John Lennon Plastic Ono Band

Charted 30 Sep 1971 - All 1971 Songs

When John Lennon released “Imagine” in 1971, the world was amid political upheaval, war, and social change. The song’s serene piano, gentle melody, and utopian vision stood in stark contrast to the turbulence of its time - yet its message resonated immediately, making it one of the most celebrated songs in modern music history. The seeds of “Imagine” were planted in Lennon’s artistic and philosophical life in the late 1960s. Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, had been deeply engaged with peace activism, most famously through their “Bed-Ins for Peace” in 1969. Lennon often said that Yoko’s 1964 book of conceptual art pieces, “Grapefruit”, was a major influence. Her poetic “instruction pieces” - such as “Imagine the clouds dripping” or “Imagine letting a goldfish swim across the sky” - encouraged the reader to envision impossible or idealistic scenarios. Years later, Lennon admitted: “The song “Imagine” should be credited as a Lennon/Ono song, because a lot of it - the lyric and the concept - came from her.” The song’s idealistic imagery - a world without possessions, borders, or religions dividing people - drew heavily from Ono’s conceptual art and their shared political beliefs. “Imagine” was recorded in May 1971 at Lennon’s home studio at Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, England. Lennon played the white Steinway piano that would become iconic in the song’s imagery. The arrangement was simple yet deeply affecting – just piano, bass (Klaus Voormann), drums (Alan White), and subtle strings arranged by producer Phil Spector. The minimalism of the track was deliberate. Lennon wanted the words to be at the forefront, allowing the listener to fully absorb the vision without distraction. Released as the title track of Lennon’s second solo album in September 1971 in the U.S. (and in 1975 as a single in the U.K.), “Imagine” quickly became a global hit. It topped charts in multiple countries and earned critical praise for its emotional clarity and universal appeal. While many embraced the song’s message, some critics accused Lennon of hypocrisy - pointing out his wealth and luxurious lifestyle despite advocating for a world without possessions. Lennon countered that the song was an expression of hope, not a personal claim of perfection: “If you can imagine a world at peace, with no denominations of religion - not without religion but without this “my God is bigger than your God” thing - then it can be true.” Over the decades, “Imagine” has become far more than a pop song. It’s been used in humanitarian campaigns, at peace rallies, and during moments of mourning and reflection. The song has been covered by countless artists, from Elton John to Lady Gaga, and performed at events such as the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. When Lennon was assassinated in 1980, “Imagine” surged back into the charts, becoming a poignant tribute to his life and ideals. Today, it remains one of the most performed and recognized songs in history - a secular hymn of unity, hope, and peace. More than 50 years after its release, “Imagine” still feels both timely and timeless. It captures a yearning that transcends political borders and cultural divides, speaking to humanity’s collective dream for a better world. As Lennon once said: “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

Top songs of 1971 by vote