Introduction
"Extra Texture (Read All About It)" is the 6th studio album by English artist George Harrison, launched in September 1975. The album significant Harrison's return to making music after a hiatus following the release of his previous album, "Dark Horse", in 1974. "Extra Texture (Read All About It)" was a deeply reflective album that showcased Harrison's songwriting and musicianship. Although it was not as commercially successful as his previous works, such as the seriously well-known "All Things Must Pass", it still reached the top 10 charts in both the UK and the United States.
Background and Production
After the release and tour of "Dark Horse", George Harrison dealt with numerous personal and expert challenges, consisting of the end of his marital relationship to Pattie Boyd, his label's financial difficulties, and an undesirable critical reception to his current work. In an effort to recover from these problems, Harrison took a year-long break from music. When he went back to the studio in 1975, he was figured out to produce an album that was both artistically satisfying and commercially viable.
"Extra Texture (Read All About It)" was tape-recorded between April and June 1975 at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, with the assistance of producer Jim Keltner and engineer Norm Kinney. Harrison worked together with different artists on the album, including David Foster, Leon Russell, and Billy Preston. The album's recording process was smooth, and Harrison was pleased with the outcomes.
Music and Lyrics
"Extra Texture (Read All About It)" is a musically diverse album that integrates different categories, such as pop, rock, and soul. The album consists of 10 tracks, each showcasing Harrison's development as a songwriter and musician. The opening track, "You", was originally composed for Ronnie Spector but was later on remodelled by Harrison for his album. The song is a memorable, upbeat pop tune that shows Harrison's skill as a melody author.
On the other hand, tracks like "The Answer's at the End" and "World of Stone" delve into darker themes and emotions, showing Harrison's self-questioning during this duration of his life. These songs deal with concerns such as loss, pain, and disillusionment, indicating the maturity of Harrison's songwriting.
The album also consists of several ballads, such as "Grey Cloudy Lies" and "Tired of Midnight Blue", showcasing Harrison's capability to craft sincere, emotive songs. Instrumentally, the album includes an abundant mix of guitars, keyboards, and orchestration, showing Harrison's adaptability as an artist.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Extra Texture (Read All About It)" got combined reviews from critics. Some applauded Harrison's songwriting and the album's overall mood, while others discovered it to be a lackluster effort compared to his previous works. The album reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and number 16 on the United States Billboard 200 chart.
In spite of its mixed reception, "Extra Texture (Read All About It)" is an important piece of George Harrison's discography and serves as an essential reflection of his individual and artistic journey throughout that time. The self-questioning shown on this album can be viewed as a precursor to Harrison's later works, such as his 1987 resurgence album "Cloud Nine" and the posthumous "Brainwashed" (2002). Eventually, "Extra Texture (Read All About It)" stands as a testimony to the strength and development of an artist who dealt with numerous obstacles and emerged more powerful on the other side.
Artist: George Harrison
George Harrison, English musician, film producer, and member of The Beatles. Discover his journey from the band to solo success, and his impact on music and film.
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