Imagine was released in 1971 as the title track of John Lennon's second solo album, written with Yoko Ono and produced with Phil Spector. Built around a simple piano motif, it became Lennon's best known solo work and a global peace anthem, later performed at memorials, Olympic ceremonies and charity events. Online it is often grouped with other instantly recognised classics like Hello darkness my old friend for reflective edits. Its opening seconds remain widely shared as shorthand for hope, remembrance and quiet optimism.