In the five years following the break-up of the Beatles, John Lennon established himself as a critically and commercially successful solo artist in addition to dealing with a number of private and public tribulations. Lennon eventually released ROCK 'N' ROLL, a batch of covers ranging the gamut of early rock classics from the '50s and '60s. Lennon threw himself lovingly into this project that hearkened back to the simpler times of being a teenager smitten with the sounds of Chuck Berry and Little Richard (both of whom are represented on this record), light years away from any kind of political statements.
Dr. Winston O'Boogie was in full effect whether applying a slight reggae beat to "Stand By Me" and "Do You Want To Dance" or using a pounding piano and honking saxophone to fine effect on "Ain't That A Shame." Unbridled joy can be heard in Lennon's swinging reading of "Slippin' And Slidin'" and within the yelps punctuating Larry Williams' silly "Bony Moronie."Rolling Stone (p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "ROCK 'N' ROLL now plays exactly as it was intended to in the first place. It's a touching, heartfelt tribute to the music that made John Lennon who he was." |