All Things Must Pass Sounds Better Than Ever 54 Years Later

Fifty-four years ago, on Nov. 27, 1970, George Harrison released his debut 23-track long solo album All Things Must Pass. Harrison is best known for his work with the Liverpudlian rock quartet The Beatles, which split in early 1970. Some fantastic tracks that aren’t included in-depth include; “If Not For You” (Written by Bob Dylan), “Art of Dying,” and “Behind That Locked Door.” 

The album opens with the almost three minutes long love song,  “I’d Have You Anytime.” This track features Harrison’s idol, Bob Dylan. Highlights include the folksy opening guitar.

Track two is the ever-famous “My Sweet Lord.” While the lyrics of this song are basic and, at some points, rudimentary, they dig into the listener's ear, making you want to sing along. Harrison was sued for this song in 1971 for copyright infringement by Bright Tunes Music Corporation, which claimed that Harrison had copied their artist, Ronnie Mack, and her song “He’s So Fine.”

Track three, named “Wah-Wah,” opens less folksy and with a more rock style. The lyrics tell a very good deal about Harrison’s emotional state when writing. Harrison wrote the song during his short leave from The Beatles in January of 1969 after a tension-filled rehearsal period for the Get Back sessions at Twickenham Studios, where Harrison felt Paul McCartney and John Lennon weren’t fairly treating him. The lyrics are filled with hints to the issues, with lines such as “Oh, you don't see me crying / Oh, you don't hear me sighing,” and “You made me such a big star / Being there at the right time / Cheaper than a dime.” 

The spot of track four is held by the over seven-minute long  “Isn’t A Pity (Version One),” written in 1966. This track takes us back to the folksy vibe Harrison wrote in his 1980 autobiography  I, Me, Mine, “‘Isn't It a Pity' is about whenever a relationship hits a down point... It was a chance to realize that if I felt somebody had let me down, then there's a good chance I was letting someone else down.” 

Tracks five through thirteen and fifteen through twenty-three are typical rock, folk, and blues songs of the early 70’s.

Track fourteen, the last track we will cover, the titular; “All Things Must Pass,” brings a sense of reflection. The song has spiritual undertones and an amazingly soothing melody that resonates deeply with listeners. Harrison’s voice, accompanied by a rich, harmonious arrangement, reflects an acceptance of life's inevitable changes and, inevitably, death. 

The album is hauntingly beautiful, offering a candid look into Harrison’s mind. All Things Must Pass remains a timeless classic; it’s a must-listen for any music lover. The album has rightfully earned a 5/5.