Imagine

Imagine features more lavish production than Lennon's minimalistic solo debut, but its emotions are just as hard-hitting. The title track's canny blend of iconoclasm and utopianism is set to one of his most heartrending melodies, but its neighbors are equally impressive. Lennon's rejection of political tricksters on the stomping, growling "Gimme Some Truth" is invigorated by George Harrison's signature slide licks. The notorious "How Do You Sleep?"—set to ominous strings and jagged guitars—remains one of the most scathing excoriations ever waxed.