Brian Of Nazareth
Active member
Hope you’ll entertain me for a few minutes. I’ve had a go at writing my thoughts on Mind Games. I’d really appreciate you taking the time to read.
Before I start, just wanted to say a huge well done to @Sean @Good Dog Nigel and all the team on the nomination. Very proud.
“Mind Games” and Why It’s an Underrated Gem.
“Mind Games,” was recorded at the Record Plant Studios in the summer of 73’ and then released in Oct/Nov 1973. The album stands as a crossroads in John’s solo career. This album, often seen by some as just a bridge between the political audio newspaper of “Some Time in New York City” and the more commercial “Walls and Bridges,” reflects a personal struggle and his continued search for peace and love.
The title track, “Mind Games,” is for me, the album’s highlight. With its soaring and entrancing slide guitar and its lyrics full of mantras, Lennon calls for a collective consciousness and encourages the world to be united in peace, love and harmony. The song for me is one of John’s best vocal performances and the 2024 reissue shows that it’s probably one of John’s greatest solo vocal performances, possibly, during his Beatles period too.
The lyrics of "Mind Games" are rich with imagery and spiritual allusions. The song opens with the lines: “We're playing those mind games together, pushing the barriers, planting seeds”.
These lines set the tone for the song, suggesting a collective effort to break through societal barriers and cultivate a more enlightened state of being. The "mind games" Lennon refers to are not trivial or deceitful but a metaphor for the mental and spiritual exercises necessary for personal and collective growth.
“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure, love is a flower, you gotta let it grow”
In these lines, John reiterates a central theme of his work: love as the ultimate solution to humanity's problems. The metaphor of love as a flower that needs nurturing aligns with his consistent message of peace and understanding. It underscores the idea that love requires effort, patience, and care to flourish. Love is a FLOWER. The song has become an important part of Lennon's solo catalogue, admired for its uplifting message and melodic strength – a classic John Lennon talent.
Throughout the album, Lennon covers a lot of themes, from love and loss to investigating his thoughts and feelings.
Tracks like “Out the Blue” and “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)” showcased his capability to create personal love and apologetic songs, more likely inspired by his newly complex relationship with Yoko Ono. These songs emphasise his susceptibility and sensitive depth, offering his fans and the general public a glimpse into his private world. A catchier Plastic Ono Band if you will.
On the other hand, compositions such as “Bring on the Lucie (Freda Peeple)” carry a political concern, replicating his earlier protest songs, however this time, with a more subdued and introspective feel. This song’s rebellious essence is tempered by a catchy, almost light-hearted arrangement, making its message poignant and hypnotic.
“Mind Games” may not have been Lennon’s most commercially groundbreaking work, but as the last 50 years have flown by, it has begun to hold a meaningful place in his body of work. It captures a moment of transition, reflecting his inner turmoil and hopeful vision. Little did anyone know that his Lost Weekend was just around the corner.
For one reason or another (I wasn’t born at the time) Mind Games was not a big hit on its original release. Funnily enough, it’s always been one of my favourites. Maybe people were expecting something else, the world wasn’t in the mood for a rock star to pour his emotions out. Maybe other music acts were taking the headlines. However, as time has gone by, and now with the 2024 reissue, the album’s blend of introspection, love, and social commentary, delivered through Lennon’s self-underrated but beautifully distinctive voice and lyrical prowess, ensures that “Mind Games” remains a must listen for his fans and newcomers alike and I believe this will be the case for many years to come - Love is the answer, and you know that for sure.”
Before I start, just wanted to say a huge well done to @Sean @Good Dog Nigel and all the team on the nomination. Very proud.
“Mind Games” and Why It’s an Underrated Gem.
“Mind Games,” was recorded at the Record Plant Studios in the summer of 73’ and then released in Oct/Nov 1973. The album stands as a crossroads in John’s solo career. This album, often seen by some as just a bridge between the political audio newspaper of “Some Time in New York City” and the more commercial “Walls and Bridges,” reflects a personal struggle and his continued search for peace and love.
The title track, “Mind Games,” is for me, the album’s highlight. With its soaring and entrancing slide guitar and its lyrics full of mantras, Lennon calls for a collective consciousness and encourages the world to be united in peace, love and harmony. The song for me is one of John’s best vocal performances and the 2024 reissue shows that it’s probably one of John’s greatest solo vocal performances, possibly, during his Beatles period too.
The lyrics of "Mind Games" are rich with imagery and spiritual allusions. The song opens with the lines: “We're playing those mind games together, pushing the barriers, planting seeds”.
These lines set the tone for the song, suggesting a collective effort to break through societal barriers and cultivate a more enlightened state of being. The "mind games" Lennon refers to are not trivial or deceitful but a metaphor for the mental and spiritual exercises necessary for personal and collective growth.
“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure, love is a flower, you gotta let it grow”
In these lines, John reiterates a central theme of his work: love as the ultimate solution to humanity's problems. The metaphor of love as a flower that needs nurturing aligns with his consistent message of peace and understanding. It underscores the idea that love requires effort, patience, and care to flourish. Love is a FLOWER. The song has become an important part of Lennon's solo catalogue, admired for its uplifting message and melodic strength – a classic John Lennon talent.
Throughout the album, Lennon covers a lot of themes, from love and loss to investigating his thoughts and feelings.
Tracks like “Out the Blue” and “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)” showcased his capability to create personal love and apologetic songs, more likely inspired by his newly complex relationship with Yoko Ono. These songs emphasise his susceptibility and sensitive depth, offering his fans and the general public a glimpse into his private world. A catchier Plastic Ono Band if you will.
On the other hand, compositions such as “Bring on the Lucie (Freda Peeple)” carry a political concern, replicating his earlier protest songs, however this time, with a more subdued and introspective feel. This song’s rebellious essence is tempered by a catchy, almost light-hearted arrangement, making its message poignant and hypnotic.
“Mind Games” may not have been Lennon’s most commercially groundbreaking work, but as the last 50 years have flown by, it has begun to hold a meaningful place in his body of work. It captures a moment of transition, reflecting his inner turmoil and hopeful vision. Little did anyone know that his Lost Weekend was just around the corner.
For one reason or another (I wasn’t born at the time) Mind Games was not a big hit on its original release. Funnily enough, it’s always been one of my favourites. Maybe people were expecting something else, the world wasn’t in the mood for a rock star to pour his emotions out. Maybe other music acts were taking the headlines. However, as time has gone by, and now with the 2024 reissue, the album’s blend of introspection, love, and social commentary, delivered through Lennon’s self-underrated but beautifully distinctive voice and lyrical prowess, ensures that “Mind Games” remains a must listen for his fans and newcomers alike and I believe this will be the case for many years to come - Love is the answer, and you know that for sure.”
