On ‘Warzone,’ Yoko Ono revisits and reimagines 13 songs from her past work, spanning 1970-2009, the lyrics and messages still pertinent—perhaps even more pertinent—in 2018. Today, she released the video for the first track, Now Or Never.
“The world is so messed up. Things are very difficult for everybody. It’s a warzone that we are living in…” says Ono. “I like to create things in a new way. Every day things change.” The recordings and arrangements on Warzone are very stripped down, with a particular emphasis on Yoko’s voice and lyrics. Here in this minimalist landscape the content of her message rings clear and unencumbered; sometimes somber warnings, sometimes uplifting encouragement, but her wisdom and fortitude are unflinchingly strong, her power having intensified with time and life experience. She ends the ominous questions of “Now Or Never” (1971) with one of her most famous and inspiring lines: a “dream you dream alone is only a dream, but [a] dream we dream together is reality.”
‘Warzone’ further builds the legacy of an artist unparalleled in her unique and singular vision. At 85 years young, Ono is already plotting her next album. It is not too late to change the world. We need Yoko now more than ever.
