The best singers of all time (5): John Lennon
Text by Jackson Browne
There was a tremendous intimacy in everything John Lennon did that was coupled with an impressive intellect. That’s what made him such a great singer. “Girl,” on “Rubber Soul,” begins with that high, steely voice: “Is there anyone going to listen to my story…” There’s so much tension in it, like someone suddenly stepping out of the shadows. But when the chorus starts, you realize: he’s actually speaking directly to her. When I heard this as a teenager, it was exactly how I felt at the time – constantly burning with sexual desire, but with a hint of regret at having so little control over myself.
With every word Lennon sang, he said who he was and where he came from
John was sure of his feelings, and you could hear it in his songs. What is often overlooked when it comes to John Lennon and the Beatles is that it was unusual for members of Liverpool’s working class to be catapulted into a higher echelon of society and not to hide their roots, their language and their voice. It was brave of them not to change. With every word Lennon sang, he said who he was and where he came from.
John Lennon didn’t sing very loudly. I realized this when I learned “Oh My Love” from Imagine. The song has to be sung quietly, and that requires a lot of strength. This is a paradox – to sing softly and high, you have to be physically strong. In “I’m Only Sleeping” from Revolver, he sounds sleepy, like he’s just lying in bed. Or “I’m So Tired” on the White Album – he seems kind of irritated there. These songs live on in you because the singer manages to portray a specific moment in all its facets. “Imagine” is a masterpiece.
Jackson Browne: John Lennon always told the truth
As he sings, he brings to life for us the longing for a world in which real peace reigns. And he sings with a fearlessness that avoids polemics as well as kitsch. A devastating conclusion that will never be forgotten. “Double Fantasy” is lighter, more optimistic, with beautiful singing – perhaps because he was singing to his son at home at the time. John Lennon had to pay dearly for the life he had. He had to give up some things to get others. And then he was no longer able to deal with many topics.
But what’s amazing is that he always told the truth. He believed it was his right to speak out, and that gave his voice its remarkable identity. This has nothing to do with extraordinary technology. John Lennon went straight to what he felt, what he had to say.
Birthday: October 9, 1940 (died: December 8, 1980).
Most important songs: “I Feel Fine”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “Imagine”, “Instant Karma”
Inspiration for: Bono, Neil Young, Liam Gallagher.