All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Without a doubt, Harrison's first solo recording, originally issued as a triple album, is his best. Drawing on his backlog of unused compositions from the late Beatles era, George crafted material that managed the rare feat of conveying spiritual mysticism without sacrificing his gifts for melody and grand, sweeping arrangements. Enhanced by Phil Spector's lush orchestral production and Harrison's own superb slide guitar, nearly every song is excellent: "Awaiting on You All," "Beware of Darkness," the Dylan collaboration "I'd Have You Anytime," "Isn't It a Pity," and the hit singles "My Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life" are just a few of the highlights. A very moving work, with a very significant flaw: the jams that comprise the final third of the album are entirely dispensable, and have probably only been played once or twice by most of the listeners who own this record. Those same jams, however, played by Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, and Jim Gordon (all of whom had just come off of touring as part of Delaney & Bonnie's band), proved to be of immense musical importance, precipitating the formation of Derek & The Dominos. Thus, they weren't a total dead end, and may actually be much more to the liking of the latter band's fans.
There’s a mystical power between every echoing line of <i>All Things Must Pass</i>, the most brilliant solo album from any former Beatle. Often dubbed "The Quiet One” in his iconic quartet, Harrison had a lot to say on this cathartic 1970 solo release, a triple-length opus that crystallises his profound musical and spiritual journey with radiant songcraft, sky-scraping arrangements and superb musicianship. Alternatively moving (“My Sweet Lord”), exhilarating (“Wah-Wah”) and meditative (“Isn’t It a Pity”), the soulful genius of Harrison’s masterpiece becomes more radiant with each successive listen.
