The more I think about it, the less sense John Lennon's standing as a hugely important artist makes.

Now I'll clarify here, I DO NOT MEAN HIS WORK IN THE BEATLES. That deserves it's praise. But as a solo artist, why is he praised to the point that we include him in our top 50 most important musicians in popular music?

His cataloge isn't exactly outstanding. Two fairly respected albums, followed by a bunch of fairly mediocre ones ending with a "comeback" that's only half his and sounds fairly dated. Add in a few alright singles (why Give Peace A Chance is more popular than Cold Turkey I'll never understand) and we're left with a fairly "alright" catalog. Certainly not top 50 worthy, though.

Posted by GFW on Tuesday, 01/7/2014 @ 18:18pm

Unlike some of the above people, I was yet to be born at the time of Lennon's death. I know for most people, its like 9/11 or JFK shooting; you knew where you were and what you were doing. I was born 9 months after Lennon's death (Sep '81). I don't mean to put a funny bit on here, but I was being conceived the same month it happened ;)

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 01/7/2014 @ 20:44pm

Might as well put my 2 cents on John and his solo career. I mentioned on another page at this site (I think the pyramid one) that he was one of the first, if not the first, rocker who was very openly political and mixed it with rock and roll. I'm not just talking about rebellion from authority, but government, religion, the like. I think that's what made him stand out with the Beatles, besides his amazing works with Paul.

I do think 'Imagine' is an overrated song, but I do dig most of his other hit singles. I also like some of his lesser-known songs, such as 'Beautiful Boy' and 'Scared'. Double Fantasy was an alright album, but I can't say I think highly of most of Yoko's songs (lol).

It's difficult to imagine what life would be like today if John was still with us. Many believe he would be like Dylan, as in putting out albums and touring while keeping a somewhat low profile. Lenny Kravitz once said he 'would be doing heavier stuff'. I believe Yoko once said he would be cashing in on his Beatles fame non-stop. But 'what would have been' doesn't exist, so who are we kidding. His music and impact will continuously live on for decades and generations.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 01/7/2014 @ 20:52pm

John Lennon was the greatest icon in the rock history

Posted by Nick on Sunday, 02/7/2021 @ 18:04pm

Honestly, none of the Beatles really needed to be inducted twice. McCartney was commercially successful with wings, but those records are mostly average. Lennon's catalog is mostly miss. GFW nailed it. Don't waste your money on the One to One concert reissue / box-set (it is rough to enjoy).

Posted by Jim C. on Sunday, 11/2/2025 @ 17:06pm

THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

1988 - The Beatles
1994 - John Lennon
1999 - Paul McCartney
2004 - George Harrison
2015 - Ringo Starr

Posted by Roy on Friday, 03/6/2026 @ 06:45am