All Things Must Pass (Album Review)

Originally posted here

Instead of doing a movie review, I've decided to do an album review.

I doubt any Beatles fan thought that John, Paul, Ringo and George could top their work with The Beatles in their solo career but All Things Must Pass certainly is close. This was George Harrison's (the quiet Beatle) third album but his previous two were just compositional pieces, so in ways this was his first album and oh boy was it testament to George's talent both as a song writer and guitarist.

The album shows us how George has evolved as a guitarist by learning the slide guitar and as a songwriter and that he could write enough strong material to compose an entire album (and a triple LP at that). His influence from Inidan music is present and it helps distinguish his sound from John's or Paul's.

It's also great to see Harrison's friendships turned collaborators such as Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan work on the album. Bob Dylan co-wrote the opening track of 'I'd Have You Anytime' but the lyrics don't scream Dylan's involvement. It's a simple song written by two friends at a time of change for the pair. Clapton worked on most tracks as an additional guitarist but when you get two of the greatest guitarist of all-time you get some exception and above par guitar work.

Highlight tracks in this album include the titular 'All Things Must Pass', 'I'd Have You Anytime', 'My Sweet Lord', and 'Isn't a Pity'. The titular song was turned down by Lennon and McCartney for inclusion on the Abbey Road album. While Abbey Road is a great album (with some marvelous Harrison compositions), I think some the songs would have been forgotten for the more well known songs on the album (Here Comes the Sun, Come Together, Because, McCartney's medley, and I Want You.

The album cover also might represent Harrison's departure from The Beatles, with the four garden gnomes that surround him.

My only complaint about the album is the apple jam LP (the third vinyl) which isn't as strong as the rest of the album.

Overall Score: 9/10