All Things Must Pass

All Things Must Pass
source
Name	All Things Must Pass
Type	studio
Artist	George Harrison
Released	1970
Recorded	1969–1970
Studio	Abbey Road, Trident, EMI, Apple
Length	119:06
Label	Apple, EMI, Apple Records
Producer	George Harrison, Phil Spector

All Things Must Pass George Harrison's triple LP released in 1970 marked a pivotal solo statement after the dissolution of The Beatles, featuring contributions from Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Billy Preston, and arranged with Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound". The album bridged Harrison's work with peers across Rock music, Folk rock, Gospel music and Indian classical music, while reflecting events like the Concert for Bangladesh and the cultural aftermath of the 1960s. Critics frequently compare its scope to works by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

Background and recording

Following sessions at Apple Studio and during periods in Ascot, Harrison began extensive recording in late 1969 at Abbey Road Studios and Trident Studios with engineer Phil McDonald and producer Phil Spector. Sessions featured musicians from Delaney & Bonnie's touring band, including Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, Dave Mason, and vocals by Jesse Ed Davis and Klaus Voormann. The project expanded after The Beatles' breakup and contemporaneous events like the solo releases of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with Harrison arranging overdubs influenced by Spector's work with The Ronettes and The Crystals.

Composition and lyrics

Harrison's songwriting on the record draws on devotional themes linked to his work with Indian classical music masters such as Ravi Shankar and reflects personal narratives tied to figures like Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and friends from Apple Corps. Tracks employ lyrical imagery that invokes references found in songs by Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Donovan, and the spiritual motifs associated with Hare Krishna practitioners and the movement led by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Instrumentation includes slide guitar techniques popularized by Ry Cooder and harmonic approaches comparable to George Martin's arrangements.

Release and promotion

Released by Apple Records in 1970, the album's rollout coincided with solo projects from John Lennon and Paul McCartney and promotional appearances involving The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and coverage in Rolling Stone (magazine), Melody Maker, and NME. Harrison staged subsequent events culminating in benefit concerts like the Concert for Bangladesh with artists including Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Leon Russell; these events amplified public interest alongside distribution through EMI and international labels such as Capitol Records.

Critical reception and legacy

Initial reviews in outlets like Rolling Stone (magazine), NME, Melody Maker, and The Village Voice varied, but retrospective assessments place the album among seminal solo projects following The Beatles' breakup, often cited alongside works by John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band and Paul McCartney's solo albums. Scholars link its influence to later artists such as Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Oasis, Coldplay, and producers like Brian Wilson and Rick Rubin, while music historians reference its place in lists compiled by institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and rankings by Rolling Stone (magazine) and Time (magazine).

Commercial performance

The album charted highly across markets, reaching number one in the United Kingdom and the United States, competing with contemporaneous releases by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Simon & Garfunkel. Sales figures were bolstered by singles performance on charts tracked by Billboard and certification agencies such as the Recording Industry Association of America and the British Phonographic Industry.

Personnel and production credits

Primary credits include George Harrison (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Phil Spector (production, orchestration), Eric Clapton (guitar), Ringo Starr (drums), Billy Preston (keyboards), Klaus Voormann (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), Carl Radle (bass), and musicians from sessions associated with Delaney & Bonnie and the Band. Arrangements drew on engineers and arrangers connected to Abbey Road Studios, with mastering and reissue work later handled by professionals tied to Capitol Records and EMI.

Covers and cultural impact

Songs from the album have been covered by artists across genres, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton (solo performances), and reinterpretations by acts linked to Indie rock scenes and tribute ensembles associated with the Concert for George. The record's enduring cultural footprint appears in film soundtracks, museum exhibitions at institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and mentions in biographies of figures such as Ravi Shankar, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney.

Category:1970 albums Category:George Harrison albums