John Lennon’s legacy as a cultural icon is undeniable, but he wasn’t without his struggles. He might have changed the world with his music and outspoken nature, but there were moments when the enigmatic Beatle doubted himself, particularly regarding his solo career. One such moment came with the release of Some Time In New York City—an album Lennon later confessed nearly “ruined” his career.
The 1972 album, full of political commentary and raw sentiments, received harsh criticism. It was labeled as sloganeering and often felt more like journalism than art. Lennon himself reflected on the negative reception, acknowledging that his approach had lost its depth. “It almost ruined it,” he admitted. “It became journalism and not poetry.”
The backlash was intense. Critics accused Lennon of simply jumping on bandwagons, and many of the tracks were seen as simplistic or even offensive. Some of the songs, in particular, were seen as patronizing the very people they sought to support. In a world that thrived on nuance and subtlety, Lennon’s messages felt too blunt, too in-your-face. Even Steely Dan, with their wry lyricism, seemed to highlight this contrast:
“You do his nine to five
Drag yourself home half alive
And there on the screen
A man with a dream I heard it was you.”
Yet, Lennon’s drive to speak his truth, regardless of the reception, remained his defining trait. He had always been more than just a musician; he was a figure whose personality transcended his music. But with Some Time In New York City, his usual clarity was muddled. He realized his writing had taken a turn, and he wasn’t sure whether his art had become just another form of commentary.
In a later reflection, Lennon acknowledged that the album shifted his creative path. “I began to take it seriously on another level, saying, ‘Well, I am reflecting what is going on, right?’” But even then, the damage was done, and he felt the need to reset.
This led to his next project, Mind Games—an album that marked his return to more personal and poetic songwriting. Although Mind Games wasn’t a commercial success, it was seen as a rediscovery of Lennon’s artistic soul. The album had a quiet, introspective quality that was a far cry from the loud, political messages of Some Time In New York City. And for Lennon, this shift back to his roots was necessary to rebuild his career and artistic identity.
In the end, Some Time In New York City wasn’t the end of Lennon’s career, but it was a pivotal moment. It taught him a valuable lesson about sincerity in music and his role as a poet and artist. And despite the album’s initial reception, Lennon’s willingness to be himself—flaws and all—would forever remain his greatest gift to the world.
