#368 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“#368 feels right for this one. All Things Must Pass is a product of the 1970s, and George Harrison delivered something that still resonates. The original pressing rewards close listening on a good turntable.”
George Harrison (1943-2001) was the lead guitarist of The Beatles and became a significant solo artist following the band's breakup in 1970. His first solo album, 'Wonderwall Music' (1968), preceded his masterpiece 'All Things Must Pass' (1970), which showcased his prolific songwriting and established him as a major force in rock music. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Harrison released acclaimed albums including 'Living in the Material World' (1973) and 'Cloud Nine' (1987), exploring themes of spirituality, social consciousness, and personal reflection. He remained active in music and film production until his death, leaving behind a legacy of introspective songwriting that balanced commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
Style
Harrison's solo work blended rock, pop, and Indian classical influences, featuring intricate guitar work, spiritual lyricism, and sophisticated production. His sound evolved from the psychedelic-influenced early work to more polished, accessible pop-rock formats in later decades.
Significance
As a Beatles guitarist and solo artist, Harrison's vinyl records are essential to any serious collector's collection. His influence on rock guitar and his exploration of Eastern music philosophy made him culturally significant, while his solo albums represent some of the finest singer-songwriter material of the post-Beatles era.
George Harrison's 'All Things Must Pass' (1970) emerged as his first major solo project following the Beatles' dissolution. Recorded primarily at his home studio in Surrey and at Abbey Road Studios, the album showcased material Harrison had written but couldn't record with the Beatles due to band dynamics. Working with producer Phil Spector, Harrison crafted a 23-song double album that ranged from introspective ballads to rock arrangements. Key collaborators included Ringo Starr on drums for several tracks, organist Billy Preston, and guitarist Eric Clapton. The recording sessions were relatively informal compared to Beatles work, allowing Harrison creative freedom to realize his distinctive vision.
Historical Context
Released in November 1970, 'All Things Must Pass' arrived during a period of intense solo activity from former Beatles members. The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, eventually outselling Lennon's 'Imagine,' though initially received less media attention. It showcased that the Beatles' split wouldn't diminish each member's artistic value. The album's spiritual and romantic themes reflected early-1970s sensibilities, while its production style, particularly Spector's wall-of-sound arrangements, connected to contemporary psychedelic and progressive rock trends. Critics praised Harrison's songwriting depth and the album's cohesive vision.
Pressing Notes
The original 1970 UK release on Apple Records came as a three-LP boxed set with a poster and postcards. Early pressings vary in label design and mastering. The album was remastered and reissued in 2001 as a hybrid SACD and again in 2014 as part of Harrison's catalog reissue campaign. Original gatefold copies command premium prices, particularly early UK and US pressings. Collectors should note pressing quality varies significantly; original 1970 copies often exhibit superior analog warmth compared to later digital reissues. Japanese pressings from the early 1970s are highly sought after for their superior pressing quality.
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