Despite being nicknamed the “quiet Beatle” in his early music days as the lead guitarist in one of the most important and influential bands in the history of rock music, The Beatles. George Harrison showed his songwriting was on par with that of McCartney and Lennon during his solo career with his triple album ‘All Things Must Pass’ released on Nov 27, 1970. It was Harrison’s first solo work after the break-up of the Beatles in April that year.

Finally given the freedom of creating his own sound and lyrics, George Harrison did what no other solo Beatle did with All Things Must Pass: he changed the terms of what an album could be. 

The opening song to the lengthy triple album, a personal favorite. “I’d Have You Anytime,” possibly one of the most gentle songs ever recorded, with George’s sweet vocal harmonization’s and smooth drums. The track introduced what would become Harrison’s signature guitar style: the slide guitar. 

“My Sweet Lord” , the second track off the album, became one of the most popular songs off the entire album, having topped the charts around the world. It caught the attention of many and sparked up Harrison’s fame as a solo artist. “My Sweet Lord” is a well-intentioned, religious message song, one that probably helped a lot of people and maybe altered a few perspectives. It represents a whole lot of talent coming together at a fascinating point of pop-music history. 

Every song off the album is unique and in a way puts the whole album together. From the sweet and mellow songs like “All Things Must Pass”, “Isn’t It A Pity” and “Behind That Locked Door” to the more poppy and upbeat songs like “What Is Life”, “Wah-Wah”, and “Thanks For The Pepperoni” which has similar guitar riffs as “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, one of George’s favorite artists. The entirety of this album perfectly demonstrates Harrison’s ability to create hook-driven songs with great lyrical meaning. “All Things Must Pass” allowed us to bask in the glow of the immense talent and superior songwriting that had emanated from the Beatles.