The Beatles Top 60 Solo Songs: #5: “Instant Karma”- John Lennon. ‘Instant Karma’ was released in early 1970- before The Beatles had officially broken up. This song was one of those songs that Lennon was struck with the inspiration – and the man who described himself as a very lazy person- went into motion quickly- he wrote it, recorded it and had it released all within ten days.

“Instant Karma” was the first single by a solo Beatle to sell a million copies. Like the previous song #6 ‘My Sweet Lord” by George- “Instant Karma” was produced by Phil Spector. The single went to #3 in the Billboard Hot 100. Where John’s single from the fall of 1969 “Cold Turkey” a great song- but a little too pounding to be big hit- I’ve always thought of “Instant Karma” as a perfect single- great sounding. The only surprise here is that it didn’t go to #1.