“All Things Must Pass” is a monumental album in George Harrison’s career, marking his first solo venture after the dissolution of The Beatles.
- Triple Album: “All Things Must Pass” was originally released as a triple album on November 27, 1970, making it one of the first triple albums in rock music history.
- Phil Spector’s Production: The album was produced by legendary producer Phil Spector, known for his “Wall of Sound” technique, which added lush orchestration to the songs.
- Composition Wealth: Many of the songs on the album were written during George Harrison’s time with The Beatles but were not included in their albums. The album thus became a release for the backlog of his compositions.
- Title Track: The title track, “All Things Must Pass,” became one of George Harrison’s most famous songs. Its spiritual themes reflect Harrison’s interest in Eastern philosophy and the influence of his time studying under Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar.
- My Sweet Lord: Another standout track from the album is “My Sweet Lord,” which became Harrison’s first solo single and a massive hit. Its blending of Christian and Hindu themes caused controversy but also contributed to its popularity.
- Musical Contributions: The album features notable contributions from musicians such as Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and members of Badfinger.
- Lengthy Recording Sessions: The recording sessions for “All Things Must Pass” were extensive, spanning several months. This allowed Harrison to experiment with different sounds and arrangements.
- Reception: The album was a critical and commercial success, receiving widespread acclaim for its songwriting, production, and Harrison’s musical growth beyond his role in The Beatles.
- Album Artwork: The album’s cover art features a striking photograph of George Harrison surrounded by garden gnomes in the garden of his Friar Park estate.
- Reissue: In 2001, “All Things Must Pass” was remastered and reissued with additional tracks and bonus material, including demos and alternate versions of songs.
- Influence: The album’s success paved the way for other Beatles members’ solo careers and established George Harrison as a significant solo artist in his own right.
- Legacy: “All Things Must Pass” is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time and is frequently cited as Harrison’s masterpiece.
- Vinyl Reissue: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vinyl records, leading to the reissue of “All Things Must Pass” in vinyl format, appealing to both longtime fans and younger listeners.
- Documentary: In 2021, a documentary titled “George Harrison: Living in the Material World,” directed by Martin Scorsese, provided an in-depth look at Harrison’s life and musical career, including his work on “All Things Must Pass.”
- 50th Anniversary Edition: In 2021, a deluxe 50th-anniversary edition of “All Things Must Pass” was released, featuring a remix of the entire album, along with previously unreleased tracks and outtakes, providing fans with new insights into the making of this landmark album.
