Album: Somewhere in England

Background
"Somewhere in England" is the ninth studio album by previous Beatle, George Harrison. Originally launched in June 1981, the album takes a journey through a wide range of different categories, showcasing Harrison's vast musical variety. He pulled from new age, pop, rock, and his impact from Indian music, which he had actually popularized throughout his time with The Beatles.

The album was produced by Harrison himself, in addition to Warner Bros. A&R representative Stan Fishelson and engineer Ray Cooper. Diverse instrumentation used in the album, consisting of synthesizers and acoustic guitars, highlights its eclectic nature. Throughout the procedure, George dealt with a range of artists, such as Tom Scott, Al Kooper, and members of The Flying Pickets.

Preliminary Recording and Rejection
In May 1980, George Harrison started recording "Somewhere in England" right after he finished his previous album "George Harrison". He presented his original version to Warner Bros. in September 1980, but the label rejected it, arguing that it lacked prospective hit singles. The label called Harrison and insisted that he revamp on 4 of the album's tracks. Harrison required, albeit unwillingly, and began reworking the album.

However, amidst the recording/re-recording processes, previous Beatles bandmate, John Lennon, was tragically assassinated in December 1980. Consequently, Harrison composed a tribute tune in Lennon's memory, entitled "All Those Years Ago". This new addition to the album, including Ringo Starr on drums and Paul McCartney on backing vocals, efficiently ended up being a partial Beatles reunion.

Reception
Upon its release in 1981, "Somewhere in England" received blended evaluations from critics. In Spite Of the Billboard Hot 100 charting singles "All Those Years Ago" and "Teardrops", which peaked at No. 2 and No. 30 respectively, the album faced some examination for its disparity concerning Harrison's signature design. Critics discovered it challenging to compartmentalize the album into a particular category, provided its musical diversity. Some appreciated its eclectic sounds, while others claimed that it left listeners feeling disconnected.

However, "Somewhere in England" reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and was later certified Gold. It has actually considering that developed a loyal following over the decades, with fans valuing the album's introspective nature and its surprising range of musical designs. The tribute to John Lennon in "All Those Years Ago" stays one of the most poignant and psychological songs in Harrison's solo career.

Tradition
Outside the industrial success of "All Those Years Ago", "Somewhere in England" offered a collection of beautifully intimate and introspective tunes that continue to resonate with fans today. Tunes like "Life Itself" and "Writing's on the Wall" display screen Harrison's spiritual journey in addition to his social commentary on the world around him. The album, although diverse, remains a statement to Harrison's versatility and distinct sound.

For several years, the album's original variation (declined by Warner Bros.) stayed unheard by the public. However, in 2004, a bootleg of these initial recordings appeared, giving fans the special chance to compare Harrison's initial vision to the formally released variation.

Overall, "Somewhere in England" stands as a crucial turning point in George Harrison's profession. It marks the perseverance and growth of an unbelievable musician and songwriter, as well as paying tribute to an essential relationship lost.