The Fab Four’s internal relationships were broken by the time The Beatles broke up in 1970. During their last years together, Paul McCartney in particular had irritated his bandmates by trying to take charge of the creative process. His previously strong songwriting collaboration with John Lennon had completely collapsed. He had even provoked the supposedly subdued Beatle, George Harrison.
Harrison was a gifted songwriter in his own right. However, he frequently had trouble getting his ideas past Lennon and McCartney’s dominance. Harrison’s temporary departure from The Beatles in the late 1960s was a result of the high level of tension that existed between the two bands. But even though he wasn’t given much credit as a songwriter while he was in the band, he would later launch a prosperous solo career after the group disbanded.
Harrison recorded All Things Must Pass, one of the best Beatles solo albums, the year the Fab Four finally broke up. His album included exquisite songs like “My Sweet Lord” and “I’d Have You Anytime.” These songs combined his trademark slide guitar sound with subdued lyrics. The album demonstrated that he was a songwriter who ought to have been more involved in writing and studio sessions.
From then on, he kept demonstrating his songwriting talent with every new release, winning even McCartney’s respect. In an interview with Uncut in the early 2000s, the lead Beatles songwriter listed some of his all-time favourite songs. And he made sure to include a solo Harrison composition.
In addition to including his all-time favourite song, The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows,” and shoutouts to Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire, McCartney also included a song by his late bandmate. McCartney chose a song from Harrison’s posthumous album Brainwashed. The album included recordings made between the late 1980s and the early 2000s. McCartney made this choice rather than selecting a song from Harrison’s early magnum opus.
“Marwa Blues,” which appeared at the halfway point of the album, was the track that McCartney found most memorable. Harrison’s skill with his instrument was fully on display in this track. This featured a long introduction devoted to his magnificent twangs. The music changes to a harp and strings as a shimmering chime enters, all of which help him improve his slide guitar technique.
The song is a true showcase for Harrison’s instrumental prowess even though it doesn’t highlight his gift for lyricism. Contrary to its name, his guitars and the accompanying arrangements create a composition that is bursting with serenity and calm. It’s understandable why it made McCartney’s list because it’s mellow and spiritual. He seems to have put together the ideal playlist for a calm, sunny day. It included his other favourites, Nat King Cole, and “God Only Knows.”
The fact that McCartney listed “Marwa Blues” as one of his favorite songs further demonstrates how much he appreciated and valued Harrison’s songwriting ability. This appreciation wasn’t always evident when they were recording together. Harrison’s solo endeavors yielded some of the best Beatles solo compositions ever. He was given the freedom to explore his own musical interests, create his own sound, and expand his lyrical abilities.
