Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
10-31-16, 11:51 AM
#26
Moderator
10-31-16, 01:06 PM
#28
Banned
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Yep, and it's obvious that there are far worse "deep cuts" that are embarrassing even to the artists who did them. And not in a "so bad they're good, way, either. Just plain horrible.
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Of course, even the greats had their "Revolution #9" moments.
Fleetwood Mac, Stones, Springsteen, & every band had their regrettable releases that wore thin after a few plays...or a few thousand.
********
Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Of course, even the greats had their "Revolution #9" moments.
Fleetwood Mac, Stones, Springsteen, & every band had their regrettable releases that wore thin after a few plays...or a few thousand.
********
Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
10-31-16, 01:27 PM
#29
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Yep, and it's obvious that there are far worse "deep cuts" that are embarrassing even to the artists who did them. And not in a "so bad they're good, way, either. Just plain horrible.
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Philippians 2:14-16[/I]
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Philippians 2:14-16[/I]
Other suggestions are The Ballad of the Green Berets, Seasons in the Sun, and hundreds of novelty songs like "The Streak". Oh, and pretty much every Christmas pop song ever released.
10-31-16, 02:10 PM
#30
DVD Talk Limited Edition
10-31-16, 03:05 PM
#31
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Yep, and it's obvious that there are far worse "deep cuts" that are embarrassing even to the artists who did them. And not in a "so bad they're good, way, either. Just plain horrible.
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Of course, even the greats had their "Revolution #9" moments.
Fleetwood Mac, Stones, Springsteen, & every band had their regrettable releases that wore thin after a few plays...or a few thousand.
********
Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
As far as "hits" go, though, you could make up an entire list just from the "soft rock/pop" category(ies):
Tony Orlando: Knock Three Times
Bobby Sherman: Easy Come, Easy Go
Fifth Dimension: Up, Up, & Away
Bobby Goldsboro: Honey
Coven: One Tin Soldier
Bread: Make It With You; Baby I'm A Want You
Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You
Christopher Cross: Sailing
Paper Lace (also done by Bo Donaldson): Billy Don't Be a Hero
Burt Bacharach: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
And the list goes on interminably.
Of course, even the greats had their "Revolution #9" moments.
Fleetwood Mac, Stones, Springsteen, & every band had their regrettable releases that wore thin after a few plays...or a few thousand.
********
Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
10-31-16, 05:18 PM
#32
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Coincidentally, today I briefly contemplated starting a thread about Bread, whose music I like to a degree (I only have their best-of album), but I figured such a topic might be derided. I still maintain that "If" is one of the most exquisitely tender, beautiful songs ever recorded.
10-31-16, 06:05 PM
#33
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Probably just as well that you didn't start a thread. On the internet, we all get to pretend we were the cool kids, and Bread is completely uncool.
10-31-16, 06:37 PM
#34
Banned
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Hey, Nick, lay off Norm!!! 
(I actually still secretly geek out to Guitar Man and Donovan's "Atlantis." And sing along with the bridge to "Yellow Submarine."
)
It's sort of like Badfinger in reverse. I like most of their hits & a lot of non-hits but was sick of "Come & Get It" shortly after it was released.
A few more hits that got old quickly from good bands: "Joy To the World" (Three Dog Night) & "Hello, I Love You" (Doors), "The Long Run" (Eagles).
*******
I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Gen. 9:13
(I actually still secretly geek out to Guitar Man and Donovan's "Atlantis." And sing along with the bridge to "Yellow Submarine."
)It's sort of like Badfinger in reverse. I like most of their hits & a lot of non-hits but was sick of "Come & Get It" shortly after it was released.
A few more hits that got old quickly from good bands: "Joy To the World" (Three Dog Night) & "Hello, I Love You" (Doors), "The Long Run" (Eagles).
*******
I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Gen. 9:13
10-31-16, 11:18 PM
#35
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
I was fine with Nick's post, which appeared to cast aspersions on the tendency to ridicule - especially in peer groups - things that are not hip. I have never pretended to be cool or have cool tastes. I like what I like.
I believe it was Numanoid whom I joined to vehemently defend the music of the stratospherically uncool Corey Hart, whose lush tunes were an indelible part of the soundtrack to my childhood.
Speaking of Donovan, I'm a fan of some of his music, too. "Catch the Wind" is another song I consider among the best ever. Is Donovan likewise considered uncool?
I believe it was Numanoid whom I joined to vehemently defend the music of the stratospherically uncool Corey Hart, whose lush tunes were an indelible part of the soundtrack to my childhood.Speaking of Donovan, I'm a fan of some of his music, too. "Catch the Wind" is another song I consider among the best ever. Is Donovan likewise considered uncool?
10-31-16, 11:52 PM
#36
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
This may seem nit-picky, but the lyric of Imagine that really bothers me is the "and no religion too" line.
Not because I disagree with it or anything, it's just so clunky. It seems almost "thrown in" and lacks the poeticness of other lines in a song that is already preachy as hell. That's saying something. Additionally, it's redundant. When a song begins "Imagine there's no heaven..." it's pretty obvious that the song is slagging religion. The line isn't needed. It's like if Joan Jett threw in a line at the end of "I Love Rock and Roll" that goes "and my favorite kind of music is rock and roll".
Not because I disagree with it or anything, it's just so clunky. It seems almost "thrown in" and lacks the poeticness of other lines in a song that is already preachy as hell. That's saying something. Additionally, it's redundant. When a song begins "Imagine there's no heaven..." it's pretty obvious that the song is slagging religion. The line isn't needed. It's like if Joan Jett threw in a line at the end of "I Love Rock and Roll" that goes "and my favorite kind of music is rock and roll".
11-01-16, 06:55 AM
#37
Banned
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
I was fine with Nick's post, which appeared to cast aspersions on the tendency to ridicule - especially in peer groups - things that are not hip. I have never pretended to be cool or have cool tastes. I like what I like. I believe it was Numanoid whom I joined to vehemently defend the music of the stratospherically uncool Corey Hart, whose lush tunes were an indelible part of the soundtrack to my childhood.
Speaking of Donovan, I'm a fan of some of his music, too. "Catch the Wind" is another song I consider among the best ever. Is Donovan likewise considered uncool?
I believe it was Numanoid whom I joined to vehemently defend the music of the stratospherically uncool Corey Hart, whose lush tunes were an indelible part of the soundtrack to my childhood.Speaking of Donovan, I'm a fan of some of his music, too. "Catch the Wind" is another song I consider among the best ever. Is Donovan likewise considered uncool?
I mentioned Donovan due to some of his hippy-dippy lyrics, but the guy had a strong sense of melody & was a free-spirited breath of fresh air (and contributed some great tunes). Heck, McCartney has been pilloried for a lot of his sappy Wings songs, even by his former partner ("How Do You Sleep At Night?"), but I still like a lot of his solo stuff.
And, obviously, a lot of people really liked the pop songs I posted (and still buy oldies CD's containing those songs), otherwise they wouldn't have been hits.
Anyway, I really wasn't criticizing you, nor did I think that you or Nick were being unkind or condescending to other members. Apologies for giving that impression!
Let's all just agree...music is cool!!
*******
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13
11-01-16, 07:02 AM
#38
Banned
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
This may seem nit-picky, but the lyric of Imagine that really bothers me is the "and no religion too" line.
Not because I disagree with it or anything, it's just so clunky. It seems almost "thrown in" and lacks the poeticness of other lines in a song that is already preachy as hell. That's saying something. Additionally, it's redundant. When a song begins "Imagine there's no heaven..." it's pretty obvious that the song is slagging religion. The line isn't needed. It's like if Joan Jett threw in a line at the end of "I Love Rock and Roll" that goes "and my favorite kind of music is rock and roll".
Not because I disagree with it or anything, it's just so clunky. It seems almost "thrown in" and lacks the poeticness of other lines in a song that is already preachy as hell. That's saying something. Additionally, it's redundant. When a song begins "Imagine there's no heaven..." it's pretty obvious that the song is slagging religion. The line isn't needed. It's like if Joan Jett threw in a line at the end of "I Love Rock and Roll" that goes "and my favorite kind of music is rock and roll".
"Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today... Aha-ah..."
It's sort of like the folks who sing pretty break-up songs at weddings or Born in the USA at political rallies...obviously missing the point.
But the article mentioned something similar re: the belief that some people dislike what they see as contradictions (if not outright hypocrisy) between Lennon's life and the lyrics of the song:
Within 48 hours, the bemused Brit, who had only around 1,000 Twitter followers, had received several thousand nominations from all over the world, and Lennon’s ballad was a repeat offender.
“I think it’s the whole idea of talking about poverty and misery, while John was actually hanging around in his palatial New York townhouse,” Carter tells The Post. “It’s the duplicity of the whole thing.”
So you don't have to be typically-religious to have a problem with the "it's easy if you try" idea that everyone can live peacefully together when they were written by a guy who was a mean drunk, who abandoned his first wife and son (whom he rarely ever saw), who was extremely caustic and nasty toward his former song-writing partner & best friend (along with other bandmates & managers), who had a violent temper, who was a repeat adulterer, etc. It's the same with "All You Need is Love," "Give Peace a Chance," and other nice sentiments that weren't practiced by the one preaching them.
(I'm just expressing what I think the guy quoted was implying. Personally, I really admire Lennon's talent and a lot of his charitable efforts and laudable sentiments. And he did seem to be finding some peace with himself and making some amends for his personal shortcomings when he wrote "Imagine.").
**********
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:10
Last edited by creekdipper; 11-01-16 at 07:25 AM.
11-01-16, 08:27 AM
#39
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
11-01-16, 04:58 PM
#41
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Sorry, Norm, I didn't make it clear that I was just joshin'. I thought your post responding to Nick's was a good-natured jape, and I didn't see any intended offense in Nick's, either. As you say, we all have our personal tastes & like what we do, and no one should have to apologize just because our musical standards aren't up-to-snuff according to someone else's more "sophisticated" standards.
I mentioned Donovan due to some of his hippy-dippy lyrics, but the guy had a strong sense of melody & was a free-spirited breath of fresh air (and contributed some great tunes). Heck, McCartney has been pilloried for a lot of his sappy Wings songs, even by his former partner ("How Do You Sleep At Night?"), but I still like a lot of his solo stuff.
And, obviously, a lot of people really liked the pop songs I posted (and still buy oldies CD's containing those songs), otherwise they wouldn't have been hits.
Anyway, I really wasn't criticizing you, nor did I think that you or Nick were being unkind or condescending to other members. Apologies for giving that impression!
Let's all just agree...music is cool!!
I mentioned Donovan due to some of his hippy-dippy lyrics, but the guy had a strong sense of melody & was a free-spirited breath of fresh air (and contributed some great tunes). Heck, McCartney has been pilloried for a lot of his sappy Wings songs, even by his former partner ("How Do You Sleep At Night?"), but I still like a lot of his solo stuff.
And, obviously, a lot of people really liked the pop songs I posted (and still buy oldies CD's containing those songs), otherwise they wouldn't have been hits.
Anyway, I really wasn't criticizing you, nor did I think that you or Nick were being unkind or condescending to other members. Apologies for giving that impression!
Let's all just agree...music is cool!!
And yes, music is a uniting force, from classical, to pop, to whatever. It crosses all borders.
11-01-16, 09:02 PM
#42
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rk5btc0vlaY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Last edited by Nick Danger; 11-01-16 at 09:35 PM.
11-02-16, 01:06 AM
#43
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
11-04-16, 09:13 PM
#46
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
I imagine he's merely responding "no" to the notion of "Imagine" as the worst song ever.
11-05-16, 08:15 PM
#47
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
The worst song ever is that don't you forget about me song from The Breakfast Club
11-05-16, 08:27 PM
#48
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?
Imagine is such a terrible song that if I had a choice of being able to go back in time to stop Hitler, or to stop Lennon from ever writing Imagine....
11-07-16, 10:46 AM
#50
Re: Is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the worst song of all time?