Each of the Fab Four produced some amazing solo work after (and before) The Beatles called it quits for good. However, many fans of the band give the highest praise to guitarist George Harrison for his solo ventures. One might even say that his first step into solo work overshadowed the final albums that The Beatles produced. That’s arguable, to say the least. But there might be something to that notion.
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George Harrison’s most hailed solo work might be All Things Must Pass, which was released after The Beatles officially broke up. However, his first two solo records were released when the band was still together.
George Harrison’s First Solo Work Was Influential
George Harrison’s first solo record was Wonderwall Music, released in 1968. It was the very first solo album released by any member of The Beatles. And it hit the shelves less than a few weeks before The Beatles would release their self-titled album, commonly known as the White Album. Wonderwall Music was the soundtrack to the 1968 film Wonderwall.
It’s worth noting that the quick drop of this album wasn’t intended to pull focus away from The Beatles’ then-upcoming album. Wonderwall Music was produced via the band’s record label, Apple. It was the first album to be released on the label, too.
I have to say, it was a stunning release. It was a mostly instrumental venture, full of collaborations with the likes of Eric Clapton, Tony Ashton, Aashish Khan, John Barham, and even fellow Beatle Ringo Starr.
While the White Album would go on to become one of The Beatles’ most well-loved records, George Harrison’s solo debut would capture the attention of critics. Many noted that his first solo venture was a curious work, both inventive and odd in its own way. The album was massively influential, too. It would inspire Oasis’ hit song “Wonderwall” in 1995, and also inspire what would become the world music trend that hit the music industry in the 80s.
‘Electronic Sound’ Inspired The Beatles To Try Out Synths
Later, Harrison released Electronic Sound, released in 1969, just a few months before The Beatles’ Abbey Road would drop and a few months after Yellow Submarine was released.
Electric Sound was a notably avant-garde work, full of experimental sounds performed with an early version of the Moog synthesizer. The album is considered to be one of the very first electronic albums produced by a rock musician. Harrison introduced the Moog to The Beatles, and they would later use the instrument on Abbey Road.
Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns
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