George Harrison Self Titled Revisited

[@davidskidmore4189]

I've always loved that album. I bought it when it came out, and was disappointed that it wasn't more popular. I was just 14 at the time, and I think it has become more special to me as I've aged. I have been pleased seeing it reviewed by Beatles fans on youtube, and know that Beatles fans recognize it as one of George's best, which I always have.

[@1nelsondj]

'Blow Away' is one of my favorite Harrisongs. He was great at coming up with those positive nature-based songs like 'All Things Must Pass' and 'Here Comes the Sun'. I also like that he dredged up 'Not Guilty' from 10 years before, it deserved to be heard. You can spend a lot of time delving into those lyrics.

[@PeKe999]

A very solid GH album. It breathes positive vibes. Love Comes To Everyone is an outstanding song.

[@MIB_63]

George's self-titled album is surely among his best but I still consider All Things Must Pass his best solo album. But it was the first GH album I bought as a teenager and it still holds a special place in my heart (same thing with London Town which was the first Wings album that I bought).

[@jtmichaelson]

And here I was disappointed back when "BLow Away" only hit #16 here in the US. I didn't know it did that bad in the UK. It did hit #2 on our "Easy Listening", or Adult Contemporary charts. It was my first-ever George Harrison record I ever bought and I still have the rather worn out 45 to this day.

[@marktrimnell8245]

My favourite George album.

[@joedunch5271]

"Your Love is Forever" and "Faster" are the only GH tracks I play with any consistency as they are staples in my phone mix. And I do think the former is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. By far, my favorite of George's catalog. Agreed that the production is superb. Thank you for revisiting the LP and nudging me to pull "I Me Mine" off the bookshelf for another browse. I always enjoy your observations and reminiscences.

[@antong.-f.8204]

I agree this is George's best solo album and one I keep coming back to time and time again. A very good review, Mr. Heaton!

[@frommetoyou1981]

Fine album, all very good songs. Blow away was the first george solo song i loved, it was track 2 on the best of dark horse 76-89 cd, one listen......hooked! Elsewhere faster, love comes to everyone, if you believe, your love is forever.....all superb.

[@robertmaichrowicz3158]

I remember buying the single Blow Away as a teenager of 13 when it came out and enjoy it as much now as then. It is an uplifting album and you have made me rethink my George album rankings. I always enjoy your well-informed reviews.

[@jonsterG]

What a brilliant review of a quite beautiful album. You've captured the magic of the album and lyrics amazingly well. By the way, Neil Larsen was the main keyboard player (all the Fender Rhodes and piano); Winwood does the synth soloing, some harmonium too, but not nearly as much playing as Larsen. This LP easily puts George up there as the best solo artist of the Beatles throughout the 1970s, in my opinion. All Things Must Pass, Living in the Material World, Thirty Three & 1/3 and then this one ... that's a pretty impressive body of work over ten years, and an amazing strike rate of "greats" (four out of six over the whole decade). Thanks again.

[@xtstevie]

Still for me George's solo career after the Beatles split is by a long way the best & apart from Gone Toppo all of his albums (after the split!) have been stunning with a special mention to this treasure..... Great video again John.

[@ronfowlermusic]

Gone Troppo is lovely

[@johnnytheg]

I always loved this album. I got it for my 13th birthday when it came out in 79 and I fell in love with it. I agree with you John that Blow Away should have been a much bigger single than in was. All Things Must Pass is my favorite George album, but this one is a very close second. The solo in Soft-Hearted Hana is spectacular. 33&1/3 is a pretty great album too.

[@nowhereman6496]

Nice revisit Mr Heaton. Nice cover photo. Personally, I always felt George's entire solo career was slightly "against the tide". George was just George and he recorded what he wanted, not what would be popular. Even though I'm sure he never minded a hit single, he didn't pander to just that thinking when he made records. At least IMO. Anyway, My favorite right up there with ATMP. In fact, there are times I like this album better simply because there are no wasted or filler tracks. It's a nice breezy joy of a listen. Perfect to listen to on a nice early on a summer's day evening with a bottle of wine.

[@strawmancomics]

I just picked this up today on your recommendation. Man so many good songs.

[@stephenstickney1125]

Bought this in high school too. Eagerly awaited new releases from Paul and George then and was usually more pleased by George's. This was no exception since the Wings' latest "London Town" was well-crafted fluff and George's was a personal gem "shining from the depths of his soul".

[@randyventresca4152]

Wasn't Back to the Egg Paul's LP from around this time? That is actually a good album too.

[@SoloBeatlesPodcast]

@@randyventresca4152 yes btte was the same year

[@kevinmcardle4087]

I agree that it didn't quite fit in with the new-wave sounds of 1979.. I was at the perfect age (I turned 11 in May of that year) that I was enjoying the new Costello, Joe Jackson, Blondie, Clash stuff, and still into the mid-70's rock bands like Rush, Boston and Zeppelin, BUT I still was faithful to my earliest childhood favorites like George Harrison and Elton John. Life (and the music biz) is much different now. All that said, I still love this self-titled album, it's one of his best. Thanks, John. God bless.

[@kopptue9622]

It's a great album. Very nostalgic. A good-feeling album. Fun that Eric Idle signed your copy. I think he's my favorite Python. He always seem so nice and gentle. It's a great follow up album to Thirty three and third. I really enjoy those two albums and see them as very hand in hand albums. Love comes to everyone might have been my introduction to George Harrison. At least it is an early memory. Here comes the sun might be my ultimate favorite song by George. The sequel Here comes the moon is very nice too. Yes very uplifting. He has so many great songs. The rare song from 1978 named "Mo" is also very nice. I love the song "Flying hour". All the songs that were taken away from Somewhere in England were great.

[@Gardosunron]

Solid effort from George. No weak tracks really. Faster is my favorite and Dark Sweet Lady is right up there with Something as one of his best love songs.. The entire album brims with melodic invention.

[@garettjeff]

Nice review thanks...Atmp is my favorite 2nd place would be 33 1/3. This album was a little too mellow for me although I think Love Comes to Everyone is one of his greatest songs. I love the guitar riff on Not Guilty. Blow away was a nice happy song that got decent airplay in the US when released. Side 2 starts to drag after Faster for me which hurts my overall ranking for this album. Maybe 3rd or 4th place in his catalog would be my vote

[@kellyoliver2052]

Great review. This album was always one of my favorite Harrison records. So easy to listen to. All songs seem to flow together making an optimistic album which reasons well since this was around the time he and Olivia became a couple. Very happy times for them I'm sure. "Blow Away" always puts a smile on my face from child-like memories from the era. Definitely put this one up there near ATMP.

[@RonaldBrown59]

I always loved this album. And I don't know how high 'Blow Away' went on the TOP 40 charts in the US, but I can tell you it was in heavy rotation on AOR radio in the Philadelphia area in the first half of 1979. Great review, thanks for sharing.

[@jasonbrooks6562]

When this album came out in February 1979 the Beatles especially in the UK were considered somewhat passe. However by the end of the year partially due to the BBC showing the movies A hard days night, Help and Magical Mystery Tour over the Christmas period popular interest in them was rekindled, this of course was excerpted by John's tragic murder in December 1980, and since then has never really gone away. Agree. This is a very good, if somewhat overlooked album.

[@dimsylsodium1]

Excellent review. This is also one of my favourite albums. I recall buying it when first released. At the time, I hadn't bought an album for about a year. And this purchase proved to be a real joy. It restored my interest in listening to music and collecting albums. The first track is one of the most optimistic I know. But the whole album is optimistic and well worth having in your collection if you are looking for some uplifting music.

[@andydixon2980]

I always enjoy your reviews. Having shamefully rejected this album, this review has inspired me to lend my ears to it once more.

[@Chickenmushroompie]

I've always loved this album: my favourite track has always been the awesome Your Love is Forever. Great review Mr H.

[@JeffLloydsouthport]

Your love is forever (perhaps written to God? Mabey clue is in the title?) One of his most beautiful songs and what a great guitar break in the middle!

[@jeffkaufman8489]

Professor Heaton; Quite enjoyed your update as it were regarding my most beloved George Harrison lp and very favorite of any post-Beatles/solo release from the four respectively (I feel nearly the same about Paul’s LONDON TOWN); accordingly, I wouldn’t change a thing about either of those two albums- from the songs featured, their running order, lp artwork, etc, as they are both optimal as they first appeared, and beautifully remain-so forty-odd years on...

[@gerrycoogan6544]

Whether your opinion is controversial or not, I absolutely agree that this is George's best album and the only criticism I have of it is that it's too short. I rate it as one of the best three solo Beatles albums ( regardless of what the other two might be on any given day!) I just wish some selections from it had been featured in the memorial Concert For George.

[@ronfowlermusic]

I'd like to see a review of Somewhere in England - both version. Flying Hour and Sat Singing are beautiful songs.

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Nice review John. Btw I saw Andy Newmark play live with Squeeze in the nineties. I didn't know who he was at the time but I remember thinking he sat at a peculiar angle on his drum-stool in relation to the kit. If you want to hear him at his funky best, check out the track In Time by Sly Stone.

[@RickM01]

Great review John. It's a George album I can listen to start to finish. The production is nice, not too harsh. The lyrics and melodies are beautiful. Hawaii must be an awesome place to write songs and take mushrooms and he probably stayed at THE best place, being George Harrison. Flying Hour is a bonus track on the newish Somewhere In England. I wonder if it's the same one you mentioned. See you next review!!!

[@TomCwimpRock]

I didn’t buy this album when it came out, although I did like the “Blow Away” single, which in the States received a fair amount of airplay. I was at a point where I no longer was automatically picking up solo Beatles releases, especially from George and Ringo.. although I don’t love the self titled record as much as you do John, I always really enjoy it when people speak up for less acclaimed or overlooked albums, and you have made a very good case for this record. The thing that I’ve noticed about it is that George’s vocals are considerably improved over his previous four releases, and it is refreshing that Harrison is in happier, more confident frame of mind, which began with “33 & 1/3” - the only criticism that I have is the late 70’s mainstream production which was getting a bit sterile sounding for my taste. However, I haven’t played it in awhile, and I will happily give it a fresh listen with this video in mind...Take care John!

[@job1778]

It’s a great album. Great music. Nice mood.

[@callummackintosh750]

Thanks for this review, John. It’s my favourite George Harrison album too🙂

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

you are an extremely competent reviewer of beatles records. you don't parrot the most common viewpoints and you defend neglected records. you are reliable where others miss the mark.

[@wmbur510]

I couldn't wait for this album to come out in 1979. I agree this was more of a summer album and a great sound tract to that wonder time. I do disagree with you Jon and believe ATMP was his finest record and best of any of the solo Beatle albums. Anyways, great review. BTW I have the promotional poster for this album. I talk the record clerk into selling to me....how great! Thanks as always, William, Parker Colorado

[@simonbarnes8303]

Flying Hour is available as a bonus track on the iTunes Somewhere in England release too

[@randyventresca4152]

Love this album. Still prefer ATMP, Living in the Material World and Cloud Nine. 33 1/3 is up there too. But, George Harrison Self-Titled is a smooth, comforting, and well-done album. Blow Away was a decent hit in America. Not top 10 but got airplay on stations here. The album came out when I was in high school and I also have a soft spot for it.

[@lucone2937]

To me his Top 3 solo albums are "All Things Must Pass" (1970), "Living in the Material World" (1973) and "Cloud Nine" (1987). I think "Live in Japan" (1992; with Eric Clapton and Band) is the best compilation and introduction to his work including rare live versions of some Beatles songs. I would rank "George Harrison" (1979) as #4 in his solo album catalogue.

[@matthewfreiley645]

Yay!! Love this review John. Thank you!

[@andygaines9686]

I agree, this is my favourite George album too!

[@klaushintler8981]

Thanks for the detailed review. It is also my favorite GH Album. It sure was at the wrong time with punk exploding in the UK in 79. Also there was critisism about writing a song called "here comes the moon" for obvious reason. I personally do not agree

[@noelhalvordson6465]

If you've got any King Crimson albums, a review would be greatly appreciated!

[@Twotontessie]

Big hole in my collection. Will get there at some point - looking forward to it.

[@brettweary8491]

Absolutely TrueJohn

[@david_verti_calman]

Certainly one of his best. I can remember being slightly annoyed when Blow Away failed to chart, whilst the inferior (in my view) Goodnight Tonight did far better.

[@davidj3416]

This album was the first George Harrison album I bought. I liked it at the time, although I must admit I had hoped for a few more songs with a harder edge. The atmosphere the album creates is first rate. Favorites: Blow Away, Faster, Here Comes the Moon, If You Believe.

[@jedikiah1541]

While I empathise with John to a degree, I think this album is far too mellow and laid back to be a big hit. The punk/new wave sounds may have seemed the antithesis of what George was doing, but I really think in any era this album would have struggled. Having said that, there are some fine melodies and wonderful slide guitar playing. If you are in the mood it is richly rewarding, but I think for myself more generally, it lacks any kind of edge. All Things Must Pass has an edge which is sadly lacking here.

[@carlsebastian3974]

I was working in a record store when this came out. And got a promotional love comes to everyone 45 picture sleeve from a W B representative.

[@beatlesean9625]

Do you still have it? Its worth a lot of $

[@carlsebastian3974]

@@beatlesean9625 yes!

[@2wayplebney]

Smashing record.

[@jamesboyce4000]

Probably my most played George Harrison album and the best-produced one of the 70s era for me. I think John and George's albums from the 70s were mostly let down by plodding arrangements and productions.

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

A lovely review

[@neilgregory6237]

Great album

[@Ft.Gagiano]

I agree Sir

[@arturobanuelos1]

¿Por que´sin subtítulos en español? Gracias.

[@patriksweden9203]

I agree

[@angelrascon5091]

BRAINWASHED IN OUR CHILDHOOD, BRAINWASHED BY THE SCHOOLS !

[@davidgena2667]

Off topic: Hey John, if you’d like to check out one epic album, search out Greta Van Fleet’s recent release, “The Battle at Garden’s Gate.” It is, in a word, magnificent! Four young men (3 brothers and a best friend on drums) who are bringing back the classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s. The album is stunningly good. Take care.

[@brianolson6366]

:58 George mask lol

[@andyjanz9430]

My favorite album! ATMP too sprawling and over produced!

[@roywatson8133]

brought this in march 1979 when it came out never been mad on it here comes the moon soft hearted hana soft tounch not guilty your love is forever faster never got into them the album is well produced the lyrics are ok 5 out of 10 its always sounded to low key for me

[@daytripper9222]

I thought track 1,2,5 and 6 were good but the rest of the album just kind of drug on. I thought 33 and 1/3 was a much better album.

[@daytripper9222]

@Peter May You're correct. I don't know how I missed that one.

[@6strings5904]

:.......because his stupid curly hair! I gave Al di Meola Casino for that record.