George Harrison Cloud Nine CD

After a five-year hiatus from recording, during which time he worked with his film production company, George Harrision returned to the studio in 1987 and cut the Jeff Lynne-produced CLOUD NINE. Harrison and Lynne made for a perfect match, as this album proved to be a comeback for the reclusive ex-Beatle. Joined by an all-star band that included Eric Clapton, Elton John, and Ringo Starr, Harrison put together a collection that includes sitar-tinged reminiscences of his former musical life ("When We Were Fab"), slinky psychedelia (the title track), and an obscure R&B tune that Harrison took to the top of the charts ("Got My Mind Set on You"). Although Harrison used the twangy irresistibility of "Devil's Radio" to take a swipe at gossip, he contrasted it with the bright-eyed optimism of "This Is Love." After deciding not to tour, George Harrison joined Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison in the Traveling Wilburys the following year.

Teaming with legendary Beatles obsessive Jeff Lynne, George Harrison crafted a remarkably consistent and polished comeback effort with Cloud Nine. Lynne adds a glossy production, reminiscent of ELO, but what is even more noticeable is that he has reined in Harrison's indulgences, keeping the focus on a set of 11 snappy pop/rock numbers. The consistency of the songs remains uneven, but the best moments -- "Devil's Radio," "Cloud 9," "Just for Today," "Got My Mind Set on You," and the tongue-in-cheek Beatles pastiche "When We Was Fab" -- make Cloud Nine one of his very best albums. [Cloud Nine was reissued in 2004 with two bonus tracks from the Shanghai Surprise soundtrack: the title song and "Zig Zag."] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recorded in England. Includes liner notes by George Harrison.

1987 Remastered + 2 Bonus Tracks.

Personnel: George Harrison (guitar, keyboards); Jeff Lynne (guitar, keyboards); Eric Clapton (guitar); Bobby Kok (cello); Jim Horn (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Elton John, Gary Wright (piano); Ray Cooper (drums, percussion); Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr (drums).

Recording information: F.P.S.H.O.T., England.

Photographer: Gered Mankowitz.

Personnel: George Harrison (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Jeff Lynne (guitar, keyboards, bass); Eric Clapton (guitar); Bobby Kok (cello); Jim Horn (tenor & baritone saxophone); Elton John, Gary Wright (piano); Ray Cooper (drums, percussion); Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner (drums).

Rolling Stone (3/4/04, p.68) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[A] late-career masterwork..."
Uncut (4/04, p.118) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[F]abulous..."
Mojo (Publisher) (4/04, p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[E]ndowed with undeniable charm."