If you don’t particularly like George Harrison’s music, chances are you’ve missed out on some of his best works. Not only was his solo career quite lucrative, but his songwriting contributions to The Beatles were similarly well-put-together. Let’s take a look at five Beatles songs that George Harrison wrote that could very well change your mind if you don’t like his music!
1. “If I Needed Someone”
If you don’t like George Harrison, you’ve likely rarely heard some of his best songwriting contributions. “If I Needed Someone” is a great example of Harrison’s talent for simple yet effective melodies. This track from the 1965 album Rubber Soul is reminiscent of The Byrds with a unique folk-rock vibe.
2. “Taxman”
This track from the 1966 record Revolver is a bit sassy and also a little bit political. It challenged the British tax operation at the time, which wasn’t exactly in good taste, considering that Harrison was filthy rich. Still, it’s a simple yet beautifully composed song.
3. “It’s All Too Much”
This George Harrison-penned tune was featured in the 1968 movie Yellow Submarine and the subsequent soundtrack. It is a pure, unabashed, and notably English psychedelic wonder. Harrison packed so many different types of sounds, instruments, and effects into this song.
4. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
This is one of The Beatles’ most well-known songs and a real standout track on The White Album. You can hear Harrison’s spiritual leanings in this song quite well as the lyrics beg the listener to think of life beyond material needs. Which, again, is pretty interesting considering Harrison and the rest of the band were insanely rich. But we can’t deny that it’s one of The Beatles’ best songs.
5. “Something”
“Something” shows off Harrison’s growth and maturity as a songwriter. The lyrics of the song are intentional and smart, and a great example of what happens when a writer opens their mind up to more emotionally complex concepts. His guitar is killer on this track, as is Paul McCartney’s bass. If you want to hear a George Harrison solo at the top of his game, this is the song to listen to.
