1970 began a new decade, and a new life in music for George Harrison. The "Quiet Beatle" released his own solo album, a double album, and he certainly had quite a lot to say.
The Beatles had officially broken up a year earlier due to money squabbles and other internal conflects, and judging by the amount of material in "All Things Must Pass", and in the updated 2000 double CD version, George found his peace in making and recording his own music, without the influence of the mega song-writing team of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
While George did contribute to the Beatles songwriting catalog with great songs like, "Here Comes the Sun", "Something", "Taxman", and my personal favorite, "It's All Too Much", his potential far outreached what was allowed him with the Beatles. Releasing this album showed that George had much more going on that anybody, at that time, probably thought.
Most of the songs were, more than likely, influenced by his relationships and experiences. Much like any writer, George wrote what he knew. He wrote about his faith, his love for his wife, Patti, and his feelings about life and even the Beatles.
My favorites from "All Things Must Pass" (2000 re-issue, double CD digi-pack)...
Disc One
Track One: I'd Have You Anytime
The album starts off with this slower-tempo love song most likely influenced by his muse (and one of the most written about women in rock 'n roll history), wife Patti Boyd. The two met on the the set of "A Hard Day's Night" and were married through most of the 70's...until George introduced her to his friend, Eric Clapton. It turned out to be a fairly amicable split however, with Eric and Patti still some of George's best friends.
"I'd Have You Anytime" is a nice, relaxing, pretty song with some great guitar work.
Track Two: My Sweet Lord
From those opening guitar chords, one of the songs that George is most known for is surely one of his bests, and probably one of his own favorites begins. Written as a tribute to his own faith, he felt that if he could just get everyone to sing along with the chorus, we could all achive some kind of peace.
While I, personally, don't agree with George's Eastern India-influenced faith, I really think the song has good heart. I think that anyone of any faith could take this song and find purpose in it. While I'm not too fond of how the song's repetative refrain of "Hallelujah" changes towards the end to the names of Krishna (tricky, George), all-in-all, it's a good song. The music is very well done, and of course, the guitar is superb.
Track Three: Wah-Wah
I'm really not exactly for sure if George wrote this song about what I think he did, but my guess is that it might have been in reaction to his time with the Beatles. It wasn't always good times. During this time, there was a lot of hard feelings between the guys over legal matters and other issues. This song could have been George's slightly comical way of saying, "Go ahead and do what you're doing. All go my way, and you go your's. If we meet again and can work it out, that's great. If not, that's okay too."
Track Four: Isn't It A Pity
This is definitely what one would refer to as a "Beatle-esque" song. And why shouldn't it be? It's a very pretty song with lovely piano work. This song could be about Patti, the Beatles, any relationship, or even the world.
Track Five: What Is Life
This is one of my absolute, all-time favorite songs. The music is so completely energetic and so full of life, and I can't help but feeling happy and singing along when I hear it. I adore this song!
Probably another "song for Patti".
Track Seven: Behind That Locked Door
This song has almost a country, almost kind of tropical breeze (love my song explainations!) feel. It's slow and smoother than "If Not For You", and I really like it.
Track Eight: Let It Down
This is an amazingly fantasic song that is one of my favorites on the album. The music is so great! In the beginning it's absolutely rocking and then goes right into this total shift, almost into a slower song. Amazing song and so well put together.
Disc Two
Track One: Beware of Darkness
Disc two starts off with a song that I actually first heard while watching the tribute, "Concert for George". I thought it was one of the most beautiful, haunting songs that seemed to become even more so in light of George's passing. Almost like a bit of advice from beyond. I love this song.
Track Five: All Things Must Pass
The title track, in the case, is one of the best songs I've ever heard in my life. It's truly one of my all-time favorites. The words are so great, and the music just fits it so well. Amazing song.
Track Six: I Dig Love
This song is just fun. It's not lyricly profound or anything, it's just pure fun, and the music is very upbeat.
All-in-all, "All Things Must Pass" is a phenomenal album that I'm so glad I have in my collection! You should get it too!
