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This Complete List Of John Lennon Studio Albums And Songs presents the full discography of John Lennon’s studio albums. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940. Sadly and most horribly, he was murdered in front of his apartment building on December 8, 1980. John Lennon hailed from the area of Liverpool, England. This complete John Lennon discography focuses just on his studio albums. It includes his first three experimental albums with Yoko Ono. However, since he only released two live albums we have included them in this list. Nonetheless, there were so many compilation options released over the past 40 years we have put them in a separate article
All these groundbreaking much loved John Lennon albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each John Lennon album as well as all original John Lennon album covers. Every John Lennon album listed below showcases the entire John Lennon album tracklisting.
JOHN LENNON STUDIO ALBUMS WITH YOKO ONO
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
Released: 1968
This was John Lennon’s first non-Beatles album, recorded with Yoko Ono. It’s known for its avant-garde style and was released under the Apple label. The album is essentially an experimental dive into sound collages, featuring various loops, field recordings, and dialogue between Lennon and Ono. It was both critically panned and celebrated for its experimental nature.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The album was recorded at Kenwood, St. George’s Hill, Weybridge and released on Apple Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Two Virgins Side One” – 14:14
- “Two Virgins Side Two” – 15:13
Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions
Released: 1969
This is the second in a series of three experimental albums by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was released on the Zapple label, a sub-label of Apple Records. The album includes live recordings, spoken word pieces, and other experimental work. It’s a challenging record that aims to push the boundaries of what music can be.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London, and Cambridge University, between November 1968 and March 1969.
CD Track Listings:
- “Cambridge 1969” – 26:31
- “No Bed for Beatle John” – 4:41
- “Baby’s Heartbeat” – 5:10
- “Two Minutes Silence” – 2:00
- “Radio Play” – 12:35
Wedding Album
Released: 1969
The Wedding Album was the final installment in Lennon and Ono’s trilogy of experimental and difficult-to-categorize albums. Released under the Apple label, this album includes pieces like “Amsterdam,” which is a sound collage, and “John & Yoko,” a recording of the two calling out each other’s names.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Room 902, Hilton Hotel, Amsterdam, between March and April 1969.
CD Track Listings:
- “John & Yoko” – 22:41
- “Amsterdam” – 24:52
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Released: 1970
This is John Lennon’s debut solo studio album, released under the Apple label. The album delves into themes of childhood, loss, and self-discovery, and it marked a departure from the Beatles’ sound. It received widespread acclaim and has since been considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Klaus Voormann. Produced by Phil Spector, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at EMI Studios, London, between September and October 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “Mother” – 5:34
- “Hold On” – 1:52
- “I Found Out” – 3:37
- “Working Class Hero” – 3:48
- “Isolation” – 2:51
- “Remember” – 4:33
- “Love” – 3:21
- “Well Well Well” – 5:59
- “Look at Me” – 2:53
- “God” – 4:09
- “My Mummy’s Dead” – 0:49
Imagine
Released: 1971
One of Lennon’s most iconic albums, “Imagine” is known for its title track, which has become an anthem for peace. It was released under the Apple label and reached the top of the charts in both the US and the UK.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Klaus Voormann, Alan White, and others. Produced by Phil Spector, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Ascot Sound Studios and Record Plant, between February and July 1971.
CD Track Listings:
- “Imagine” – 3:01
- “Crippled Inside” – 3:47
- “Jealous Guy” – 4:14
- “It’s So Hard” – 2:25
- “I Don’t Wanna Be a Soldier Mama” – 6:05
- “Gimme Some Truth” – 3:16
- “Oh My Love” – 2:44
- “How Do You Sleep?” – 5:36
- “How?” – 3:43
- “Oh Yoko!” – 4:20
Some Time in New York City (with Yoko Ono)
Released: 1972
This album was a collaboration between Lennon and Yoko Ono, released under the Apple label. It is highly political, touching upon various issues such as feminism, racism, and war.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Elephant’s Memory. Produced by Phil Spector, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Record Plant, New York City, in 1971-1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Woman Is the Nigger of the World” – 5:15
- “Sisters, O Sisters” – 3:46
- “Attica State” – 2:54
- “Born in a Prison” – 4:03
- “New York City” – 4:30
- “Sunday Bloody Sunday” – 5:00
- “The Luck of the Irish” – 2:56
- “John Sinclair” – 3:28
- “Angela” – 4:06
- “We’re All Water” – 7:11
Mind Games
Released: 1973
Released under the Apple label, “Mind Games” marked Lennon’s return to a more traditional rock and roll format following his political album “Some Time in New York City.”
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Jim Keltner, Klaus Voormann, and others. Produced by John Lennon. It was recorded at Record Plant, New York City, between July and August 1973.
CD Track Listings:
- “Mind Games” – 4:13
- “Tight A$” – 3:37
- “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)” – 4:44
- “One Day (at a Time)” – 3:09
- “Bring on the Lucie (Freda Peeple)” – 4:12
- “Nutopian International Anthem” – 0:03
- “Intuition” – 3:08
- “Out the Blue” – 3:22
- “Only People” – 3:23
- “I Know (I Know)” – 3:49
- “You Are Here” – 4:08
- “Meat City” – 2:45
Walls and Bridges
Released: 1974
“Walls and Bridges” is an album that reflects the turmoil in Lennon’s personal life, such as his separation from Yoko Ono. Despite this, the album topped the Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.”
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Elton John, Nicky Hopkins, and others. Produced by John Lennon. It was recorded at The Record Plant, New York City, between July and August 1974.
CD Track Listings:
- “Going Down on Love” – 3:54
- “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” – 3:26
- “Old Dirt Road” – 4:11
- “What You Got” – 3:09
- “Bless You” – 4:38
- “Scared” – 4:36
- “#9 Dream” – 4:46
- “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” – 2:55
- “Steel and Glass” – 4:37
- “Beef Jerky” – 3:26
- “Nobody Loves You (When You’re Down and Out)” – 5:08
- “Ya Ya” – 1:09
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Released: 1975
This album was a collection of covers of classic rock and roll songs that had influenced Lennon. The album received favorable reviews and reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Leon Russell, and others. Produced by John Lennon and Phil Spector. It was recorded at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, and Record Plant, New York City, between October 1973 and October 1974.
CD Track Listings:
- “Be-Bop-A-Lula” – 2:39
- “Stand by Me” – 3:26
- “Medley: Rip It Up/Ready Teddy” – 1:33
- “You Can’t Catch Me” – 4:51
- “Ain’t That a Shame” – 2:38
- “Do You Want to Dance” – 2:52
- “Sweet Little Sixteen” – 3:01
- “Slippin’ and Slidin'” – 2:16
- “Peggy Sue” – 2:06
- “Medley: Bring It On Home to Me/Send Me Some Lovin'” – 3:41
- “Bony Moronie” – 3:47
- “Ya Ya” – 2:17
- “Just Because” – 4:25
Double Fantasy (with Yoko Ono)
Released: 1980
Released just three weeks before Lennon’s assassination, “Double Fantasy” is a collaborative album with Yoko Ono. The album received mixed reviews initially but gained significant importance and acclaim after Lennon’s death, eventually winning the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and others. Produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Jack Douglas. It was recorded at The Hit Factory, New York City, between August and September 1980.
CD Track Listings:
- “(Just Like) Starting Over” – 3:55
- “Kiss Kiss Kiss” – 2:41
- “Cleanup Time” – 2:57
- “Give Me Something” – 1:34
- “I’m Losing You” – 3:58
- “I’m Moving On” – 2:19
- “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” – 4:02
- “Watching the Wheels” – 3:59
- “Yes, I’m Your Angel” – 3:08
- “Woman” – 3:32
- “Beautiful Boys” – 2:54
- “Dear Yoko” – 2:33
- “Every Man Has a Woman Who Loves Him” – 4:02
- “Hard Times Are Over” – 3:20
Milk and Honey
Released: 1984
This is a posthumous album featuring Lennon and Ono. It includes unreleased recordings that the pair were working on prior to Lennon’s death. The album achieved moderate commercial success and reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and others. Produced by Yoko Ono and John Lennon. The sessions for what would become “Milk and Honey” began in 1980, though much of it was finalized posthumously.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’m Stepping Out” – 4:06
- “Sleepless Night” – 2:34
- “I Don’t Wanna Face It” – 3:22
- “Don’t Be Scared” – 2:45
- “Nobody Told Me” – 3:34
- “O’Sanity” – 1:04
- “Borrowed Time” – 4:29
- “Your Hands” – 3:03
- “(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess” – 2:28
- “Let Me Count the Ways” – 2:16
- “Grow Old with Me” – 3:09
- “You’re the One” – 3:56
JOHN LENNON LIVE ALBUMS
Live Peace in Toronto 1969
Released: 1969
“Live Peace in Toronto 1969” is the first live album by the Plastic Ono Band, released in December 1969 on Apple Records. Recorded at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival, it was the first live performance by John Lennon without any of the other Beatles. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White. Produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Varsity Stadium, Toronto, on September 13, 1969.
CD Track Listings:
- “Blue Suede Shoes” – 2:38
- “Money (That’s What I Want)” – 3:25
- “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” – 3:24
- “Yer Blues” – 4:12
- “Cold Turkey” – 3:35
- “Give Peace a Chance” – 3:41
- “Don’t Worry Kyoko (Mummy’s Only Looking for Her Hand in the Snow)” – 4:55
- “John John (Let’s Hope for Peace)” – 12:41
Live in New York City
Released: 1986
“Live in New York City” is a posthumous live album by John Lennon. It was released in 1986 and consists of material recorded at Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972. The live performance featured a straightforward, solid rock backing, and the setlist consisted mostly of Lennon’s post-Beatles songs.
Musicians and personnel include John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and others. Produced by Yoko Ono. It was recorded at Madison Square Garden, New York City, on August 30, 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “New York City” – 2:56
- “It’s So Hard” – 3:18
- “Woman Is the Nigger of the World” – 5:30
- “Well Well Well” – 3:51
- “Instant Karma (We All Shine On)” – 3:40
- “Mother” – 5:00
- “Come Together” – 4:21
- “Imagine” – 3:17
- “Cold Turkey” – 5:29
- “Hound Dog” – 3:09
- “Give Peace a Chance” – 1:00
Complete List Of John Lennon Studio Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
