All Things Must Pass

All Things Must Pass
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Name	All Things Must Pass
Artist	George Harrison
Released	27 November 1970
Recorded	May–October 1970
Studio	Abbey Road, Trident, Apple Studio
Genre	Rock, folk rock, gospel
Length	105:35
Label	Apple Records
Producer	George Harrison, Phil Spector
Prev title	Electronic Sound
Prev year	1969
Next title	The Concert for Bangladesh
Next year	1971

All Things Must Pass is the third studio album by English musician George Harrison. Released in November 1970 on the Apple Records label, it was his first major solo work following the breakup of the Beatles. The triple album, co-produced with the renowned Phil Spector, features an expansive sound characterized by its layered production and contributions from numerous notable session musicians. It includes the hit single "My Sweet Lord" and has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of the rock era.

Background and recording

Following the dissolution of the Beatles in early 1970, Harrison had accumulated a significant backlog of songs written during the band's later years, many of which were not featured on the group's albums like The Beatles or Abbey Road. Sessions began in earnest at Abbey Road Studios in May 1970, with key recording also taking place at Trident Studios and the newly constructed Apple Studio. Harrison enlisted a formidable array of collaborators, including keyboardist Billy Preston, guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Jim Gordon, who were part of the informal group Derek and the Dominos. The production approach by Harrison and Phil Spector utilized the latter's signature "Wall of Sound" technique, creating a dense, orchestral atmosphere with a large ensemble that included members of the band Badfinger and saxophonist Bobby Keys.

Music and lyrics

The album's music is a rich tapestry blending folk rock, gospel, and country rock influences, marked by Harrison's distinctive slide guitar work and spiritual lyrical themes. Tracks like "My Sweet Lord" intertwine Hindu chants with Christian imagery, while "Wah-Wah" and "Run of the Mill" reflect on the interpersonal tensions within the Beatles and the music industry. The contemplative title track, "All Things Must Pass," explores themes of impermanence, and the instrumental "The Art of Dying" delves into philosophical concepts inspired by Harrison's study of the Bhagavad Gita. The sound is further defined by the use of the Hammond organ, orchestral arrangements, and the prominent backing vocals of artists like Gary Wright and George O'Hara.

Release and reception

Upon its release in November 1970, All Things Must Pass was met with widespread critical acclaim and immediate commercial success, reaching number one on charts in the United Kingdom, the United States, and numerous other countries including Australia and Canada. Reviewers in publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times praised its ambition and emotional depth, with many noting it as a definitive artistic statement from Harrison. The album's lead single, "My Sweet Lord," became a global number-one hit, though it later became entangled in a copyright lawsuit over its similarity to the Chiffons' song "He's So Fine." The album's packaging, featuring a photograph of Harrison in the gardens of Friar Park by Barry Feinstein, also received notable attention.

Legacy and influence

All Things Must Pass is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time by institutions such as Rolling Stone and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and it is often cited as the most successful solo album by any former member of the Beatles. Its expansive production style influenced the development of album-oriented rock and artists ranging from Jeff Lynne to Tom Petty. The 2001 reissue, supervised by Harrison and his son Dhani Harrison, included new tracks and demos, renewing critical appreciation. The album's enduring legacy was cemented by events like The Concert for George, a tribute held at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002, and its preservation in the Library of Congress.

Track listing and personnel

The original album was structured as two LPs of primary songs and a third disc of informal jams titled "Apple Jam." Key personnel included core musicians like guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Klaus Voormann, and drummer Jim Gordon, with orchestral arrangements by John Barham and Phil Spector. Notable guest appearances came from Ringo Starr on drums for "It Don't Come Easy," Bob Dylan-inspired harmonica by Pete Drake, and percussion by Ray Cooper. The production team included engineers such as Ken Scott and Phil McDonald, with tape operators like John Leckie who would later produce for XTC. The 2001 reissue added bonus tracks like the Billy Preston co-write "I Live for You."

Category:1970 albums Category:George Harrison albums Category:Apple Records albums Category:Triple albums