George Harrison achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first member of The Beatles to score a solo No. 1 single. His most recent hit was the chart-topping success of 1987’s “Got My Mind Set on You.” In a remarkable twist of fate, he formed the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that showcased his musical prowess and creativity, bringing the 1980s to a vibrant close.

This comeback was nothing short of extraordinary. Harrison commenced the decade with strong momentum, reaching No. 2 on the charts with “All Those Years Ago” from the 1981 album Somewhere in England. However, after the underwhelming performance of 1982’s Gone Troppo, he took a step back from the spotlight. Aside from contributing a song to the 1985 film Porky’s Revenge, Harrison largely retreated from public view until he began collaborating with the Beatles enthusiast Jeff Lynne.

This partnership proved to be fruitful, as they propelled Harrison back into the Top 10 with the release of the acclaimed, platinum-selling album Cloud Nine in 1987, followed by the multi-platinum success of Vol. 1 with the Traveling Wilburys in 1988. Additionally, Harrison collaborated with Lynne on a track for the 1989 film Lethal Weapon 2 and worked on songs that would eventually feature in the posthumous 2002 release Brainwashed.

READ MORE: Discover the Top 25 Songs by George Harrison from the 1970s

Regrettably, this resurgence was not to last. Harrison’s presence in the music scene diminished during the 1990s, particularly after the release of the Traveling Wilburys’ second album. He undertook a successful concert tour across Asia filled with hits and made minor contributions to the Beatles’ Anthology project. As the new millennium approached, he faced a personal battle with cancer. The following retrospective on the Top 25 George Harrison Songs from the 1980s serves as a tribute to a period filled with hope and artistic renewal.

No. 25. “Blood from a Clone”
From: Somewhere in England (1981)

On the surface, this track might seem like a quirky little folly, which likely explains why Warner Bros. approved its inclusion in the last-minute reworking of Somewhere in England. However, upon deeper listening, the lyrics reveal a sharp critique aimed directly at Harrison’s record label, showcasing his frustrations and creative struggles.

No. 24. “Dream Away”
From: Gone Troppo (1982)

Despite the critical backlash directed at Gone Troppo, the album concluded on an optimistic note with this track, which subtly echoes the essence of The Beatles. The groundwork for Harrison’s resurgence was being laid, though it was still unknown to the public at that time.

No. 23. “Mystical One”
From: Gone Troppo (1982)

Opening with the line “They say I’m not what I used to be,” Harrison reflects on his evolution as an artist in “Mystical One.” He conveys that while perceptions may have changed, they hold little significance for him. This admirable sentiment contrasts with the song’s somewhat artificial production, which detracts from an otherwise compelling composition.

No. 22. “Sat Singing”
From: Songs by George Harrison EP (1988)

“Sat Singing,” another track rejected for Somewhere in England, draws inspiration from a Sanskrit ritual where participants seek the “highest truth.” Harrison’s meditative approach transforms late bandmate John Lennon‘s advice to “turn off your mind” into a breathtaking moment of spiritual euphoria and introspection.

No. 21. “Writing’s on the Wall”
From: Somewhere in England (1981)

Harrison’s foresight in crafting a track about the premature loss of friends made “Writing’s on the Wall” an apt B-side for “All Those Years Ago,” which serves as a heartfelt tribute to Lennon. This poignant connection adds depth to both songs and highlights Harrison’s emotional resonance during this period.

No. 20. “Wake Up My Love”
From: Gone Troppo (1982)

As the opening track of Gone Troppo, “Wake Up My Love” stands as a dated artifact of the ’80s, comparable to Paul McCartney‘s “Spies Like Us.” Released as the album’s lead single, it shares an uncomfortable similarity to the underwhelming “Teardrops” from Somewhere in England. Neither song made it to the Top 40 in the U.S., nor did they gain traction in the U.K. Despite the juvenile synth riff, there appears to be a lively song yearning to break free from its constraints.

No. 19. “Lay His Head”
From: B-side to “Got My Mind Set on You” (1987)

“Lay His Head” is a beautifully easygoing track that encapsulates Harrison’s signature style, leaving one to wonder how it ended up as a mere B-side during Warner Bros.’ overhaul of Somewhere in England. Its understated brilliance deserves more recognition.

No. 18. “Someplace Else”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

John Lennon once referred to Jeff Lynne‘s ELO as the “son of The Beatles,” a sentiment that rings true for this particular tune.

No. 17. “Life Itself”
From: Somewhere in England (1981)

Harrison took a bold turn in this album, steering away from more mainstream themes found in Thirty Three & 1/3 and George Harrison, delving instead into deeper, often challenging spiritual themes. “Life Itself” stands out not only for its lyrical content, which revisits the message of interfaith unity that Harrison first championed in “My Sweet Lord,” but also for its melodic beauty, making it arguably the prettiest song on the album.

No. 16. “That’s the Way It Goes”
From: Gone Troppo (1982)

In a departure from his spiritual themes, Harrison explores the concept of life’s inevitable ups and downs in “That’s the Way It Goes.” This marked a significant shift for an artist who had recently returned to faith-based music, illustrating the evolution of his sound and the transition to a more mainstream appeal that would further develop in Cloud Nine.

No. 15. “Cockamamie Business”
From: Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989 (1989)

Unlike many extra tracks that seem like mere leftovers on compilation albums, “Cockamamie Business” stands out as a captivating, groovy track brimming with attitude and an air of mystery. Its uniqueness elevates it beyond typical bonus material.

No. 14. “Unknown Delight”
From: Gone Troppo (1983)

While Gone Troppo is often characterized by its use of contemporary synth sounds, it also delves into profound emotional territory. In “Unknown Delight,” Harrison expresses a longing for simplicity and connection after the disappointments of fame, making it a heartfelt tribute to his son Dhani. This track remains a quiet triumph within an album filled with upbeat yet somewhat dated material.

No. 13. “Just for Today”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

Harrison’s “Just For Today” resonates with the meditative qualities found in “Be Here Now,” from the 1973 album Living in the Material World. It encapsulates the essence of mindfulness and presence, crafted with the accessibility necessary for radio play, allowing it to reach a broader audience.

No. 12. “Cloud 9”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

In a powerful collaboration with Eric Clapton, Harrison tackles themes of resilience and determination in “Cloud 9.” This track marks the beginning of an album that would serve as a beacon, guiding the once-dormant ex-Beatles star back into the limelight of the music industry.

No. 11. “Devil’s Radio”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

While the subject matter may not be groundbreaking, “Devil’s Radio” offers a raw and energetic take on the challenges posed by media and fame. Harrison’s delivery is powerful and engaging, making the track a noteworthy addition to his catalog.

No. 10. “I Don’t Want to Do It”
From: Porky’s Revenge (1985)

In a surprising turn, Harrison delivers one of his finest covers of a Bob Dylan song in this unexpected setting, showcasing his versatility and ability to reinterpret classic material.

No. 9. “Cheer Down”
From: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

This soundtrack gem, co-written with Tom Petty, became a sought-after treasure from a time filled with offhanded musical brilliance. Produced with a refreshing contemporary style, Harrison’s playful lyrics deliver a humorous take on life’s challenges, culminating in the memorable line: “When your teeth drop out, you’ll get by even without taking a bite.” Later in the year, “Cheer Down” was released as a single alongside the compilation album Best of Dark Horse.

No. 8. “Heading for the Light”
From: The Traveling Wilburys’ Vol. 1 (1988)

As the 1980s came to a close, Harrison not only restored his personal life and faith but also revitalized his career. This song radiates a sense of purpose and renewal, capturing the essence of his journey.

No. 7. “Wreck of the Hesperus”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

The title of this sharp and witty rocker, inspired by a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, has become a colloquial term in Britain for someone looking disheveled. Harrison cleverly uses this metaphor to comment on his status as an aging rock star, embracing humor with lines like “I’m not the wreck of the Hesperus,” and reflecting on the passage of time with a lighthearted touch, aided by the drumming of Ringo Starr.

No. 6. “This Is Love”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

While “Got My Mind Set on You” became a chart-topping hit and “When We Was Fab” gained sentimental appeal, “This Is Love” stands out with one of Harrison’s most heartfelt vocals. Its infectious melody and passionate delivery should have propelled it to greater commercial success.

No. 5. “Got My Mind Set on You”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

Harrison stumbled upon James Ray’s version of this track during a 1963 record shop visit in rural Illinois, months before The Beatles made their television debut on Ed Sullivan. Although he didn’t revisit “Got My Mind Set on You” for decades, his timing proved impeccable. The Jeff Lynne-produced revival marked Harrison’s third chart-topping single, coinciding perfectly with the induction of his former band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

No. 4. “That’s What It Takes”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

Co-written with Gary Wright, “That’s What It Takes” features a beautifully understated slide guitar performance. This track represents the quintessential mid-’70s hit that Harrison had long aspired to create, proving that great music can come at any stage of an artist’s career.

No. 3. “When We Was Fab”
From: Cloud Nine (1987)

With a playful nod to the excesses of the Summer of Love era, “When We Was Fab” showcases Harrison and Lynne’s mastery of psychedelic elements, employing strings, backward tapes, and even a sitar. The charming music video features Ringo Starr and an actor mimicking Paul McCartney‘s left-handed bass while dressed in a walrus costume, alongside Neil Aspinall, who briefly appears with a copy of Lennon’s iconic album Imagine. This whimsical piece feels like a bittersweet reminiscence of a cherished past.

No. 2. “Handle With Care”
From: The Traveling Wilburys’ Vol. 1 (1988)

Originally conceived as a throwaway B-side, Harrison’s hit “Handle With Care” emerged as a testament to resilience. It became a collaborative effort, with Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty joining forces to create what would become one of rock’s greatest supergroups. Warner Bros. recognized its potential and ensured this gem received the attention it deserved, much to the delight of fans everywhere.

No. 1. “All Those Years Ago”
From: Somewhere in England (1981)

Under pressure from his record label, Harrison penned late-session replacement songs, one of which was this poignant No. 2 hit, serving as a heartfelt requiem for his dear friend and bandmate John Lennon. The tragic circumstances surrounding Lennon’s untimely death prompted an unexpected reunion featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, renowned producer George Martin, and engineer Geoff Emerick. The contributions of Denny Laine and Linda McCartney from Wings further enhanced the poignant atmosphere. The resulting collaboration was so powerful that it overshadowed some of the lesser tracks on Somewhere in England.

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