Something About The Beatles

82: Our Favorite Solo George Songs

Written by

Us

in

,

[powerpress]

satb-82

For an artist with such a deep and diverse catalog of top-flight material, George remains “the Quiet Beatle” – as his most familiar songs seem to be those from two albums in particular (while the remaining eight are routinely overlooked). In this episode, Richard and Robert present some of their favorite songs from the post-Beatles Harrison canon, shedding light on the richness of his work from All Things Must Pass through Brainwashed. Songs include “Horse To The Water,” “Give Me Love” and “Cheer Down.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

Comments

14 responses to “82: Our Favorite Solo George Songs”

  1. John Tabacco

    Love George’s music. “Learning How To Love You” – wow, what a song. Thank you for this show. All Things Must Pass but doesn’t necessarily mean things are lost forever. Music lives on.

    Reply
  2. The Applesauce Project

    I don’t know what it is, but I *love* Gone Troppo… maybe it’s the cover of The Stereo’s “I Really Love You”, maybe it’s just how goofy “Greece” is, maybe it’s finally hearing “Circles” fleshed out… or maybe it’s just the fact that it’s where we can get the song at the end of Time Bandits. Regardless, it’s in my top 5 George albums.

    Despite the synths.

    But otherwise you guys nailed all my favorites. And I’m with Robert on Cloud 9 — I get Jeff Lynne fatigue listening to it as well.

    Reply
  3. Tony DiMeo

    “Run so Far” is one of my favorite George tunes it sounds like he is singing about someone with depression. I have his version and Eric’s. I love them both. So cool that he gave it to Eric first.

    Reply
  4. Bob Tassone

    Regarding #1 songs not written by an ex-Beatle: Ringo had a #1 with “Your Sixteen”.

    Reply
    1. Us

      Correct – we thought of that one after the taping.

      Reply
  5. WingsJer

    This show shows why the “Let It Roll” compilation 5 years ago was sadly lacking. George is so overdue for a 2 CD “hits” set or a box set like “Pure McCartney”. Sorry Richard, “Cloud Nine” is a classic and just sad that it was George’s last studio album until “Brainwashed”. The 90’s needed to hear from George more than it did. I don’t think he ever realized that?

    Reply
  6. BW

    Writing this but have only heard half of this episode.
    There were a lot of GREAT solo George songs. “Cheer Down” was a very cool tune that he did. Loved it. I’m also a huge fan of “Life Itself”. It’s a pro God song, but SUCH a great melody and such great guitar parts throughout. “Devil’s Radio” seems a real Beatley number for him from Cloud Nine. “Living in the Material World” was also a great tune and nice that he threw in nods to the other three Beatles. All Things Must Pass obviously had so many great tunes on it as well. I wish “You” from Extra Texture had more lyrics. Great melody and great energy on the track, but it just kind of doesn’t really go anywhere lyrically. Also loved “Your Love Is Forever” from the George Harrison album.

    Reply
  7. Rob Freeman

    Sad to see nothing from s/t made the list. My favorite of his albums. If I were listing my top 15 I would have included at least If You Believe, Blow Away, Love Comes to Everyone.

    Reply
    1. David Morgan

      Yes to me it is much superior to the rather bland 33 1/3. Enjoyed many of the selections nevertheless.

      Reply
  8. WingsJer

    I still think 33 1/3 is one of his top 3 solo albums. “It’s What You Value” is still incredible and is a George song that is so underrated it is sad. A hit that never was!

    Reply
  9. Jim Mullahy

    To my knowledge, and I know you guys don’t have everything at your fingertips at all times, The Beach Boys hold the most time between No. 1 singles. Good Vibrations (1966) and Kokomo (1988). I realize this isn’t highly relevant to the context of the show. Fab show.

    Reply
  10. Rob W

    For me George’s solo output is the best of The Beatles for quality. Simply marvelous in musical craft and quality. One song that is brilliant but not prominent is “Thats The Way It Goes”.

    Reply
  11. Wim de Lang

    Dear Richard and Robert. You both thought that Stuck Inside a Cloud was about his illness and his last period. I thought that too for a long time, but Dhani said in an interview that this song was written years before George got seriously ill. Actually it s a bout a very deep spiritual experience.

    Reply
  12. Neal Schier

    I struggle mightily with much of post-breakup solo work. Full disclosure that I have never penned a number one single or album. This admission seems to be required when offering critique and criticism of works by people in this elevated musical world.

    The initial early 1970’s solo offerings were good, but they became anodyne thereafter. I could see what they were trying to do, but it wasn’t impressive to me. Sonically effete. I hear them once every ten years and that is more than adequate with a handful of exceptions.

    Not to slag. The Beatles together were sublime. Separate they were less.

    Perhaps one day in my dottage I can gain the requisite sophistication to appreciate all of them.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More posts