Which John Lennon solo album was his first to reach #1 on the Billboard 200?

Walls and Bridges was John Lennon’s first solo album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Released in 1974, it arrived during Lennon’s 18-month separation from Yoko Ono, a period often called his “Lost Weekend.” He recorded much of the album in New York with musicians including Jim Keltner, Klaus Voormann, and Jesse Ed Davis.

The album combined introspective songs with a fuller rock production. Its best-known tracks include “#9 Dream,” “Scared,” and “Whatever Gets You thru the Night.” The latter became Lennon’s first solo No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, helped by Elton John’s backing vocals and piano.

A common mix-up is Imagine, which is often considered Lennon’s signature solo album and was also a major commercial success. However, Imagine peaked at No. 1 in several countries but did not become Lennon’s first Billboard 200 chart-topper. Walls and Bridges reached the summit in November 1974 and spent 27 weeks on the U.S. album chart.