George Harrison kicked off the 1970s with a remarkable bang, releasing his iconic triple album All Things Must Pass, which achieved seven-times platinum status and topped international charts. This groundbreaking collection featured the chart-topping hit “My Sweet Lord,” emerging in the aftermath of the Beatles’ breakup, solidifying Harrison’s status as a leading solo artist in the music industry.

While All Things Must Pass remains widely celebrated, later works such as the underrated Thirty Three & 1/3 from 1976 and his self-titled album from 1979 deserve recognition too. These albums produced a trio of Top 30 hits?namely “This Song,” “Crackerbox Palace,” and “Blow Away”?but they have not reached the same iconic status as his monumental debut.

Throughout the decade, Harrison experienced notable highs and lows. The release of Living in the Material World in 1973, featuring the chart-topping single “Give Me Love,” followed a star-studded charity concert that showcased his musical prowess. Conversely, 1975’s Extra Texture faced criticism due to its uneven quality and a plagiarism scandal. This comprehensive list of the Top 25 George Harrison songs from the ’70s aims to provide a broader perspective on his musical journey.

READ MORE: Discover Our Ranking of Every Beatles Live Album

Even Extra Texture receives its due recognition alongside various deep cuts that never made it to radio playlists, including beloved tracks like “What Is Life,” “Dark Horse,” and “You.” Although the expansive 23-song collection of All Things Must Pass serves as an exceptional foundation, Harrison’s other albums from the ’70s also contain numerous musical treasures worth exploring.

Harrison made a powerful return to the charts in the 1980s with the hit “All Those Years Ago,” a touching tribute to his late bandmate John Lennon. However, this marked the beginning of a creative lull for him, and he would not be as musically prolific in subsequent years.

In the late ’80s, he achieved renewed commercial success with a vibrant cover of “Got My Mind Set on You,” which contributed to the platinum-selling Cloud Nine album and his involvement in the all-star project, the Traveling Wilburys. Unfortunately, only one more album, the posthumously released Brainwashed in 2002, would follow his remarkable career.

This way, the songs from Harrison’s initial solo decade will always be cherished as a golden era in his illustrious career. Below are the 25 best tracks that highlight his extraordinary talent:

No. 25. “Be Here Now”
From: Living in the Material World (1973)

“Be Here Now” embodies a meditative quality that Harrison sought to achieve during his time with the Beatles, particularly in the lengthy track “Long, Long, Long” from the White Album. The song features a soothing drone played on the tanpura, echoing the spiritual themes present in many of his works. The title was inspired by one of Harrison’s favorite books by Baba Ram Dass, and the lyrics emphasize the importance of mindfulness, a message that resonates even more in today’s world filled with distractions from technology.

No. 24. “Woman Don’t You Cry for Me”
From: Thirty Three & 1/3 (1976)

<p"Harrison began crafting "Woman Don't You Cry for Me" during his guest performance on a Delaney and Bonnie tour, which took place shortly after the release of Abbey Road. Initially considered for inclusion on All Things Must Pass, the song was ultimately shelved for several years. By the time it was finally released, Harrison’s innovative use of slide guitar had already become a well-known element in his music, showcasing his evolution as an artist.

No. 23. “So Sad”
From: Dark Horse (1974)

“So Sad” originated as an outtake from Living in the Material World and carries a similar melancholic tone. Ringo Starr participated in the initial recording session, where Harrison explored the complexities of his relationship with Pattie Boyd. Although he initially hesitated to release the song due to its emotional honesty, it eventually found a home on Dark Horse, albeit after Alvin Lee of Ten Years After had already put out his version.

No. 22. “If Not For You”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This track is a cover of Bob Dylan’s song from the New Morning album, and “If Not For You” provides a soothing, intimate moment amid the larger, more extravagant arrangements found on All Things Must Pass. Alan White, who played drums during the session, indicated that Lennon contributed some uncredited guitar work, enhancing the track’s appeal. Unfortunately, its reputation suffered due to Olivia Newton-John’s later rendition, which many considered to lack the original’s magic.

No. 21. “Sue Me, Sue You Blues”
From: Living in the Material World (1973)

Despite releasing a multiplatinum solo debut and organizing a noteworthy charity concert, Harrison found himself embroiled in legal battles with his former Beatles bandmates. This tumultuous period inspired one of his sharpest, most Lennon-esque critiques, featuring the same lively dobro sound that he had previously used in “Crippled Inside.” The song captures the frustrations of navigating the music industry while maintaining his artistic integrity.

No. 20. “Isn’t It a Pity (Version Two)”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This second rendition of “Isn’t It a Pity” retains the essence of its original form, which was initially a rejected demo for the Beatles. The production, overseen by Phil Spector, shifts towards a more intimate atmosphere, allowing Eric Clapton’s guitar work to take center stage. The inclusion of the Leslie speaker adds depth, reminiscent of the sessions for Abbey Road, and further enhances the emotional resonance of the song.

No. 19. “The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)”
From: Living in the Material World (1973)

Rather than delivering a conventional tribute to Krishna teachings, Harrison approached this track with a raw, powerful energy, showcasing one of his finest slide guitar performances. The song captivates listeners with its earthy intensity, deviating from the more tranquil spiritual songs typically associated with his solo work, and highlighting the depth of his musical expression.

No. 18. “Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This charming travelogue takes listeners on a journey through the whimsical and enchanting Friar Park, a Victorian Gothic mansion in Henley-on-Thames that was once owned by Sir Frankie Crisp. The lyrics reflect Harrison’s unique sense of humor and his ability to weave personal anecdotes into his music, creating a delightful narrative that resonates with fans.

No. 17. “Behind That Locked Door”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

Originally intended as a message for Bob Dylan prior to his highly publicized comeback with The Band at the Isle of Wight Festival, “Behind That Locked Door” evolved into a universal anthem of encouragement. The song serves as a reminder to embrace life’s challenges and supports the idea of overcoming obstacles with resilience and hope, making it a timeless piece in Harrison’s catalog.

No. 16. “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long”
From: Living in the Material World (1973)

The original working title of this deeply spiritual album was The Magic Is Here Again, which was perhaps an overly ambitious promise following Harrison’s grand triple-album debut. Nevertheless, “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” encapsulates the anticipation surrounding his long-awaited studio follow-up, showcasing the evolution of his sound and artistry in this captivating track.

No. 15. “Run of the Mill”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This poignant track reflects the emotional strain of the Beatles’ internal conflicts, initially composed before their reunion for Abbey Road. The arrangement, characterized by a rootsy, Band-like structure, stands out as a moment of surprising restraint from producer Phil Spector. Harrison’s raw vulnerability shines through, emphasizing his ability to channel personal experiences into his songwriting.

No. 14. “This Song”
From: Thirty Three & 1/3 (1976)

In a clever twist, Harrison chose to humorously address the legal issues surrounding “My Sweet Lord” through this track. By playfully lampooning the situation, he found greater success than if he had attempted to remove elements of the original song for a reissue of All Things Must Pass. “This Song” not only showcases his wit but also highlights his resilience in the face of adversity.

No. 13. “You”
From: Extra Texture [Read All About It] (1975)

During this period, Harrison faced personal struggles, leading to Extra Texture straying from his earlier spiritual themes. Despite this, “You” emerged as a Top 20 U.S. hit, a track that originated from a scrapped 1971 solo album by Ronnie Spector. Its presence on the album speaks volumes about Harrison’s creative process, as the highlight of the LP is essentially a leftover from another project.

No. 12. “Love Comes to Everyone”
From: George Harrison (1979)

After taking a break from the music scene, Harrison completed this uplifting track in early 1978, following his marriage to Olivia Arias and the birth of his son, Dhani. The collaborative efforts of Clapton and Steve Winwood during the recording sessions brought an added depth to the song, contributing to the heartfelt nature of the self-titled comeback album.

No. 11. “I’d Have You Anytime”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This opening track is as emotionally powerful as the standout songs from Abbey Road, including “Something.” Featuring a distinct Beatle-esque guitar signature and lyrical contributions from Bob Dylan, it sets the tone for Harrison’s monumental solo debut, showcasing his ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.

No. 10. “Crackerbox Palace”
From: Thirty Three and a Third (1976)

The album’s title cleverly references both the speed of vinyl RPMs and Harrison’s age at the time of release. Although it faced delays, Thirty Three and a Third marked a significant improvement over Extra Texture, highlighted by the playful Top 20 hit “Crackerbox Palace.” This song draws inspiration from the estate of friend Lord Buckley, offering a unique perspective through its whimsical lyrics.

No. 9. “All Things Must Pass”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

Initially gifted to Billy Preston after the Beatles rejected it, “All Things Must Pass” was reclaimed by Harrison by the time Preston’s version was released in September 1970. The subsequent recording reflects influences from the Band’s Music From Big Pink, showcasing Harrison’s growth as a songwriter and performer.

No. 8. “Let It Down”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

In “Let It Down,” Harrison masterfully established a dynamic loud/soft structure that would later define alternative rock, all while crafting a deeply emotional track that resonates with listeners. This innovative approach showcases his ability to push musical boundaries and create lasting impact through his art.

No. 7. “Blow Away”
From: George Harrison (1979)

This uplifting anthem focuses on themes of hope and renewal, celebrating the beauty of clearing away negativity and embracing love. Its enduring quality speaks volumes about Harrison’s songwriting abilities, as “Blow Away” remains one of the most beloved solo Beatles tracks, demonstrating its timeless appeal.

No. 6. “My Sweet Lord”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

Although its position suffered due to a court ruling on plagiarism, “My Sweet Lord” remains a seminal piece in Harrison’s catalog. An American publishing company won a $600,000 judgment against him, claiming similarities to the early ’60s hit “He’s So Fine.” Harrison’s acknowledgment of borrowing inspiration from Edwin Hawkins Singers’ “Oh Happy Day” adds depth to this iconic track, highlighting his complex relationship with artistry and legality.

No. 5. “Isn’t It a Pity (Version One)”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

Harrison’s dedication to “Isn’t It a Pity” is evident as he continued to refine the song that began as “George’s Demo” during the Beatles’ sessions in January 1969. After years of development, he paired this monumental track with “My Sweet Lord” to create a double A-side debut solo single, showcasing his resilience and determination as an artist.

No. 4. “Your Love Is Forever”
From: George Harrison (1979)

During his time away from the music industry, Harrison found solace in his gardens, expressing, “I like gardens; I like the pleasure they give you.” This appreciation for nature permeated the charming self-titled album, with “Your Love Is Forever” serving as the heart and soul of the project. The use of seasonal metaphors and exquisite slide guitar work highlights the enduring beauty of this beloved track.

No. 3. “Beware of Darkness”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

Opening Side Three of All Things Must Pass, “Beware of Darkness” captures the essence of Harrison’s introspective songwriting style. The song serves as a platform for his fellow musicians while maintaining Harrison’s central presence. Its lyrical meditation on overcoming life’s challenges resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing his ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes.

No. 2. “What Is Life”
From: All Things Must Pass (1970)

This powerful rock anthem from Harrison’s six-times platinum-selling debut warrants the full force of Spector’s Wall of Sound production. Featuring a talented ensemble of musicians, including Badfinger and the George O’Hara-Smith singers, it creates a sweeping exclamation of passion that never loses its intimate joy, marking it as one of his most celebrated tracks.

No. 1. “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)”
From: Living in the Material World (1973)

After achieving monumental success with “My Sweet Lord” and organizing a significant benefit concert for Bangladesh, Harrison took a more personal approach with “Give Me Love.” Collaborating with a close-knit group of musicians, he crafted a heartfelt prayer that resonates with listeners, offering messages of healing and forgiveness. Harrison’s expressive slide guitar takes center stage, creating a universally relatable piece that has become a lasting favorite.

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