All Things Must Pass

There’s probably a 4 or 5 star album buried in here but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna spend another 2 hours trying to find it. A more selective approach might’ve resulted in a shorter, better album. All things must pass quality control

Sacrilegious to many, but I might like this better than any Beatles album.

57/100: There are two pretty good reasons why most artist don’t throw 11 minute long instrumentals on their albums: few artists wants to slot away a fifth of their album to one song with no lyrics and if you’re instrumental is going to be 11 minutes long, it’s got to be really fucking good, which is hard to do. Well George Harrison found a nifty loophole to avoid that first reason—just make your album 2 hours long so the monstrosity of an instrumental only takes up a tenth of your album. Unfortunately, he found no such loop hole for the second reason. “Out of the Blue” would be a good 4 minute long song, maybe even 5 minutes. But to force listeners to listen to that track for 11 minutes is the most blatant masturbatory stroke of an artist’s own ego I’ve ever seen. Actually, no I take that back. Having a second, 7 minute long instrumental on top of an 11 minute instrumental objectively beats that. Well, actually, throwing two versions of the same song on your album might trump that. Come to think of it, nevermind. Pumping out a 2 hour long triple album takes the cake. We get it, George. You had something to prove because Paul and John were mean to you. One album would have sufficed. Keep “What is Life,” “If Not For You” (a Bob Dylan cover anyway, albeit a nice one), “All Things Must Pass,” “Art of Dying,” just one version of “Isn’t it a Pity,” “Hear Me Lord,” and cut “Out of the Blue” in half then get rid of literally everything else. You’d have yourself a pretty damn good album then. I can’t in good conscience call this album as is a good album though, and I really wanted the plot line of George Harrison, the mistreated musical genius of the Beatles, to be true. Based on this album, it seems like George was treated by the Beatles about as well as he should have been. There are some seriously shocking production decisions on this album, namely in that it appears George Harrison takes so much pride in all of his works that he feels they all are good enough to make an album’s final cut. Just imagine how he’d react when Paul or John told him to ditch a song idea. I mean how dare they insult his musical talent, don’t they know every song he writes is golden? In fact, he has so many golden songs, he should make a 2 hour long triple album, that’s a great idea.

If you think about what this record is, it's all the songs Harrison wrote between roughly 68 and 70 that John and Paul didn't think were good enough to put on a Beatles record. "Something" and "Here Comes The Sun" were good enough. So was "I Me Mine" (yeesh). So basically what you're listening to is a dump of B-sides that weren't quite as strong as "I Me Mine". And it sounds like it. Harrison's solo material is missing a couple of the really critical things that makes the Beatles CDs work. One is that they have two exceptionally talented lead singers, neither of whom is George. Another is their incredible production - Harrison uses some instrumental diversity here, but generally the sound is kind of monotonous, and nowhere near as creative as peak Beatles. And last is their relentless, infectious optimism - the Beatles records are so joyous and fun that little children instinctively sing along with them, even if they've never heard rock and roll before. But this record is generally a downer, and aside from being less fun to listen to as a result, that also puts it into an extremely competitive bracket (early 70s downer rock music being some of the best ever made). I don't even think it holds up on its own merits, but certainly not relative to contemporaries. There are some nice songs here, generally the more upbeat ones. "Wah-Wah", "What is Life" and "The Art of Dying" are all fun, if a little unremarkable. But some of the other hits like "My Sweet Lord" and "Isn't It a Pity" are just whiny and slow - for whatever reason Harrison must've liked "Isn't It A Pity", it appears on the record twice, despite being one of the weaker tracks. And the whole thing is really chock full of filler and waaay too long - this album took me two days to get through. That plodding feeling is exacerbated by the fact that a lot of the songs themselves are long and slow. "Beware of Darkness" kicks off the 2nd CD at a rollicking 65 bpm clip - many of the others are in that neighborhood. The wheels just totally come off towards the end ("Johnny's Birthday"? Alternate versions of "Isn't It a Pity" and borderline of "My Sweet Lord"?? Four consecutive 12-bar blues instrumentals???). Harrison employs some nice harmonic tricks on a lot of these songs, but he doesn't do much creatively with the production, and the pacing, moodiness and his own weak voice kind of drag it down.

I’ve heard George Harrison was the best songwriter from the Beatles. Although saying that, the only song I know he wrote for them was Here Comes The Sun. Songs I already know: My Sweet Lord Favourite after listening: Apple Scruffs Overall: 9/10. Was nearly a 10/10 but the last few songs were annoying stoner jamming Some songs make me wants to join a hippy drum circle. Other songs make me want to take my clothes off and dance.

I could be given a 3 second glimpse at the album cover from 5 meters away and be able to name the album, but I don't remember ever listening to the whole album or even an entire side. My loss. This is a very good album with contributions from Rock and Roll's royalty and production by Mr. Wall of Sound before he became Mr. Fuckhead. Well, perhaps he was already Mr. Fuckhead, but he was not yet the gun slinging murdering Mr. Fuckhead. I can't talk about all the songs but will mention a few: My Sweet Lord is a classic and the nod to the hare krishnas wasn't a minute to late for the most ridiculed religion of the day. Yeah people still shook their heads and sighed when they would see them but at least they had the validation from this wonderful song. Wah-wah is also quite good although I admit I have a thing for songs written to torture Paul. Happy Birthday Johnny. I didn't know that song. It's only a month until my birthday. Timing is everything. Three albums worth huh. Most of his compositions were dismissed by John and Paul for so many years, I guess once the seal was broken, there were a lot to pour out.

My Sweet Lord do I hate double albums. This is arguably the best solo album any of them ever made and I’m finding it incredibly uninteresting. I think I’m just burnt on the Beatles. I mean it’s a good record, the songs are all great, the musicianship in on point, but… …I get it, the Beatles were great but how are we, collectively as a society, not tired of them by now? It’s like Marvel movies, ubiquitous to the point where i can’t understand why people even care anymore. There’s nothing on this record that is going to surprise me, because I’ve heard it, even if I haven’t actually heard all of it. You know what I mean? 41 years on this earth and it’s still all about the Beatles. Beatles, Beatles, Beatles….I’ve grown so tired of them, it’s exhausting trying to make it through their records. For real, did I need to hear “Apple Scruffs” before I die? Absolutely not. That song is the poster child for why I hate double records. Who is that for? And how could I live without “Sir Frankie Crisp”? No one earth has ever added those songs to a playlist. It’s a scientific impossibility… Fuck me, I just realized this is actually a TRIPLE ALBUM. Sorry, George, you were easily the best Beatle, but I just can’t anymore. There’s so much other music out there, I can’t pretend that everything you 4 did is the greatest thing to ever happen to music. 3 stars because it’s 3 LP’s.

Streaming and CDs really do this album dirty. It's billed as a triple album but it was released as a double album with a bonus Instrumental LP (labeled as 'Apple Jam'). The 2014 remaster on Spotify also adds four bonus tracks to disc one and then ends with Out of the Blue which is supposed to start Apple Jam. Do yourself a favor and listen to this one as it would have been on vinyl. Each side has a great little arc to it. I'm looking forward to picking up a pressing because I can totally see myself listing to single records or even single sides from time to time. This is a ton of music on one album and I think it was meant to be listened to in chunks as much as a complete record. All in all the quality of the album is very high. Too many great tracks to list. I don't think I'll every do all three records again, but I'll be coming back to it frequently.

Can't believe some of the scores here... The 'Apple Jam' tracks are a novelty bonus, and I'm not considering them in my score. The main album is 18 tracks and 76 minutes of quality tunage. No question that it's five stars from me.

George!

this album is such a fucking VIBE

This project has taught me that no musician requires a double or triple album because songs could and should be cut. But George Harrison isn't any musician and is the exception to the rule. Even before the Beatles broke up, he was overflowing with creativity and thusly we were blessed with a triple album in the year of our George 1970. Every song has purpose, and together all songs are beautiful. The third disc comes across as a jam session due to the instrumentals, but how can I be mad when vibing to brilliant music? A big part of Harrison's music is his religion. "My Sweet Lord" is his most well-known song and is on this album, and that is a rather obvious choice. "Art of Dying" covers reincarnation, "Hear Me Lord" has Harrison asking for forgiveness, "Beware of Darkness" advises caution toward those who distract from one's spiritual journey--and those aren't the only examples available. His lyrics are always evocative and poignant, but even more beautiful when singing about religion. Even for someone who is nonreligious, I recognize something powerful about his songs and lyrics. Also, I found it interesting that, if you omit Apple Jam, "My Sweet Lord" and "Hear Me Lord" are nearly bookending this album. Harrison always came across as serious, perhaps because he wasn't as loud as the other Beatles, but I was surprised at how playful he could be. "I Dig Love" is absolutely straight from the brain of someone who lived through the sixties as he alternates between singing "I dig love" and "I love dig." "Thanks for the Pepperoni," though an instrumental, has such a goofy title. I read these choices as not taking his music too seriously. I already mentioned Harrison's lyrics, but I must come back to them because his songwriting was unbelievably special. The title song in particular hits hard; Harrison reassuring you in difficult times is emotional, or at least it is for me. Harrison always wore his heart on his sleeve, and that's never more evident with lyrics like that song. When Harrison doesn't sing about spirituality, like his meaning isn't abstract, the impact is still strong. The second side of the first disc in particular contains that realistic aspect. The range Harrison covered on All Things Must Pass is incredible. Mostly he explores rock music, but there are spots of jazz, like in "Out of the Blue" and "Art of Dying," or blues in the aptly named "Out of the Blue". There is a folk presence too, which is definitely Bob Dylan's influence, and Harrison's voice allows folk to be so smooth. He created a glorified five minute jam of "Roll Over Beethoven" that slaps five decades later. He created different kind of sounds, like the guitar through the wah-wah pedal, or the frequent use of the slide guitar. And there's that steady, muted guitar beat in "What is Life." I just love the different kind of sounds he included. This album, as Harrison's first since the Beatles break up, is full of nuances and layers. By themselves, the songs are amazing but also are longer, deeper, and more creative when compared to Beatles' tracks. I must believe there is still plenty to uncover, even with however many books, articles, and reviews have been written on this album.

Je connaissais l'album mais je n'avais jamais prit le temps de l'écouter au complet. 2h5 c'est un peu long pour une seule écoute donc je ne m'y était jamais attardé. Les albums post beatles de John (Plastic Ono band, Imagine) et Paul (McCartney, Ram) sont tous les deux des chef d'oeuvre et celui-ci n'a pas à en rougir car il est dans la même classe. 5

Outstanding!

Its understandable if you take this triple-LP's title and cover photo together to suggest a meditation on constipation played out in real time, and it's certainly understandable if George approached this project feeling a bit backed up, having spent the previous decade being allowed only as many songs on those records as Ringo, which as much as I love Ringo is kind of insulting. Less than 5 minutes in he kinda fucks himself by accidentally ripping off the melody of The Chiffons' He's So Fine for My Sweet Lord. I blame Phil Spector, the album's producer (a man whose morals seemed to be caught in an ever-escalating duel with his hairdo, until he eventually died in prison for murdering his date), for not speaking up about it more than I blame George, actually. There is a certain thing that happens sometimes to musicians where it feels more like an act of discovery than invention, if that makes sense, and that can be magical but it it's like tuning in a radio station and sometimes you dial in the wrong signal. You can be assured this would NOT pass if it were a Beatles album. Still, this is a beautiful-sounding album, if a little boring at times. But it creates a sweet vibe, and certainly a long enough one that it could be the soundtrack to half a pretty good day.

What can I say about this album? From the music to the songwriting to the album cover to what he is WEARING in the album cover, this entire thing feels like a blueprint for the modern day indie folk rock act, and George Harrison was pioneering it and mastering it in 1970. Iconic. This album was a creative breakthrough for George, as he was not nearly as creatively involved in the Beatles' work, at least not front and center. And yet, from a whole-album perspective, I have said before and will say again that "All Things Must Pass" is the most noteworthy and best solo Beatles album -- and many would agree. What he delivers on his own is unlike anything else the solo Beatles members produced, and it is also arguably some of the most timeless. There really isn't a skip on the album, and that is coming from someone that tends to groan at the sight of double albums on this project who is simultaneously taking into consideration that this is a TRIPLE album. Granted, I found the Apple Jam sessions to be a little bit much and rather jarring when compared to the context of the core album, but it is still generally good music. I wish I had more words for what is genuinely an outstanding album, but sometimes the music just speaks for itself. Many have musically followed in the footsteps of George, and while he certainly dabbled in other sounds throughout his career, there is something poetic in the fact that "All Things Must Pass" has circled back around to modern relevance. Indeed, all things must pass, but when you leave a legacy like George that influences folk rock and music in general so much, all things may circle back around, too.

There's too much quality on this album for me to give it a negative rating (when it's good it's amazing) but for the most part I didn't particularly enjoy this, it's too long. White Album works because George has two other great songwriters working with him, each with their own styles. This album very much feels like if the White Album only had songs like Long Long Long, Savoy Truffle, and While My Guitar.. on it. The songwriting is quality but there isn't much variation, and it lasts for almost 2 hours. If you like long pop rock/folk rock/blues rock albums then this'll be your thing, but don't expect much variety than that.

Some great songs. Some shit ones. 2.5 stars.

1 good song

Well that was quite a trip. Phenomenal guitar playing throughout, a true showing of what George Harrison brings to the table (it's a lot). Don't know why the version on spotify randomly has bonus tracks in the middle of the album, but outside of that it was a fantastic listen

АЙД ХЕВ Ю ЭНИТАЙМ - здоровский голос у деда. Вайбы прям такого ковбойского рока смешанные с эстетикой богемы, казино, ночного Лас-Вегаса

очень люблю

The best of the ex-Beatles' solo projects. Richly layered – Spectorian, yes, but never quite reaching the downsides of maximalism. Consistently high-minded and vaguely (though not insistently) transcedental one feels loved and perhaps just a touch spiritually uplifted when listening. Plus, it's deeply warm and humane in tone. There's a bit of fun, too, with the wild-ish "Wah Wah" and the ebullient "What is Life." This is music that mostly defies dayparting, suits most any setting and enhances most any mood. Fully digable, the sound of George enjoying life to the fullest. Given the list of guests, is calling it a solo work misnomer-y?

obviously a huge album (more in scale than in runtime, even), and tho ive heard it a few times before i dont feel hugely confident writing ab it holistically so here's a couple random thoughts lol. (1) is george still the "cool" pick for best beatle? i feel like paul has cinched the title in recent years...something about him has proved enduring thru various eras of taste politics (2) i dont quite have the words for it but george's sense of melody is maybe the most distinct of the entire band. for as distinct as lennon/mccartney are from eachother, lennon/mccartney is still a recognizable Style that people in general call Beatleseque even tho it doesnt even really apply to all the beatles (3) the apple jam is an enduringly interesting inclusion to this thing...not necessarily cuz of the music itself (which is perfectly good, people are mean and dumb) but just the overwhelming Casualness and Backwards Looking Vibes. on a record most famous for sounding big and spiritual, its the biggest tether to earth besides a couple rootsier songs in the "main" tracklist (4) this might be the apex of phil spectors "instruments to be felt and not heard" style, in that u can hear all the instruments generally speaking but it feels so unintuitive to pick them out from eachother...they feel like a ghostly and occasionally ecstatic whole (5) im really bad at picking favorite songs on albums but im not sure i Ever could here. there's like half a dozen even contenders

Of course I knew who George Harrison was. However, I didn't realize that I had already heard some of his music. I wasn't interested in the Beatles, Lennon, McCartney and certainly Harrison when I was young. It was only recently that I realized the genius of the Beatles' music. And so the solo projects of Lennon and McCartney also became interesting. Unfortunately, I neglected Georrge Harrison. When I started listening to the album, I was a little put off by its length. I wasn't sure if I would listen to it all the way through. That wasn't a problem at all. You can listen to good music for a long time at a stretch. The album is great. 5/5

Epic, especially 'Out of the Blue'....!

Phenomenonal album. I fear too long though. Its a tough listen, but aside from that its arguably a masterpiece.

👏 FIVE 👏 STARS 👏 FIVE 👏 STARS 👏 FIVE 👏 STARS 👏 FIVE 👏 STARS 👏 FIVE 👏 STARS 👏 Full disclosure: this album was already one of my favorites of all time before this 1,001 project, so I’m a big fan and very familiar with it. Is every song five stars? No. Could this triple album have been trimmed to two albums on its initial release? Maybe. Do the jams occasionally get annoying? Yes. This album isn’t perfect, but there is so so so much on here I love.

Another Wilbury! Of course it’s 5 stars, even though it’s just a bit overstuffed, and maybe if the instrumental jams weren’t all at the end they wouldn’t be as annoying, but Coke Zero! Or come on! It’s great, and I say that having heard the vastly superior Beatles version of the title track which makes it sound like a Band song.

Whelp, I just listened to this a couple weeks ago and even thought to myself, “You know if you listen to this it’s going to come up on that album generator real fast.” I was right. I wouldn’t mind so much, if this weren’t so long. But I listened again. I’ve heard of this album as the one that George made with all the songs John and Paul wouldn’t let him do. And isn’t it a shame? Look at all these great songs! This is a great album. There is a sentiment that it’d be five stars if you trim the fat. There’s a lot of filler, but the filler is all REALLY good. The peaks of this are amazing. Before I listened to this the second time, I thought it’d be a four. But a second listen after a couple of weeks and I’m over here like, “I meeeeeaaaan….. it’s a 5!”

Lovely album. George was always the understated beatle and he produced some wonderful music. This album is proof. Brilliant from start to finish

This rocked

Haven’t listened to it in full for a while so was nice to have an excuse. I absolutely love this album. Been a massive Beatles fan for as long as I can remember and George has always been my favourite. This is him at his absolute finest, Lennon and McCartney may be more celebrated as part of the band and as solo artists but imo nothing they wrote as solo artists even comes close to this.

Even better then most Beatles albums

Loved everything about this.

Soulful. Folksy. Rockin. Personal. Makes me grateful the Beatles broke up. "The music of mountain tops and vast horizons" indeed. First time I've wanted to give six stars.

My favorite solo Beatle album by a pretty good margin, although Plastic Ono Band and Imagine are great too. It’s impossible to listen to it and not compare it to the Beatles, and I’m of the probably controversial opinion that it’s as good as most of the Beatles albums. If I ranked all the Beatles albums and the members’ solo albums, this would be in my top 5. Every song is excellent, even the deepest tracks on various releases. The highlights for me are My Sweet Lord, Wah-Wah, What Is Life, and Let It Down. George was at such a creative peak at this time of his life. It’s crazy to think that he was only 27 when this was released, and before this he had already had a career in music with success matched by only a handful of people who’ve ever lived.

This reaches absolutely incredible heights in places, paving the way for Spiritualized and The Verve. Still no idea which version I should have listened to.

I've gone in and out on the Beatles over the years. Never so far out as to dislike them, but I'm currently in a place where I don't really feel the need to listen to them when there's so much new and great music coming out. That said, I will always love George. He's my favorite Beatle, and honestly the only reason I keep coming back to them. John was a self-absorbed piece of shit, and Paul is just so obnoxiously optimistic in his songwriting. Nothing against Ringo, but he's unfortunately the butt of the joke. His first solo record is only a decent listen because George wrote and played on much of it. But George... I know he wasn't a perfect human, but I just relate to him so much more than the other three. I even love his shittier later albums in spite of myself. This album is obviously long. Third disc aside, this is on an incredibly short list of actually good double albums (like I said, ignore the third disc, it's actually a bonus disc anyway). If I'm honest, the only other double albums I can think of that I actually enjoy all of are Blonde on Blonde and Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You. The first disc hits strong and hard. So many memorable guitar riffs. "I'd Have You Anytime" is sexy as hell. Co-written with Bob Dylan. "My Sweet Lord" almost makes me want to believe in a god. "Wah-Wah" is an incredible fuck you to his former bandmates. "Isn't It A Pity" A reflection on how even the best of friends can part ways with animosity and not able to reflect on what they once had with gratitude. "What Is Life" is a little on the nose, but still way better than any love song McCartney ever wrote. "If Not For You", a Bob Dylan, follows up that love song with another love song that, again, doesn't make me cringe. Listen to Bob's version on New Morning. "Behind That Locked Door", a message to his friend (you guessed it) Bob Dylan encouraging him to open up more. Lovely sentiment. Gorgeous country song. "Let It Down" turned down by the Beatles, is a lusty proclamation of desire, with some sultry guitar licks. "Run of the Mill" remains one of my favorite songs. A song about feeling wronged by a friend. Basically saying "you were a dick and everyone sees it but you, but you're too proud to just say sorry". "Beware of Darkness" has helped remind me to get out of my own head sometimes. "Watch out now / Take care, beware / Of thoughts that linger / Winding up inside your head" "Apple Scruffs" breaks up the seriousness a bit. Honestly silly, but it's a cute song of appreciation to his/Beatles' fans. "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" has some of the most gorgeous ringing guitar notes I've ever heard. I just love this song, and yet, this is the first time I noticed the "Ohhh Sir Frankie Crisp" in baritone buried in the mix. "Awaiting On You All" is a rebuke to organized religion, and I love his message that you don't need corrupt institutions to believe in something bigger than yourself. I think the first time I heard this I was in the middle of reading Be Here Now for the first time, so I was pretty receptive to this vibe. And, again, kick ass guitar. Title track paints a much lovelier picture of son lamenting his mother's death than anything John could pull off. It's about the general transience of life, but the poignancy of his mother's passing during recording is another level. "I Dig Love" is just catchy as hell, and you know what? Good for you George! You deserve love. "Art of Dying"... dude wasn't even 30 and was already at peace with death. Weirdly catchy. The repeat of the title track, I'm not entirely sure why. "Hear Me Lord"... life sucks sometimes and it feels like no one's there for you. Damn, dude. That concludes the actual album. The following instrumental tracks, take em or leave em, are decent, but skippable for sure. It's already a long album - and my review is somehow longer - but it's nearly perfect to this point and that's what I'm basing my rating on.

George is my favorite Beatle. George released the best Beatles solo album. He really threw everything he had at the wall and saw what stuck. Fortunately, nearly everything ended up sticking to that wall. Yes it is lengthy, but I feel it justifies its length, included the almost entirely instrumental third disc. I believe this is better than the White Album. He crams everything in here from Bob Dylan to Chuck Berry. Shoutout to the slide guitar.

Probly my favorite solo album from any of the Beatles

As a Beetlemaniac I find it interesting to see/hear George’s side of the story, post break-up. He was underrated in my opinion. I always liked his songs during his time in the fab 4 and think he deserved more credit. I enjoyed the horns and the slide guitar. Excellent!

My Sweet Lord is such a great song. I enjoyed this mellow album.

Beautifull

I'll give this 5 stars if you don't include the "Apple Jam" album, 3 if you do

enjoying the first song, so far this album has been great. lots of great tracks that ive heard before. i can see myself adding it to the collection

absolute classic, perfect for being depressed/loving life

Very well thought out album. Lot of great messages. 8.2/10

Quel banger ! Une grande découverte à été faite dans ma vie musicale grâce à ce site, merci. L'album est sincèrement un chef d'œuvre du rock des 70s. Une grande douceur, des arrangements très forts pour l'époque, même si le mix laisse un peu à désirer, notamment au niveau des voix, l'album All Things Must Pass est un ajout de très grande qualité pour ma playlist.

A strong, consistent album made with feelings. The lyrics and music combine to create a wonderful journey.

Love it. A favorite.

I was not a big Beatles fan or George Harrison fan a decade or so ago, and a large part of that was due to the output of the Beatles in the 70's and 80's. However, as I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate the music and realized that albums like "All Things Must Pass" aren't just "hippy music" but is folk-rock that has inspired so much music since. Harrison always comes off as sincere, in tune with his instrument and music, in general, and just knows how to write hooks and beautiful music.

classic

Happy I was able to listen to this masterpiece. Straight bangers

It is laughable how much better this album is than the other Beatles solo projects. This is just pure brilliance

Great tunes all around

Comenzamos septiembre con esta obra magnánima de George Harrison, mi Beatle favorito, si aun cabe la rivalidad y la elección de uno entre los cuatro. ¿Será el paso del tiempo? ¿Será entrar en la recta de los 35, que me hace conectar con estos artistas más maduros? Me es inevitable enganchar con sus búsquedas espirituales, introspectivas, más profundas. Increíble trabajo.

The first disc could be a 5 star album on its own - outstanding songwriting, production, and performance from one of the most underrated musicians of the 20th century!

my favorite beatle, my favorite album.

5/5

**All Things Must Pass** by George Harrison is not just a landmark in his solo career but also a significant moment in the history of rock music. Released on November 27, 1970, this triple album marked Harrison's emergence from the shadow of his former bandmates in The Beatles, showcasing his prowess as a songwriter, musician, and producer. Below is an in-depth review of the album focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with a balanced discussion of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **Lyrics** The lyrics of **All Things Must Pass** reflect a period of intense personal and spiritual transformation for George Harrison. After years of contributing to The Beatles' success with a relatively limited platform, Harrison had amassed a wealth of material that had gone unrecorded. The result is a deeply introspective and, at times, philosophical body of work. 1. **Spirituality and Transcendence**: Many of the songs on the album explore Harrison's spiritual beliefs, which were heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy and Hinduism. The title track, "All Things Must Pass," encapsulates the impermanence of life and the inevitability of change. Lyrics like "Sunrise doesn't last all morning, a cloudburst doesn't last all day" reflect a stoic acceptance of life's transitory nature, grounded in spiritual maturity. Another spiritual anthem, "My Sweet Lord," expresses Harrison's yearning for a closer relationship with God. The song's mantra-like repetition of "Hare Krishna" alongside Christian "Hallelujah" is a bold and innovative blending of Eastern and Western religious sentiments, which was both controversial and groundbreaking at the time. 2. **Personal Reflection and Freedom**: Harrison also delves into his personal struggles and newfound independence. "Isn't It a Pity" is a poignant reflection on the breakdown of human relationships, possibly a commentary on the dissolution of The Beatles. The lyrics are mournful yet empathetic, underscoring the sorrow of misunderstandings and emotional distances that arise between people. On a more optimistic note, "What Is Life" expresses the joy and elation that comes from love, perhaps directed at both a romantic partner and a higher spiritual love. Its lyrics are straightforward yet effective, capturing a universal sentiment with broad appeal. 3. **Social Commentary**: "Beware of Darkness" serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to be wary of materialism, fame, and the darker aspects of life that can lead one astray. Harrison’s lyrics are almost prophetic, warning of the dangers of deception and false prophets, which can be interpreted as a reflection on his experience in the music industry. ### **Music** The musical composition of **All Things Must Pass** is as varied and rich as its lyrical content. Harrison, aided by a host of renowned musicians, crafted a sound that melded rock, folk, gospel, and Indian influences into a cohesive and expansive sonic landscape. 1. **Diverse Instrumentation**: The album is notable for its rich and diverse instrumentation. Tracks like "My Sweet Lord" feature the signature slide guitar that would become Harrison's hallmark, while "Wah-Wah" is characterized by its dense wall of sound, with layers of guitars, horns, and percussion creating a swirling, almost chaotic effect. The use of acoustic guitars, as heard in "I'd Have You Anytime" (co-written with Bob Dylan), gives the album a warm and organic feel. This is complemented by the lush orchestration found in "Isn't It a Pity" and "All Things Must Pass," where strings and horns add a grand, almost cinematic quality to the music. 2. **Innovative Arrangements**: Harrison's collaboration with Phil Spector as co-producer resulted in the album's distinctive "Wall of Sound" production technique. This is most evident in tracks like "Awaiting on You All" and "Wah-Wah," where the dense layers of sound create a powerful, almost overwhelming listening experience. However, not all tracks are overproduced. Songs like "Run of the Mill" and "Behind That Locked Door" showcase Harrison's ability to craft more intimate, stripped-down arrangements that allow the lyrics and melody to take center stage. 3. **Blending of Genres**: **All Things Must Pass** is a melting pot of genres. "What Is Life" is a classic rock track with an infectious groove, driven by a punchy brass section. "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)" blends folk rock with a whimsical, almost psychedelic atmosphere, while "Apple Scruffs" is a simple, harmonica-driven tribute to the fans who supported The Beatles through thick and thin. The influence of Indian music, which Harrison had famously explored during his time with The Beatles, is less overt on this album but still present in the spiritual undertones and the use of the slide guitar, which emulates the sound of the sitar. ### **Production** The production of **All Things Must Pass** is as crucial to its identity as the songs themselves. Co-produced by Phil Spector, known for his "Wall of Sound" technique, the album is characterized by its grand, expansive production. 1. **Phil Spector's Influence**: Spector's influence is most apparent in the dense, multi-layered soundscapes that dominate the album. Tracks like "Wah-Wah" and "Awaiting on You All" are prime examples, with their thick textures of guitars, drums, and orchestral elements all blending into a single, cohesive sound. This production style, while innovative, is also a point of contention. Some listeners find that the "Wall of Sound" can be overwhelming, obscuring the subtle nuances of Harrison's songwriting and musicianship. In tracks like "Isn't It a Pity" and "Let It Down," the heavy reverb and layered instrumentation can sometimes feel excessive, leading to a loss of clarity. 2. **Balance Between Clarity and Density**: Despite the sometimes overwhelming production, there are moments of clarity where the production enhances rather than detracts from the music. The more stripped-down tracks like "Behind That Locked Door" and "Apple Scruffs" benefit from a more restrained approach, allowing Harrison's voice and guitar work to shine through. The production of the title track, "All Things Must Pass," strikes a perfect balance between Spector's grandiosity and Harrison's intimate songwriting. The song builds gradually, with each layer adding emotional weight, culminating in a powerful, yet controlled, finale. 3. **Recording Quality and Legacy**: The recording quality of **All Things Must Pass** has been the subject of debate over the years. Some critics have pointed out that the dense production can sound muddled, particularly in the original 1970 mix. However, the 2001 remastered version and the 50th-anniversary edition in 2021 have helped to address some of these issues, bringing greater clarity and balance to the mix. Spector's influence on the album's production is both a strength and a weakness. While it gives the album a distinctive and cohesive sound, it also imposes a level of uniformity that can sometimes stifle the diversity of Harrison's songwriting. ### **Themes** **All Things Must Pass** is thematically rich, exploring a wide range of topics from spirituality and personal freedom to love, loss, and the passage of time. 1. **Spirituality and Enlightenment**: The theme of spirituality runs through the entire album. Harrison’s exploration of Eastern philosophy is evident in songs like "My Sweet Lord," which expresses his desire for a deeper connection with the divine. The repetition of religious phrases from different faiths is symbolic of Harrison's belief in the universality of spiritual truth. The title track, "All Things Must Pass," reflects the Buddhist concept of impermanence, reinforcing the idea that all experiences, whether good or bad, are temporary and will eventually pass. 2. **Personal Liberation and Self-Discovery**: The album also deals with themes of personal liberation and self-discovery. "Run of the Mill" and "Isn't It a Pity" reflect Harrison's disillusionment with the constraints and conflicts within The Beatles, as well as his journey towards self-acceptance and independence. "Beware of Darkness" addresses the dangers of materialism and the pitfalls of fame, themes that were particularly relevant to Harrison at the time. The song serves as a warning against losing oneself in the pursuit of worldly success. 3. **Love and Relationships**: Love, both spiritual and romantic, is another recurring theme. "What Is Life" is an exuberant celebration of love, while "I'd Have You Anytime" expresses a yearning for intimacy and connection. These songs balance the more introspective and philosophical tracks, adding warmth and humanity to the album. "Apple Scruffs," on the other hand, is a light-hearted ode to the dedicated fans who supported Harrison and The Beatles. It's a reminder that amidst the grandeur of the album's themes, there are moments of simplicity and joy. ### **Influence** **All Things Must Pass** has had a profound influence on both Harrison's career and the wider music landscape. Its impact can be felt in various aspects of rock and popular music, as well as in the way it redefined what a solo album could be. 1. **A Defining Solo Statement**: The success of **All Things Must Pass** established Harrison as a major artist in his own right, independent of The Beatles. The album's critical and commercial success demonstrated that Harrison was not just a "quiet Beatle," but a powerful songwriter and musician with a unique voice. The triple album format was unprecedented at the time for a solo artist and set a new standard for ambition and creativity in the music industry. The album’s success paved the way for other artists to explore more expansive and ambitious projects in their solo careers. 2. **Blending of Spirituality and Popular Music**: Harrison's blending of spirituality with rock music was groundbreaking. "My Sweet Lord" became the first song by a solo Beatle to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and its success helped to bring spiritual themes into mainstream popular music. This blending of the sacred and the secular has influenced countless artists who have since explored similar themes in their work. The album also had a lasting impact on the genre of folk rock, particularly in the way it incorporated elements of Indian music and philosophy. Harrison's exploration of these themes helped to broaden the horizons of rock music, encouraging other artists to experiment with new sounds and ideas. 3. **Legacy and Reappraisal**: Over the years, **All Things Must Pass** has been consistently reappraised and is now considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It has influenced generations of musicians, from singer-songwriters to rock bands, and remains a touchstone for those exploring themes of spirituality, love, and personal freedom. The album's 50th-anniversary edition in 2021 brought renewed attention to its legacy, with remastered tracks that enhanced the clarity and depth of the original recordings. This re-release introduced the album to a new generation of listeners, further cementing its place in the pantheon of classic rock albums. ### **Pros and Cons** **Pros**: 1. **Lyrical Depth**: Harrison’s songwriting is introspective, spiritual, and emotionally resonant, offering a rich tapestry of themes that explore the human experience. 2. **Musical Diversity**: The album's eclectic mix of rock, folk, gospel, and Indian influences showcases Harrison’s versatility and musical creativity. 3. **Innovative Production**: Phil Spector’s "Wall of Sound" gives the album a distinctive, expansive feel, making it a unique listening experience. 4. **Cultural Impact**: The album's exploration of spiritual themes was groundbreaking and has had a lasting influence on popular music. 5. **Legacy**: **All Things Must Pass** is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, with a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike. **Cons**: 1. **Overproduction**: The "Wall of Sound" technique, while innovative, can be overwhelming at times, with some tracks feeling overly dense and cluttered. 2. **Length**: As a triple album, **All Things Must Pass** is a long and sometimes challenging listen, with some critics arguing that it could have benefited from some editing. 3. **Muddled Mix**: The original 1970 mix has been criticized for its lack of clarity, with some instruments and vocals getting lost in the dense production. ### **Conclusion** **All Things Must Pass** is a monumental achievement in George Harrison’s career and in the history of rock music. Its lyrical depth, musical diversity, and innovative production have left an indelible mark on the music world. While the album is not without its flaws—chiefly, its overproduction and sprawling length—its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Harrison’s exploration of spiritual and personal themes, combined with his mastery of melody and composition, make **All Things Must Pass** a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners over five decades after its release.

Being stifled by two great artists can lead to something like this, once freedom prevails; however, instead of doing a “solo” album, Harrison chose to surround himself with other greats, including Dylan, Billy Preston, Clapton, and members of The Band (among others) to create this masterpiece. Thank you, John and Paul.

huge album. full of classic, timeless

A huge achievement by the Beatles’ most undervalued member, bursting with creativity and spirituality. The length is a little much, but I think it’s appropriate to the album’s scope and its massive Wall of Sound production. I can also take or leave the Apple Jam, but I consider those to be bonus tracks and not really a part of the main album. Either way, this is George’s day in the sun as a songwriter that deserves to be taken just as seriously as John and Paul. Best song: Isn’t It a Pity (Version 1)

Good

I only knew this album for My Sweet Lord which is such a nice, fun song. What is Life is also a lot of fun. Definitely a great poolside album or any vibe that is summer vacation. Also multiple songs remind me of Guardians of the galaxy for being in the movie or their upbeat vibe that could've fit right in.

++: My Sweet Lord, Wah-Wah, Isn't It a Pity (Version One), Let It Down, Run of the Mill, Apple Scruffs, Awaiting on You All, All Things Must Pass, I Dig Love, Isn't It a Pity (Version Two), Hear Me Lord, Out of the Blue, It's Johnny's Birthday, Plug Me In, I Remember Jeep +: I'd Have You Anytime, What Is Life, If Not for You, Behind That Locked Door, Beware of Darkness, Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll), Art of Dying 9,7/10

An album with a runtime as long as this one has no business being so great. Harrison manages to draw from every thread of influence that made The Beatles a compelling cultural force, and infuse them with something deeper, richer, and mlore complex than any of his former band's efforts. It's very easy to argue the case that this is the best solo work that any member of the Fab Four would go on to release.

Amazing album

Look, you don't count sides 5&6. And even if you did, that's better than almost every other shitty ass jam band or psychedelic freak out album. Arguably the greatest double album of all time. The sound is warm, the songs are great, the band is comfortable.

Uma explosão criativa com toda calma e serenidade iluminadas. Confirma a capacidade de fazer o melhor do rock com as guitarras embarcando as melodias.

Just brilliant. I absolutely loved this when it came out and absolutely still love it. I have played this album so many times over and over through the years and never get sick of it. For me, as a Beatles lover, this is as great as most of the Beatles albums are, and is the best of any solo album by a Beatle.

Undeniably great

Brilliant guitar play

Best post-Beatles album.

An explosion of creativity, of joy, of anger and spirituality and wistfulness, all of the things George couldn’t express in the Beatles he finally lets loose in a sprawling symphony. It just may be the best solo album any of them ever made.

George. Ringo. John. Paul. My favourite song of all time. And a fine taste in coats.

WOW! I really didn’t expect this album to grow on me so rapidly throughout one single listen. My Sweet Lord is a classic, but I do think that the level of exposure I have had to it has slightly dampened it’s impact on me… I am unsure why 😉. My first big favourite came with Behind That Locked Door: so pretty sounding! I Live For You, All Things Must Pass, and Hear Me Lord were additional high notes. But then, as if out of nowhere, came that last however many songs of pure instrumental. I was engrossed the whole time while cleaning out my room! Soulful, Bluesy, Jazzy, Rocky, and everything in between. Prime example of respecting the listeners time; making a comparatively lengthy album justified in it’s length and not over-indulgent. At times, I felt notes of Elton John-y stuff, but somehow this felt different and better in every possible way. A perfect victory lap after his Beatles success - thanks for the experience, George @ Co.

❤️ Masterpiece. Radiates warmth and sunshine. We’re lucky the world gave us George Harrison. This album is heavenly.

Fantastic album. One of my favourite Beatles solo projects and one of my favourite albums in general. This is a solid 5. No doubt.

Best Beatles solo album

I don't think I've ever actually listened to this album but I know it was a proper classic and knew a lot of the songs. It was brilliant.

Oh yeah! George Harrison’s solo career is great, I love this album more than I love my future child.

best non Beatles Beatles album

A Very Nice experience

Top Ten All Timer (even though it’s a bit bloated).

This is probably the best post Beatles album. No filler. No notes.

Really great music for the lovers of Beatles.

graded on a curve (correctly ignoring the apple jam)

George is really being himself here. It might be long but it’s a good listen. Very good!

The Beatles were a really interesting band when you think about it. They were huge and are treated like gods of music or something. And yet, despite that, they didn't even make music for 10 years. The experience of being a Beatle must have been such an interesting one, especially in the time after the band's breakup. And the best way to look to see what was happening with the band members after the breakup is to look at their solo albums after the breakup. All 4 Beatles had/have interesting careers with interesting albums (one of which, John Lennon's "Imagine", I already listened to), but if there's one ex-Beatle album that I've seen praise for more than any other, it would have to be All Things Must Pass by George Harrison. George doesn't really get talked about much in comparison to the rest of the band. He made some of the band's best songs like "Here Comes the Sun" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," but I feel like I've seen more people today talking about Ringo than George. Despite that, this album has been put on something of a pedestal. So, does it deserve that? Absolutely. The first two thirds of this album are, in my opinion, perfect. Every song is just phenomenal. I really like songs like "My Sweet Lord," "Wah-Wah," and "What is Life." You get to hear about things like George's thoughts on his band mates and his absolutely fascinating spiritual journey. The sound is amazing. It's very Abbey Road-esque in a way, and that's still my favorite Beatles album to this day. The last third, dubbed the "Apple Jam" isn't as interesting, but it's at least a fairly enjoyable jam session. The album is very long, the longest one I've done so far as a matter of fact! And yet, I still didn't feel like it was dragging in a way that I felt for other, much worse albums. Also, getting this album on a weekend day definitely helped. Overall, this is a masterpiece. I think this might be one of my favorite albums yet. 5/5.

Never listened to the album all the way through before. Good throughout, stand out tracks: - My sweet lord remaster and 2000 - Wah Wah - What is life - Let it down - Apple Scruffs - All things must pass - Art of Dying (AMAZING)

1. I’d Have You Anytime 8/10 2. My Sweet Lord 9/10 3. Wah-Wah 7/10 4. Isn’t It A Pity (1) 9/10 5. What Is Life? 10/10 6. If Not For You 8/10 7. Behind That Locked Door 8/10 8. Let It Down 9/10 9. Run of the Mill 8/10 10. Beware of Darkness 7/10 11. Apple Scruffs 9/10 12. Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp 9/10 13. Awaiting On You All 9/10 14. All Things Must Pass 10/10 15. I Dig Love 7/10 16. Art of Dying 10/10 17. Isn’t It A Pity (2) 10/10 18. Hear Me Lord 10/10 Score: 167/180= 93%

Great

beautiful melodies

Not the first album after the breakup of the Beatles (that was Ringo with a collection of swing tunes) but surely the one that matters. The title track is best in the acoustic version and the infamous My Sweet Lord really can stand on its own feet. This record shows that Harrison could helm a project. It has these carefully used gospel elements, not too heavy, that make every rock album better.

Been hanging out for this for at least half the list and was left kind of conflicted or at least a bit confused. Its good but soo layered it definitely calls for more than the 5 listens I've given it already this week. Five stars though due to George being the coolest Beatle still though no questions - that clip of him getting out of his rolls with the hat on in front of Abbey Road will go down in cool dude history.

I don't know if I would have given this a 5 were I not obsessed with the Beatles and already a huge George Harrison fan. Not every song is a winner, but I'd buy it and I'd listen to it again, because it's a snapshot of life out on his own for the first time and it's very charming to me. Plus there are some really wonderful songs on here.

What an album!!!! George finally felt free to make songs!!!!

5 for the first disk, 4 for the second. Definitely could be better with less songs, but his songwriting style was so unique and I love the sound space he creates.