*George Harrison on the Best and Worst Albums The Beatles Ever Made*
When it comes to The Beatles, opinions on their albums are as varied as their music. But what did George Harrison himself think about the band’s highs and lows? The “quiet Beatle” was never shy about sharing his views, and over the years, he offered some candid insights into which Beatles albums he loved—and which ones he’d rather forget.
In interviews, Harrison made it clear that his favorite Beatles records were *Rubber Soul* and *Revolver*. “I liked when we got into ‘Rubber Soul,’ ‘Revolver.’ Each album had something good about it and progressed,” he once said, reflecting on the band’s creative evolution. For George, these albums marked a turning point where The Beatles moved beyond simple pop songs and began experimenting with new sounds, deeper lyrics, and innovative recording techniques. He especially appreciated how these albums allowed him to grow as a songwriter and guitarist, bringing his own influences—like Indian music and blues—into the mix.
*Rubber Soul* (1965) and *Revolver* (1966) are often cited by critics and fans as some of The Beatles’ most influential works. These albums saw the band pushing boundaries, both musically and lyrically. For Harrison, this period was a breath of fresh air. He contributed standout tracks like “If I Needed Someone” and “Taxman,” and began to feel more like an equal creative partner alongside Lennon and McCartney.
On the flip side, Harrison was less enthusiastic about some of the band’s other projects. He didn’t mince words about *Yellow Submarine*, calling it “not much of an album as far as I was concerned.” The album, released in 1969, was a soundtrack for the animated film of the same name and featured only a handful of new Beatles songs, with the rest being orchestral pieces by George Martin. For George, it lacked the creative spark and cohesion of their other records.
Harrison’s ambivalence toward *Yellow Submarine* wasn’t just about the music. By the late 1960s, tensions within the band were running high, and he often felt sidelined by the Lennon-McCartney partnership. This frustration is echoed in his comments about the *Let It Be* sessions, where he felt his contributions were overlooked. It’s no wonder he found some Beatles albums less satisfying than others.
Despite these ups and downs, Harrison always acknowledged that every Beatles album had something special. Even on records he didn’t love, there were moments of brilliance—whether it was a killer guitar riff, a clever lyric, or a new studio experiment. He was especially proud of his work on *Abbey Road*, where he contributed two of the band’s most beloved songs: “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun.” Many fans and critics agree that these tracks are among the best in The Beatles’ entire catalog.
After the band split, Harrison’s solo career took off, proving he was much more than just the “quiet” one. His 1970 album *All Things Must Pass* is hailed as a masterpiece, and songs like “My Sweet Lord” and “What Is Life” became instant classics. But even as a solo artist, Harrison remained reflective about his Beatles years, often looking back with a mix of pride and honesty.
In summary, George Harrison’s picks for the best Beatles albums were *Rubber Soul* and *Revolver*, thanks to their musical innovation and the creative freedom they offered him. His least favorite was *Yellow Submarine*, which he felt lacked substance and personal involvement. Yet, through it all, Harrison’s legacy as a Beatle is defined by his ability to find the good in every situation—and to create timeless music, no matter the circumstances.
