Imagine: The Ultimate Collection [Box Set]
by John Lennon
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 7, 2018
    100
    Ultimately, where Imagine wins over similar projects is the degree of access Yoko has given to source material. A Simon Hilton-edited, Ono-prefaced book is exceptional. And the core album? A masterpiece. [Dec 2018, p.94]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Oct 11, 2018
    100
    Imagine: The Ultimate Collection is a lavish celebration of John’s masterwork.
  3. American Songwriter
    Oct 11, 2018
    100
    Clearly, this is not geared to the casual fan. But for those with an intense interest in either Lennon and/or arguably his finest work, it’s an understatement to say this ultimate edition lives up to its boastful name.
  5. Under The Radar
    Dec 5, 2018
    95
    Full of bonus features, on Disc Two Lennon's voice is heard on a raw demo: "Oh god saves us from defeat...from the war...from the street." It stops you in your tracks: Lennon was killed on the street. Yet, his vision of utopia is undimmed in the firmament thanks to these songs.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Oct 11, 2018
    84
    More illuminating is the accompanying hardcover book that walks through the making of the album and the inspiration behind each track. ... A great companion to the book is the fourth CD in the set, subtitled The Evolution Documentary. ... The remaster of the original album tracks puts you just as close to the feeling of being in the studio as a surround sound version would.
  7. Mojo
    Oct 11, 2018
    80
    The main attraction of this six-disc box set reissue is a new ground-up stereo mix of Imagine by Paul Hicks at Abbey Road. These new mixes are clearer and more controlled, though respectful (maybe overly so). [Nov 2018, p.103]
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  8. Record Collector
    Oct 11, 2018
    80
    Imagine: The Ultimate Collection is a fascinating snapshot of an artist if not quite in his imperial phase, then certainly at his most searching. From the new stereo remix down to the outtakes and an audio documentary pieced together from candid interviews with friend and DJ Elliot Mintz, we’re offered an exhaustive look at Imagine from all angles.
  9. Uncut
    Oct 11, 2018
    80
    It is a cornucopia of delights for audiophiles and there are more than enough quirks and insights to make it invaluable to even the most causal Lennon fan. [Nov 2018, p.46]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Ricko
    Jul 17, 2019
    9
    It says much and more about this release that the incredible "Jealous Guy" is not the best song on the album. Say what you like about theIt says much and more about this release that the incredible "Jealous Guy" is not the best song on the album. Say what you like about the hypocrisy of John Lennon, author of "Imagine", you'd have to be a stubborn person to argue against its greatness as a song and as an album opener it has few equals. The captivating "Gimme Some Truth" is another all time classic that blends into the background of this top class album as opens the second half. The delightful "Oh Yoko" finishes the set. The 4 tracks I've mentioned are up with Lennon's best work and compromise almost half of this album. The material that makes up the rest of "Imagine" is far from filler. The country tinged "Crippled Inside" sounds unlike anything Lennon had done up to now. The bluesey duo of "It's So Hard" and "I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama" are weighty even if the latter is overly long. "Oh My Love" is a sibling of Plastic Ono Band's classic "Love". "How Do You Sleep" is an astonishing attack on his former bandmate. If you were to compile a top 10 solo songs by the members of The Beatles, I would say 3 of them would come from this album. A great album and a softer companion to its predecessor, "Plastic Ono Band".… Full Review »
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