George Harrison’s solo recordings offer a way to remember him beyond his place in the Beatles: as a songwriter and musician shaping a distinct body of work. Start with All Things Must Pass, then follow its thread into the later Living in the Material World and Martin Scorsese’s documentary of the same name.
Where to begin: All Things Must Pass
Released by Apple Records in November 1970, All Things Must Pass was co-produced by Harrison and Phil Spector. Its scale and sound make it a compelling first stop for listeners curious about Harrison’s work outside the Beatles. The official release archive credits a broad circle of collaborators, including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Pete Drake, Gary Wright, Klaus Voormann, members of Badfinger, musicians from Delaney and Bonnie’s band, and arranger John Barham. The official release archive gives the album’s credits and context.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
![Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison[180g 2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419uQEwQv0L._SL160_.jpg)
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Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison[180g 2 LP] | $54.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![George Harrison[180g LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AjMqcm0PL._SL160_.jpg)
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George Harrison[180g LP] | $32.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)[180g 3 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NKubxm1QL._SL160_.jpg)
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All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary)[180g 3 LP] | $99.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Cloud Nine[LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51D6V9G7ypL._SL160_.jpg)
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Cloud Nine[LP] | $33.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Live in Japan[2 LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41bcfJPJV7L._SL160_.jpg)
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Live in Japan[2 LP] | $55.46 | Buy on Amazon |
For a guided return to the record, the Harrison Archive offers archival notes for All Things Must Pass. The archive says its notes are curated by the Harrison Archive team. Explore the Harrison Archive.
What to hear next: Living in the Material World
Harrison’s second studio album of new songs, Living in the Material World, followed in May 1973. It provides a natural next listen after the larger 1970 statement: a later chapter in his solo songwriting rather than an attempt to repeat the same record. The official catalog lists both albums, as well as anniversary editions of each. Browse the official music catalog.
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- Over a period of decades, George Harrison earned a reputation as one of the most enigmatic and creative individuals born to rock and roll
The official archive also provides recording-session notes for Living in the Material World, giving listeners a route into the album’s making. In 2024, the Harrison Archive says the album was remixed from original tapes under the oversight of Dhani and Olivia Harrison and engineer Paul Hicks. See the official release archive entry.
What is the George Harrison documentary called?
George Harrison: Living in the Material World is Martin Scorsese’s documentary, originally released in 2012. The official film page describes it as a personal portrait assembled from performance footage, home movies, rare archival material, and interviews with Harrison’s family and friends. It complements the album by offering a film-based route into Harrison’s life and music. Visit the official film page.
Rank #2
- George Harrison is the self-titled eighth studio album released in February 1979
Which album edition should you choose?
The official catalog lists All Things Must Pass (1970) and a 50th Anniversary edition (2021), alongside Living in the Material World (1973) and its 50th Anniversary edition (2024). The catalog provides format pathways, but the official pages do not establish a complete, current comparison of every edition’s contents or availability. Choose based on which album you want to hear and the format that suits you; the anniversary designation alone is not evidence of better sound.
Check the official catalog for currently listed formats and editions. Availability can change.
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Rank #3
- All Things Must Pass was released by Apple Records in November 1970
A birthday remembrance through the music
A birthday tribute need not begin with a ranking or a definitive “best” album. Listening to All Things Must Pass, continuing with Living in the Material World, and then watching Scorsese’s documentary creates a focused path through Harrison’s solo work and the personal history around it. The official site’s news archive includes birthday and remembrance features alongside anniversary-release announcements, placing this kind of musical reflection within its own ongoing record of Harrison’s legacy. Browse the official news archive.
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- Live in Japan is a double live album by George Harrison, originally released in July 1992
Rank #4
- Cloud Nine is the eleventh studio album by George Harrison and the final released in his lifetime
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