5 Albums I Can't Live Without: George Harrison of The Beatles

George Harrison shares his favorite albums that he can’t live without. Here, The Beatles’s guitarist George Harrison reveals his 5 albums of all time.

In mainstream media, George Harrison is known as “The Quiet Beatle.” Harrison, born in Liverpool in 1943, became famous as the band’s leading guitarist. Over the course of The Beatles‘ last years, Harrison’s songwriting skills were increasingly apparent, with songs like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Something,” and “Here Comes the Sun” displaying his ability to construct enduring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. In particular, His song “Something” has been hailed as a masterpiece of romantic music and serves as a testament to his skill as a songwriter.

In addition to his work with The Beatles, Harrison enjoyed a fruitful solo career, highlighted by the release of the triple album “All Things Must Pass” in 1970. The album, highlighted by the global smash song “My Sweet Lord,” showed Harrison’s spiritual inclinations and was a financial and important success.

He was also unique because he was interested in faith and Indian culture, mainly because he knew Ravi Shankar. There are signs of his impact in how The Beatles and his solo records use Eastern music styles and that he supports good causes.

When George Harrison played guitar, his creative and emotional style greatly impacted how The Beatles sounded. Harrison‘s work on songs like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Something” is admired for its emotional depth and rich melodies, which show how he could use his instrument to describe complicated feelings.

Aside from music, Harrison also worked as a film producer through his company HandMade Films. He made important movies like “Life of Brian” and “Withnail & I.”

George Harrison died on November 29, 2001, at Paul McCartney’s home on Heather Road in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. He had been alive for 58 years.

Look at George Harrison‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without below!

Contents

George Harrison’s Favorite Albums That He Can’t Live Without

The Beatles‘s famous guitarist, George Harrison, has shared his respect and good words to the legendary musician. And Harrison picks his favorite albums he can’t live without. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves pop, blues, rock and roll, alternative rock, and classical rock musicians, particularly those who influenced him in his musical career.

Which music albums does George Harrison listen to?

“Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley
“The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” – Bob Dylan
“100 (100 Original Tracks Remastered)” – Lonnie Donegan
“Selections From Mafia 2 Original Soundtrack Recording” – Duane Eddy
“Rubber Soul” – The Beatles

1. “Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley

When Elvis Presley‘s “Heartbreak Hotel” was published in 1956, it was an important turning moment in the evolution of popular rock and roll music. Recorded by Elvis Presley and his band, the Blue Moon Boys, this song represented Presley’s first step into the public and acted as a spark for the rock and roll revolution defining an age.

Not only did “Heartbreak Hotel” represent a critical moment in popular culture. But this album also marked Elvis’s entrance into mainstream fame. The song’s success in reaching many Elvis Presley fans, including those of different races, paved the way for a more integrated music scene.

“Heartbreak Hotel” has been hailed as one of the best rock and roll songs ever in the decades after his first release. Even after its initial success faded, it continued to impact the evolution of famous rock and roll music. It helped establish Elvis Presley as the undisputed king of rock & roll.

George Harrison reveals why he likes Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I met him in Madison Square Garden a couple of years before the end. It was a bit sad really, because he had all those squawking singers and trumpet players and that stuff. But he had a great rhythm section – James Burton and all that gang – and I just wanted to say to him: ‘Just get your jeans on and get your guitar and do that’s alright with me mama and b***er all that other c**p.

I just wanted to say: ‘Oh why don’t you go and do That’s Alright Mama and Baby Let’s Play House and get rid of all those chicks singing ooooh I did it my waaay? It was sad but he did a couple of good tunes.”

2. “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan‘s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” album, originally released in 1963, is widely regarded as a landmark recording that established Bob Dylan as a folk music superstar and a generational milestone. With his lyrical poetry, social criticism, and Dylan’s unique voice, the record was a soundtrack to the shifting winds of the early 1960s and a manifesto for the growing folk genre.

In a cover shot that became legendary, Bob Dylan and his then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo stroll through a snowy Greenwich Village, capturing the essence of the folk music movement. The album’s cover art and rich of songs represent the day’s bohemian lifestyle and social ideals.

The following critical and economic success of “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” confirmed Bob Dylan‘s status as a folk singer and won him a devoted fan base. Not only did it change the course of popular music. But it also encouraged generations of artists to utilize their art to speak out on social issues.

In summary, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” is more than an album; it’s a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the spirit of a transformational age. As a pivotal figure in the development of folk music, Bob Dylan also impacted the broader landscape of popular folk-rock music with his poetic poetry, genuine delivery, and bold probing of societal themes.

George Harrison mentions why he likes Bob Dylan’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I was hanging out at his house, with him, Sara and his kids. He seemed very nervous and I felt a little uncomfortable—it seemed strange, especially as he was in his own home.

Anyway, on about the third day we got the guitars out and then things loosened up and I was saying to him, ‘Write me some words,’ and thinking of all this: Johnnie‘s in the basement, mixing up the medicine, type of thing and he was saying, ‘Show me some chords, how do you get those tunes?’

I started playing chords, like major sevenths, diminished, and augmented and the song appeared as I played the opening chord and then moved the chord shape up the guitar neck. The first thing I thought was: ‘Let me in here/ I know I’ve been here/ Let me into your heart.’ I was saying to Bob, ‘Come on, wrote some words.’ He wrote the bridge: ‘All I have is yours/ All you see is mine/ And I’m glad to hold you in my arms/ I’d have you anytime.’ Beautiful!—and that was that.”

3. “100 (100 Original Tracks Remastered)” – Lonnie Donegan

From the 1950s to the early 1960s, Lonnie Donegan was a major figure in the British music scene as a skiffle singer. Folk, jazz, blues, and roots music are all mixed together in the style of skuffle. A lot of people say that Lonnie Donegan‘s hit song “Rock Island Line” started the skiffle craze in the UK.

If “100 (100 Original Tracks Remastered)” is a compilation, it probably has all of Lonnie Donegan’s original tracks, maybe some of which have been updated to sound better. The album could show off how varied his musical tastes are, with elements from skiffle to folk.

4. “Selections From Mafia 2 Original Soundtrack Recording” – Duane Eddy

Duane Eddy is a famous instrumental rock music figure known for his twangy guitar sound. He has also been linked to many movies and TV show background recordings.

If “Selections From Mafia 2 Original Soundtrack Recording” really is a collection of music from the video game “Mafia II,” it will probably have songs that capture the mood and atmosphere of the story, using Duane Eddy‘s unique guitar style to make the experience more like a movie.

5. “Rubber Soul” – The Beatles

When it came out in 1965, “Rubber Soul” was an important turning point in The Beatles‘ discography. It was a departure from their older sound and the start of a new era in popular music. The record is a kaleidoscopic trip showing how The Beatles changed as writers, musicians, and cultural leaders.

The Beatles‘ sixth studio album is called “Rubber Soul.” This album was released in the UK on EMI’s Parlophone label on December 3, 1965, along with the non-album double A-side single “Day Tripper” / “We Can Work It Out.”

Capitol Records released the first North American version, which has ten of the fourteen songs plus two tracks that were not on the band’s “Help!” album. This “Rubber Soul” is a musical success for The Beatles history. It got great reviews from critics and was number one on the charts in the US and UK for a few weeks.

The Beatles‘ earlier records were mostly simple pop songs, but “Rubber Soul” shows a more mature and reflective side of them. Folk, rock, and even some Indian music styles can be heard on the record, which makes it rich and mixed techniques.

“Drive My Car,” the first song, sets the mood with its happy beat, catchy melody, and funny words. As the record goes on, it introduces new sounds with songs like “Michelle,” a soulful ballad by Paul McCartney, and “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” which features George Harrison‘s revolutionary use of a sitar.

The musical skills of John Lennon and Paul McCartney are at their best on “Rubber Soul.” Some of their most famous songs are on this record, like “In My Life” by Paul McCartney and “Nowhere Man” by John Lennon, which is about reflection. Along with George Harrison‘s “Think For Yourself” and Ringo Starr‘s “What Goes On,” these songs add to the album’s many styles.

“Rubber Soul” had an important effect on the music industry, moving the focus from singles to albums with tracks of uniformly excellent quality. Critics agree that it was a watershed moment in developing not only psychedelic and progressive rock but also pop music’s lyrical and melodic potential.

Countless reviewers have named it one of the finest albums of all time. Including Rolling Stone, who placed it at #5 on its “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list in 2012. In 2000, it was rated at number 34 in the third edition of Colin Larkin’s book All Time Top 1000 Albums. The RIAA certified the album as 6 platinum in 1997, meaning it has sold over six million copies in the United States. For sales in the UK beginning in 1994, Rubber Soul was certified platinum by the BPI in 2013.

George Harrison shares why he likes The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“Rubber Soul was my favorite album. Even at that time, I think that it was the best one we made,” he added when reflecting on the iconic record in the ’90s. The most important thing about it was that we were suddenly hearing sounds we weren’t able to hear before.

Also, we were being more influenced by other people’s music, and everything was blossoming at that time – including us.

We were just getting better, technically and musically, that’s all. Finally, we took over the studio. In the early days, we had to take what we were given – we didn’t know how you can get more bass. We were learning the technique on “Rubber Soul.” We were more precise about making the album, that’s all. And we took over the cover and everything”.

What are your thoughts on George Harrison‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without? Let us know in the comment section!

5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: George Harrison of The Beatles