Bruce Beatlefan (June 17, 2006)

George Harrison, at the urging of his son Dhani and his friend/producer Jeff Lynne, issues his final CD while dying of cancer, and delivers a beautiful album, one of his finest ever. The first six tracks (I can't help thinking of it as Side A) are simply a collection of new songs, each of which are a distinct and superbly crafted addition to his legacy. "Any Road" recalls the freedom of "Let it Roll" (from All Things Must Pass), "P2 Vatican Blues" is humerous storytelling similar to "Soft-Hearted Hana", "Looking For My Life" is a marvelously insightful yet lighthearted update in his spiritual walk. "Pisces Fish", "Rising Sun", and the exquisite instrumental "Marwa Blues" are all gorgeous songs.

In Side B (i.e., tracks 6-12) George starts off with a couple of songs directly addressing his approaching death (and who else besides George Harrison would so boldly share such a topic pubicly?); in the first he speaks candidly of his suffering and increased disability, in the second he is more philosophical about death in general--both are fine songs. The next set of songs were somewhat shocking to me, as he devotes two tracks fondly addressing his first wife Pattie (including a wonderful cover of "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea") and then singing a song which actually sounds slightly critical of sweet and faithful Olivia (I'm probably reading more into the lyrics than I ought, besides, "Rocking Chair in Hawaii" is yet another terrific song). George's last will and testament is not surprising, his most outspoken and direct devotional message, "Brainwashed". As a Christian, I'm not especially fond of the lengthy Hare Krishna mantras at the song's conclusion, but that is compensated by the fact that as George Harrison approaches his death, I see that on the CD's cover he accompanies his trademark Hare Krishna symbol with a cross.

But whether you or I agree with George Harrison's spiritual values, he was a master musician and a beautiful man, and with Brainwashed (just like John Lennon's Double Fantasy) he went out at the top of his game.

PZink (December 3, 2005)

Always a spiritual inspiration....
This recording confirms the passion of music and an artist's viable cause can help every individual in their lives now and then. Good for the mind and spirit.

Graeme (November 21, 2005)

Brainwashed is a solidly constructed album, owing some of that praise to George's son Dhani and longtime friend, producer Jeff Lynne. The songs are for the most part up beat, life afirming, and often humourous.
The album certainly doesn't seem to be the product of a man battling cancer.
It is outstanding.

Piet Buijs (May 2, 2005)

This album is one of the finest, if not the best, by any of the beatles solo careers!
It seems to me however that the album did not get the attention it deserved which is a pity for I believe there are plenty of people out there who are not aware that this masterpiece excists.

BeatleBeatle (April 2, 2005)

His best since All Things Must Pass and a fitting farewell tribute to a legend.

Brainwashed special edition - excellent! (August 25, 2009)

Thank you for adding to my Harrison collection, and the delivery and quality of the product were very good.

Regards,

Jim

Harrison Shines On (May 4, 2009)

Somehow, I had forgotten that BRAINWASHED was released in a Special Edition. The original music disc, itself, was sweet and so full of Georges' soul and humor that it was easy to be fully immersed in the songs and forget the extras existed. Recently I had the Special Edition shipped to me and was touched once again. The music stands stronger than ever, but the video of George and Friends is mesmerizing. The spiritual, the talented and the humorous soul that is George had once again visited me and reminded me to share the love. See it, hear it and feel it again for the first time on this Special Edition !!!

GEORGE HARISSON: BRAINWASHED (March 11, 2008)

A great last go for one of the fab four. A beautiful album from start to finish.

His Spirit Is The Universe! (December 17, 2007)

During the Time that much of the Music on this Recording was created, George, was very aware that his Life was almost over. And going in, I had never heard a Note of this CD called: "Brainwashed". As, I could only imagine what he was dealing with in the Last Year of his Life, I was expecting this Music to be Dire and Depressed in content. These Great Up-Lifting Songs and the General Tone of Happiness that I found here, for me has really Re-Inforced the Commitment of George Harrison as a Man of Great Faith and Spirit. And because of this, my Respect for this Man and his Art has Multiplied.

From the Wonderful Acoustic Guitars that ring like Bells on the Opener: "Any Road", right on through to the Closer: "Brainwashed", this is Joyful Music that ranks up with any of George's Greatest Works. Like "Cloud Nine" and the best Moments of The Wilbury's, this is the Work of an Mature and Worldly Person, that seems very content and at Peace.

On repeated listenings this Record holds up so Well, my Favorite track keeps on changing, right now "Pisces Fish" is at the Top, but this is an ongoing thing for my Ears and Heart, so I'll bet another of these Gems takes it's place as I absorb this Record again and again.

I will agree with some of the other Reviewers and say that as the DVD is Beautiful in Content, and gives us a real personal look at George, {Who was Sooo Private about his Life} I sure do wish it was Longer. That said, I really think that this The Deluxe Edition is they way to go, it is special and fitting for this Record to have all the 'Extras' included.

It's still Difficult to be without George Harrison in our World, but his Spirit is so Vast, he is now The Universe above us Forever.
This is a Fantasic CD...FIVE STARS !!!

Favorite CD by Favorite Fab (August 5, 2007)

This is by Far my Favorite Album by George...
Lyrically it is lightyears beyond where he has gone before.