On January 2, 1971, George Harrison made history by topping the Billboard 200 with his first post-Beatles album, 'All Things Must Pass'. This triple-album was a monumental release, marking a new chapter in Harrison's solo career after The Beatles officially disbanded in April 1970. The album's creation was a collaborative effort, produced by Harrison and the legendary Phil Spector, with sessions stretching into October. But it was Harrison's talent that truly shone, as he not only produced the album but also showcased his musical prowess with a stellar lineup of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Alan White, and Pete Drake.
'All Things Must Pass' was a triple threat, consisting of three LPs. The first two sides were packed with 18 official tracks, many of which were overlooked for previous Beatles albums. The third side, however, was a unique addition, featuring five live studio jams. This diverse release not only showcased Harrison's songwriting and production skills but also his ability to create a cohesive and captivating album.
Interestingly, Harrison's journey to the top was not without competition. While Paul McCartney was the first former Beatle to score a No. 1 album with 'McCartney' in May 1970, it was Harrison who took the lead in the singles chart. His debut single, 'My Sweet Lord', reached the top of the Hot 100 the day after Christmas 1970 and held the spot for four consecutive weeks. This achievement was a testament to Harrison's immediate impact as a solo artist.
Despite the success of 'My Sweet Lord', 'All Things Must Pass' was not Harrison's first solo album. He had released two solo albums during his time with The Beatles: 'Wonderwall Music' in 1968 and 'Electric Sound' the following year. However, these earlier efforts did not chart as successfully as 'All Things Must Pass'. The album's chart-topping success in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States solidified Harrison's status as a solo artist and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
The album's impact was immediate and lasting, solidifying Harrison's place in music history. 'All Things Must Pass' not only marked a new era for George Harrison but also left an indelible mark on the music landscape, proving that his talent and creativity were truly unmatched.
