Choosing a favorite Beatles album can be a challenge, but picking a least favorite is often more straightforward. For many music lovers, criticizing a lesser work is a breeze, especially for John Lennon, who didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts.
While Lennon never officially labeled any of the Beatles’ 13 studio albums as the “worst,” he consistently criticized one particular record. The Beatles were renowned for producing iconic albums, with one considered a masterpiece of music history, universally praised.
Lennon often expressed disdain for some Beatles albums, particularly singling out side two of Abbey Road. He found the famous medley to be below the band’s high standards. The eclectic mix of styles likely clashed with Lennon’s straightforward rock sensibilities. He also had a bitter view of their final record, Let It Be, which he only appreciated for the sheen that producer Phil Spector provided, feeling it created a conflict with Paul McCartney.
However, the album that truly disappointed Lennon was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Despite its acclaim, Lennon felt overshadowed by McCartney’s influence, which grew after the death of their manager, Brian Epstein. The tensions over songwriting during this period contributed to the band’s eventual disbandment, stemming from a mix of jealousy and the fact that all four members were talented songwriters.
In a 1971 interview, Lennon claimed McCartney disliked The White Album because it showcased each member’s unique talents rather than promoting a group sound.
“[Paul] wanted it to be more of a group thing, which really means more Paul,” he remarked, revealing a sense of jealousy. He described The White Album as his favorite, denouncing Sgt. Pepper, arguing, “The Pepper myth is bigger, but the music on the White Album is far superior.”
Lennon also had harsh words for some of McCartney’s tracks on Sgt. Pepper. He labeled the song “When I’m Sixty Four” as “granny shit” and dismissed it as something he would never write. He felt similarly about “Lovely Rita,” criticizing the mundane themes and preferring to write about himself instead.
Lennon’s growing disconnection with the world around him also seeped into the album. His songwriting began shifting from personal reflections to influences drawn from posters and news stories, possibly fueled by the copious amounts of LSD the band was taking. This shift underscored his desire to carve out his own path, separate from the band.
Despite his criticisms, it’s essential to note that even Lennon’s least favorite Beatles album still outshines the works of many other artists. However, his comments reveal a certain emptiness regarding Sgt. Pepper, marked by rising tensions with McCartney and a loss of direction in his songwriting. For Lennon, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, while a critical darling, ultimately stood as his least favorite album of the Beatles’ storied discography.
