The Quiet One's Loudest Moments
George Harrison's Finest Beatles Songs
In the shadow of Lennon-McCartney, a third songwriting genius quietly bloomed. George Harrison, the youngest Beatle, evolved from reluctant guitarist to spiritual seeker and masterful composer. His journey from writing simple love songs to crafting complex meditations on spirituality and consciousness marked one of the most fascinating transformations in popular music.
While his contributions were limited by the band's hierarchy, Harrison's compositions stand as some of the most innovative in The Beatles' catalogue. Here are his ten finest moments as a Beatles songwriter, each demonstrating why the 'Quiet Beatle' deserved far more attention than he initially received.
10. "For You Blue" (Let It Be, 1970)
A playful blues number that showcases Harrison's lighter side, "For You Blue" arrived during the band's fractious final days. The song's charm lies in its simplicity – a straightforward declaration of love wrapped in slide guitar and honky-tonk piano. It's refreshing to hear Harrison step away from his more serious compositions, proving he could still craft a delightful pop song when the mood struck.
9. "Long, Long, Long" (The Beatles, 1968)
Perhaps Harrison's most underappreciated masterpiece, this haunting ballad whispers rather than shouts. The song's otherworldly atmosphere, created by a peculiar combination of organ drone and rattling wine bottles, perfectly captures the spiritual yearning that became Harrison's trademark. Its intimate production makes listeners feel as though they're eavesdropping on a private prayer.
8. "I Need You" (Help!, 1965)
An early gem that proved Harrison could match his bandmates in crafting memorable melodies. The innovative use of volume-pedal guitar creates a distinctive sound that would influence countless future recordings. While lyrically straightforward, the song's arrangement shows Harrison's growing sophistication as a composer.
7. "Think for Yourself" (Rubber Soul, 1965)
This sharp-tongued rebuke marked Harrison's first deviation from standard love songs. The fuzz-bass arrangement was revolutionary for its time, while the lyrics showed Harrison developing his own voice – questioning authority and encouraging individual thought. It was an early indication of the philosophical songwriter he would become.
6. "Within You Without You" (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967)
A bold departure from Western pop structures, this Indian-influenced epic merged Harrison's spiritual journey with The Beatles' experimental phase. The track's philosophical lyrics and innovative fusion of Eastern and Western instruments created something entirely new in popular music. While polarising upon release, it's now recognised as a pioneering piece of world music fusion.
5. "I Want to Tell You" (Revolver, 1966)
This sophisticated composition tackles the frustration of being unable to communicate effectively – a theme that would resonate throughout Harrison's career. The deliberately dissonant piano reflects the song's theme of mental confusion, while the Indian-influenced chord progressions hint at Harrison's expanding musical horizons.
4. "Taxman" (Revolver, 1966)
Opening Revolver with a snarling critique of British tax policy, "Taxman" announced Harrison as a songwriter to be reckoned with. The track's razor-sharp guitar work and acidic wit demonstrated that the quiet Beatle had found his voice. Its influence on punk rock's anti-authority stance cannot be overstated.
3. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (The Beatles, 1968)
A masterpiece of composition and arrangement, this track showcases Harrison's ability to merge philosophical reflection with rock power. The addition of Eric Clapton's guitar work adds another layer of emotion to an already powerful song. Its exploration of universal interconnectedness wrapped in a rock framework demonstrated Harrison's unique ability to make the spiritual accessible.
2. "Something" (Abbey Road, 1969)
Frank Sinatra called it "the greatest love song of the past 50 years," and for once, his hyperbole was justified. This perfectly crafted ballad proves that Harrison could write romantic material to rival any of his contemporaries. The melody seems to have existed forever, while the arrangement shows remarkable restraint and sophistication.
1. "Here Comes the Sun" (Abbey Road, 1969)
The ultimate expression of Harrison's songwriting gifts, this seemingly simple song contains multitudes. Written in Eric Clapton's garden during a break from the band's business troubles, it captures a moment of pure joy in musical form. The sophisticated time signatures and layered arrangement are so perfectly constructed that they become invisible – leaving only a sense of pure optimism and light.
In Conclusion:
Harrison's evolution as a songwriter mirrors The Beatles' own journey from simple pop to artistic complexity. What makes his songs particularly special is how they balance sophisticated musical ideas with accessibility – philosophical depth with memorable melodies. The ten songs above demonstrate not just Harrison's growth as a composer, but his unique ability to merge Eastern spirituality with Western pop forms, creating something entirely new in the process.
His relative scarcity of Beatles compositions makes each one feel more precious – gems carefully polished before being presented to the world. While Lennon and McCartney's output was more prolific, Harrison's measured pace allowed him to develop a body of work that stands as a testament to quality over quantity. These songs prove that sometimes the quiet one has the most to say.