10 Perfect Albums That Defined The 1970s
7. John Lennon: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
By the end of 1970, the '60s dream of free love, spiritual awakening, and revolution, was over. Both, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joblin had died; and the group that defined the previous decade, had parted ways.
Released, mere months after the Beatles announced their split, Let It Be represented the end of an era. What's more, the album was a scattered mess of half-baked ideas, with only a handful of stand out tracks. Yep, 1970 seemed like a rough start to the new decade.
Each member of the Fab Four released a solo album in 1970. All were arguably better then Let It Be - well, maybe not Ringo's (sorry). McCartney's was a mixed bag, but had some good moments. Harrison's was a triumphant display of unshackled talent. And, Lennon's was a masterpiece.
But, it was a very different side of Lennon. He was older, more mature; his lyrics were less hopeful, and more reflective. I Found Out, was a scathing take down of religious and spiritual teachers. Working Class Hero spoke of the the harsh realities that came with capitalism. And God, heard Lennon espouse his lack of faith, in all of those things that had given the '60s its hopeful spirit. It was a tough pill to swallow.
He denounced, Elvis, Bob Dylan, John F. Kennedy, Buddha, Jesus, and the Beatles, themselves. Symbolically, Lennon was closing the door on everything that had come before, but creatively and musically, it was brilliant.