The return of King George

 

Charts are an interesting animal. Admittedly, they are but one way to gage an artist’s credibility, appeal — the young kids would stay ‘traction’. You obviously also have airplay, concert figures, press coverage, reviews… And then you have the time factor: are they still around 5, 10 or 20 years later? Even one-time chart toppers can’t always say that they are. But George Harrison is a bit of an outlier: as a member of the most important musical group of the 20th century, his place is forever set in stone for music lovers and historians alike. On top of that, as a solo artist, he was actually the first of his former bandmates to make it to #1 in said charts, enjoying a rather stellar run until the very end of his life…

And that seminal solo chart topper happens to the incredibly well named All Things Must Pass. As the triple (!) album turned 50 last year, the artist’s team is releasing a remastered reissue along with a deluxe edition and several other good things. It would arguably be an event in itself, outside of its context: that album and its lead single “My Sweet Lord” are bone fide classics. And they readily cemented Harrison’s personal legacy beyond his equally incredible — and well known — contributions to the success of the Beatles. It also remains somewhat infamous for the copyright trial that ensued, making this record an historic one any way you happen to look at it.

And then there is the context: pushed back because of Covid-related reasons (as one might expect), this 50th anniversary reissue finally sees the light of day this very week. And its celebration of life and spirituality and everything that goes with it is a truly welcome present for everyone glued to their computer screen hoping that the wifi won’t go down (speaking from experience…). Which is probably why this historic album is back in the Billboard 200’s Top 10 upon re-release, at #7 to be precise. Right between embattled Country star Morgan Wallen‘s record-breaking Dangerous and the Lil Durk / Lil Baby dual effort The Voice of the Heroes. Talk about an unlikely combo…

Long live the King and his Sweet Lord!