George Harrison

Here Harrison sounds content, both as an artist and a newly married man, he has regained his voice, and has toned down the direct religious references evident on albums such as 'Dark Horse'.
The majority of the album still sounds fresh today- his relaxed state of mind after the stresses of the 'My Sweet Lord' plagerism court case, his recent marriage to Olivia and the birth of his Son Dhani and the fact much of the album was written in Hawaii are evident in the laid back style of the album.

The mellowness and positiveness of the album are highlighted on the fantastic 'Blow Away'. One of three singles lifted from the album, 'Blow Away' is probably the best known. The song was written during a rainstorm in a shed in the grounds of Friar Park. With rain falling outside Harrison composed the number that basically says no matter how bad things appear, think positive and things will improve. Complete with a lovely distinctive guitar intro the song was released as a single and sums up the person Harrison was at the end of the 'seventies content both domestically and spiritually.
The other two singles are the opener 'Love Comes To Everyone' and 'Faster'.

'Love Comes To Everyone' which contains guest appearances from Eric Clapton who provides the introduction, and Steve Winwood who provides the song with its distinctive moog sound, is an effective opening flavour of the album to come. 'Faster' is a song inspired by and written for the Formula One drivers Harrison hung out with whilst enjoying his passison for Motor Racing. Taken from the title of his friend Jackie Stewart's book, and complete with the catchy "faster than a bullet from a gun chorus", 'Faster' now sounds slightly dated thanks to the added sound effects but is enjoyable all the same.

Notable tracks on the album include the lovely 'Your Love Is Forever' complete with distinctive George Harrison guitar intro and 'Dark Sweet Lady' which contains melodic harp and was written about his wife Olivia. Both songs are accoustic, with a light and dreamy feel evocative of his time in Hawaii. Also with a dreamy feel, 'Here Comes The Moon' illustrates Harrison's contentment on holiday, he would spend a great day on the beach, with the sea breeze and the palm trees swaying, enjoy an incredible sunset and then to top it all off, at night would come the moon.

The album also contains the song 'Not Guilty' which was originally written and demoed for the Beatles 'white album' in 1968. Re-recorded and with a lighter more accoustic feel than the original the song is by no means a classic but is still worth hearing.

'Soft Touch' is notable in that its melody was inspired by the closing horn part from 'Run Of The Mill' off 'All Things Must Pass', and the tongue in cheek lyrics on the jaunty 'Soft Hearted Hana' (written after experiencing some dubious mushrooms in Hawaii) are entertaining.

The closing track on the original and now the penultimate one before the bonus demo of 'Here Comes The Moon', 'If You Believe' was co-written with Gary Wright who also played on 'All Things Must Pass' and 'Cloud Nine'. Written on new years day 1978 the optimism of a new year, new start is evident in the track.

From a generally overlooked back catalogue is this well recommended album. 'George Harrison' contains examples of the qualities that Harrison had, his ability to write great melodies matched with thought provoking lyrics and an eternal optimism that was with him til the end.

God bless you George, we miss you all.