John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s final record that would set a permanent standard for most rock albums of the eighties would hint at the somewhat sore relations between the two individuals. John’s somewhat soothing, upright and happy tunes contrasting with Yoko’s abrasive, somewhat abusive and upfront songs of madness create an interesting balance to the dialogue, as if to some up the last five years of the pair being together and dealing with each other in separate quarters. The 50’s flavored rock n roll track “(Just Like) Starting Over” really kicks things off and is instant Lennon. “Kiss Kiss Kiss” is an interesting track that has a very catchy rhythm, but the background noise of Yoko making out while saying something in Japanese was rather unsettling. “Clean Up Time” was about it being time to clean up from all the drugs and bad habits of yesteryear and embrace the eighties with a new and positive attitude. The track is treated a luscious horn and sax arrangement which gives the track a great gloss. “Give Me Something” is an angry gesture by Yoko proclaiming that she wants something that isn’t so lackluster. “Give me something that’s not cold… Give me something that’s not hard, come on, come on…” etcetera. “I’m Losing You” is another angry track, this time by John Lennon in response to Yoko’s jabbing about John not being the model partner (at least that’s what it sounds like). He hints at not getting enough, “You say you’re not getting enough and that I remind you of all that bad stuff…” It’s really poignant. This track brilliantly segue ways into Yoko’s “I’m Moving On.” Where they hinting at divorce even here? “Beautiful Boy” is a most darling tribute to then five year old Sean Lennon signifying the intense closeness John had with his second son. I love the tropical band backdrop that Lennon gives the track. I picture the beach on this one. Thanks, John. He even has a lyric, “Out on the ocean/sailing away…” “Watching the Wheels” was John’s song for those who painted him a recluse in the press. He liked being away for five years to take care of his family and other priorities. I bet it’s something we all wish to do. He enjoyed the peace of taking his time doing nothing or whatever he felt like doing.
Shortly after this, the mood of the album takes a sudden turn, becoming very soft and charming with Yoko’s “Yes, I’m Your Angel,” John Lennon’s “Woman” and Yoko’s “Hard Times Are Over.” The whole album hints at the turmoil John and Yoko faced in the 70’s in their relationship followed by the reunion and resurgence of their love at last in the last few tracks. “Hard Times Are Over” seems to signify the end of all their struggles—just when John Lennon was gunned down outside his apartment on December 8th 1980. The pair had plans to keep releasing records well into the eighties. They had originally recorded 22 tracks for the “Double Fantasy” album, but left eight off which would then be included on the posthumous “Milk and Honey.” The albums produced would have really set John up as a solo artist more than ever. Such a shame that a huge talent was cut so short.
