Every artist has moments of unease with their craft, and John Lennon was no exception. Even legends who redefine music often struggle with their own sound. Lennon, despite his towering legacy, wasn’t always comfortable with his singing voice. One song, in particular, became a thorn in his side: ‘Just Because’ from his Rock ‘n’ Roll album.
If circumstances had been different, Lennon might never have had to record the track at all. The album was partly born out of a legal settlement stemming from a copyright dispute over The Beatles’ ‘Come Together’ and Chuck Berry’s ‘You Can’t Catch Me’. To resolve the matter, Lennon agreed to record an album of rock standards, turning a legal hassle into a creative endeavor.
This wasn’t foreign territory for Lennon. The raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll classics had been his bread and butter before Beatlemania took over. Listening to Lennon tackle songs by icons like Little Richard and Buddy Holly offers a nostalgic glimpse into the early, scrappy days of The Beatles.
However, while Lennon excelled at ballads and emotionally charged tracks, he didn’t find all rock standards equally comfortable. He could channel youthful rebellion with electrifying covers like ‘Twist and Shout’ and nail heartfelt renditions such as ‘Words of Love’, but disposable or unfamiliar tunes were a different story.
With ‘Just Because’, fans get a window into a simpler, more carefree side of Lennon. The song ventures into doo-wop territory, as Lennon croons about dancing with a loved one. The innocence of the lyrics contrasts with the complexity Lennon often brought to his own compositions, making it a unique entry in his discography.
Despite his efforts, Lennon was candid about his struggles with the track. Reflecting on the recording process in an interview with Rolling Stone, he confessed:
“At the end of making that record, I was finishing up a track that Phil Spector had made me sing called ‘Just Because’, which I really didn’t know — all the rest I’d done as a teenager, so I knew them backward — and I couldn’t get the hang of it.”
Even a “substandard” Lennon performance, though, carries a spark of brilliance. His vocal mastery shines through on the album’s standout tracks like ‘Slippin’ and Slidin’, but even on ‘Just Because’, his charisma and raw talent elevate the tune.
Here, fans don’t encounter the emotionally raw Lennon of ‘Imagine’ or ‘Jealous Guy’. Instead, they meet a version of him that channels the spirit of a smooth Teddy Boy, a character with swagger, sentimentality, and a touch of defiance. Even when outside his comfort zone, Lennon’s unique voice ensures his music remains unforgettable.
Listen to the track here:
