10 Beatles Tracks That Were Ahead Of Their Time
5. George Harrison: While My Guitar Gently Weeps (1968)
Being in a group with the likes of Lennon and McCartney is a double edged sword. Sure, you're bound to get a wealth of hits, but it doesn't leave much room for anyone else to contribute. Indeed that was one of the driving motivations for George Harrison to leave the band. Although the breakup signalled an end to arguably the greatest rock group ever formed, it allowed Harrison the freedom to create on his own terms.
His song writing was under appreciated while he was in the group, perhaps not by fans, but certainly by Lennon and McCartney. While My Guitar Gently Weeps represents Harrison's ostracisation from the group, perhaps more spiritually than anything else. The group traveled to India during the late '60s, encouraged by Harrison's new found interest in Eastern teachings. They didn't take to it like Harrison had hoped, however; there was a feeling the trip was a distraction from their musical endeavours. On top of that, Harrison was still limited by how much material he was able to contribute.
The prominence of Eric Clapton on this recording, speaks to Harrison's frustration. No one but a Beatle had played on one of their albums so prominently until this. But Harrison was tired of the group's disinterest in developing his songs. He recruited Clapton to join in the sessions, motivating both Lennon and McCartney to up their game. Clapton's lead was overdubbed as the final solo, resulting in one of the group's most defining numbers.