Some of us older guys are at an advantage because we were around when the solo albums were released. So, for us it was a matter of buying the "new" album whenever it came out and getting to know it at the time. I imagine it's rough being 17 today and having to go back and absorb everything.
I think a lot depends on how much of a "Beatles" fan you are to begin with. If you're a big fan of the group, and enjoy many songs (or almost all of them) then it's easier for you to seek out the solo recordings and enjoy them.
For me, each new solo album was a matter of re-playing and re-playing, until I got to KNOW the record. The more you hear it, the more you grow to get familiar with the music, the more you like more songs.
When I was 17 I bought BACK TO THE EGG and hated it on first listen. The more I played it, the more I knew and familiarized myself and loved it! Same thing with McCARTNEY II and TUG OF WAR. Hated them at first, loved them with repeat plays. I'm not suggesting that everyone should try this with every band's albums, but if you're a Beatles Fan, it's almost like you owe it to yourself to be more familiar with the solo years and give the music enough of a chance by giving the disc a few spins.
So, I'd suggest playing fine albums like PLASTIC ONO BAND, IMAGINE, BAND ON THE RUN, VENUS AND MARS, TUG OF WAR, FLAMING PIE, ALL THINGS MUST PASS, CLOUD NINE, and Ringo's BLAST FROM YOUR PAST a few times. I'd say it's the cream of the crop for beginners.