George Harrison All Things Must Pass: The Triple Album That Redefined Solo Beatles Success

Breaking Free from the Beatles Shadow

The Beatles breakup in April 1970 left fans devastated. Yet for George Harrison, it represented creative liberation. During his final years with the band, Harrison had matured into a songwriter who rivaled John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Songs like “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” on Abbey Road proved his talents. However, the Lennon-McCartney dominance meant many of Harrison’s compositions remained unreleased.

When the band officially dissolved, Harrison possessed a treasure trove of material. Music journalist John Harris noted that Harrison’s journey toward George Harrison All Things Must Pass began in late 1968. The acrimonious White Album sessions had frustrated him. He sought musical kinship elsewhere, collaborating with Bob Dylan, the Band, and Billy Preston.

These collaborations transformed Harrison’s confidence. Dylan treated him as a peer, unlike the dynamic within the Beatles. This validation fueled Harrison’s determination to create something monumental. He wasn’t just making another solo album. He was making a statement.

The Stockpile of Rejected Songs

Harrison accumulated an impressive catalog of unreleased material. The title track “All Things Must Pass” dated back to sessions in 1969. The Beatles attempted over 70 takes but never formally recorded it. “Isn’t It a Pity” reportedly existed since the Revolver period. Lennon and McCartney showed little interest in these compositions.

“Wah-Wah” emerged from Harrison’s frustration during Beatles sessions. He briefly walked out of an unhappy recording date. The song captures his emotional state perfectly. It’s also an article of solo faith, with Harrison crying out, “I know how sweet life can be, so I’ll keep myself free.”

When producer Phil Spector heard Harrison’s stockpile in early 1970, he was amazed. The sheer volume and quality of material impressed him. These weren’t B-sides or throwaway tracks. They were fully realized compositions waiting for proper treatment. Harrison finally had the creative freedom to record them his way.

Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound Production

Phil Spector brought his legendary Wall of Sound technique to George Harrison All Things Must Pass. The producer assembled an orchestra of musicians, often expanding into double figures. Sessions at Abbey Road from May through June 1970 featured reverb-drenched arrangements. Rolling Stone’s Ben Gerson described the sound as “Wagnerian, Brucknerian, the music of mountain tops and vast horizons.”

Harrison later expressed mixed feelings about the production. During the 30th anniversary reissue campaign, he apologized for “the big production that seemed appropriate at the time.” He wanted to liberate songs from excessive reverb. However, the grand scale perfectly suited the album’s epic ambitions in 1970.

Spector’s approach created breathtaking dimensions. While McCartney’s solo debut featured home-baked simplicity, and Lennon chose stripped-back arrangements, Harrison went massive. The huge sound announced his arrival spectacularly. It left his former bandmates standing in his shadow, at least temporarily.

Unprecedented Chart Success

George Harrison All Things Must Pass achieved commercial success that stunned the music industry. Despite its high retail price as a triple album, it outsold both John Lennon’s Imagine and Paul McCartney’s Ram combined. Harrison became the first solo Beatle to simultaneously top album and singles charts. He remained the only one until McCartney achieved this feat in summer 1973.

The album stayed at number one for seven weeks in the United States. It dominated charts worldwide throughout late 1970 and early 1971. This success represented validation for Harrison after years in the shadows. Critics and fans recognized his songwriting genius. The “quiet Beatle” had found his voice.

Sales figures tell the story. The Recording Industry Association of America eventually certified the album seven-times platinum. That represents at least 7 million albums sold in the US alone. International sales pushed the total even higher. For a triple album released in 1970, these numbers remain remarkable.

My Sweet Lord: The Number One Hit

“My Sweet Lord” became the biggest single from George Harrison All Things Must Pass. It topped charts in multiple countries, including the United States. The song marked the first solo single by any former Beatle to reach number one. Its spiritual message resonated with audiences searching for meaning in the early 1970s.

Harrison recorded the track with musicians from his Delaney and Bonnie tour. This core group included Eric Clapton on guitar, Carl Radle on bass, Jim Gordon on drums, and Bobby Whitlock on keyboards. Billy Preston’s organ work added gospel-inspired flourishes. The combination created an uplifting sound that crossed musical boundaries.

The song’s success came with controversy. A copyright lawsuit alleged similarities to “He’s So Fine” by the Chiffons. Courts eventually ruled against Harrison, though they found the plagiarism unintentional. Despite legal troubles, “My Sweet Lord” remains Harrison’s signature solo track. It introduced spiritual themes that would define his subsequent work.

For those exploring classic rock news and discovering this era, “My Sweet Lord” represents a pivotal moment. The song demonstrated that classic rock artists could address spirituality without alienating mainstream audiences. It opened doors for more introspective songwriting across the genre.

Spiritual Themes and Musical Evolution

George Harrison All Things Must Pass introduced spiritual themes that became Harrison’s trademark. Songs like “Awaiting on You All,” “Hear Me Lord,” and the title track explored Eastern philosophy and Western spirituality. Harrison’s interest in Indian music and meditation influenced the album’s contemplative quality.

The album also showcased Harrison’s signature slide guitar sound. Inspired by Music from Big Pink, the Band’s seminal debut, Harrison returned to guitar as his primary instrument. He had spent two years mastering the complex Indian sitar. Now he applied that dedication to slide guitar, creating a distinctive voice.

This musical evolution reflected Harrison’s growth beyond his Beatles role. He no longer accepted supporting status to Lennon and McCartney. The album demonstrated his abilities as songwriter, guitarist, and producer. It established templates for his subsequent solo career. Every Harrison album that followed contained echoes of these spiritual and musical themes.

An All-Star Cast of Musicians

The George Harrison All Things Must Pass sessions featured an impressive roster of talent. Ringo Starr played drums on several tracks. Eric Clapton contributed guitar throughout the album. Klaus Voormann provided bass, along with Carl Radle from Derek and the Dominos.

Badfinger, Apple Records’ most successful signing, participated in five sessions until early June 1970. Peter Frampton played uncredited acoustic guitar. A young Phil Collins contributed congas. Bobby Keys added saxophone flourishes. The stellar lineup demonstrated Harrison’s connections within the rock community.

These musicians created a “really good bond,” according to Alan White. Sessions lasted three weeks with no wasted time. Harrison ran the sessions rather than Spector. As recording progressed, the large cast pared down to a core group. This streamlined approach allowed for focused performances on the album’s standout tracks.

The Apple Jam tracks featured extended guitar solos from Harrison, Clapton, and Dave Mason. These instrumentals captured the loose, collaborative spirit. They also marked the formation of Derek and the Dominos, who would create the legendary Layla album. The George Harrison All Things Must Pass sessions became a creative nexus for classic rock history.

🎸 ESSENTIAL GEORGE HARRISON ALBUMS 🎸

Explore the legendary solo works from George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon

All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)

George Harrison’s monumental triple album masterpiece.

Features the completely remixed version by Paul Hicks with enhanced clarity.

Includes bonus tracks and previously unreleased demos.

Essential listening for any classic rock collection.

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A Beatle In Benton

Rare archival recording capturing Harrison’s creative evolution.

Documents the transition from Beatles to solo artist.

Features intimate performances and rare studio moments.

A collector’s treasure for dedicated fans.

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Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison (Deluxe Edition)

Comprehensive collection of Harrison’s greatest solo works.

Remastered for superior sound quality and depth.

Spans his entire solo career from 1970 onwards.

Perfect introduction to Harrison’s musical legacy.

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Ram – Paul McCartney

McCartney’s acclaimed 1971 solo masterpiece.

Released during the same era as All Things Must Pass.

Features innovative production and timeless songwriting.

A cornerstone of early 1970s classic rock.

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Imagine – John Lennon

Lennon’s iconic 1971 album featuring the title track anthem.

Released during the post-Beatles solo competition era.

Contains some of Lennon’s most powerful songwriting.

Essential companion to Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.

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Plastic Ono Band – John Lennon

Lennon’s raw, emotionally intense 1970 debut.

Stripped-back production contrasts Harrison’s epic sound.

Features primal therapy-influenced confessional songs.

Critical darling showcasing Lennon’s artistic courage.

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The 50th Anniversary Edition

In August 2021, the Harrison family released a stunning 50th anniversary edition of George Harrison All Things Must Pass. Executive producer Dhani Harrison and mixer Paul Hicks completely remixed the album from original tapes. They fulfilled Harrison’s longtime desire to liberate songs from excessive production.

The new mix transforms the album sonically. It sounds brighter, fuller, and better than ever before. Paul Hicks brought clarity that was obscured by Spector’s heavy hand in 1970. Vocals cut through like lighthouse beacons. Guitars and drums gain prominence. The bass has increased depth.

The anniversary edition includes 70 tracks across multiple formats. It features 47 demo recordings, with 42 previously unreleased. Session outtakes and studio jams allow fans to explore the legendary recording sessions. The Super Deluxe Edition even includes replica garden gnomes and a wooden bookmark from Friar Park oak.

Olivia Harrison curated a beautiful scrapbook with unseen imagery. It contains handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, and tape box images. The comprehensive track-by-track commentary provides context. For collectors and fans, these editions represent the definitive versions of Harrison’s masterpiece.

Grammy Recognition and Legacy

George Harrison All Things Must Pass received prestigious recognition over the decades. In 2014, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance. The album certainly qualifies on both counts.

The 50th anniversary box set won the Grammy Award for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package in 2022. The award recognized the lovingly crafted presentation. Dhani Harrison’s vision, combined with Paul Hicks’ remix work, created something special. Critics awarded maximum scores across publications.

On Metacritic, the Super Deluxe Edition achieved a score of 92 out of 100. This indicates “universal acclaim” by the website’s standards. Mojo, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and American Songwriter all gave perfect ratings. The anniversary release topped Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, Catalog Albums, and Tastemaker Albums charts.

Critical Acclaim Through the Decades

Critics immediately recognized George Harrison All Things Must Pass as something extraordinary. Rolling Stone’s Ben Gerson praised the album’s scope and ambition. Melody Maker’s Richard Williams compared it to Greta Garbo’s first talking picture, declaring “Garbo talks! Harrison is free!”

The album’s reputation only grew over time. The Times ranked it 79th on “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” in 1993. Rolling Stone placed it 368th on their 2023 update of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” Colin Larkin’s Encyclopedia of Popular Music calls it “generally rated” as the best of all former Beatles’ solo albums.

Pitchfork declared the album “changed the terms of what an album could be.” Nicholas Schaffner called it the “crowning glory” of Harrison’s and Spector’s careers. AllMusic’s Richie Unterberger views it as Harrison’s best work, “a very moving” album. The critical consensus remains remarkably consistent across generations.

Modern reassessments continue praising the album. Writers note how Harrison’s stock has risen over time. His spiritual themes and introspective approach resonate more now than in 1970. The album serves as both historical document and timeless music. It captures a specific moment while transcending that era completely.

The Lasting Impact on Classic Rock

George Harrison All Things Must Pass influenced generations of musicians. Artists cite it as inspiration for their own work. The album demonstrated that former band members could achieve solo success. It showed that spiritual themes could coexist with rock music. Harrison proved the “quiet Beatle” had plenty to say.

The album’s impact extends beyond music. It represents artistic liberation from constraining partnerships. Harrison stepped from Lennon and McCartney’s shadow into his own light. This journey resonates with anyone seeking independence. The album became a blueprint for creative rebirth.

Current artists study Harrison’s approach. They examine his blend of Western rock and Eastern philosophy. They appreciate his slide guitar techniques. They respect his producer instincts. The album offers lessons in ambition, faith, and musical excellence. It remains as relevant today as in 1970.

For fans discovering the album through streaming or reissues, George Harrison All Things Must Pass provides a complete experience. It’s not just songs on a playlist. It’s a journey through heartbreak, spirituality, and musical transcendence. The album rewards repeated listening. Each spin reveals new depths.

The title itself carries profound meaning. “All things must pass” acknowledges life’s impermanence. Yet ironically, the album itself has not passed. It endures five decades later. The songs remain fresh. The performances still inspire. George Harrison created something truly timeless when he declared his independence in 1970. For those exploring 60s and 70s classic rock, this album represents an essential cornerstone.