The Beatles were the greatest band of the 20th century. Their solo careers were each quite lucrative in their own right, even if most Beatles fans wouldn’t say they matched the power of their former band’s career. These six albums specifically were some of the best solo projects to come from each of the former Beatles members. Though, please keep in mind that this list is not tiered nor in order of greatness; each one of these Beatles solo projects is special for different reasons!
1. ‘All Things Must Pass’ by George Harrison
Many consider George Harrison to be the most underrated Beatle. After listening to his debut solo album, we’re inclined to agree. All This Must Pass is an incredible creative achievement from Harrison, and many would say it was his very best solo release. All he needed was to step away from the shadow of Paul McCartney and John Lennon to really shine on his own as a songwriter.
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2. ‘Plastic Ono Band’ by John Lennon
The 1970 record Plastic Ono Band was a seething solo release from John Lennon. This whole album takes the listener on a journey of Lennon’s self-confrontations as he battles his inner demons, dreams, and preconceived notions of belief and faith. It’s considered one of the best solo projects by The Beatles’ frontman, and it’s hard to disagree with that.
3. ‘Band On The Run’ by Paul McCartney and Wings
This 1973 album from Paul McCartney and his band Wings is a notable triumph. You can tell how ready McCartney was to break free from the “shackles” of The Beatles and enter a new phase of his career where his independent songwriting was front and center. We’d be bold enough to say that no solo McCartney album showed off his strengths as a musician quite as well as Band On The Run.
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4. ‘Ram’ by Paul and Linda McCartney
This 1971 release from McCartney features his late wife Linda’s musical talents as well. Part of what makes this record so good is how unpolished it is, complete with a lack of editing and an uneven pace. It’s a unique piece of work that trudges forth without stopping, and it’s worthy of a spot on this list.
5. ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon
This wouldn’t be a list of The Beatles members’ best solo projects without mentioning Imagine from 1971. This record has a legacy unlike any of Lennon’s other solo works. Today, it’s considered one of the definitive albums of the 1970s. Imagine is a fragile, hopeful album full of tracks that have been covered extensively by musicians in the years that followed.
6. ‘Ringo’ by Ringo Starr
Ringo was Ringo Starr’s third solo album, but this 1973 record is the closest the band ever got to an actual Beatles reunion. It’s the famed drummer’s best solo venture of his career and featured contributions from all three of his former bandmates. Ringo doesn’t get as much love as the other Beatles, but we have to say this solo album showed him at his very best.
Photo by Frank Barrett/Keystone/Hulton Archive
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