What makes Woman by John Lennon notable?

'Woman' is notable not only for its commercial success but also for its critical acclaim, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song has been interpreted as a heartfelt tribute to women and has influenced numerous artists across genres, contributing to discussions about gender and relationships in popular music. Released on January 16, 1981, 'Woman' came during John Lennon's late career, shortly before his tragic death. This song was part of his final studio album, showcasing a more introspective side after a five-year hiatus from music. The track marked a return to the public eye for Lennon, who had been focusing on family life since the mid-1970s.

How many songs are on Woman?

Woman has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Woman

John Lennon · 1981

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A reflective blend of soft rock and poignant lyrics, exploring themes of love, loss, and femininity.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Woman — As the album's titular track, 'Woman' encapsulates Lennon's exploration of love and respect for women, combining vulnerability with a melodic softness that resonates deeply.
→
Beautiful Boys — This track reflects Lennon's affectionate memories and observations about youth and beauty, showcasing his ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks significant impact or cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent piano melody that is complemented by layered vocal harmonies throughout.
The second track employs a softer, more laid-back arrangement with a focus on acoustic guitar and gentle percussion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released near the end of his life, it showcases introspective themes and continued creativity.
Themes: feminine reverence· personal nostalgia· intimate reflections
Career context: Released on January 16, 1981, 'Woman' came during John Lennon's late career, shortly before his tragic death. This song was part of his final studio album, showcasing a more introspective side after a five-year hiatus from music. The track marked a return to the public eye for Lennon, who had been focusing on family life since the mid-1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Paul McCartney· George Harrison

New to John Lennon? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Woman

The chorus emphasizes a deep appreciation for women through repeated affirmations of love and respect.

This repetition reinforces the emotional core of the song while shifting from abstract notions of love to a personal dedication.