George Harrison GONE TROPPO (LP)

Personnel includes: George Harrison (vocals, guitar, mandolin, marimba, synthesizer, bass); Ray Cooper (Fender Rhodes piano, marimba, synthesizer, percussion, effects); Billy Preston (piano, organ, keyboards, synthesizer); Mike Moran (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Neil Larsen (piano); Gary Brooker (synthesizer); Willie Weeks, Herbie Flowers (bass); Jim Keltner, Dave Mattacks, Henry Spinetti (drums).
Producers: George Harrison, Ray Cooper, Phil McDonald.
Generally overlooked in the ex-Beatle's solo discography, 1982's GONE TROPPO finds George Harrison flirting with radio-friendly, synth-driven pop hooks of the early-1980s, while still demonstrating his penchant for great, timeless melodies. The opener, "Wake Up My Love," establishes the light, breezy tone of the album, which continues through the Caribbean-via-Fab Four vibe of the title track. The languid love song "Unknown Delight" and the goofy doo-wop of "I Really Love You," which recalls Beatles novelty numbers such as "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)," vary the record's feel and pace. The 2004 reissue includes an acoustic demo version of the song "Mystical One," which is arguably--given its intimacy and stripped-down production--the album's strongest track.

• Genre: Rock
• Format: Vinyl