When the iconic British-born rock band known as The Beatles broke up in 1970, nobody won. But if anyone benefited from it a little bit, it might have been guitarist George Harrison. While in the band, the songwriter and performer was often in the shadow of the great artists Paul McCartney and John Lennon. But when the group disbanded, Harrison could spread his wings some as a solo artist.
Here below, we wanted to dive into a trio of songs from the Liverpool, England-born artist he released post-Beatles. Three songs that continue to stand the test of time and will last on stereos and the radio airwaves for years to come. These are three forever classic rockers by George Harrison post-Beatles.
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[RELATED: 5 Beatles Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like George Harrison]
“My Sweet Lord” from All Things Must Pass (1970)
Released on Harrison’s triple album in 1970, this song was the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK and marked the first No. 1 single by an ex-Beatle. Known for his sensitivity and spiritual side, Harrison put both qualities into this track, which was one of devotion for a higher power—in this case, the Hindu god Krishna. On the track, which includes performances by Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton, Harrison sings,
My sweet Lord
My Lord
Mmm, my Lord
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord
My sweet Lord
My Lord
My Lord
“What is Life” from All Things Must Pass (1970)
The second single from Harrison’s 1970 triple album (with “My Sweet Lord” being first), this song opens with a well-known electric guitar riff that itself has stayed in the consciousness of music fans ever since. The song itself is an ode to an object of Harrison’s eye—whether that be romantic interest or a godlike figure—and he says he needs that entity by his side or else life won’t be worth it. Sings the former Beatle on the track,
What I feel
I can’t say
But my love is there for you anytime of day
But if it’s not love
That you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?
“Got My Mind Set on You” from Cloud Nine (1987)
Originally written by Rudy Clark and recorded by James Ray in 1962, Harrison covered the track in 1987 for his LP Cloud Nine. Harrison’s version has lived on, especially in bars and frat houses across the U.S. The song also bears the distinction of being Harrison’s third No. 1 single, breaking the tie between he, John Lennon and Ringo Starr for the most No. 1 hits amongst the trio (McCartney has three solo No. 1 songs and six more with his band, Wings). On the rousing, flirtatious song, Harrison sings,
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spending money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right child
It’s gonna take time
A whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, ummm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right child
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