Description
George Harrison – Living In The Material World – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Living in the Material World, released in June 1973, is George Harrison’s fourth solo studio album and stands as one of his most personal, spiritually invested, and musically sophisticated works. Coming nearly three years after the towering success of All Things Must Pass—an album that helped reframe Harrison’s identity in the post-Beatles era—Living in the Material World finds him turning inward, focusing less on the grand, epic production of his earlier solo work and more on the quiet urgency of spiritual reflection and personal truth. Deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy, particularly his devotion to Krishna consciousness and Indian mysticism, the album is structured as both a critique of the excesses of fame and fortune, and a sincere exploration of the soul’s yearning for liberation from worldly entanglement.
From the opening notes of the hit single “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)”, which would go on to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, Harrison sets a tone that’s prayerful, melodic, and emotionally transparent. His vocals, gentle and direct, are complemented by his signature slide guitar playing—fluid, lyrical, and steeped in feeling. The song’s simplicity belies a deep spiritual plea for unity, peace, and divine grace. That blend of accessibility and depth continues throughout the record, as Harrison walks a thematic tightrope between the impermanence of material success and the longing for something more enduring and meaningful.
The title track, “Living in the Material World,” is perhaps the album’s clearest mission statement. Over a tight, funky groove punctuated by crisp horn lines and soulful organ flourishes, Harrison contrasts the distractions and obligations of the material plane (“got to get out of this world somehow”) with his desire to stay connected to the divine. The song even includes subtle jabs at the Beatles’ legacy, referencing how his time with the band was entangled with the trappings of fame and industry, yet also a vehicle for his spiritual awakening. Throughout the album, that duality—the tension between worldly duties and inner clarity—is ever-present.
The record’s middle section is rich with introspective ballads like “The Light That Has Lighted the World”, which expresses Harrison’s struggle with public perception and his own introversion. “Who Can See It” continues in that vein, with a dramatic vocal delivery and orchestral swell that underscore the weight of personal transformation and the burden of self-reinvention. Meanwhile, the haunting and meditative “Be Here Now”, influenced by spiritual teacher Ram Dass’s book of the same name, is an ambient, tabla-accompanied piece that invites the listener to slow down and embrace the present moment—echoing the stillness of Indian classical music and its emphasis on inner space.
Another standout, “Try Some, Buy Some,” originally written for Ronnie Spector and produced by Phil Spector, brings a majestic, almost symphonic feel to the album. It’s one of the few tracks with that classic Wall of Sound grandeur, providing a stark contrast to the otherwise stripped-down, organic aesthetic of the record. Lyrically, it critiques consumer culture and blind materialism, aligning again with Harrison’s spiritual critique of Western values. The album closes with “That Is All”, a heartfelt devotional ballad that blends gospel influences with an almost hymn-like sincerity. It’s both a farewell and a benediction—part love song, part offering to the divine.
The album benefits from a talented ensemble of musicians including Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner and Ringo Starr on drums, and contributions from Gary Wright, Zakir Hussain, and others. Harrison’s production style on this album is more intimate and controlled than on All Things Must Pass, with a clear emphasis on musical clarity and emotional nuance rather than grandiosity.
Living in the Material World was commercially successful, reaching No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the UK, and earning gold certification. However, critical response was mixed at the time. Some praised its sincerity and craft, while others found its overt spiritualism heavy-handed or sanctimonious—particularly in contrast to the hedonistic rock landscape of the early ’70s. Yet, over time, the album has undergone critical reevaluation. Many now view it as one of Harrison’s most emotionally cohesive and spiritually resonant efforts, offering a deeply personal statement from an artist who had transcended the rock star mold and was now trying to make sense of his place in the world and beyond it.
Living in the Material World is not just an album but a spiritual document, revealing a man searching for balance between his inner self and his outer obligations. It captures George Harrison at a crossroads—world-weary but hopeful, disillusioned but devout, and always deeply connected to music as a means of navigating the soul’s journey. For listeners willing to embrace its quiet depth and earnest spiritual core, it remains one of the most meaningful and reflective albums in his catalog.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Give Me Love – (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Sue Me, Sue You Blues
The Light That Has Lighted The World
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long
Who Can See It
Living In The Material World
The Lord Loves The One (That Loves The Lord)
Be Here Now
Try Some Buy Some
The Day The World Gets ‘Round
That Is All
