrically and musically well-made. Nothing stands out brilliantly from the pack, even the two modest hits, but everything is good to great in their own unique ways. George was moving from strength to strength effortlessly, a real pleasure.
My top 10 10) 2005 Paul McCartney - Chaos and Creation in the Backyard 9) 2002 George Harrison - Brainwashed 8) 1974 John Lennon - Walls and Bridges 7) 1971 Paul McCartney - RAM 6) 1987 George Harrison - Cloud 9 5) 1997 Paul McCartney - Flaming Pie 4) 1973 Paul McCartney - Band on the Run 3) 1971 John Lennon - Imagine 2) 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band 1) 1970 George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Your TOP3, is my TOP3. Has been for almost 30 years. I can definitely say that, because I have well over 1,000 album’s for sure, and 1) I haven’t bout an actual vinyl Lp since late 80’s....and 2) about 3/4 of them I keep boxed up and stored, but still in my reach. 3) The ones I do keep out; are ALL THE BEATLES album’s from Meet The Beatles to Let It Be, but out of the solo ones I keep out: All Things Must Pass Imagine Plastic Ono Band, along with Concert for Bangladesh.
I hate Plastic Ono Band the first album. Never liked it. Don't get it. I get the emotional power and rawness of it. But the music is monotonous and dull. Sorry. I always go for melody. Imagine is a great album, but this one, I just cannot get into. I probably would have Tug of war and Pipes of peace as my favourites!
I've loved London Town since I first heard it. I put it up there too, so many people dismiss it. Even Paul hasn't put it out on archive. Name and Address, come on!
11 Mccartney 12 Dark Horse 13 Sometime in NYC 14 Milk and Honey 15 Ringo 16 Venus and Mars 17 Somewhere in England 18 Flaming Pie 19 Rock and Roll 20 Ultra textured
Nice choices John. I find myself looking forward to both yours and Mean Mr Mayo's newest reviews. Enjoyable to watch. About your choices, not bad. I really can't argue with any of them. George Harrison is my favorite of his. I might have put Ringo and Imagine higher. Also, I might have traded out Living in a Material World or Back to the Egg for Flaming Pie or Tug of War. Those Paul albums have really stuck with me over the years. Other than that, good choices. Any chance you might do a review of maybe your top 10 choices of favorite solo beatle album covers or packaging, or, maybe top 10 favorite solo Beatle singles(including the b-sides). Just a thought. Anyway, keep 'em coming.
Thanks. Flaming Pie is my favourite latter day Paul album for sure. I just prefer the band feel on Back To The Egg vs Tug Of War although the latter is also a classic. Album cover review...noted!
I love London Town too. It's probably the solo Beatles album I have listened to the most (along with BOTR). It's also the first McCartney/Wings album I bought back in '78 when it came out. Great memories from my teenage years.
James Griffiths yeah I got a bit sick of the Ram adulation at the expense of his other early 70s work....having said that perhaps we needed it a bit as it got slammed at the time!
James Griffiths I couldn’t agree more, In fact I’d have Ram way down my personal list. I seem to be in quite a small minority with that opinion. However I’m right and everyone else is wrong! ;-)
James Griffiths--it`s a toss up between Ram and Band on the run,for me.I don`t know how anyone can rate London Town above Ram though.It`s way down the list--not as good as Flaming Pie,Chaos and creation,or even McCartney`s first 2 solo albums,is it?
My wife would agree with your #2 choice. When we were looking for a CD, all she could remember was that it was " the one with John and Yoko sitting under the tree'. But we found it, and got a copy. I would put Band on the Run in my top two. It had some great tunes! Great video!!
1. All Things Must Pass 2. Imagine 3. Cloud Nine 4. Tug of War 5. Venus & Mars 6. 33 1/3 7. Brainwashed 8. Walls & Bridges 9. Flaming Pie 10. RAM Honorable mentions to the Ringo LPs "Ringo" and "Beaucoups of Blues". I like a lot of post-beatles work from all of them but I think George had the best overall solo work.
Couldn't agree more about No1. It is an absolute masterpiece and grossly underrated. It's true that you have to in the right kind of mood to listen to it.
The 80s kid that I am is at least thankful that you’ve listened to (my favorite McCartney offerings) Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, even if they’re not included here.
My Top 15 01 Walls And Bridges (1974) - John Lennon 02 Venus And Mars (1975) - Paul McCartney 03 All Things Must Pass (1970) - George Harrison 04 Ram (1971) - Paul Maccartney 05 Mind Games (1973) - John Lennon 06 Imagine (1971) - John Lennon 07 Band On The Run (1973) - Paul Mccartney 08 Red Rose Speedway /1973)- Paul Mccartney 09 Plastic Ono Band (1970) - John Lennon 10 London Town (1978) - Paul Mccartney 11 Off The Ground (1993) - Paul Mccartney 12 Thirty Three (1977) - George Harrison 13 Cloud Nine (1986) - George Harrison 14 Back To The Egg (1979) - Paul Mccartney 15 Flaming Pie (1997) - Paul Mccartney
Just a slight point of order regarding the Wings Over America Album. I saw a Wings on that tour in October 1976 and it was a great gig; in my top 5 and I’ve seen a few! The point is this tour was the first time most of us had heard Beatles tracks live by a Beatle and whilst they might have become common In macca gigs since then, to here blackbird, yesterday, lady Madonna and LAWR live was a truly special experience.
I love your framed album. Very neat and attractive with the wide frame and in a row. Wings Over America has to be a milestone. Beaucoups of Blues has grown in popularity, I agree. Living in the Material World is a complex piece of music with a great cast. Imagine, such a wonderful album. Back to the Egg, wow, it has been butchered by music critics. But I agree it is quite good. Ringo..oh yes, the closest reunion album you can get. John's Walls and Bridges, just amazing songs, his singing just incredible. London Town,,a commercial hit and Denny's songs good writing,,I'm Carrying is a Beatle classic. All Things Must Pass such a most brilliant piece of workmanship..with the most amazing guitar playing and song writing by George Harrison. Paul's almost solo work, Band on the Run, such a stunning Beatles type album. George Harrison album is a great one !! John Lennon Plastic Ono Band is just the most amazing. Rolling Stone had this album #1 of all time. I just wished Instant Karma and Cold Turkey would have been on the album and would even be greater !!! Very good selections. I would have George's 33 1/3 album in the mix because it was a great commercial success. His album cover one of the best I think !..Mind Games is another great album that is under rated but is so good for listening. I love Aissumesen..it is so brilliant. Take care.
My Top 5: 1: Plastic Ono Band - Lennon 2: Imagine - Lennon 3: All Things Must Pass - Harrison 4: Double Fantasy - Lennon 5: Band on the Run - McCartney
1. RAM2. Plastic Ono Band3. All Things Must Pass4. Band On The Run5. Imagine6. Ringo7. Egypt Station8. Walls And Bridges9. George Harrison Live in Japan10. Wings Over America
Just off the top of my head: 10. Brainwashed 9. Walls & Bridges 8. Venus & Mars 7. Tug of War 6. Living in the Material World 5. Back to the Egg 4. Ram 3. Imagine 2. All Things Must Pass 1. John Lennon POB Might be a bit different if I really sat and thought about it though it would probably be roughly the same. (I did consider George Harrison, New and a couple of Ringo albums though.)
1 All Things... 2 RAM 3 Imagine 4 Band On The Run 5 Living in The... 6 Plastic Ono Band 7 Cloud Nine 8 Chaos and Creation.... 9 London Town 10 Double Fantasy
I wholeheartedly agree with your number one choice (I was getting nervous, as you got to the last three that you might omit it). JLPOB is the best solo-Beatle work to date.
My list (omitted Wings as a band not solo) 1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band 2. McCartney II 3. Ringo Starr "Beaucoups of Blues" 4. Paul McCartney "Flowers in the Dirt" 5. McCartney 6. John Lennon "Walls and Bridges" 7. George Harrison "Living in The Material World" 8. George Harrison "Electronic Music" 9. McCartney "Ram" 10. Paul McCartney "Egypt Station"
Rock n Roll - John Lennon? Actually, my favourite Lennon album is Mind Games - both not in your top ten. as you say ... we all have our opinion. i think RAM is a highly undervalued album also.
I'm a year and a half late on this but my top 10 would be: 10. Paul McCartney - Pipes Of Piece. Not anyones favourite but I just really enjoy this including Tug Of Peace and Hey Hey. Lyrics can be a bit dismissable but who cares, if you love it, you love it and I love it. Best song: Say Say Say (fantastic video) 9. Wings - London Town. Really underrated gem. It's only recently that I have really enjoyed Morse Moose & The Grey Goose. Best song: Don't Let It Bring You Down 8. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass. I think this would have made an even better single album as I find some of the songs a bit dull. Best song: My Sweet Lord 7. John Lennon - Imagine. Not as dark as Plastic Ono Band and more commercial sounding, this may have been higher but for I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier and the disgraceful How Do You Sleep? Best song: Oh My Love 6. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band. Very thought provoking album and quite a difficult listen but I can't deny the quality of the songwriting and the vocal performance. Best song: God 5. Paul & Linda - Ram. Most people's McCartney favourite, this is so varied and it all fits together perfectly. best song: Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey 4. Paul McCartney - Tug Of War. Top notch production wih top notch songs. Side 2 is flawless. Best song Tug Of War or Wanderlust (can't make my mind up) 3. John Lennon - Mind Games. John's best and most overlooked album. I Know I Know is awesome (has anybody else noticed that a flaw on both the album and CD of this where he sings " today I love you more than yesterday"was corrected with the 2003 CD remix?) and although he's still a bit preachy, it is with more humour (Bring On The Lucie). Best song: Out The Blue 2. Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run. My head puts this at No. 1 but my heart doesnt. I'm going with my heart. Brilliant songs throughout and even a couple sound like his old mates in The Beatles, Let Me Roll It (John) and No Words (George). Best song: Band On The Run 1. Paul McCartney - McCartney. The warmest album of all the solo Beatles. I never tire of this and never skip tracks. It's simply stunning. Best song(s) That Would Be Something, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed.
A bit of a cheat, 12 albums really but already had the list made :) 10.Ringo/George Harrison 9.Venus And Mars 8.Back To The Egg 7.Imagine/McCartney I 6.London Town 5.All Things Must Pass 4.Walls And Bridges 3.Band On The Run 2.RAM 1.Plastic Ono Band
1, plastic Ono band2, living in the material world.3;Ram.4 memory almost full.5,imagine.6. Macartney.7. Macartney 28. Band on the run.9. All things must pass.10 RingoThis is my list lol ...dam forgot London Town...och it’s impossible and always in flux. Great review John .I love lists it’s a male thing I guess.
1. Band on the Run 2. Plastic Ono Band 3. Ram 4. All Things Must Pass 5. Tug of War 6. Imagine 7. George Harrison 8. London Town 9. Walls and Bridges 10. Flowers in the Dirt
Happy to see some love for London Town and Back To The Egg, and definitely George Harrison's Faster album is my favourite of his. And POB? Well that deserves the top for sheer intensity and importance. Awesome ranking (although yes I miss RAM)
I would at least have given Wings’ “Venus & Mars” an honorable mention, same goes for John & Yokos “Double Fantasy”. And I certainly think Paul’s “Flaming Pie” belongs somewhere in the Top 10. Agree on your controversial pick of “London Town”, love that album. Yes, “Plastic Ono Band” is no. one.
21 Walls and Bridges 22 Mind Games 23 Gone Tropo 24 Back to the egg 25 beacup of blues 26 George Harrison 79 27 At the speed of sound 28 Wild Life 29 33 1/3 30 Wedding Album
My top 25: 1. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison (1970) 2. George Harrison - George Harrison (1979) 3. Ram - Paul McCartney (1971) 4. Walls & Bridges - John Lennon (1974) 5. Ringo - Ringo Starr (1973) 6. Thirty Three & 1/3 - George Harrison (1976) 7. Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney (1997) 8. Back To The Egg - Paul McCartney (1979) 9. Cloud Nine - George Harrison (1987) 10. London Town - Paul McCartney (1978) 11. Venus And Mars - Paul McCartney (1975) 12. Mind Games - John Lennon (1973) 13. Red Rose Speedway - Paul McCartney (1973) 14. Living In The Material World - George Harrison (1973) 15. Tug Of War - Paul McCartney (1982) 16. Imagine - John Lennon (1971) 17. Gone Troppo - George Harrison (1982) 18. Time Takes Time - Ringo Starr (1992) 19. Somewhere In England - George Harrison (1980/81) (both versions) 20. Extra Texture - George Harrison (1975) 21. Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - Paul McCartney (2005) 22. Brainwashed - George Harrison (2002) 23. Goodnight Vienna - Ringo Starr (1974) 24. Stop And Smell The Roses - Ringo Starr (1981) 25. Rock ‘n’ Roll - John Lennon (1975)
Well...Can't say I agree with all your picks but agree one hundred percent on "John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band" John's ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE"...PLH-ELB
John Lennon POB George Harrison All Things must Pass Paul MccCartney RAM Paul McCartney Band on the Run. John Lennon I imagine John Lennon Walls and Bridges George Harrison Living in the Material World. George Harrison George Harrison. Paul McCartney Flaming Pie. Ringo Starr Ringo.
1. John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band 2. All Things Must Pass 3. Ram 4. Imagine 5. Living In The Material World 6. Band On The Run 7. Walls and Bridges 8. Venus and Mars 9. Flaming Pie 10. George Harrison (1979) Coz it's the Beatles here's 5 more. 11. McCartney 12. Mind Games 13. Cloud 9 14. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard 15. Ringo
My list: 1- Plastic Ono Band 2- All Things Must Pass 3- Imagine 4- Band on the Run 5- Tug of War 6- Living in the Material World 7- Chaos and Creation 8- Walls & Bridges 9- RAM 10- Flaming Pie
1. Band On The Run 2. All Things Must Pass minus 3rd Disk 3. Ram 4. John Lennon Plastic Ono Band 5. Wings Across America 6. Mind Games 7. London Town 8. Imagine 9. George Harrison 10. Walls and Bridges 11. Living in the Material World Honorable Mention: 1) Ringo 2) McCartney 3) Wonderwall Soundtrack 4) Flaming Pie
For me: 1-All Things Must Pass 2-Ram 3-Imagine 4-Plastic Ono Band 5-Band on the Run 6-Mccartney 7-Venus and Mars 8-Flaming Pie 9-Tug of War 10-Living in the Material World
My top is 1. All things must pass 2. Band on the run 3. Plástic ono band 4. Ram 5. Imagine 6. Living in the material world 7. Cloud Nine 8. Tug of war 9. Mccartney 2 10. Ringo
So you had an issue with George Harrison CDs in the 1980s because they lacked extra material, but when you get an entire lp of it with ALL THINGS MUST PASS you balk? I don't get it.
Always mystified me why Arrow Thru Me wasn't a bigger hit. Groovy song. I mean, Let Em In is a hit, but Arrow Thru Me wasn't. Amusing. And the 2 Rockestra tunes are groovy, as well. At least he tried to rock out on Egg. He gave up on that after Egg.
"Back to the Egg" seemed like cutting room floor songs, mostly filler. The Rockestra songs are throwaways and the 2 spliced together songs with old radio recordings do nothing for me. My favorite underrated McCartney album is "Press to Play" which even Paul doesn't care for much. It's was more experimental, him stepping out of his comfort zone and there are some very memorable melodies on it.
Ringo`s Beaucoup is really great album. I don`t know why he keeping producing awkward and naivistic pop stuff if he is really strong folk and country singer.
Rating Plastic Ono Band with Abbey Road is a bit of a stretch (in my opinion). True, it is raw, riveting, and brutally honest but musically it is a bit dull and stiff to my ears. Compared to Abbey Road ? No contest.
I'd find it hard to disagree with your listing of the above BEATLES solo albums. You should have a Beatles-related radio show on Situs Radio here in the USA.
Hi john. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video. UA-cam didn't send me an alert like it normally does. Better late than never I guess. Well while my list would be different I can't find any fault with with your list as all of these have been in my ten the most. Was so happy to see self titled George in there. I love that album and does not get enough attention. Also was pleased to see back to the egg. Great list John :) take care mate
You want to talk underrated solo Beatles album, Extra Texture. I’ve often seen this mentioned as one of Harrison’s worst, but I don’t get it. Harrison’s production work is masterful and the album features some of his best guitar and vocal work. It’s a bit of a grower, but it’s a good album at the least.
Great list! This one is mine (Lots of George and John; no Ringo since I haven't had the chance to really get into his work): 10. Extra Texture (I really dig the depressive/cocaine side of George. This Guitar (Can't keep from crying) is great) 9. Tug of War (Wonderful production and energy. Here Today is so heart warming) 8. Double Fantasy (I love the "dialogue" of it. Yoko sounds great) 7. McCartney (I enjoy the basic, rough sound. Maybe I'm Amazed is really good) 6. Living in the Material World (Beautiful lyrics and guitar playing. Give me Love is wonderful) 5. Cloud 9 (Jeff Lynne's production was great and the energy was fantastic. This is love is my favourite) 4. Walls and Bridges (Combo of love, anger, and angst. Beautiful album. #9 Dream is so catchy) 3. Imagine (Amazing from Imagine to Oh Yoko!) 2. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (Soooooooo great. Wonderful listen. Wonderful lyrics and power. Mother always gets me) 1. All Things Must Pass (This album is all of George's Beatles Tracks from 1968-1970 on steroids. Beautiful tunes and Phil Spector's production is so power and I love. This album is just as good as Plastic Ono Band, however I find this one to be more inspiring of a listen. What is Life is my favourite)
All Things Must Pass is a double album. I’ve always looked at the third disc as a bonus disc and I don’t think it should be included when one is rating this album.
Plastic ono band is easily number 1 in my opinion. It is gorgeous both musically and emotionally. ‘God’ is unbelievably good and gives me goosebumps. I appreciate all of your beatle videos. Subscribed!
Hi John. I have made my first preliminary Top Ten Beatle Solo albums. Keep in mind that it doesn't include Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, New, Ringo, or New. Some favorites like London Town, Ram, Flaming Pie, Time Takes Time did not make the cut. It does take a long time to rate them for me.....Here they are, subject to change! 1 - Living in the Material World 2 - Back to the Egg 3- Thirty Three and 1/3 4 - All Things Must Pass (excluding the Jam!) 5 - Cloud Nine 6 - Tug of War 7 - Goodnight Vienna 8 - George Harrison 9 - McCartney II (I was surprised this was that high!) 10 - Mind Games Number 11 is Double Fantasy......If I included compilations, All the Best and Best of Dark Horse would have made the top five. My rating is done by a numbering system, rating songs on a 1-10 scale, throwing out songs under one minute unless they rate high.
Interesting Martin. Five from George. I like that as he was overshadowed in the Beatle years. Only one from John and one from Ringo! It's great that we all have different opinions. Love your No 1 choice to be honest, an underrated classic. What year did you get into the (solo) Beatles?
RAM should be #1, Followed by All things and Plastic. I would have included McCartney's 1st as well
Those are exactly my top 3 Beatles solo albums. With numbers 2 and 3 switching positions depending on the moment. 👍
I got John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band for Christmas in 1970. Still think it's the best Beatles solo album. Simply Amazing and raw! All Things Must Pass is no.2. Band on the Run at 3. Imagine at 4. Ringo at 5.
jthomas55 must have been a memorable Christmas although sad that the dream was over
jthomas55 I agree wholeheartedly.
That’s pretty much my order also. Depending on my mood, Sometimes I’ll have AtMP as #1 , POB #2 , BOTR #3 or 4 , Imagine #3 or 4, then Ringo #5. Other top solo albums in no particular order, Walls & Bridges, Ram, McCartney, Goodnight Vienna , Venus & Mars, Mind Games. Choose Love is a really good album by Ringo
“Who were Wings? Only the Band the Beatles could have been!” Alan Partridge
Love love love London town this guy knows his Paul McCartney
Yes, what a nice surprise that one was, coming out when it did. Paul focuses on lyrics more, and it makes the melodies stick.
London Town and Back to the Egg are incredibly inconsistent and overall disappointing albums. You really think Famous Groupies, Girlfriend and Cuff Link are Paul at the top of his game?
Here’s my top five
5: Mind Games
4: Band On the Run
3: John Lennon Plastic Ono Band
2: All Things Must Pass
1: RAM
I'd probably agree with your top 4! Ram is class.
Nice list. Those would all be in my top 10. RAM might be my number 1 also. I liked it from the first play and never understood the initial disdain it received. It picks up where he left off on White album and Abbey Road
1. for me RAM!!
All down to taste if I was rating them I'd have Band on the run, Ram, Imagine , all things must pass, and Plastic Ono Band as my top choices but going by which albums I play most it would be between Cloud Nine and Flaming Pie both produced by Jeff Lynne
10: Living in the Material World
9: Mind Games
8: Wings over America
7: Double Fantasy
6: RAM
5: All Things Must Pass
4: Imagine
3: Band on the Run
2: Walls and Bridges
1: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
If McCartney had condensed his albums, he would have had five or six classic albums. He just had too much mediocrity mixed in with some amazing songs.
Bob G i agree completely, that is why i think all things and plastic ono are 1 and 2.
Fair point. Mac has never put out an album without something to redeem it. Most solo Beatle albums have some filler in the space that could have been occupied by classics from the other guys.
John, Ringo and George could each fill one classic album. Paul's albums could be condensed to 6 classics, and 3 as good as any Beatle's album.
Condensing Paul risks losing a lot of eccentric, whimsical material that speaks very strongly to smaller portions of the fan base and expands Paul's musical palette. Would I say "Loup," "Magneto & Titanium Man," "She's Given Up Talking," "Famous Groupies" etc are great Paul? No, but I'm glad they're around!
Correct.....Band on the Run went close to total excellence, but then you had albums like Red Rose Speedway with excellent tracks like My Love, Get on The Right Thing and When The Night alongside forgettable tracks like Loup the Indian on the Moon...I forget how it even went.
1.Band on the Run; 2.Ram; 3.All Things Must Pass; 4.Imagine; 5.Tug of War; 6.Venus and Mars; 7.Walls & Bridges; 8.Ringo; 9.McCartney; 10.Double Fantasy
Mine would be:
1-All Things Must Pass
2-Plastic Ono Band
3-Living in the material world
4-Cloud Nine
5-Ram
6-Imagine
7-Flaming Pie
8-Caos and creating in the backyard
9-Band on the run
10-Ringo
George Harrison’s. All Things Must Pass is a MASTERPIECE!!!! Great song all though, to me, I’d of thrown Spector out, on his on his. Ass, along with with his “Wall ‘along with his Wall’s of Sound of Sound.
!!’ His Walls of Sound
kim simmons I have mixed feelings o. That regard. I wish there was a Non-Spector version of that masterpiece. But I think it works fine with a few songs of the album.
"Tug of War" is classic, and "Flowers in the Dirt" is terribly underrated.
no RAM?
Yes! So you’re the other guy who agrees with me on ‘Back To The Egg’!!!! Glad to finally meet you!! Also agree with your pick on ‘London Town’.
Nice list John, all great albums but my list would look something like this:
10. Walls & Bridges
9. Memory Almost Full
8. Brainwashed
7. Tug of War
6. Cloud 9
5. NEW
4. RAM
3. Plastic Ono Band
2. All Things Must Pass
1. Band on the Run
(Sorry Ringo)
Thanks Ross it's inevitable that us fans will not agree on the top 10 and that's fine with me!
Ross Goodall It seems like you forgot about Living In A Material World 😂
Always loved old Siam sir. I have that tune in my head most days
Yeah, brilliant. I wonder if My Sharona nicked from it (recorded a year later)
1-Imagine, 2John Lennon P.O.B., 3-Driving Rain, 4-Cloud Nine, 5-All things must pass, 6-Band on the Run, 7-Ringo, 8-RAM, 9-George Harrison79, 10-Walls and bridges
What is your opinion of John's last work "Double Fantasy?" I remember at 14 being excited about his new release.
1. Ram ( One of my favorite albums. one of the most underrated albums upon release. First time you listen to it you're like eh. the second time you like a couple songs. the third you love the shit out of it lol)
2. Band on the Run ( The album that gave Paul his much needed critical success)
3. All Things Must Pass ( Two problems i got with it is it being a triple album and Phil Spector but the songs are great)
4. Tug of War (First time i listened to it i was like eh, but now i listen to it constantly)
5. Imagine (Good album the title track is one of the greatest songs of all time)
6. Cloud 9 ( Good album. George came back hard after a 5 year retirement)
7. McCartney (I love this album. Maybe I'm Amazed is my favorite post Beatles song.)
8. Plastic Ono Band ( A little emotional for my tastes but it was a great album. Moster is my favorite Post Beatle Lennon song)
9. Egypt Station (I was a little reluctant to put this because it was released last year but i love it as it shows Paul is still going strong)
10. Ringo 1973 ( Great album from a guy who was at a lot of disadvantages)
Back to the Egg is blooming amazing! After Ram it’s my favorite Wings album. Walls and Bridges - totally awesome
Agree with you on George Harrison George Harrison- it’s a tremendous record
I have always loved Back to the Egg also.
Huge Macca fan however BTTE is my least favorite Wings album . Paul wasn't enamored w/ the release either. I wonder if it will see an archive release; he'll have to add some quality bonus tracks as well as a live DVD for me to buy it.
Ram isn't a Wings album so Back To The Egg IS your favourite Wings album.
RAM? 🐏
All Things Must Pass . My #1
I'd have found a spot for
Venus and Mars in there somewhere.
That's lost in BOTR's shadow unfairly. It's Paul's power-pop pinnacle for me, with new Wings Jimmy McCullough and Joe English giving the band a new identity.
Thanks for the video, John. Some thoughts... firstly, I love it that BACK TO THE EGG got a position on the list.. it's one of my favorite Paul albums for sure, and grossly ignored. I like what you had to say for John's WALLS AND BRIDGES, and I completely agree word for word!.. I like GEORGE HARRISON a lot, but it is interesting to see you choose it as high as #2. Finally, seeing JL: POB as #1 is a really brave move for you as well as John, since it's such a downer, though brutally sincere and honest. Take Care!
Thanks Joe. I think this video was a bit controversial probably but some albums need more recognition. JL POB is just the best for me in terms of an artistic statement.
I agree with "Back to the Egg". Liked it when I first heard it - and still do. I know most people wouldn't agree. But I've always thought that "All Things Must Pass" is the best of the solo albums.
I agree, 💯%
BTTE has some terrific moments indeed: Paul should include “Getting Closer” in his live performances. ATMP is simply great.
10:McCartney 2
9:george harrison
8:goodnight vienna
7:plastic ono band
6:flaming pie
5:all things must pass
4:ringo
3:wall and bridges
2:chaos and creation in the backyard
1:brainwashed
Tell me you all what you think?
TIMETOGO
Admittedly I haven't heard all of these albums, and I am a Paul fan, so, I'd have found room for Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, and Tug of War.
"Goodnight Vienna" is a bold and worthy choice. I really like his cover of "Husbands And Wives" and of course the Lennonized "Only You." "Snookeroo" was an unlikely grower for me, but it has grown on me all the same.
I don't think I'd like Back to the Egg to be rediscovered. I rather enjoy having it as my little dirty secret of a record. You turn people on to it and they can't believe they've never heard it before, or knew how great "To You" or "Again and Again" were. I'm deeply curious and anxious to see Paul's re-issue of that and London Town.
"Ringo" is a better album than "Imagine"???
Yes.
It’s strange that no one ever mentions 33&1/3, one of my favorite all-time albums. Although I’ve listened to all his albums, I’ve only ever owned Lennon’s solo stuff In greatest hits form. Apart from many individual tracks, his solo work as a whole never spoke to me, perhaps because I identified with many of his early life experiences and didn’t feel the music as especially revelatory with respect to my own experiences. Kind of a been there, done that reaction I suppose. Of all the solo albums, Band on the Run and 33 & 1/3 have received the most plays from their vinyl to CD to digital incarnations.
33&1/3 is the best thing George released after ATMP, speaking for me. If you like "George Harrison" (which has one great side, Side 1), you'll love 33&1/3 all the way through. There are no weak songs, and four or five great ones waiting to be (re)discovered.
For sure !! Even stuff like the Smoky Robinson tribute tune is brilliantly executed and heartfelt. The slide guitars and his singing on Crackerbox make me tear up. It’s twu it’s twu.
@@Twotontessie "Pure Smokey" is a smooth-flowing highlight, but the great thing about "Thirty-Three And A Third" is how all the songs are so lyrically and musically well-made. Nothing stands out brilliantly from the pack, even the two modest hits, but everything is good to great in their own unique ways. George was moving from strength to strength effortlessly, a real pleasure.
He basically did Smoky tributes on back to back albums...Ooh Baby from Extra Texture . Love both those tracks.
My top 10
10) 2005 Paul McCartney - Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
9) 2002 George Harrison - Brainwashed
8) 1974 John Lennon - Walls and Bridges
7) 1971 Paul McCartney - RAM
6) 1987 George Harrison - Cloud 9
5) 1997 Paul McCartney - Flaming Pie
4) 1973 Paul McCartney - Band on the Run
3) 1971 John Lennon - Imagine
2) 1970 John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
1) 1970 George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Jerry Apgar very very good list.
Your TOP3, is my TOP3. Has been for almost 30 years. I can definitely say that, because I have well over 1,000 album’s for sure, and
1) I haven’t bout an actual vinyl Lp since late 80’s....and
2) about 3/4 of them I keep boxed up and stored, but still in my reach.
3) The ones I do keep out; are ALL THE BEATLES album’s from Meet The Beatles to Let It Be, but out of the solo ones I keep out:
All Things Must Pass
Imagine
Plastic Ono Band, along with
Concert for Bangladesh.
I hate Plastic Ono Band the first album. Never liked it. Don't get it. I get the emotional power and rawness of it. But the music is monotonous and dull. Sorry. I always go for melody. Imagine is a great album, but this one, I just cannot get into. I probably would have Tug of war and Pipes of peace as my favourites!
The demos from Flowers in the Dirt should be an album - they are so great
I've loved London Town since I first heard it. I put it up there too, so many people dismiss it. Even Paul hasn't put it out on archive. Name and Address, come on!
Can't argue with number one really, everyone is different obviously , personally I like Macca2 and Tug of war whereas a lot of people don't rate them.
Personally I'd put " BAND ON THE RUN" at #1,#2and #3.
11 Mccartney
12 Dark Horse
13 Sometime in NYC
14 Milk and Honey
15 Ringo
16 Venus and Mars
17 Somewhere in England
18 Flaming Pie
19 Rock and Roll
20 Ultra textured
Nice choices John. I find myself looking forward to both yours and Mean Mr Mayo's newest reviews. Enjoyable to watch. About your choices, not bad. I really can't argue with any of them. George Harrison is my favorite of his. I might have put Ringo and Imagine higher. Also, I might have traded out Living in a Material World or Back to the Egg for Flaming Pie or Tug of War. Those Paul albums have really stuck with me over the years. Other than that, good choices. Any chance you might do a review of maybe your top 10 choices of favorite solo beatle album covers or packaging, or, maybe top 10 favorite solo Beatle singles(including the b-sides). Just a thought. Anyway, keep 'em coming.
Thanks. Flaming Pie is my favourite latter day Paul album for sure. I just prefer the band feel on Back To The Egg vs Tug Of War although the latter is also a classic. Album cover review...noted!
I love London Town too. It's probably the solo Beatles album I have listened to the most (along with BOTR). It's also the first McCartney/Wings album I bought back in '78 when it came out. Great memories from my teenage years.
I agree that Band on the Run is Paul's best album. Refreshing for once to hear from someone who doesn't rate RAM ahead of it.
James Griffiths yeah I got a bit sick of the Ram adulation at the expense of his other early 70s work....having said that perhaps we needed it a bit as it got slammed at the time!
James Griffiths I couldn’t agree more, In fact I’d have Ram way down my personal list. I seem to be in quite a small minority with that opinion. However I’m right and everyone else is wrong! ;-)
It's natural, things that were underrated at the time, eventually become overrated in response.
Much as I like Ram, how can it be rated above Band on the Run?😖
James Griffiths--it`s a toss up between Ram and Band on the run,for me.I don`t know how anyone can rate London Town above Ram though.It`s way down the list--not as good as Flaming Pie,Chaos and creation,or even McCartney`s first 2 solo albums,is it?
Glad you highlighted "London Town" and "George Harrison" (1979). They're both great and under-rated.
I will say one thing about London Town. The toot toot bit is hysterical.
My wife would agree with your #2 choice. When we were looking for a CD, all she could remember was that it was " the one with John and Yoko sitting under the tree'. But we found it, and got a copy. I would put Band on the Run in my top two. It had some great tunes! Great video!!
I totally agree that Ringo should record another country music album. He is such a natural country singer. I love his album Beaucoups of Blues.
1. All Things Must Pass
2. Imagine
3. Cloud Nine
4. Tug of War
5. Venus & Mars
6. 33 1/3
7. Brainwashed
8. Walls & Bridges
9. Flaming Pie
10. RAM
Honorable mentions to the Ringo LPs "Ringo" and "Beaucoups of Blues". I like a lot of post-beatles work from all of them but I think George had the best overall solo work.
Scott Trumpolt finally someone gives Flaming Pie some love. Excellent album
All things must pass should be #1 in everyone's list.
gilson mozart yeah maybe but we all have our personal favs!
Couldn't agree more about No1. It is an absolute masterpiece and grossly underrated. It's true that you have to in the right kind of mood to listen to it.
It’s not under rated at all. Generally acknowledged as a great album
The 80s kid that I am is at least thankful that you’ve listened to (my favorite McCartney offerings) Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, even if they’re not included here.
My Top 15
01 Walls And Bridges (1974) - John Lennon
02 Venus And Mars (1975) - Paul McCartney
03 All Things Must Pass (1970) - George Harrison
04 Ram (1971) - Paul Maccartney
05 Mind Games (1973) - John Lennon
06 Imagine (1971) - John Lennon
07 Band On The Run (1973) - Paul Mccartney
08 Red Rose Speedway /1973)- Paul Mccartney
09 Plastic Ono Band (1970) - John Lennon
10 London Town (1978) - Paul Mccartney
11 Off The Ground (1993) - Paul Mccartney
12 Thirty Three (1977) - George Harrison
13 Cloud Nine (1986) - George Harrison
14 Back To The Egg (1979) - Paul Mccartney
15 Flaming Pie (1997) - Paul Mccartney
Just a slight point of order regarding the Wings Over America Album. I saw a Wings on that tour in October 1976 and it was a great gig; in my top 5 and I’ve seen a few! The point is this tour was the first time most of us had heard Beatles tracks live by a Beatle and whilst they might have become common In macca gigs since then, to here blackbird, yesterday, lady Madonna and LAWR live was a truly special experience.
I love your framed album. Very neat and attractive with the wide frame and in a row. Wings Over America has to be a milestone. Beaucoups of Blues has grown in popularity, I agree. Living in the Material World is a complex piece of music with a great cast. Imagine, such a wonderful album. Back to the Egg, wow, it has been butchered by music critics. But I agree it is quite good. Ringo..oh yes, the closest reunion album you can get. John's Walls and Bridges, just amazing songs, his singing just incredible. London Town,,a commercial hit and Denny's songs good writing,,I'm Carrying is a Beatle classic. All Things Must Pass such a most brilliant piece of workmanship..with the most amazing guitar playing and song writing by George Harrison. Paul's almost solo work, Band on the Run, such a stunning Beatles type album. George Harrison album is a great one !! John Lennon Plastic Ono Band is just the most amazing. Rolling Stone had this album #1 of all time. I just wished Instant Karma and Cold Turkey would have been on the album and would even be greater !!! Very good selections. I would have George's 33 1/3 album in the mix because it was a great commercial success. His album cover one of the best I think !..Mind Games is another great album that is under rated but is so good for listening. I love Aissumesen..it is so brilliant. Take care.
My Top 5:
1: Plastic Ono Band - Lennon
2: Imagine - Lennon
3: All Things Must Pass - Harrison
4: Double Fantasy - Lennon
5: Band on the Run - McCartney
Same top 5
Totaly agree with your choices John.Back to the Egg and London Town are two of my favorite Macca albums.
Great. I'm glad I'm not alone :- )
1. RAM2. Plastic Ono Band3. All Things Must Pass4. Band On The Run5. Imagine6. Ringo7. Egypt Station8. Walls And Bridges9. George Harrison Live in Japan10. Wings Over America
Just off the top of my head:
10. Brainwashed
9. Walls & Bridges
8. Venus & Mars
7. Tug of War
6. Living in the Material World
5. Back to the Egg
4. Ram
3. Imagine
2. All Things Must Pass
1. John Lennon POB
Might be a bit different if I really sat and thought about it though it would probably be roughly the same. (I did consider George Harrison, New and a couple of Ringo albums though.)
Thanks Mathew, all good albums. Choosing 10 is not easy as you know.
1 All Things...
2 RAM
3 Imagine
4 Band On The Run
5 Living in The...
6 Plastic Ono Band
7 Cloud Nine
8 Chaos and Creation....
9 London Town
10 Double Fantasy
Ram is the one big omission in my opinion.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band would be my no 1, too. A really nice selection of favourite albums, which i agree with for the most part.
Nice reviews John, good to have a different slant on the solo stuff instead of the usual run of the mill choices, I too would have the same number 1
Absolutely agree with you about Back to the Egg - second only to Band on the Run as a Paul McCartney solo album. Love it.
I wholeheartedly agree with your number one choice (I was getting nervous, as you got to the last three that you might omit it). JLPOB is the best solo-Beatle work to date.
y0us3rn4m3 My #1 will always be, ALL THINGS MUST PASS.
My list (omitted Wings as a band not solo)
1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
2. McCartney II
3. Ringo Starr "Beaucoups of Blues"
4. Paul McCartney "Flowers in the Dirt"
5. McCartney
6. John Lennon "Walls and Bridges"
7. George Harrison "Living in The Material World"
8. George Harrison "Electronic Music"
9. McCartney "Ram"
10. Paul McCartney "Egypt Station"
Rock n Roll - John Lennon? Actually, my favourite Lennon album is Mind Games - both not in your top ten. as you say ... we all have our opinion. i think RAM is a highly undervalued album also.
Glad to hear someone else likes back to the egg, one of my favorites
Love love love back to the egg so glad it made the list
I'm a year and a half late on this but my top 10 would be:
10. Paul McCartney - Pipes Of Piece. Not anyones favourite but I just really enjoy this including Tug Of Peace and Hey Hey. Lyrics can be a bit dismissable but who cares, if you love it, you love it and I love it. Best song: Say Say Say (fantastic video)
9. Wings - London Town. Really underrated gem. It's only recently that I have really enjoyed Morse Moose & The Grey Goose. Best song: Don't Let It Bring You Down
8. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass. I think this would have made an even better single album as I find some of the songs a bit dull. Best song: My Sweet Lord
7. John Lennon - Imagine. Not as dark as Plastic Ono Band and more commercial sounding, this may have been higher but for I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier and the disgraceful How Do You Sleep? Best song: Oh My Love
6. John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band. Very thought provoking album and quite a difficult listen but I can't deny the quality of the songwriting and the vocal performance. Best song: God
5. Paul & Linda - Ram. Most people's McCartney favourite, this is so varied and it all fits together perfectly. best song: Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey
4. Paul McCartney - Tug Of War. Top notch production wih top notch songs. Side 2 is flawless. Best song Tug Of War or Wanderlust (can't make my mind up)
3. John Lennon - Mind Games. John's best and most overlooked album. I Know I Know is awesome (has anybody else noticed that a flaw on both the album and CD of this where he sings " today I love you more than yesterday"was corrected with the 2003 CD remix?) and although he's still a bit preachy, it is with more humour (Bring On The Lucie). Best song: Out The Blue
2. Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run. My head puts this at No. 1 but my heart doesnt. I'm going with my heart. Brilliant songs throughout and even a couple sound like his old mates in The Beatles, Let Me Roll It (John) and No Words (George). Best song: Band On The Run
1. Paul McCartney - McCartney. The warmest album of all the solo Beatles. I never tire of this and never skip tracks. It's simply stunning. Best song(s) That Would Be Something, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed.
A bit of a cheat, 12 albums really but already had the list made :)
10.Ringo/George Harrison
9.Venus And Mars
8.Back To The Egg
7.Imagine/McCartney I
6.London Town
5.All Things Must Pass
4.Walls And Bridges
3.Band On The Run
2.RAM
1.Plastic Ono Band
1, plastic Ono band2, living in the material world.3;Ram.4 memory almost full.5,imagine.6. Macartney.7. Macartney 28. Band on the run.9. All things must pass.10 RingoThis is my list lol ...dam forgot London Town...och it’s impossible and always in flux.
Great review John .I love lists it’s a male thing I guess.
Good list Iain...I agree....my top 10 is always in flux...depending on my mood!
1. Band on the Run
2. Plastic Ono Band
3. Ram
4. All Things Must Pass
5. Tug of War
6. Imagine
7. George Harrison
8. London Town
9. Walls and Bridges
10. Flowers in the Dirt
Happy to see some love for London Town and Back To The Egg, and definitely George Harrison's Faster album is my favourite of his. And POB? Well that deserves the top for sheer intensity and importance. Awesome ranking (although yes I miss RAM)
I would at least have given Wings’ “Venus & Mars” an honorable mention, same goes for John & Yokos “Double Fantasy”.
And I certainly think Paul’s “Flaming Pie” belongs somewhere in the Top 10.
Agree on your controversial pick of “London Town”, love that album.
Yes, “Plastic Ono Band” is no. one.
Where is ram?
21 Walls and Bridges
22 Mind Games
23 Gone Tropo
24 Back to the egg
25 beacup of blues
26 George Harrison 79
27 At the speed of sound
28 Wild Life
29 33 1/3
30 Wedding Album
Love the Wedding Album
I can't stand McCartney's solo work, including Wings. Just sounds awful to me. And I adore The Beatles.
My top 25:
1. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison (1970)
2. George Harrison - George Harrison (1979)
3. Ram - Paul McCartney (1971)
4. Walls & Bridges - John Lennon (1974)
5. Ringo - Ringo Starr (1973)
6. Thirty Three & 1/3 - George Harrison (1976)
7. Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney (1997)
8. Back To The Egg - Paul McCartney (1979)
9. Cloud Nine - George Harrison (1987)
10. London Town - Paul McCartney (1978)
11. Venus And Mars - Paul McCartney (1975)
12. Mind Games - John Lennon (1973)
13. Red Rose Speedway - Paul McCartney (1973)
14. Living In The Material World - George Harrison (1973)
15. Tug Of War - Paul McCartney (1982)
16. Imagine - John Lennon (1971)
17. Gone Troppo - George Harrison (1982)
18. Time Takes Time - Ringo Starr (1992)
19. Somewhere In England - George Harrison (1980/81) (both versions)
20. Extra Texture - George Harrison (1975)
21. Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - Paul McCartney (2005)
22. Brainwashed - George Harrison (2002)
23. Goodnight Vienna - Ringo Starr (1974)
24. Stop And Smell The Roses - Ringo Starr (1981)
25. Rock ‘n’ Roll - John Lennon (1975)
Well...Can't say I agree with all your picks but agree one hundred percent on "John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band" John's ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE"...PLH-ELB
John Lennon POB
George Harrison All Things must Pass
Paul MccCartney RAM
Paul McCartney Band on the Run.
John Lennon I imagine
John Lennon Walls and Bridges
George Harrison Living in the Material World.
George Harrison George Harrison.
Paul McCartney Flaming Pie.
Ringo Starr Ringo.
1. John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band
2. All Things Must Pass
3. Ram
4. Imagine
5. Living In The Material World
6. Band On The Run
7. Walls and Bridges
8. Venus and Mars
9. Flaming Pie
10. George Harrison (1979)
Coz it's the Beatles here's 5 more.
11. McCartney
12. Mind Games
13. Cloud 9
14. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
15. Ringo
My list:
1- Plastic Ono Band
2- All Things Must Pass
3- Imagine
4- Band on the Run
5- Tug of War
6- Living in the Material World
7- Chaos and Creation
8- Walls & Bridges
9- RAM
10- Flaming Pie
1. Band On The Run
2. All Things Must Pass minus 3rd Disk
3. Ram
4. John Lennon Plastic Ono Band
5. Wings Across America
6. Mind Games
7. London Town
8. Imagine
9. George Harrison
10. Walls and Bridges
11. Living in the Material World
Honorable Mention:
1) Ringo
2) McCartney
3) Wonderwall Soundtrack
4) Flaming Pie
1 All things must pass
2 plastic ono band
For me:
1-All Things Must Pass
2-Ram
3-Imagine
4-Plastic Ono Band
5-Band on the Run
6-Mccartney
7-Venus and Mars
8-Flaming Pie
9-Tug of War
10-Living in the Material World
My top is
1. All things must pass
2. Band on the run
3. Plástic ono band
4. Ram
5. Imagine
6. Living in the material world
7. Cloud Nine
8. Tug of war
9. Mccartney 2
10. Ringo
Fun list, I'm glad you included Ringo.
So you had an issue with George Harrison CDs in the 1980s because they lacked extra material, but when you get an entire lp of it with ALL THINGS MUST PASS you balk? I don't get it.
Always mystified me why Arrow Thru Me wasn't a bigger hit. Groovy song. I mean, Let Em In is a hit, but Arrow Thru Me wasn't. Amusing. And the 2 Rockestra tunes are groovy, as well. At least he tried to rock out on Egg. He gave up on that after Egg.
I have, Maybe I'm Amazed, Give peace a chance & Back Off Bagloo on mixed cd's,but I don't have any of their Solo albums
"Back to the Egg" seemed like cutting room floor songs, mostly filler. The Rockestra songs are throwaways and the 2 spliced together songs with old radio recordings do nothing for me. My favorite underrated McCartney album is "Press to Play" which even Paul doesn't care for much. It's was more experimental, him stepping out of his comfort zone and there are some very memorable melodies on it.
Ringo`s Beaucoup is really great album. I don`t know why he keeping producing awkward and naivistic pop stuff if he is really strong folk and country singer.
Rating Plastic Ono Band with Abbey Road is a bit of a stretch (in my opinion). True, it is raw, riveting, and brutally honest but musically it is a bit dull and stiff to my ears. Compared to Abbey Road ? No contest.
Christmas presents 1970 might have included Plastic Ono Band, All Things Must Pass, Let It Be and McCartney. Not a band Chrissie.
I'd find it hard to disagree with your listing of the above BEATLES solo albums. You should have a Beatles-related radio show on Situs Radio here in the USA.
Venus and Mars is tops, IMO... amazing album.
Hi john. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video. UA-cam didn't send me an alert like it normally does. Better late than never I guess. Well while my list would be different I can't find any fault with with your list as all of these have been in my ten the most. Was so happy to see self titled George in there. I love that album and does not get enough attention. Also was pleased to see back to the egg. Great list John :) take care mate
Thanks mate, it's a great exercise to do and I respect your list too.
You want to talk underrated solo Beatles album, Extra Texture. I’ve often seen this mentioned as one of Harrison’s worst, but I don’t get it. Harrison’s production work is masterful and the album features some of his best guitar and vocal work. It’s a bit of a grower, but it’s a good album at the least.
McCartney #3 well okay!, I can handle it, i think, lol. Horses for Courses, for sure! Thank you
1. Ram
2. All Things Must Pass
3. London Town
4. Cloud Nine
5. Venus And Mars
Top 20 Solo Beatles Albums without a Paul McCartney solo Album on it. That's a bid harsh.
Great list! This one is mine (Lots of George and John; no Ringo since I haven't had the chance to really get into his work):
10. Extra Texture (I really dig the depressive/cocaine side of George. This Guitar (Can't keep from crying) is great)
9. Tug of War (Wonderful production and energy. Here Today is so heart warming)
8. Double Fantasy (I love the "dialogue" of it. Yoko sounds great)
7. McCartney (I enjoy the basic, rough sound. Maybe I'm Amazed is really good)
6. Living in the Material World (Beautiful lyrics and guitar playing. Give me Love is wonderful)
5. Cloud 9 (Jeff Lynne's production was great and the energy was fantastic. This is love is my favourite)
4. Walls and Bridges (Combo of love, anger, and angst. Beautiful album. #9 Dream is so catchy)
3. Imagine (Amazing from Imagine to Oh Yoko!)
2. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (Soooooooo great. Wonderful listen. Wonderful lyrics and power. Mother always gets me)
1. All Things Must Pass (This album is all of George's Beatles Tracks from 1968-1970 on steroids. Beautiful tunes and Phil Spector's production is so power and I love. This album is just as good as Plastic Ono Band, however I find this one to be more inspiring of a listen. What is Life is my favourite)
Nicholas Wanamaker thanks nicholas! Interesting choices although we overlap on quite a few!
All Things Must Pass is a double album. I’ve always looked at the third disc as a bonus disc and I don’t think it should be included when one is rating this album.
Plastic ono band is easily number 1 in my opinion. It is gorgeous both musically and emotionally. ‘God’ is unbelievably good and gives me goosebumps.
I appreciate all of your beatle videos. Subscribed!
Hi John. I have made my first preliminary Top Ten Beatle Solo albums. Keep in mind that it doesn't include Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, New, Ringo, or New. Some favorites like London Town, Ram, Flaming Pie, Time Takes Time did not make the cut. It does take a long time to rate them for me.....Here they are, subject to change!
1 - Living in the Material World
2 - Back to the Egg
3- Thirty Three and 1/3
4 - All Things Must Pass (excluding the Jam!)
5 - Cloud Nine
6 - Tug of War
7 - Goodnight Vienna
8 - George Harrison
9 - McCartney II (I was surprised this was that high!)
10 - Mind Games
Number 11 is Double Fantasy......If I included compilations, All the Best and Best of Dark Horse would have made the top five. My rating is done by a numbering system, rating songs on a 1-10 scale, throwing out songs under one minute unless they rate high.
Interesting Martin. Five from George. I like that as he was overshadowed in the Beatle years. Only one from John and one from Ringo! It's great that we all have different opinions. Love your No 1 choice to be honest, an underrated classic. What year did you get into the (solo) Beatles?
I would say around 1973 when Red Rose Speedway was released. I remember purchasing it then. I was 14 then!
That album and $2.25 will get you a cup of coffee.
How’s London Town your favorite from Paul but not ranked the highest? Makes no sense