“Each time we don’t say what we wanna say, we’re dying.” ― Yoko Ono
As a figure of artistic subversion and mainstream derision, I’ve always found Yoko Ono fascinating. In particular, I recall a small interaction with her on the early internet (which I didn’t screencap because it was 2009 or 2010 — and who would think to do such a thing?). At the time, she had created a website full of poetry and invited interactions with it. She actually responded to my comment — with something so incomprehensible that I believed it was probably her and not a website manager.
There are aspects of Yoko Ono that will always be so inaccessible and considered pretentious. But, you can’t deny that she’s spent her entire career as the embodiment of not caring what other’s think.
Color Palettes from Yoko Ono Album Covers
Looking at all of her album covers, I was intrigued by how of the moment they all are visually. I think Season of Glass is my favorite — easily living on an aesthetic Instagram feed today.
Solo + Plastic Ono Band + Collaborations
Listening through her albums felt like a chore compared to other artists. Whatever category is the opposite of easy listening is where they should reside. A common thread throughout her work is a hopeful call toward something better. She evaluates the world around her and puts forth a vision for what it should be. Sometimes it’s personal and relational. Other times, it’s a call for a global movement.
Her mood varies from sincere to playful — always centered on a feeling of yearning.
Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
- Greenfield Morning I Pushed an Empty Baby Carriage All Over the City
- Paper Shoes
Fly (1971)
- Midsummer New York
- Mrs. Lennon
Approximately Infinite Universe (1973)
- Yang Yang
- What Did I Do!
- Catman
Feeling the Space (1973)
- Growing Pain
- She Hits Back
- It’s been very hard
Season of Glass (1981)
- Goodbye Sadness
- Nobody Sees Me Like You Do
It’s Alright (I See Rainbows) (1982)
- Never Say Goodbye
- It’s Alright
- Wake Up
Starpeace (1985)
- Remember Raven
- I Love You, Earth
Rising (1995)
- New York Woman
- Talking to the Universe
- Revelations
A Story (1997)
- A Story
- Hard Times Are Over
Blueprint for a Sunrise (2001)
- Is This What We Do
- I’m not getting enough
Between My Head and the Sky (2009)
- Memory of Footsteps
- Calling
Yokokimthurston (2012)
I didn’t add any songs from this album to my playlist.
Take Me to the Land of Hell (2013)
- 7th Floor
- N.Y. Noodletown
- Watching the Dawn
- Leaving Tim
Warzone (2018)
This one has trippy illustrations in the youtube playlist.
- Now or Never
- It’s Gonna Rain
Albums with John Lennon
Yoko Ono’s collaborations with John Lennon contained songs that were familiar to me — although obviously more obscure than his time with The Beatles.
“Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is what happens to you,
While you’re busy making other plans,”
– Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
I didn’t know the phrase “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” was used in Beautiful Boy — originally from Allen Saunders.
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins (1968)
- Remember Love
Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions (1969)
I didn’t add any songs from this album to my playlist.
Wedding Album (1969)
I didn’t add any songs from this album to my playlist.
Live Peace in Toronto 1969 (1969)
- Give Peace a Chance
Some Time in New York City (1972)
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
Double Fantasy (1980)
- (Just Like) Starting Over
- Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
- Hard Times are Over
Heart Play: Unfinished Dialogue (1983)
I didn’t add any songs from this album to my playlist.
Milk and Honey (1984)
- Your Hands
- Let Me Count The Ways
- You’re the One
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About Danielle Verderame
I am a writer first. I specialize in content-heavy websites, bringing together my 15 years of marketing background with my imaginative aesthetic. Most of the time, I optimize small business websites for search and social media. Through Verderame, LLC. I offer my services to small businesses who need assistance with their websites, content, and search engine optimization.
After years of quietly subcontracting, I launched a boutique Lynchburg Marketing agency under Verderame, LLC. And it’s all focused on retail. Our small team specializes in marketing services for makers, eStores, and retailers. We’re ready to maintain, manage, and promote your store on any platform including WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, Square Online (Weebly), Comment Sold, Pinterest Shops, and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Shops. If you’re looking for marketing help, email me at danielle@theshopshop.co.