On the verge of retirement from music, John Lennon went back to the music he loved as a kid. "Rock 'n' Roll" came out just at the right time; punk was about to explode and bands like The Clash, Elvis Costello and the Attractions were only a couple of years away from revitalizing rock'n'roll. "Rock 'N'Roll" shows Lennon trying to catch his breath after a whirlwind of twelve years in the spotlight. Featuring superlative remakes of "Be-Bop-A-Lula", "Stand By Me" (which Lennon makes very much his own with his passionate almost pleading vocal), "You Can't Catch me" (one of the Chuck Berry songs that Lennon supposedly stole from for "Come Together". Beyond the hypnotic opening and a couple of lines, it's a very different song) and a stunning version of "Peggy Sue", it's clear that after "Walls & Bridges" that Lennon was looking to the past to inspire him. In fact, "Rock 'N' Roll" acts as a perfect bridge to Lennon's last finished album "Double Fantasy" that would come out five years later.

What matters here is whether or not the remixing/remastering process has improved the album. Yes and yes. While one can argue about remixing an album, Yoko Ono and remix engineer Peter Cobbin focus on cleaning up the album without making it sound sterile. There's still plenty of grit in these performances but the detail and sonic clarity has been improved enourmously.

We get four bonus tracks two of which have been released before on the "John Lennon Anthology" boxed set or "Menlove Ave" album. The four tracks provide an interesting glimpse into what oculd have been a much different album. It's fun to have them available all in one spot. A reprise of "Just Because" is particularly touching as Lennon continues his monologue that concluded that song and says "Hi to Ringo, Paul and George". It's rather touching that, after all they went through when The Beatles broke up, that Lennon would take the time sent a greeting to his former bandmates (there's also a witty reference to Lennon's "Goodnight Vienna" which closed out Ringo's album of the same name in a similar fashion).

The booklet, on the other hand, is a bit more a problem. One review mentioned that the album has all the credits listed. That's not quite accurate. While the original album and reissued CD credits are here, we have no idea as to who's playing what on various tracks. There's no lyrics which, even though Lennon didn't write these songs, would have been nice to have as well. Finally, I wish that Yoko had included the guitar tab for these songs since Lennon radically rearranged some of these tunes himself. That's a minor quibble at best and doesn't effect the music. I would also liked to have an essay on the making of the album with interviews from some of the surviving session musicians involved.

"Rock 'N' Roll" finds Lennon looking to his past to reinvent himself yet again. It provides a perfect bridge to Lennon's last complete album "Double Fantasy" and the sparkling sound brings many of these classic performances back to life again. While one can quibble about Yoko's right to remix the album, she's done a great job trying to stay true to the original mixes while improving the sonic clarity. Here's hoping that the criminally underappreciate "Walls & Bridges" is next on the remaster front with the demo tracks from "Menlove Ave" for "Walls" included as well. I'm hoping that album will have a limited edition cover similar to the original fold out cover of the vinyl.

This is an exciting album! Originally released in 1975, this CD remains John's tribute to some of his musician heroes. Now this album has been digitally remastered for re-release on CD with four bonus songs, making this a wonderful John Lennon CD to own. Lennon's voice and musical accompaniment here are very strong; he was in first class shape for these recordings. Lennon's prowess as a uniquely talented singer and musician creates a selection of songs performed in a very special style. On this CD John rocks, sings romantic ballads with reggae beats added in, and emotes all the emotions of love, lust, sadness, and honest expression. The production of the CD also allowed Lennon to perform songs reminiscent of his younger and more innocent youthful life before fame with The Beatles. The intensity, the power of John's voice displays the passion he felt about these songs and their writers.

John pays tribute to quite a few great talents here: Chuck Berry ("Sweet Little Sixteen," "You Can't Catch Me"), Buddy Holly ("Peggy Sue"), and Ben E. King ("Stand By Me") are just a few. John loved and worshiped these people and this tribute is John's way of thanking them for inspiring him and not just a tribute.

The four bonus tracks are: a medley of "Bring It On Home To Me" and "Send Me Some Lovin'," "Bony Moronie," "Ya Ya," and "Just Because." Phil Spector produced some of the songs here.

The insert doesn't include liner notes but the credits are listed completely. There are great black and white photos of John from Yoko's personal collection.

The CD is a must have for John's fans as well as Beatles' fans. Fans of rock and roll legends like Buddy Holly and Little Richard can also delight in this CD. Buy this album and enjoy John's music. John was a treasure to us all; and through John's music on CDs such as this one he lives on.

This album was one of the first to make its way into my record collection started some 30 years ago. Since then, 'Rock N Roll' has consistently remained one of my favorites. Back in '87 when the CD release was only available as a $20 UK import, I rushed to purchase it. My reason for mentioning this is to say that over the past 29 years, I wasn't actually listening to John Lennon's Rock N Roll. I made this discovery after listening to the first few minutes of the remastered edition this past weekend. The remastering delivers the texture and strength of performace that Lennon intended when initiating this project. With the session halting Phil Spector fiasco in '73 and Lennon's imminent retirement in '75, Capitol(and Lennon) hastily packaged Rock N Roll and Shaved Fish to finish out Lennon's contractual obligation. Thirty years later, Rock N Roll, in my opinion, sees its 'official' release. Hear John Lennon's passion for what inspired his life's ambition...music. Make note, that during the recording of these sessions, Lennon was shielded from the misguidance of political fanaticism, Yoko(they were separated at the time) and the series of distractions that often plagued him throughout his career. It has never been more apparent that Lennon's passion wasn't transcendental meditation, bagism, scream therapy, the yippie movement, the avant garde, or even his glorified house husbandry...but Rock N Roll. Listen closely.

Ah...I remember driving around for hours and hours, going nowhere in particular, with the 8-track (!) of this great album as the soundtrack for my adventures....I don't know how to pin it down -- whether it's John's GREAT vocals, the driving beat of every song, or just that unexplainable "spirit" present in the music as a whole -- but this is one of my favorite John albums....play it, remember John, scream out the lyrics, and it'll keep a smile on your face!

Finally! We get a remastered versions of one of Lennon's truist heart felt rock album (CD). This has always been one of my favorites, and is always generally given mediocer reviews by the critics. Lennon does a great job reworking the arrangements and adding his personal wit and passion to all of the tracks. His voice is without a doubt blistering and full on! And you can hear why he was one of the best rock vocalists! He belts out Boney Maronie, Peggy Sue, You Can't Catch Me with raw passion, that brings back memories of his voice shredding version of Twist and Shout. The music is spot on and the remastering job is outstanding! This is a must own for anyone interested in Lennon's solo careers. GET IT!