Brainwashed cover

Brainwashed

George Harrison · 2002

47 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A reflective blend of folk-infused melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate Harrison's spiritual journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Any Road Start here — The opening track sets the reflective tone of the album with its philosophical lyrics about life's unpredictable journey and a catchy melody that draws listeners in from the start.
  • →
    Stuck Inside a Cloud — This song captures a sense of introspection and longing, with Harrison's emotive guitar work enhancing the contemplative lyrics about feeling lost yet hopeful.
  • →
    Brainwashed — The title track serves as a powerful commentary on societal influences and personal enlightenment, showcasing Harrison's trademark blend of spirituality and skepticism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, reflecting Harrison's introspective style while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The final track, 'Brainwashed', serves as a culmination of the album's themes, bringing back motifs from earlier songs while closing with a contemplative feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflection
  • introspective moments of calm
  • gradual climax in listening
  • afterthoughts on life's journey

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Final studio album showcasing Harrison's continued artistic vitality and introspection.
Themes
spiritual journey· Vatican critique
Career context
Released in 2002, Brainwashed was George Harrison's final studio album, coming four years after his previous release, the live album Concert for Bangladesh. At this point in his career, Harrison faced health challenges, which influenced the album’s somber yet hopeful tone, showcasing his enduring dedication to music despite personal struggles.
Stylistic neighbors
Jeff Lynne· David Crosby· Nick Drake

Tracklist

  • 1 Any Road Start here 3:52
  • 2 P2 Vatican Blues (Last Saturday Night) 2:38
  • 3 Pisces Fish 4:52
  • 4 Looking for My Life 3:49
  • 5 Rising Sun 5:27
  • 6 Marwa Blues 3:41
  • 7 Stuck Inside a Cloud 4:04
  • 8 Run So Far 4:05
  • 9 Never Get Over You 3:25
  • 10 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 2:34
  • 11 Rocking Chair in Hawaii 3:07
  • 12 Brainwashed 6:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata