George Harrison

This 1981 effort had a troubled birth, but it's a surprisingly strong effort that was rewarded with solid sales. Carried along by a Merseyside beat, the lovely hit single "All Those Years Ago" is George's musical reaction to John Lennon's murder, while "Unconsciousness Rules" is a funky disco-rock number that once again sounds in vogue. The ELO-style production on "Teardrops" buries a solid tune, but "That Which I Have Lost" gets Harrison back on more comfortable shores. George also turns two old Hoagy Carmichael jazz songs into English dancehall rockers.

As the first album released by an ex-Beatle since the nightmare of last December 8th.
Somewhere in England will be eagerly received - and given the benefit of every doubt - by
fans desperate for consolation and reassurance that at least some of the Beatles magic has
survived John Lennon. Such sentiments have been further intensified by the inclusion of
George Harrison's elegy to his former partner, "All Those Years Ago," whose app... More >

Twice Warners sent these sappy plaints back for seasoning. Then a former associate of Harrison met with an accident, and Harrison wrote his catchiest tune in years, based thematically on this epigraph from Sri Krishna: "There never was a time when I did not exist, nor you. Nor will there be any future when we cease to be." His associate has not commented. (Grade: C-)