7 Songs Like Imagine by John Lennon: Musical Gems

Hey music lovers and fellow DJs! It’s a universal truth, some songs touch our souls and leave an indelible mark. “Imagine” by John Lennon is one such gem that unites us, stirs up deep emotions, and sparks our imaginations.

As a DJ and a lifelong music aficionado, I’ve often been mesmerized by its timeless beauty.

So, I decided to dig deep into the music world and curate a list of seven similar tunes that echo the soulful, thought-provoking sentiments of “Imagine”.

Songs that inspire, unite and move us just as much, if not more. So, brace yourselves, the musical journey of a lifetime awaits!

Here are the songs like Imagine by John Lennon that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Imagine by John Lennon

Songs like Imagine by John Lennon in a list format:

1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

From the 1963 album “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” released under Columbia Records, “Blowin’ in the Wind” carries Dylan’s trademark lyrical prowess. Like “Imagine”, it addresses profound questions about peace, freedom, and understanding, wrapped in a simplistic yet powerful melody. Dylan’s poetic genius in portraying societal issues made this song a natural fit for our list.

2. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit from the album of the same name, released by Tamla Records, is an insightful commentary on the issues of war, racism, and environmental damage. The song’s powerful lyrics and Gaye’s soulful voice give it a resonance akin to “Imagine”. Its relevance and universal appeal make it an inevitable addition.

3. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

Featured on the 1980 album “Uprising”, released by Island Records, “Redemption Song” is Bob Marley’s acoustic call for emancipation and freedom. This song shares Lennon’s hopefulness for a better world, making it a poignant parallel to “Imagine”. The strength and spirit behind Marley’s words are why this song graces our list.

4. “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono

From the 1969 album “Live Peace in Toronto 1969”, under the Apple label, “Give Peace a Chance” is a distinct echo of “Imagine”. Both songs share Lennon’s dream for peace, making it an easy choice for this list. Lennon’s powerful advocacy for unity and love resonates throughout the track.

5. “People Get Ready” by The Impressions

This beautiful tune from the 1965 album “People Get Ready”, released under ABC-Paramount, carries the same theme of unity and change as “Imagine”. The Impressions, led by Curtis Mayfield, produced a soul-stirring song about hope, perseverance, and liberation, hence it stands as an important addition here.

6. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles

From the 1970 album “Let It Be” and released by Apple Records, “Across the Universe” was penned by Lennon himself. The song’s spiritual undertones and exploration of universal love mirror the sentiment in “Imagine”. The deeply profound, yet accessible lyrics are why this song had to be on our list.

7. “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

From the 1964 album “Ain’t That Good News” released by RCA Victor, this song was Cooke’s response to the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. Like “Imagine”, it’s a deeply moving anthem of hope for better times. Its profound impact and timeless message make it an essential entry to conclude our list.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Imagine by John Lennon

1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

Dylan initially released this song as a two-verse poem before it became a song. Peter, Paul and Mary’s cover of this song helped it reach #2 on Billboard Hot 100, helping Dylan’s fame skyrocket.

2. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Initially, Motown founder Berry Gordy didn’t want to release this song, feeling it was too political. After the song’s enormous success, Gordy admitted he had made a mistake.

3. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

“Redemption Song” was one of Marley’s final songs before his death. It was unique due to its purely acoustic sound, deviating from Marley’s traditional reggae style.

4. “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono

This song was recorded during Lennon and Ono’s second Bed-In for Peace in a hotel room in Montreal. The chorus was sung by everyone in the room including notable figures like Timothy Leary and Petula Clark.

5. “People Get Ready” by The Impressions

Bob Marley was greatly influenced by this song and even incorporated its lyrics into his song “One Love”.

6. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles

“Across the Universe” had its first public performance not at a concert, but rather as a charity recording for the World Wildlife Fund.

7. “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

The song was inspired by Cooke and his band’s experience of being turned away from a ‘whites only’ motel. However, Cooke never heard it on the radio himself, as he was tragically killed less than two weeks before its release.

Thanks for reading.

TBone