Description
George Harrison – Thirty Three & 1/3 – Compact Disc
Released in 1976, Thirty Three & 1/3 marks a notable turning point in George Harrison’s post-The Beatles career. Coming after a period of legal disputes and uneven critical reception in the mid-1970s, this album feels lighter, more relaxed, and in many ways more playful than his earlier solo work. The title itself is a clever double meaning—referencing both Harrison’s age at the time (33⅓) and the standard speed of a vinyl LP—hinting at the album’s self-aware and slightly humorous tone.
The record leans into a smoother, more groove-oriented sound than some of Harrison’s earlier, more overtly spiritual or introspective albums like All Things Must Pass. Here, he incorporates elements of funk, soul, and soft rock, resulting in a warmer, more laid-back feel. Tracks like “You” open the album with an upbeat, almost Motown-influenced energy, while “Crackerbox Palace” blends quirky lyricism with a tight, rhythmic arrangement. The production is polished but not overly dense, allowing Harrison’s guitar work and melodic instincts to remain front and center.
Thirty Three & 1/3 strikes a balance between humor, personal reflection, and subtle commentary. Harrison had often been associated with deeply spiritual themes, and while those elements are still present, they’re delivered here with a lighter touch. Songs like “This Song” even poke fun at the very legal troubles he had been dealing with, turning a frustrating situation into something witty and self-referential. This sense of ease and perspective gives the album a more approachable and human quality compared to some of his earlier, more solemn material.
One of the album’s strengths lies in its cohesion. Rather than aiming for the grand, sweeping statements of his early solo career, Harrison focuses on crafting a consistent mood—one that feels intimate, relaxed, and quietly confident. His guitar playing is particularly effective in this context: fluid, tasteful, and never overly showy, serving the songs rather than dominating them.
In the broader context of Harrison’s discography, Thirty Three & 1/3 is often seen as a comeback of sorts. While it may not carry the monumental weight of his early post-Beatles work, it demonstrates a renewed sense of creativity and balance. It shows an artist who has moved past both the immediate aftermath of Beatlemania and the heavier burdens of his earlier solo explorations, settling into a more comfortable and sustainable artistic voice.
Thirty Three & 1/3 stands as one of Harrison’s most enjoyable and accessible albums. It captures him at a moment of personal and artistic equilibrium—still thoughtful and distinctive, but also relaxed enough to embrace humor, groove, and simplicity. For listeners, it offers a glimpse of Harrison not just as a former Beatle or spiritual seeker, but as a musician fully at ease with himself and his craft.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Woman Don’t You Cry For Me
Dear One
Beautiful Girl
This Song
See Yourself
It’s What You Value
True Love
Pure Smokey
Crackerbox Palace
Learning How To Love You
