Album: Milk and Honey

Introduction
"Milk and Honey" is a posthumously launched album by John Lennon and his better half Yoko Ono. Launched in 1983, 3 years after Lennon's terrible death, the album features tracks recorded during the very same sessions as those of their previous album, "Double Fantasy", which was launched in 1980. The product discovered on "Milk and Honey" has a rawer, more incomplete quality than "Double Fantasy" however showcases the unique collaboration and creativity that existed in between Lennon and Ono.

Background
In the summer season of 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began working on brand-new music together after a five-year hiatus from the music industry, throughout which Lennon focused on being a stay-at-home father to their son, Sean. Motivated by their revived imagination, the couple set a goal to tape enough tunes for 2 albums to be launched at the same time: one called "Milk" and the other "Honey". Nevertheless, the recording sessions were cut short when Lennon was tragically murdered on December 8, 1980.

After Lennon's death, Ono put the job aside to grieve and deal with the huge job of preserving his legacy. Finally, in 1983, she chose to complete and release the material they had recorded together, combining their initial concepts into the single album "Milk and Honey".

Album Composition and Highlights
The album alternates between songs by Lennon and Ono, similar to the structure of "Double Fantasy". It features a mix of personal and reflective lyrics, as well as commentary on the world and society.

Some of the standout tracks from the album consist of Lennon's "I'm Stepping Out", an upbeat and appealing tune about breaking free from the confines of domestic life, and "Nobody Told Me", a poignant and appealing song with a chorus that resonates today: "Nobody informed me there 'd be days like these/ Strange days certainly".

Another highlight is "Borrowed Time", a reflective and introspective song composed by Lennon after a near-death experience during a cruising journey. The lyrics face the concept of death and finding meaning in one's life.

Ono's contributions include the haunting and melancholic "Let Me Count the Ways", inspired by the Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem of the very same name, and the speculative, progressive track "O' Sanity", which showcases a more playful and funny side of her imagination.

Important Reception and Legacy
"Milk and Honey" got blended evaluations upon its release. Critics praised Lennon's songwriting and vocal performance however found Ono's songs relatively less enticing. The album also drew contrasts to "Double Fantasy", with some critics feeling that "Milk and Honey" was a weaker offering due to the unfinished and unpolished nature of some tracks.

Regardless of mixed evaluations, the album peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 11 on the US Billboard 200 chart in 1984. The song "Nobody Told Me" was a posthumous hit for Lennon, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

In the years since its release, "Milk and Honey" has ended up being an essential and sentimental part of John Lennon's discography. The album's raw and unfinished nature provides listeners a rare look into the innovative process of one of the most iconic musicians of perpetuity, and the indisputable connection in between Lennon and Ono.