18 Unforgettable Tracks: The Best Songs of All Things Must Pass

George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, a triple album behemoth, isn't just a collection of songs; it's a testament to raw talent unleashed. Released in 1970 after his departure from the Beatles, it’s a deeply personal and profoundly moving exploration of spirituality, loss, and newfound freedom. For decades, fans and critics alike have debated the best songs of All Things Must Pass, a testament to the album's sheer depth and variety. This isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane for seasoned Harrison enthusiasts; it's an opportunity to rediscover the timeless beauty of these tracks, to appreciate the exquisite musicianship, and to delve into the rich tapestry of emotions woven throughout. Whether you're a seasoned Harrison aficionado or a curious newcomer, this definitive ranking of the best songs of All Things Must Pass will offer fresh perspectives and reignite your appreciation for this classic album. Prepare to be transported by Harrison's unforgettable melodies and insightful lyrics.

18 Unforgettable Tracks: The Best Songs of All Things Must Pass
SongAlbumListens
1. My Sweet Lord All Things Must Pass (2014 Remaster) 60M+
2. What Is Life34M+
3. All Things Must Pass2M+
4. Isn't It a Pity1M+
5. Wah-Wah1M+
6. If Not for You958K+
7. Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp784K+

1. My Sweet Lord (George Harrison - 1970)

Sound: "My Sweet Lord" features Harrison's signature mellow vocals layered with a hypnotic, repetitive structure and a driving, infectious rhythm, creating a captivating and uplifting experience.

Emotional Impact: The song's simple yet powerful lyrics, expressing profound devotion, resonate deeply, offering a sense of peace and spiritual longing that fits perfectly within the contemplative mood of *All Things Must Pass*.

Cultural Significance: Its infectious melody and spiritual message cemented "My Sweet Lord" as a timeless classic, further showcasing Harrison's songwriting prowess within the context of the album's overall exploration of faith and self-discovery.

My Sweet Lord - George Harrison

2. What Is Life (George Harrison)

What Is Life

Genre: A mellow, acoustic-driven track, showcasing Harrison's signature understated style that perfectly complements the reflective mood of *All Things Must Pass*.

Lyrical Depth: The lyrics explore profound existential questions with a gentle touch, creating a poignant and introspective atmosphere ideal for the album's contemplative nature.

Emotional Resonance: Its simplicity and sincerity make "What Is Life" deeply resonant, fitting the album's overall theme of self-discovery and acceptance.

What Is Life - George Harrison

3. All Things Must Pass - 1970

Heartfelt Lyrics: "All Things Must Pass" showcases Harrison's poignant songwriting, reflecting on loss, spirituality, and the impermanence of life with raw honesty.

Exceptional Musicianship: The track boasts a stellar lineup of musicians, resulting in a rich, layered sound that transcends the typical singer-songwriter format.

Enduring Appeal: Its timeless melody and relatable themes ensure "All Things Must Pass" remains a powerful and resonant listen even decades later, solidifying its place among Harrison's finest works.

All Things Must Pass - George Harrison

4. Isn't It a Pity - 1970

Haunting Melody: "Isn't It a Pity" features a memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the album's melancholic yet hopeful tone, showcasing Harrison's songwriting prowess at its finest.

Emotional Depth: The song's lyrics explore themes of loss, regret, and acceptance with a raw vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners, making it a standout track on *All Things Must Pass*.

Orchestral Arrangements: The inclusion of strings and other orchestral elements adds a layer of richness and grandeur, elevating the song beyond a simple ballad and contributing to its overall impact.

Isn't It a Pity - George Harrison

5. Wah-Wah

Sound: "Wah-Wah" showcases Harrison's masterful use of the wah-wah pedal, creating a distinctive, swirling sound that perfectly complements the song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, a hallmark of *All Things Must Pass*.

Emotional Impact: The track's blend of vulnerability and resilience resonates deeply, reflecting the emotional landscape of the album, making it a powerful and enduring piece.

Vocals: Harrison's vocals are raw and emotionally charged, conveying a sense of introspection and self-discovery that adds to the song's overall impact, further cementing its place among the album's best.

Wah-Wah - George Harrison

6. If Not for You

Heartfelt Vocals: George Harrison's emotive delivery on "If Not For You" perfectly captures the song's tender vulnerability, making it a standout track on *All Things Must Pass*.

Subtle Instrumentation: The understated yet effective instrumentation complements Harrison's vocals, creating a beautifully intimate listening experience that highlights the song's emotional depth.

Enduring Quality: Its timeless melody and poignant lyrics ensure "If Not For You" remains a resonant and cherished gem within Harrison's discography and the broader landscape of 70s singer-songwriter music.

If Not for You - George Harrison

7. Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp - 1970

Haunting Melody: "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp" features a melancholic melody that perfectly encapsulates the album's reflective mood, showcasing Harrison's masterful songwriting.

Lyrical Depth: The lyrics tell a captivating, slightly surreal story, adding another layer to the album's introspective themes and showcasing Harrison's storytelling prowess.

Emotional Resonance: Its quiet intensity and poignant delivery make it a deeply affecting track, perfectly suited for the introspective nature of *All Things Must Pass*.

Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp - George Harrison

8. Run of the Mill - 1970

Run of the Mill

Sound: A mellow, acoustic-driven track showcasing Harrison's distinctive guitar work and understated production, perfectly complementing the album's reflective mood.

Vocals: Harrison's vocals are warm and intimate, conveying a sense of quiet resignation and acceptance that resonates deeply with the album's themes of loss and transition.

Emotional Impact: "Run of the Mill" offers a poignant reflection on the mundane aspects of life, finding beauty and meaning in the ordinary, a sentiment particularly powerful within the context of *All Things Must Pass*’s broader exploration of spiritual and personal change.

Run of the Mill - George Harrison

9. Beware of Darkness (1970)

Haunting Melody: "Beware of Darkness" features a memorable, slightly unsettling melody that perfectly captures the album's introspective and melancholic mood, making it a standout track on *All Things Must Pass*.

Harrison's Vocals: George Harrison's vocals are raw and emotionally resonant, conveying a sense of vulnerability and weariness that enhances the song's overall impact and makes it deeply affecting for listeners.

Lyrical Depth: The lyrics explore themes of fear and uncertainty, adding to the song's timeless appeal and making it resonate with listeners across generations. Its inclusion among the best of *All Things Must Pass* is well-deserved.

Beware of Darkness - George Harrison

10. I'd Have You Anytime

Sound: "I'd Have You Anytime" showcases Harrison's masterful guitar work, with a gentle, yet driving rhythm that perfectly complements the song's melancholic beauty. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing the emotion to come through clearly.

Vocals: Harrison's vocals are tender and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and regret that resonates deeply with the listener. His delivery is understated, adding to the song's intimacy.

Emotional Impact: The song's wistful melody and heartfelt lyrics create a powerful emotional impact, capturing the bittersweet feeling of lost love and the enduring power of memory. It's a deeply moving track that perfectly encapsulates the reflective mood of *All Things Must Pass*.

I'd Have You Anytime - George Harrison
  • Let It Down
    11

    Let It Down

    George Harrison

    1970

  • I Live for You
    12

    I Live for You

    George Harrison

    1970

  • Behind That Locked Door
    13

    Behind That Locked Door

    George Harrison

    1970

  • Hear Me Lord
    14

    Hear Me Lord

    George Harrison

    1970

  • Art of Dying
    15

    Art of Dying

    George Harrison

    1970

  • Awaiting on You All
    16

    Awaiting on You All

    George Harrison

    1970

  • Apple Scruffs
    17

    Apple Scruffs

    George Harrison

    1970

  • I Dig Love
    18

    I Dig Love

    George Harrison

    1970