On this day in 1973, George Harrison’s fourth studio album hit #1 in the US

After a strong start to his solo career with his first 3 albums, especially the critically acclaimed 1970 effort, All Things Must Pass, Harrison had been a significant part of a 1971-72 humanitarian aid project for the new nation of Bangladesh which left him tired and in need of a break. After a years rest he began work on the album fully in August 1972.

Throughout this time, Harrison’s devotion to Hindu spirituality reached new levels, and its influence was evident in his work, with several of the track titles being directly inspired by his religious teachings. The Beatles legacy and Harrisons stated wish to live in the present were other present themes on the album. 

Harrison intended to co-produce the album with Phil Spector, but his erratic manner and excessive alcohol consumption left Harrison producing the album himself. The album was an immediate success, both commercially and critically, with some hailing the album as a “pop classic”  while shooting to the top of charts around the world. 

A 2011 George Harrison documentary directed by Martin Scorsese shares the title of Living in the Material World.