CD Review: George Harrison "George Harrison: Let It Roll"

An exceptional guitarist, songwriter and singer, Harrison too often was overlooked next to fellow Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney. But "Let It Roll” provides the kind of showcase Harrison deserves, spotlighting his lyrical guitar work and canny songwriting.

The CD follows Harrison’s solo career in no particular order, opening with his bouncy 1988 hit "Got My Mind Set on You,” his cover of a 1960s Rudy Clark-James Ray song, and closing with the thoughtful 7-minute "Isn’t It a Pity,” from his first solo record, 1970’s "All Things Must Pass.”

The tracks provide a solid overview of Harrison’s post-Beatles career, from the folksy "Any Road” to the ’80s rocker "Cheer Down” to the philosophical "All Things Must Pass.” "Let It Roll” gives a nod to Harrison’s days with the seminal rock band with live versions of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” "Here Comes the Sun” and "Something” from his famed "The Concert for Bangladesh.”

"Let It Roll” leaves out some gems, such as the humorous "This Song,” the quirky "Crackerbox Palace” and the infectious "Dream Away.” But the album, which includes rare photos and an essay by Warren Zanes in the glossy liner notes, fittingly pays tribute to the late Beatle.

— Brandy McDonnell