What is Life? - George Harrison | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@johnbaker9178]

Thank Phil Spector for the "wall of sound" muddiness. George said later that he hated all the reverb. I still recommend this album (All Things Must Pass) for a full review. It is outstanding.

[@David-iv6je]

Andy's tepid response was probably due to this. Great song but reduced because Spector overdoes it.

[@kevinphinney932]

Exactly. We all had to learn to love this song for its composition and performance rather than Spector’s over-the-top production.

[@spicy321]

The recent remix softens a lot of the Spector-isms and George's vocals are much more upfront. They should react to the whole album and use the 2020 mix.

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

@@spicy321 I prefer the demos on the remaster, they're often better than the Spector mixes. "Lay it Down" is a good example.

[@wpollock1]

George should have shot Phil Spector after this recording. I had to look it up and there it was....why? This is an S tier song but Phil muddied it all up.

[@Straydogger]

What a group of players on this too. Some of the best of that time. George Harrison - vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, backing vocals Eric Clapton - rhythm guitar Bobby Whitlock - organ Carl Radle - bass Jim Gordon - drums Jim Price - trumpet, horn arrangement Bobby Keys - saxophone Pete Ham - acoustic guitar - "Badfinger" Tom Evans - acoustic guitar - "Badfinger" Joey Molland - acoustic guitar - "Badfinger" Mike Gibbins - tambourine - "Badfinger" John Barham - string arrangement

[@Grovesgeo]

Derek and the Dominos

[@gabe2869]

Before it they played with George Harrison and Eric Clapton, this band was playing for Delaney and Bonnie. Arguably one of the most underrated bands of that era. The album Accept No Substitute is simply amazing.

[@danmayberry1185]

Killer credits and liner notes on colored paper in a cool box - can almost smell the packaging.

[@David-iv6je]

Phil Spector producing. Fortunately he didn't bury this as much as some songs in his "wall of sound" approach. But you can hear those strings come up. If it ever bugs you that The Beatles "Let It Be" album is not as good as it might be, think on Phil Spector. Not a big fan.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@David-iv6je There’s always Let It Be - Naked

[@garywilson5103]

My favorite George Harrison song as a solo artist...

[@spence7985]

My sweet lord is a tad superior

[@garywilson5103]

@@spence7985 I would agree that it's probably the better song, but I love the pure pop vibe of this one.

[@cactaceous]

Isn’t It a Pity is mine. Beware of Darkness and All Things Must Pass are also amazing. What is Life and My Sweet Lord are amazing songs on an amazing album. Better than anything McCartney ever did post Beatles.

[@milt6208]

33 and a Third is my favorite album and the song This Song is my favorite. Pure George Harrison.

[@loosilu]

Mine is Blow Away, which everyone seems to forget about.

[@lynnschnekenburger7270]

Everyone needs a little George Harrison in their life! This song in particular makes your day exponentially better.✌❤

[@spacecardinal]

I love George ❤❤

[@nettiemac]

George has become my favorite Beatle as time goes on. He really was the soul of the Beatles.

[@pjyank]

Like yourself, his solo work shames many of the others.

[@Mattrh24]

Same

[@chellj8175]

Yes he was !!

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you’ll love his "Got My Mind Set on You" and “My Sweet Lord”!!

[@tomjones2121]

George , the overlooked and under appreciated member of the Fab 4 , had a volume of hit songs , and had a soul as rich as his music , R.I.P

[@suave-rider]

All the attention went to Paul McCartney & Wings which was a VERY overrated outfit that had so many line-up changes nobody really gave a shit in the end.

[@craighawkins3137]

Just think - this man was regarded as the third string songwriter in the group. The Beatles were truly on another level as a collective.

[@tracycampbell3060]

That's an example of power politics. Lennon and McCartney even intimidated Eric Clapton when he met them in the studio.

[@AC-gw4qu]

In a band with two guys named Lennon and McCartney, he was a 3rd string songwriter, along with everyone else except for maybe Dylan and Duke Ellington.

[@kbrewski1]

If you put Lennon/McCartney as the 1st "string" if you insist on that silly word, then George would be 2nd string. In the Traveling Wilburys, he'd also be 2nd string.

[@dougreed2257]

@@kbrewski1 George's melodies in traveling wilburys outshone anything dylan did with the band🎶

[@kbrewski1]

@@dougreed2257 Most of if not all the songs were group efforts with everyone contributing lyrics. The 2 biggest "hits" on the 1st album may have been initially Harrison tunes working with Lynne, but in a band that includes Dylan and Orbison, would be hard to rank them as "2nd stringers", especially Dylan when it comes to lyrics.

[@Verlopil]

Soon after I met my husband to be, he sat me down and said, "I'd always hoped that some day I'd find someone that I'd want to play this song for." And he played "What is Life?" And that was that.

[@cherylwoodward]

Oh, that is the sweetest! I’d have married him too!😊

[@Jaqueli9er]

smooth!

[@robland6804]

7:46 kind of uncanny that Alex calls this production a "big wash of sound" because producer Phil Spector was known for his "wall of sound" production technique -- Phil called his songs "little symphonies." Alex is pretty dialed into the differences between George Martin and Phil Spector as producer.

[@lorrilewis2178]

What a good point!

[@tracycampbell3060]

Alex's ear for production and instruments is amazing

[@suave-rider]

Spectre ruined the mix and forever relegated the song as the B side to My Sweet Lord. It was pleasant but provided no punch

[@daviddobson477]

I always get a kick out of Alex's panic when there's a pause in a song.

[@lorrilewis2178]

Me too. We know what's coming, but he doesn't.

[@johnnymartin49]

Agree!! 😎

[@jr-xs9tf]

Psychic reload opportunity.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

George's final album, "Brainwashed" is a must-listen. He was dying, and knew this would be his last record. Not many artists know that, going into an album recording. It is some of his finest work

[@charlieboard4862]

Yeah that one and Warren Zevon's THE WIND both were recorded under a death sentence and are both among the finest work either artist ever did.

[@vincentschmitt7597]

I wasn't a fan of Brainwashed. For me Cloud 9 was his last great album.

[@charlieboard4862]

@@vincentschmitt7597 I rank BRAINWASHED right behind ALL THINGS MUST PASS and 1979's extremely underrated GEORGE HARRISON. To me Cloud 9 was about the level of Dark Horse or Extra Texture.

[@Laurasiana]

@@charlieboard4862 Add Bowie’s Black Star to that intense list. It goes places no other album in his catalog ever did.

[@Deyan_B_Travels]

@@charlieboard4862 Me too, right behind All Things...

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

I was actually surprised that neither of you was feeling an "S" here. For me, it's the very best post-Beatles song by any of them. The beauty of it only increases over the years.

[@daletwin1]

I agree. This song is an S for me and has been for decades for so many reasons. You can start with the distinct and very recognizable repeating riff.

[@panchopuskas1]

These guys are rock heads......if it doesn’t have a muppet drummer beating the hell outa the skins or a guitarist with the distortion full on, they’re not really interested.....

[@suave-rider]

They're right that the backing vocals just blurred the sound too much and lacked some punch. A little too much studio mix.

[@wpollock1]

I personally think this is S tier but that crappy muddy mix and backing vocals by Phil Spector brings it down.

[@nyrocks5580]

Forget the rating. I have listened to that song a million times and ALWAYS felt better afterward!

[@andyandalex]

Hell yeah!!

[@robranney-blake8731]

The 2020 remix is a must-hear now. George’s voice shines out clearly.

[@suave-rider]

That original mix was way overproduced where George blended into the wallpaper. That's what really kept it as a B-side to My Sweet Lord

[@Stygian60]

OMG ! For some reason this song brings tears of happiness to my eyes everytime I hear it! ❤❤❤

[@jeffmorse645]

Same!

[@janewebb8904]

Me too!

[@craighawkins3137]

Yes, yes, yes

[@cheryl83]

The video with the girl dancing with her guy is awesome. So joyous. That will really bring tears of happiness 😊 check it out!

[@gregsager2062]

And why should it not bring you tears of happiness? This song is 4:22 of exuberant, grinning-ear-to-ear joy. How many things in life can bring you that for just 4:22 of your time?

[@chrislegner4816]

It turned out that "the quiet Beatle" had an awful lot to say. Great song. Groundbreaking album.

[@relativetimeworx8459]

"What Is Life" - all-time Happy Harrison song! You can't resist smiling.

[@moniphil]

This is a thousand times better than “My Sweet Lord,” which is his best known and most popular song.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

@kirkleach Give Me Love is a fine tune, as well.

[@DG-uh8uv]

This album is a masterpiece, one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@vincentschmitt7597]

Its loaded up with great tunes for sure.

[@grizinart9599]

Absolutely

[@maryann1252]

My daughter and I sing and dance to this song together 💘💘💘

[@viacrucis2509]

No song takes me back like this one. It raises that lump of nostalgia in my throat every time I hear it.

[@Renkk17]

Paul McCartney and the Wings - Band on the Run - Uncle Albert - Jet - Listen to what the Man Says - Live and Let Die

[@sammyholloway334]

One of many ,of his songs,that really jumped out at you on the radio. His music is very comforting.

[@kbrewski1]

I was 11 years old when this was a hit circa 1971. Remember it blasting out of the AM rsdio driving on summer vacation. I was young enough to think "Did the Beatles get bsck together?"

[@johncagnettajr344]

I always imagined this on a Beatles album with John and Paul doing backing vocals. Paul doing his bass lines. It would have been an epic Beatle track. I still love it.

[@ronalddobis6782]

John's rhythm guitar would have been awesome where that comes in after the riff repeats.

[@dougrhonable]

It would have been very different.

[@55102]

you forgot to mention Ringo, he was a Beatle too

[@davidburton9136]

Phil Spector tried to recreate his "Wall of Sound" with George's debut album. I love this song!

[@axandio]

And led to the washed out sound :( The "Wall of Sound" was great for early 60s pop that was going to hit A.M. radio but come on but this era, F.M. was king.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

He did, and in retrospect it was probably not the best production decision that could have been made 🙄. For sure a more expansive (wider) soundscape would have served this album better, but here we are. It's passable and sort of quaint.

[@davidburton9136]

@@Alewifes_Husband There is a newly remixed version available that un-Spectors the tracks a bit. I prefer the original because that's the one I bought brand new, but you hear some new things in the remix, and it's less cluttered.

[@David-iv6je]

@@axandio Amen! Glad somebody said it.

[@Krommel]

Bingo, I just made a comment about this very thing. I belive George Martin would have done a much better job.

[@jeffh2166]

One of my feel good songs❤

[@robynmatheson7687]

This album is part of the fabric of my life. The whole album is a gem, and these songs are a must hear: “Awaiting On You All”, “Beware of Darkness” “,Behind That Locked Door”(with gorgeous steel guitar), “I’d Have You Anytime”. The jams on this album are amazing.

[@cactaceous]

Isn’t It a Pity is the best song on the album.

[@emilyflotilla931]

All great tunes you mentioned. "Beware of Darkness" especially hits me in my feels!

[@marshalljackson9796]

Mine too.

[@fesquemonkey9784]

Cotton, the fabric of our lives🤣

[@robynmatheson7687]

@@fesquemonkey9784 And I’m old enough to remember that commercial 😜

[@davidtomaric1109]

A&A...I'm thinking that this will become an S-tier song for both of you over time....just one of those perfect songs, in my opinion.

[@chrismartin9561]

What Andy might be referring to and Alex is hearing is the Phil Spector "Wall of sound" that is obviously employed on this song, being that Phil Spector was a co-producer on this song. With strings and big reverb , the song gives off wash of big sound, hence a "Wall of sound".

[@VGKDean]

My favorite song from George is My Sweet Lord. This song has been on my playlist since I’ve had a playlist.

[@debztribe5]

Beautiful George! Heart and soul.

[@jeffmorse645]

I was ten years old when this came out and its been one of my favorite songs since then. Even as a little kid I liked the sound of it, but the older I got I was able to really appreciate the incredible production. The layering of all the different instruments - there's so much going on but its arranged perfectly. The strings, the horns, the guitars and bass - incredible. Its such an uplifting song too. George Harrison was an amazing artist to say the least. I have to say, I was disappointed you guys didn't like it more. Its one of those situations where you love a song so much and are excited for someone else to hear and and they're like "Its good", but they don't have the same appreciation of it you do.

[@milt6208]

I was in high school and still hurting from the break up.

[@elizabethhonce1677]

I think they just haven't had the life experience. Sometimes it doesn't hit them the way it does us.

[@jeffmorse645]

@@elizabethhonce1677 That's true. If I'd hear the song at 25 instead of 10 I might not have been as impressed.

[@CW-mx7eb]

That's the exact same reaction I had. Love the layers and horns.

[@cameronlewis1218]

This song sounded great on plain old AM radio…

[@rantandroll7583]

What is life? Sometimes it's overwhelming and you get lost in it. Like his vocals.

[@Keith-if6zv]

You really need to hear “My Sweet Lord” such a spiritual song. My hidden suggestion would be “You” by George. Always loved that song.

[@cicadajet]

"You" is a bit underrated... nearly forgotten, but deserves to be showcased at some point

[@jamesbassett1484]

My recollection, going back fifty years, is that this is a song that needs to be heard LOUD!

[@krisbeck319]

You guys are identifying the signature "Phil Spector Wall of Sound".

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Your Rating & The Way You Described The Song,, Non-Bombastic,, Understated,, Even A Little Humble If You Will..Well,, That Actually Also Describes George Perfectly...R.I.P. George

[@ericanderson8886]

Absolutely love George Harrison songs. Great slide player and a brilliant songwriter.

[@SonomaBill1]

a very specific anecdote. This tune made my mornings so much better. heard it most every morning on WOWO Ft Wayne IN while milking a small herd of dairy cattle before catching the school bus for high school. soak that in. . .

[@karenmanemeit7803]

One of my favorites of his ❤

[@DanielFrost21]

In my opinion, this is George's best song.

[@sherryheim5504]

I love this song. His voice on this one really makes you aware of how important his voice was to the sound of the Beatles. Production is great and the instrumentation is spot on. Great song choice. Thank you for your reactions. I am going to go S tier though A+ is probably where it belongs but it brings back so many memories. Oh!!! ((((shivers)))) That amazing George Harrison guitar!!!

[@NewYorker8312]

I don't know how to describe it but this song sounds bigger than life

[@SandraHof]

This song takes me back to my teenage years! I started high school in 1970. I still love the song. Solid A+ all these years later.

[@nunsandorphans]

His best song. Great musicians on this cut too.

[@johndurost5931]

One of my all-time favorite songs....it was my growing up years.... Fabulous..dreamy. Fun... Fantastic..

[@lumin3370]

Pretty sure this whole album was co-produced by Phil Spector, hence that wall of sound he liked to create. George was smart not to let Spector overwhelm the whole album cuz this is a masterpiece & so is this song. Thnx guys 🔥 ✌🏻 ☮️

[@billvegas8146]

Sorry this is Phil Spector's best work.

[@radicaladz]

The versions I've listened to have a bit more clarity and volume on the guitar, especially the embellishments on the last verse, whereas here they're a little quieter. Nonetheless, a solid piece of pop music.

[@jamesgeckle489]

Spector was like Spectre, always thought too big. Too bad James Bond didn't shut him down. I grew tired of the wall of bland.

[@daletwin1]

So many great elements to this song. It has been one of my all time favorites for decades. In my book it is an easy S.

[@sinenominecc]

"Wall of sound" Phil Spector produced it.

[@bowlingdj300]

The songs reverb to me is what makes it unique I like it, chorus back round is super cool , tambourine and the breaks are sweet, just a great feel good jam!

[@trishalou592]

That's what I love about this song, messy and chaotic. What life can be sometimes. One of the very few 45's I bought back in the day.

[@joannparker1977]

I have ALWAYS loved this song!!!!!!

[@otisdylan9532]

This is my favorite Harrison solo song. I agree with Alex that this is an A+, but I agree with Andy that "Up on Cripple Creek" is an A+ too. I don't think there's much doubt that the next solo Harrison song should be "My Sweet Lord", considering that it was left off of the George solo poll because it was presumed (probably correctly) that it would sweep the poll.

[@lynnehatton1239]

Brilliant. One of my favourite George Harrison songs.

[@donmeador9195]

This is the George Harrison song that makes me happy without being more than what it is. Keep in mind all that music production was experimenting with at the time, and you'll be able to forgive techniques we wouldn't dare use in production today! It's a great song and gets greater every time I hear it. I hope that it will for you, too.

[@lauriejohnson9048]

Love this ! Love George ! Love you two righteous bro’s ! 💖

[@garylarue3899]

George is my favorite solo Beatle. What a great composer and singer as well as a class A guitarist. All Things Must Pass lp is worthy of a reaction even though it"s a double lp (not counting the third jam lp). Enjoyed the reaction guys.

[@kv99990]

"Blow Away" is a wonderful, uplifting, underrated Harrisong.

[@jeffmartin1026]

Yes, the infamous Wall of Sound from Phil. Another gem from George and his standout LP. Wah-Wah is another great example.

[@brianoneil9662]

Pausing the video. Commenting beforehand. You WILL love this. It's impossible to even just like music and not love this.

[@kbrewski1]

Suggestions Holdin on to Yesterday>Ambrosia Doctor Wu> Steely Dan Razor Boy>Steely Dan Your Gold Teeth> Steely Dan CannonBall>Supertramp Why Can't We Live Together>Timmy Thomas or Steve Winwood Can We Still Be Friends>Todd Rundgren Hello, its Me> Todd Rundgren Too Late to Turn Back Now> Cornelius Bros and Sister Rose What you See is What you Get> The Dramatics BackStabbers> OJays

[@pax61]

As others have mentioned, the muddiness was a production choice driven by Phil Spector to create his trademark "Wall of Sound." You can also hear that in "Wah-wah" off the same album. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Lotsa folks think the Spector version of the Beatles' "Long and Winding Road" was way too much with the strings and such. I happen to like it here. You really should check out the official video for this, which was only selected in the years since George's passing by his wife Olivia. It adds a lot of thought-provoking imagery to contemplate along with the lyrics, not to mention being sublimely joyous to watch.

[@ChuckHackney]

My fave Hartison tune, but the one he gave to Ringo i like even more, the wonderful "Photograph"

[@Jules-um4yy]

Adore this song and George Harrison. How can you not feel better after listening to this? This entire album is a gem. Another great song is "Beware of Darkness" - haunting and beautiful. Thanks so much for posting this, great reaction guys! You just made my day 🌿🧡😊

[@pinewaves]

My favourite George Harrison song by far!

[@jeffaube]

I love, love, love this song. Def S tier for me. In my opinion, this is one where the Wall of Sound (much reviled by many; although I like Andy’s “Wash of Sound” 😉) really works to make the song epic. No day that I hear this song is entirely bad.

[@TexasMagnolia]

The Phil Spectrum Sound! Undeniable Genius. Harrison/Clapton Sound - Know it in a few cords! Musical Perfection!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

George busted out so hard with this debut and made a White-album-level classic.

[@natalie2240]

Totally understand what Andy is saying, and very cool to read about everyone describing the "wall of sound"! I *adore* this song and I think that "wall of sound" technique may be why I remember it as being way louder than it really is! I always imagine him screaming the lyrics, but as they began the song I found myself turning my volume up louder to really appreciate it. Interesting! Hope you do enjoy it more and more on your further listens, Andy!

[@davecummings2424]

A+. Lyrically simple but direct and to the point, a no-nonsense love song elevated by masterful production and a catchy riff. Lots of folks pointing out the obvious Wall of Sound vibe . More George Harrison recommendations? "Beware of Darkness", "Wah Wah", "If I Needed Someone".

[@benjiarehart2878]

I've been with you guys from the beginning. Been a way for a while, but glad to get back. You guys spread so much positive energy. Love this song. Reminds me of my sister and I cruising in her yellow VW bug jamming to this back in the day.

[@shyshift]

Wah-Wah and Beware Of Darkness are my 2 favorite songs on this album. Wah-Wah is Alan White uncredited on drums. I met Alan in 2001 and told him I heard the same drum feel on Going For The One by Yes and he told me he didn’t realize it until I mentioned it. He was such a sweet man.

[@greglogsted6358]

I love Wah-Wah...particularly the way the sax solo blends smoothly right into a guitar solo.

[@shyshift]

@@greglogsted6358 The live video of Bangladesh featuring Eric Clapton is a real treat. I saw the movie in Los Angeles in 1971.

[@kbrewski1]

other George gems 1. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 2. Within You Without You 3. My Sweet Lord

[@shanenolan8252]

My favourite. Thanks

[@charliecochran3035]

George always puts me in a good mood. This is repetitive and simple lyrically, but what a question amd delivery. All the song really needs is that chorus.

[@TheMafrand]

This song is so underrated.

[@chrisgross2043]

My favorite George solo song and ALL the Beatles were cool

[@blitztim6416]

Phil Spector was co-producer on this song, known for his Wall of Sound production. This was more of his sound than George Martin. My wife loves this song. So excited that you're doing 'Hi-Fidelity'.

[@allenlocke1935]

I remember as a very young child, asking my dad "What is that sound! ?" at the start of the song...and he said "That's an electric guitar"... That led to a life's long obsession with sound and music and most of all...The Guitar, my first true love! I will play until the day I can't!

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorites!

[@skybluemarshall]

I associate this song with driving with my parents a Southern California beach in the early 70s with this song blaring out of treble heavy speakers from a stock AM car radio. Good times.

[@John-ux8zj]

You should check out more Traveling Wilburys. ”Tweeter and the Monkey man” and ”end of the line”.

[@ericfountain4656]

"My sweet lord" should be your next George Harrison song

[@katecovington3818]

Just a reminder that the lead guitarist, bassist and drummer on this song and album became Derek and the Dominos. Eric Clapton, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon.

[@danilleblanc7487]

Wasn't it also co-written with Bob Dylan?!

[@michaelmingin4882]

Those little snippets of slide guitar between the lines of the last verse are SO George Harrison. Excellent.

[@jjmalaprop9968]

Really great video to this song with Emma Rubinowitz (joined in the second half by Esteban Hernandez) as the lead interpretive dance performer.

[@sae1095hc]

Song + dance = S-tier

[@jennybroad1763]

I think the fuzziness is it's charm. It wraps a wall of happiness around you!

[@Ldastro]

So glad you covered this tune. I hope you guys get around to doing some leg work on Phil Spector and his "Wall of Sound" Not only Spector produced music but by those songs that also emulated it such as Bridge over Troubled Water and Born to Run. It may not change your mind, but you will have a better understanding of it and its historical impact.

[@bruceheckerman7343]

Still miss you, George.

[@susanfontaine5214]

First 😊❤LOVE THIS SONG!

[@TheSmileFetcher1961]

I think it's a damn good tune. I've always enjoyed hearing it. Especially if I catch the beginning with its opening guitar riff, I know what's about to come.

[@brianh9358]

Andy, what you may have not liked was the production by Phil Spector. He tended to create an effect in his music he called "the Wall of Sound". I think you wanted George's vocals to stick out more than the instrumentation and backup vocals. Not sure which version you guys listened to but you might like the 2014 remaster better. At least for me George's vocals stand out a little more.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

I don't care if this was recorded by a microphone at the bottom of a swimming pool... it's a brilliant song and A+, regardless.

[@helenespaulding7562]

First! What are the chances? NEVER on this channel, after three years I got my chance! 😀

[@williamwoodward280]

Loved your reaction! Will there ever be another George? I remember seeing the 4 on the Ed Sullivan show. They were all geniuses in their own way. Remember the tribute to George when son Dhani was on stage with Petty, Preston, Winwood, Prince etc ? George just incredible talent on his own. Thanks for covering one of my favorite songs!

[@UncleQue]

It’s inclusion in an important Goodfellas scene makes the song even cooler. It also made Goodfellas cooler.

[@rickewilde]

Yes. That's it. knew i had heard it in a movie but couldn't remember which one.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

My favorite post-Beatles song, by far, from George. He also happened to write my all-time favorite pop/rock song-Something. I challenge anyone to come up with any current song that matches this one.

[@AGrox646]

Me driving down the road air tambourining with a big ole smile on my face, love this song