Album: Brainwashed

Introduction
"Brainwashed", launched in 2002, is the twelfth and last studio album by former Beatles guitar player and singer-songwriter George Harrison. The album was released posthumously after Harrison's death from lung cancer in November 2001 and was finished by his child Dhani Harrison and long-time partner and buddy, Jeff Lynne. Brainwashed functions a mix of styles, varying from rock and pop to Indian classical music, and has been well-received by both fans and critics alike. The album addresses themes of love, death, spirituality, and the environment and acts as a fitting and poignant farewell from one of the music world's most skilled and respected artists.

Production and Release
Recording for "Brainwashed" began in 1988, with the majority of the work occurring in between 2000 and 2001. Nevertheless, due to Harrison's degrading health, the completing touches to the album were delegated be completed by Dhani and Lynne. The album was completed in March 2002 and launched on November 18, 2002, almost a year after Harrison's death. It features 11 original structures by Harrison and one cover of the tune "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. The record cover features a photograph of Harrison holding an Ibanez guitar, shot by professional photographer Terry O'Neill in 1963.

Album Themes
"Brainwashed" explores various themes, with a strong emphasis on spirituality and the look for significance in life. The opening track, "Any Road", is an appealing and positive tune that concentrates on the concept that life is a journey and that we need to welcome the uncertainty of which path to take. "P2 Vatican Blues", on the other hand, is a fun, bluesy song that takes a more crucial view of arranged faith, with wry observations about the Vatican's wealth and power.

The album's title track, "Brainwashed", addresses the human tendency to be manipulated and managed by unfavorable influences, consisting of political propaganda, consumerism, and religious dogma. Harrison's lyrics encourage listeners to break free from these harmful patterns and look for fact and enlightenment for themselves. This theme of self-realization and spiritual awakening continues tracks such as "Rising Sun" and "Stuck Inside a Cloud".

"Brainwashed" likewise contains songs that touch on Harrison's love and appreciation for nature, such as "Pisces Fish" and "Looking for My Life". These tracks display Harrison's more contemplative and reflective side, as he shares his thoughts on the appeal of the world and the importance of connecting with nature.

Reception and Legacy
"Brainwashed" got mostly favorable evaluations from music critics and was an industrial success, reaching No. 18 on the UK Albums Charts and No. 29 on the US Billboard 200. The album was also chosen for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and has actually since acquired a credibility as a strong and fitting final work from George Harrison.

Overall, "Brainwashed" works as a testament to Harrison's musical genius and lifelong pursuit of spiritual awakening. With lovely melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and a diverse variety of musical styles, the album strengthens Harrison's legacy as one of the most ingenious and influential artists of his time. More than just a collection of songs, "Brainwashed" is an introspective exploration of the human experience and a long-lasting reminder of the power of music to influence and uplift.