Search - John Lennon :: Imagine (Omr)

Second strong solo album by Lennon benefits from remix

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Imagine" was supposed to be "Plastic Ono Band" sugar coated for the masses. Lennon returned to some of the themes that dominated the emotional rollercoaster first album. In reality, "Imagine" has aged better than the much rawer "POB". Perhaps its the song craft and return to melody, but "Imagine" does a much better job balancing the darker songs with the tender moments.The utopian title track is often misunderstood. It's not a blind, hippy anthem but, instead, Lennon's recognition that we don't live in the world he wishes for in the song. His suggestion to make it a reality is to take the first step in hopes that it'll come to pass. The best song on the album, though, is the marvelous "Jealous Guy". Originally demoed and written for The White Album, Lennon was never happy with the lyrics and came back to it again and again. This is one of Lennon's most sublime and tender ballads. That's something coming from the man that unleased the electric howl of "Mother" or "Cold Turkey".Just about every track can hold its own with some of Lennon's best solo work. "How" touches on themes explored much less lyrically on "POB". While "Oh Yoko" is a plain, straight ahead love song. Yes, "How Do You Sleep?" is a pretty nasty comment on Lennon's relationship with McCartney but they were still in the aftermath of a nasty divorce. McCartney's marvelous "Dear Friend" (from the so-so album "Wild Life")acts as the perfect letter back; it's clear that McCartney wanted to try and heal some of the deep wounds that they inflicted on each other in the press and in song.There are no bonus tracks. That's a good and bad thing. The bonus tracks for "POB" were a horrible selection and didn't fit there. The song "Happy Xmas" might have been a good choice but Yoko chose not to include it (it was released in 1972 but recorded between "Imagine" and the horrible "Sometime in New York City"). The sound quality is sharper and clearer here than on the Capitol version. Is it a huge difference? Frankly, the differences are subtle but enough to make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the album. That and the fact that it's a limited edition pressing (usually MFS pressings are only available for a three or so years)make it essential for Beatle fans."

A Modern Classic

03/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before buying this album my knowledge of Lennon's songs were restricted to the 'Lennon Legend' compilation. 'Imagine' certainly opened my view to the songs which are usually left out of the best of... type of albums. Songs like 'Crippled Inside', 'How Do You Sleep?', 'How?' and 'Oh Yoko!' show the artistic mastery of Lennon as a musician and his typically straightforward lyrics are as poignant as ever.This is the first MFSL recording I have listened to and the sonic performance of this CD is astounding. Having compared the songs 'Imagine' and 'Jealous Guy' with the standard sound of the conventional CD I was simply amazed at the quality delivered on my sound system (standard equipment). The superb sound of this CD is well worth paying for."

Not Upgrade Material

D. Allen | McKinney Texas | 01/13/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first MFSL CD I've purchased that sounds identical to the standard issue, and I've bought dozens over the years. Did I waste my money? No - it'll still be a much sought-after collectible when it goes out of production, regardless of whether it's deserving of such status. So if you're only looking for a sonic upgrade, I'd recommend sticking with your 2000 remix/remaster. If you're a collector, you'll probably want it anyway."