Some Time in New York City
John Lennon · 1972
90 min · 16 tracks · hard rock
A politically charged mix of rock and experimental sounds that confronts social injustices with raw urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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Woman Is the Nigger of the World Start here — This track boldly addresses issues of sexism and racism, using provocative language that challenged societal norms and ignited conversations around gender equality.
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Attica State — Inspired by the Attica prison riots, this song encapsulates Lennon's commitment to social justice, blending personal anguish with broader political critique.
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Sunday Bloody Sunday — A poignant reflection on the violence in Northern Ireland, this track melds emotional depth with a stark political message, showcasing Lennon's ability to humanize complex issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw political commentary and experimental sound create a distinct but uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a politically charged track that features a spoken word section, setting a confrontational tone for the rest of the record.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and experimental instrumentation, particularly in 'Cold Turkey' and 'Jamrag'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- political urgency in every track
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- thought-provoking themes for engagement
- extended tracks for deep listening
- cathartic release of frustration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- seek light-hearted, carefree vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a politically charged sound that departs from Lennon's earlier work.
- Themes
- New York activism· prison reform protests· Northern Ireland violence
- Career context
- Some Time in New York City was John Lennon's second post-Beatles album, released in January 1972, following his introspective work on Imagine. At this point in his career, Lennon was increasingly using his music as a platform for political activism, reflecting the tumultuous climate of early '70s America amidst the Vietnam War and civil rights movements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Paul McCartney· George Harrison
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Angela
The narrative shifts to depict a plea for freedom, addressing Angela Davis directly and poignantly capturing her struggles against oppression.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Woman Is the Nigger of the World Start here 5:16
- 2 Sisters, O Sisters 3:48
- 3 Attica State 2:55
- 4 Born in a Prison 4:05
- 5 New York City 4:31
- 6 Sunday Bloody Sunday 5:02
- 7 The Luck of the Irish 2:59
- 8 John Sinclair 3:30
- 9 Angela 4:07
- 10 We’re All Water 7:11
Disc 2
- 1 Cold Turkey 8:35
- 2 Don’t Worry Kyoko 16:00
- 3 Well (Baby Please Don’t Go) 4:40
- 4 Jamrag 5:36
- 5 Scumbag 6:07
- 6 Au 6:22
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Combines politically charged lyrics with experimental Afrobeat, reflecting social issues and activism.
London Calling
The Clash
Shares a blend of rock and punk energy with urgent social commentary on political unrest and cultural issues.
Diamond Dogs
David Bowie
Explores dystopian themes with a theatrical sound, paralleling Lennon's socio-political urgency.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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