When it comes to the most-played Beatles song on Spotify, you might think of classics like “She Loves You,” “Hey Jude,” or even “Yesterday.” However, topping the list is none other than George Harrison’s iconic piece, “Here Comes the Sun.” With a staggering 1,433,830,334 streams to date, this track has eclipsed others from the legendary band’s catalog. The You Can’t Unhear This video gives viewers an insightful look into what makes “Here Comes the Sun” such an enduring favorite, from its inspiration to the intricate recording techniques employed.
Though it may sound straightforward, “Here Comes the Sun” is a testament to the unique and sophisticated approach typical of the Beatles’ late era. Harrison’s creative process involved crafting a melody in the tranquil setting of Eric Clapton’s garden, deliberately stepping away from yet another business meeting. He innovatively enhanced the composition by routing his guitar through a Leslie speaker, typically used for organs, and transported his massive Moog synthesizer to Abbey Road to infuse the track with ethereal electronic sounds.
At this pivotal moment in Beatles history, the sense of the band’s looming breakup was palpable. Nevertheless, the Fab Four were not working entirely alone. The sessions for “Here Comes the Sun,” which ultimately appeared on Abbey Road, marked some of the band’s final collaborative efforts. It’s easy to understand how the atmosphere of impending change led to John Lennon’s somber “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” concluding side one of the album. The optimism that opens side two with Harrison’s hit is even more striking for those who recall the days of flipping vinyl records.
Beyond its musical appeal, “Here Comes the Sun” left a cultural mark significant enough to catch the attention of Carl Sagan, who advocated for its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Records. These records, sent into the cosmos, were meant to offer extraterrestrial beings a glimpse of human culture. The Beatles supported the idea, but legal entanglements with their record label, EMI, and costly fees prevented its interstellar debut. Had it been added, “Here Comes the Sun” might have enjoyed the unique status of being a hit beyond our solar system.
Related content:
- The Beatles Release the First Ever Video for “Here Comes the Sun”
- Discover George Harrison’s Solo in “Here Comes the Sun”
- Watch a Flashmob Perform “Here Comes the Sun” in Madrid
- Explore How George Martin Shaped the Beatles’ Sound
- See George Harrison’s Last Interview and Performance (1997)
Colin Marshall, based in Seoul, shares his insights on cities, language, and culture through writing and broadcasting. Discover his projects, including the Substack newsletter Books on Cities and the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles. Stay updated by following him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.
