George Harrison CLOUD NINE (LP)

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).
Recorded in England. Includes liner notes by George Harrison.
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.

• Genre: Rock
• Format: Vinyl