Topping the US singles charts, the opening track, ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’, is the most commercially acclaimed track on the record. Contrasting with the melancholy seen throughout much of the album, this track has a much brighter sound. Nicky Hopkins provides an underlay of piano, while Harrison showcases his continuous mastery of slide-guitar. This mix of Western rock with Eastern influences is something that is prevalent throughout the album.
The title track, ‘Living in the Material World’, is emblematic of the album's central theme, the duality of materialism and spiritual enlightenment, something Harrison would continue to explore both musically and privately throughout his life. The familiar face of Ringo Starr provides the hard-hitting drums to what is the heaviest track on the record, cementing Harrison's lyrical and vocal aptitude as a solo artist.
Harrison's satirical response to ongoing legal battles with Paul McCartney is shown in the bluesy and rhythmic track, ‘Sue Me, Sue You Blues’. Showcasing Harrison's internal conflict as he succumbs to the "material world", the song is starkly similar to John Lennon's ‘How Do You Sleep?’, with both tracks scornfully criticising their former bandmate Paul McCartney.
A resounding tribute to Harrison's imperfect yet unquestionable commitment to the Hare Krishna movement and the spiritual enlightenment intrinsic within his life, the 50th anniversary mix offers newfound life and vibrancy to the record. Overseen by Olivia and Dhani Harrison, Paul Hicks adds warmth and clarity with remastered audio, additional bonus content, demos, outtakes and alternate mixes to an already masterful album. Not only a musical statement, but a reflection of Harrison’s spiritual journey, ‘Living in the Material World’ continues to resonate with listeners 50 years later.
