Best George Harrison solo songs.
97 items ranked
Click on up and down arrows to affect item's ranking
1.
My Sweet Lord.
His first single.
443 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
George's most iconic song, although tainted by the plagiarism suit. However, it clearly outclasses the trite song which George was accused of copying.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points
2.
Beware of darkness.
Terrific track from 'All things must pass.'
437 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
A superb composition which warns against the corrupting influences and illusions of the world around us.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points
3.
All things must pass.
Was played during the ' Let it be' sessions and does have a very Beatle flavour to it.
436 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
4.
Isn't it a pity. (full version)
George's reflection on the in fighting within the Beatles with a fade out similar to ' Hey Jude.'
432 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
5.
Art of dying.
Great rocker.
422 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
This song has become more poignant since George's death.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points
6.
Cheer down.
From the movie 'Lethal Weapon ll, co-written with Tom Petty.
421 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
7.
This is Love
Fairly lightweight but very catchy
420 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
8.
Looking for my life
Another fine song in the spiritual quest mode that George was most comfortable in.
419 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
9.
Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let it Roll)
Attractive melody with lyrics that relate to Friar Park
419 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
10.
What is life.
From 'All things must pass.'
418 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
Although George's greatest songs probably don't reach the level of John's best post-Beatles material, surely the quality of his output stacks up well against Paul's, despite him being in the commercial wilderness most of the time.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points
11.
Stuck inside a Cloud
Very moving song written when he was dying.
414 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
According to Jim Keltner this song was written before George had cancer. The lyrics could have been even more poignant if George had updated them to review his life as he was faced with his approaching death.
Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point
Great slide guitar.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points
12.
Learning How to Love You
408 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Gentle, melodic, restrained ballad with a light jazzy feel.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point
13.
Lay His Head
401 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This reflective song was initially rejected by George's record company, but George later improved the production and released it as the b-side to Got My Mind Set On You.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point
14.
Any Road
383 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This terrific song was released on the Brainwashed album about a year after his death although he wrote it more than a decade earlier.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points
15.
When we was fab.
The title says it all. Written with Jeff Lynn and has all the Beatle style production.
367 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
16.
Wah-Wah
So much emotion.
336 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Displays George's frustration with Paul, John and Yoko.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point
17.
Between the devil and the dep blue sea
This ukelele based cover of a pop standard turned out better than you might expect
303 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
18.
Your love is forever
Beautiful haunting melody
294 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
19.
Life itself.
Beautiful guitar playing.
291 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
Essential GH spiritual song
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points
20.
All those years ago.
Tribute song to John Lennon.
291 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
21.
Rising Sun
Uplifting song that emphasises the eternal nature of the spirit/soul.
288 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
22.
You.
From ' Extra Texture', a great uptempo track with a some great sax.
278 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
23.
Faster
264 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Nice video with an ex F1 champion as George's chauffeur; shame the song isn't better.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points
24.
Baltimore Oriole
247 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George covered this song co-written by one of his musical heroes, Hoagy Carmichael.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points
25.
Run So Far
246 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This song appears to be about wanting to escape the pressures of being a famous, itinerant musician. George gave it to Eric Clapton in 1989, 13 years before it was released on Brainwashed.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points
26.
Fish on the Sand
Infectious uptempo song expressing George's longing for God.
246 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
27.
Crackerbox Palace.
In this song George reflects on the craziness of Beatlemania and all that went with it.
246 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
28.
Give me love (give me peace on earth).
Big hit. Great guitar playing.
245 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
29.
Awaiting on you all
Gospel-like rocker with powerful lyrics
244 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Totally under rated !!!!!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point
30.
Who can see it
George really stretches his vocal chords in this bitter ballad which expresses his need to be his own man after being supressed by Lennon/McCartney for so many years.
212 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
31.
Behind That Locked Door
Great song in C&W genre. Written for Dylan.
211 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
32.
This guitar can't keep from crying
almost as good as the related White Album song
202 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
The rockier version on the 2014 reissue of Extra Texture is great.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points
Expresses George's sadness at the unfair criticism of his US tour with Ravi Shankar and other distinguished Indian musicians.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points
33.
Here Comes the Moon
200 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Whimsical and seductive star-gazing.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point
34.
Someplace else
Probably the best thing in 'Shanghai Surprise'. George and Jeff Lynne gave the production of this song a makeover for Cloud 9.
200 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
35.
Marwa Blues
A soothing and beautifully played instrumental piece.
194 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
36.
See Yourself
In 1976 George decided to revamp a 1967 philosophical composition about self-realisation. It seems a bit too ponderous and preachy.
185 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
37.
That's what it takes
Splendid Beatlesque pop song co-written with Jeff Lynne and Gary Wright.
181 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
38.
Wreck of the Hesperus
Cool upbeat track with great playing and unusual lyrics. Does the 'wreck' refer to the state of George's musical career before Cloud 9 was released?
179 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
39.
That is all
Beautiful etherial song which, although melancholic in mood, slowly draws you in.
173 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
40.
Try Some, Buy Some
Cannot believe this track is not already listed. Originally written for and recorded by Ronnie Spector (released as a single on Apple), George use the same backing track for his version. John Lennon - a man of great taste - apparently liked the Phil Spector arrangement/production.
172 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
41.
Blow away.
172 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
A simple yet charming song that is popular with casual fans
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point
42.
Run of the Mill
162 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Beautiful song that can apply to anyone's life.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point
43.
Apple Scruffs
A tribute to the Beatles biggest fans. Plus, George's harmonica work...
162 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George sounds like a street busker, in contrast to Phil Spector's usual over-production on All Things Must Pass.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point
44.
Poor little girl.
Great track, very Travelling Wilburys.
153 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
45.
Beautiful Girl
147 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Sensuous melodic compliment to his wife Olivia.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point
46.
Tired of midnight blue
One of the best tracks on 'Extra Texture'. Expresses George's desire to escape from late night clubbing and drugs and get back to gardening at Friar Park.
144 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
47.
Just for Today
Uplifting lyrics and beautiful melody
143 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
48.
Pisces Fish
A quirky song from Brainwashed which mixes mundane or quaint visions with spiritual reflections.
142 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
The line 'I'm the living proof of all life's contradictions' shows that George recognised the criticisms that were often levelled against him as a highly spiritual person with a luxurious lifestyle.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point
49.
What You Value
Oneof his best solo tracks - taken from 33 1/3rd
141 points - added 7 years ago by guest -
50.
That Which I Have Lost
141 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
An eccentric mixture of lively guitar licks and wordy philosophising.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point
51.
Cloud 9
George played this live in Japan. Best to cherish the few live performances that he gave after 1974.
140 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
52.
Soft Touch
137 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Nice guitar riffs, but it's so slick and polished that it seems too bland.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points
53.
That's the way it goes.
136 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
A little known gem from George's underwhelming Gone Troppo album.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point
54.
Flying Hour
Possibly George's best unreleased track. It was rejected for the Somewhere in England album.
124 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
55.
Bangladesh
This worthy hit single is associated with George's famous charity concert, but feels dated now.
119 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
56.
Woman Don't You Cry For Me
This fine song was written in 1969 when George first started practising slide guitar, although it wasn't released until several years later.
113 points - added 8 years ago by guest -
57.
Love comes to everyone
Heartwarming, optimistic and idealistic
113 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
58.
Let it Down
A sensual song which captures the tension and moods of a seduction.
110 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
59.
sue me sue you blues
Great snapshot of the post Beatle legal hassles. And it's a good song.
109 points - added 9 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Great guitar work on this one
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points
60.
Dream Away
Playful song with a catchy scat refrain used in 'Time Bandits'.
109 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
61.
Wake up my love
Uptempo love song which appears at first to be directed at a woman but in typical GH fashion is actually oriented towards God.
109 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
62.
Don't let me wait too long
One of the most commercial songs on Living in the Material World. It could have been a hit single.
107 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
It's a shame that this song never got any radio play.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points
63.
Breath away from heaven
An atmospheric oriental-style song originally used in the 'Shanghai Surprise' soundtrack and re-recorded for release on Cloud 9.
103 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
64.
Deep blue.
This was the flip side to the single ' Bangla Deish.' It was written after the death of George's mother.
103 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
This song is heartfelt but depressing
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point
65.
World of Stone
George expresses his alienation and disappointment at audiences' rejection of his Krishna beliefs.
102 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
66.
Brainwashed
A powerful polemic from George. The song is made more appealing by the interspersed Indian philosophy and final chanting which work well in modifying the stridency of the lyrics.
102 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
This song isn't very popular in North Korea.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points
67.
Horse to water.
From the album 'Jools Holland and friends.' This was George's last recording and features his son Dhani on guitar.
100 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 1 comment
Comments:
Sam Brown did an excelent cover of this song at The Concert for George.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point
68.
I'd have you anytime
An intimate and haunting song written with Bob Dylan.
99 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
69.
Sat singing
George's record company made the incomprehensible decision to reject this fine song for his 'Somewhere in England' album.
96 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
70.
Let it be me
Sensual home demo of the Everly Brothers classic
94 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
71.
Simply Shady
92 points - added 8 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
George documents his spiritual fallibility and fall into bitter decadence in this vocally strained, but soulful confessional piece.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point
72.
I don't want to do it
An excellent cover of an obscure Bob Dylan song.
88 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
73.
Living in the material world
A song which contrasts the superficiality of material wealth with the depth given by spirituality. It also gives a welcome credit to Ringo for the Beatles' success.
86 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
74.
Got my mind set on you.
Song written by Rudy Clark but George gives it a whole new lease of life and it was a huge hit for him.
85 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand - 2 comments
Comments:
Oh George, why did you record this awful song? It's unworthy of you.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points
A commercial success, but irritating and repetitive.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points
75.
I live for you
Originally recorded for 'All Things Must Pass' in 1970 but not released until the 2001 remastered version as one of the bonus tracks. The pedal steel guitar playing is impressive.
81 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
76.
If Not For You
Melodic cover of a Bob Dylan song.
76 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
77.
The Pirate Song
Amusing sketch and music from Eric Idle's comedy show on the BBC.
75 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
78.
Be here now
Understated prayer-like meditation music that emphasises the need to live in the present, not the past.
64 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
79.
Dark Horse
Often jokingly referred to as 'Dark Hoarse', since George apparently had laryngitis when he recorded the song.
64 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
80.
Dear One
From the album "33-1/3" - an ethereal beauty of a song with an infectious chorus.
63 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Should be in the top 20
Added 7 years ago by guest, 1 point
81.
Blood from a Clone
George does not pull his punches in this bitter critique of the musical taste of the executives at his record company.
62 points - added 8 years ago by guest -
82.
This Song
This boogie type tune reveals George's frustration with the legal system after he lost his famous plagiarism case. The associated video presents an amusing parody of the courtroom scenes.
60 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
83.
Cockamamie business.
An additional song to the ' Best of Dark Horse', co-written with Jeff Lynn is quite biographical and honest.
57 points - added 15 years ago by Albert Hand -
84.
Dehradun
Seductive unreleased song written in India in 1968. Some of the lyrics are reminiscent of 'Any Road'.
56 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
85.
Circles
Potentially there's a good song here in the style of Blue Jay Way, but the version on Gone Troppo ends up in no man's land between eerie and dreary.
55 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
86.
Never Get Over You
Mellow love song with lots of George's trademark slide guitar.
45 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
87.
Abandoned Love
Unreleased cover of one of Bob Dylan's best songs.
43 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
88.
Maxine
Fast paced strumming song that George appears to have prepared as a Traveling Wilbur track but wasn’t used until being released as a later bonus track.
40 points - added 3 years ago by guest -
89.
If you believe
George's tendency to preach about his religious beliefs can be annoying, but ths song works well.
39 points - added 12 years ago by guest -
90.
Maya Love
Slide guitar dominates in this song about the illusory nature of love. It was written just after Pattie left him for Eric Clapton.
36 points - added 7 years ago by guest -
91.
Devil's Radio
George shows his disdain for 1980s radio and the media in general.
36 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
92.
Gopala Krishna
George expresses his faith in an unreleased song.
33 points - added 11 years ago by guest -
93.
The Answer's at the End
Fine philosophical lyrics but funereal melody.
26 points - added 9 years ago by guest -
94.
So Sad
George gave this song to Alvin Lee who recorded a fine version with George playing slide a Mylon LeFevre singing, before George released his own version on Dark Horse.
20 points - added 1 year ago by guest -
95.
Ride Rajbun
This George rarity was written for a children’s animated film about a team of cricket playing rabbits. It is a collaboration with Ravi Shankar and other Indian musicians as well as the writer of the film.
9 points - added 3 years ago by guest -
96.
Ding Dong, Ding Dong
George's disappointing attempt at a jolly festive song.
7 points - added 10 years ago by guest -
97.
All Those years ago
Great tribute to John Lennon
-50 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This song is listed twice.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points
I like this choice
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points
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