George Harrison released his solo masterpiece, “All Things Must Pass”, on November 23, 1970 and the album reached the #1 spot on the chart today in 1971. The album was the first triple album by a single artist in rock history. It has sold over six million copies and is the best solo album of any of the Beatles .
The album contains 23 songs, many of which were written years before while the Beatles were still together. Multiple songs, including the title track, were rejected by Paul McCartney and John Lennon for inclusion on Beatles albums. Harrison had also been hanging out in Woodstock, New York with Bob Dylan and The Band in the late 1960s and he wrote some songs during that time that are included on “All Things Must Pass”.
Produced by Phil Spector, the album has a full, layered sound that employed the talents of a number of musicians. Harrison was joined by an all-star cast, including Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright (Dream Weaver) and Phil Collins on congas (yes, that Phil Collins). In addition, the other members of Derek and the Dominos that aren’t named Duane Allman also contributed to the album.
While in the Beatles, Harrison was overshadowed by two of the biggest rockstars in history. On this album, his first solo record after leaving the Beatles, he achieved the escape velocity needed to break free of McCartney and Lennon’s gravity. “All Things Must Pass” has sold more copies than Lennon’s “Imagine” and McCartney/Wing’s “Band on the Run” combined. It is a tremendous album that deserves more attention than it receives.
“I’d Have You Anytime”:
“Isn’t It a Pity (Version One):
“Beware of Darkness”:
“All Things Must Pass”:
