From the sun-drenched gardens of Friar Park to the spiritual depths of India, Harrison’s journey was one of constant evolution, resulting in a catalog that remains as essential and healing today as it was half a century ago.
The Legacy of a Musical Seeker
Born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, George Harrison was always the dark horse of the Fab Four. While the world focused on the Lennon-McCartney rivalry, George was quietly sharpening his pen, eventually producing songs that many critics—and his own bandmates—considered the best in the Beatles’ entire repertoire. In 2026, his influence is felt more than ever; whether it’s through the enduring popularity of the All Things Must Pass 50th-anniversary collections or the recent use of his iconic slide guitar style in modern psych-rock, George’s “light” has never dimmed. To celebrate his 83rd birthday, we’ve curated the 10 definitive songs that capture the spirit of a man who found God in the groove.
The Beatles, left to right, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon (1940 – 1980) arrive at London Airport February 6, 1964, after a trip to Paris. Conflicting reports were released July 23, 2001 regarding Beatle George Harrison”s battle with cancer. Music producer Sir George Martin was quoted as saying that Harrison expects to die soon from his illnesses. The 58-year-old musician underwent treatment for a brain tumor at a clinic in Switzerland, and had surgery earlier this year for lung cancer. (Photo by Getty Images)
The 10 Best George Harrison Songs: Beatles & Solo
1. Something (The Beatles, 1969)
Frank Sinatra once called this the “greatest love song of the past 50 years,” and he wasn’t wrong. Released on Abbey Road, “Something” proved George could write a romantic standard that rivaled “Yesterday.” Its descending bassline and George’s most lyrical guitar solo created a template for the modern power ballad. In 2026, it remains the second-most covered Beatles song in history.
2. My Sweet Lord (Solo, 1970)
The first #1 single by an ex-Beatle, this track served as a spiritual manifesto. By blending the Christian “Hallelujah” with the Hindu “Hare Krishna,” George created a universal prayer that transcended religious boundaries. Despite the famous “He’s So Fine” legal battle, the song’s slide guitar work is considered some of the most beautiful ever recorded, defining George’s signature solo sound.
3. Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles, 1969)
Written in Eric Clapton’s garden on a borrowed acoustic guitar, this song is the ultimate anthem of hope. In the streaming era of 2026, it holds the title of the most-streamed Beatles song on Spotify, proving that its message of light after a “long, cold, lonely winter” is timeless. Its intricate Moog synthesizer flourishes were groundbreaking for 1969.
4. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles, 1968)
George’s masterpiece on the White Album features a guest solo by Eric Clapton, but the soul of the track is entirely Harrison’s. Inspired by the I Ching and the concept that “everything is relative to everything else,” the song is a haunting meditation on the world’s lack of empathy. It remains the definitive “rock” moment of his career.
5. All Things Must Pass (Solo, 1970)
The title track of his triple-album debut is a philosophical masterpiece. Drawing from a poem by Timothy Leary, George offers a comforting reminder that neither sorrow nor joy is permanent. In a world of 2026 that often feels chaotic, the song’s gentle, orchestral swell and wise lyricism act as a soothing balm for the soul.
6. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Solo, 1973)
A prayer set to a pop melody, this track from Living in the Material World features some of the most technically perfect slide guitar playing in the rock canon. It famously knocked Paul McCartney’s “My Love” off the top of the charts in 1973, signaling George’s continued dominance as a solo force throughout the early 70s.
7. What Is Life (Solo, 1970)
If “My Sweet Lord” was George’s soul, “What Is Life” was his heart. This up-tempo “Wall of Sound” production is a joyous explosion of brass and distorted guitar. It has become a staple of cinema—most famously in the finale of Goodfellas—and perfectly captures the effervescent energy of George’s early solo years.
8. Taxman (The Beatles, 1966)
Opening the landmark Revolver album, “Taxman” was George’s first overtly political song. With its biting lyrics and Paul McCartney’s aggressive, Indian-influenced guitar solo, the track proved George could be just as cynical and sharp-witted as Lennon. It remains the definitive protest song against the “one for you, nineteen for me” economics of the 60s.
9. Isn’t It a Pity (Solo, 1970)
A sprawling, emotional epic that was originally rejected for the Beatles’ Get Back sessions, “Isn’t It a Pity” is a six-minute cry for human connection. George laments how people “break each other’s hearts” without a second thought. Its slow-build crescendo makes it one of the most powerful and cinematic tracks in his entire discography.
10. Within You Without You (The Beatles, 1967)
The only song on Sgt. Pepper not written by Lennon or McCartney, this raga-rock fusion was a daring experimental move. Recorded with Indian musicians, the song introduced millions of Westerners to the sitar and Eastern philosophy. It remains the purest expression of George’s lifelong mission to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds.
