The release of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's album 'Some Time in New York City' was marked by controversy and mixed reception. Released in the U.S. on June 12, 1972, and in the UK on September 15, 1972, the album faced challenges from the start. Its politically charged content and unique packaging drew attention, but not always in a positive way. This article delves into the album's release, the controversies it sparked, and its reception by critics
and the public.
A Delayed UK Release
The album's release in the UK was delayed due to a dispute with Northern Songs over publishing rights on songs co-written by Lennon and Ono. This delay pushed the UK release to September 15, 1972, three months after its U.S. debut. The album was packaged like a newspaper, a creative choice that had been used by other bands like The Four Seasons and Jefferson Airplane. This packaging depicted events covered in the album's songs, including a provocative image of Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong dancing nude together, which was stickered over on many copies.
The album's lead single, "Woman Is the Nigger of the World," was released prior to the album and caused significant controversy due to its title. The single's provocative nature led to limited airplay and further fueled the album's contentious reputation. Despite the controversy, Lennon and Ono defended the song's message, explaining that it was a critique of sexism.
Critical Reception and Commercial Performance
Upon its release, 'Some Time in New York City' received scathing reviews from critics. Many were critical of its politically charged content, which addressed issues like sexism, incarceration, and racism. The album's agitprop lyrics were a stark contrast to Lennon's previous work, and reviewers were not impressed. Rolling Stone's Stephen Holden described the album as "incipient artistic suicide," criticizing its shallow tunes and patronizing lyrics.
Commercially, the album performed poorly, peaking at number 48 in the U.S. charts and number 11 in the UK. Lennon was reportedly stunned by the album's failure, which led him to take a break from recording new music for almost a year. The album's lackluster performance was a significant departure from the success of Lennon's previous album, 'Imagine.'
Legacy and Reissues
Despite its initial failure, 'Some Time in New York City' has been reissued multiple times. In 2005, it was remixed and remastered, with several live tracks removed and other non-album singles added. The album was reissued again in 2010 in its original double album format. These reissues have allowed the album to be revisited and reassessed by new audiences.
The album's legacy is a testament to Lennon and Ono's willingness to push boundaries and address controversial topics through their music. While it may not have been a commercial success, 'Some Time in New York City' remains a significant part of their discography, reflecting their commitment to activism and social justice.
