Walls and Bridges - John Lennon Album Review

Photo:Harry Goodwin link

Album Review

Second in the recent Lennon instalment of solo albums. On the back of the dreadful Some Time In NYC, Lennon bounced back with a much needed excellent album - it was a real return to form.

Pining for Yoko during his 'Lost Weekend' in Los Angeles, Lennon was drifting from his second wife. Apparently, he took solace with their assistant May Pang and spent time on a year plus bender on the West Coast of America. Despite his obvious desperation at their split, Lennon delivered a stylish, if indigenous WC feel, which was far more accessible than STINYC.

Gone is Yoko's experimentation, which brought him more in - line with the mainstream of old - there are even 'Imagine' throwbacks. Surprisingly, it's not obviously angst ridden considering the circumstances. It may well have been an olive branch to Yoko - a love letter of sorts - "Gotta get down on my knees ", and What You Got. Thankfully, there's a total lack of self-indulgence too. The album contains possibly my favourite Lennon single '#9 Dream', with its most commercial leaning ( the first Lennon solo single Ibought). Melancholy inevitably surfaces on the brassy Nobody Love's You, reflecting his mindset.

There's also a freshness missing on previous two albums, with lush production, now remastered and remixed, and produced by Yoko.

Much overlooked Bless You proves to the romantic highlight in what is very much an eclectic collection. Rasping single Whatever Gets You Through The Night, surprisingly only peaked at 36 in late '74, followed by #9 Dream in February '75, yet another disappointing position of 23.

They were the only singles lifted from the album, as it was difficult to see anything else being released. Beefy Jerky is more in keeping with McCartney's music.

Bonus tracks alternative takes are superb: one live and the other studio.

Guest stars include Jim Keltner, Klaus Voorman, and Elton John.

Includes a revealing 3 minute 48 second interview with Lennon from 1974.

Elly Roberts