On This Day in 1971: John Lennon Released an LP That Topped the Charts and Was Later Ranked #76 on Rolling Stone’s List of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
via The Beatles Interviews / YouTube
Release and Early Success
On September 9, 1971, Apple Records released John Lennon’s second solo album, Imagine, in the United States. The record followed his first solo work and arrived during a busy year for his music.
Sales grew quickly after the release, and the album reached number one on the Billboard 200 just three weeks later. It also climbed to top positions in other countries and became one of the most talked-about albums that year.
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Songs and Style
The record blended quiet piano songs with fuller rock arrangements, while also using strings and backing vocals on several tracks. The title track, “Imagine,” became a simple and powerful song about peace and hope that continues to be known worldwide.
Other songs on the album included “Jealous Guy,” “Oh My Love,” and tracks that displayed Lennon’s range as a songwriter. Some pieces were soft and direct, while others featured a fuller studio sound that gave the record a rich balance.
Single Success and Charts
The single “Imagine” itself reached the top five in the United States, peaking at number three. It also performed strongly in several other countries. The single boosted album sales and made the title track one of Lennon’s most celebrated solo songs.
Radio play, live performances, and later uses in films and public events helped the song remain familiar to new generations of listeners. Over the years, its message and simple melody have kept it one of the most performed and recognized songs in popular music.
Honors and Recognition
In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked Imagine at number 76 on its list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This high placement encouraged critics and fans to revisit the album and examine its place in music history.
The listing also pushed the album into renewed discussion, keeping it present in features about classic records and about Lennon’s solo career apart from The Beatles. Its recognition secured its standing as one of the most enduring works of the early 1970s.
Sales and Legacy
In the United States, Imagine has been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA for selling two million copies. Its sound and songs continue to appear in films, television, and major events.
The title track, in particular, is often played during moments calling for peace and unity. The sessions involved other musicians and production work by Yoko Ono and Phil Spector, giving some songs a layered sound. Reissues and remasters have ensured that new listeners continue to discover the album, keeping its influence alive more than fifty years after its release.
