The album 'Double Fantasy' marked a significant return for John Lennon to the music scene after a five-year hiatus. This collaborative project with Yoko Ono was recorded at the Hit Factory in New York City, and it involved a unique and secretive recording process. The sessions were characterized by a blend of intimacy and innovation, reflecting both Lennon's and Ono's artistic visions.
The Start of the Sessions
The recording sessions for 'Double Fantasy' began on August 7,
1980, and continued until October 19, 1980. Yoko Ono approached producer Jack Douglas, who had previously worked with the couple, to oversee the project. Douglas was initially impressed by the intimacy of Lennon's demos, which set a high bar for the final recordings. Lennon and Ono were rarely in the studio together, as Ono preferred to work independently to avoid Lennon's influence on her work. This separation allowed each artist to maintain their unique voice on the album.
Lennon was eager to work with new musicians, and Douglas was tasked with assembling a band without revealing who they would be recording with. This secrecy was partly due to Lennon's lack of confidence in his ability to meet the high standards he had set in his earlier career. He wanted the option to discreetly abandon the sessions if they did not meet his expectations.
Collaborations and Challenges
During the recording process, Douglas brought in Rick Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos from the band Cheap Trick to play on Lennon's "I'm Losing You" and Ono's "I'm Moving On." However, these tracks were eventually re-recorded with studio musicians. The version of "I'm Losing You" featuring Cheap Trick was later included in the John Lennon Anthology collection released in 1998.
The sessions were kept top secret, with Lennon and Ono not yet signed to a record label. They financed the initial sessions themselves, which allowed them to maintain creative control. Once they were satisfied with the album, their publicist leaked the news of their return to the studio, leading to a flurry of offers from major record labels.
Signing with Geffen Records
In a surprising move, Lennon and Ono signed with the newly formed Geffen Records on September 22, 1980. David Geffen, the label's founder, insisted on speaking with Ono first and recognized her contributions as equal to Lennon's. This decision was made before Geffen had even heard any of the tracks, highlighting the trust and respect he had for the couple's artistic vision.
The recording of 'Double Fantasy' was a complex and carefully managed process that reflected both the personal and professional dynamics between Lennon and Ono. It was a testament to their collaborative spirit and marked a poignant chapter in Lennon's musical legacy.
