Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
by Brian Wilson
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
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  1. Q Magazine
    60
    It won't dethrone his great works, but there's heart in abundance. [Nove. 2010, p. 117]
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  2. Mojo
    60
    Despite a few bright spots--a Beach boys-style makeover of I Got Rhythm and a swooning I Loves You Porgy--the album falls short of either artist's legacy. [Sep 2010, p.93]
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  3. PopMatters
    60
    Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin isn't quite the triumph one would have hoped, with a few awkward missteps and some vocal performances that don't honor the past as much as they make it seem like an awfully long time ago.
  5. Uncut
    60
    There are moments where the strings and backing vocals lurch into sickly sweet. But at least half of this album successfully unites two of America's greatest songwriters. [Oct 2010, p.109]
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  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    It's a joy to hear him in such audibly great spirits, even if his most cognizant album effort in decades isn't some kind of miraculous knockout
  7. musicOMH.com
    60
    The result of the flawless playing and polished production, however, is ultimately a too-perfect sound, lacking drama and grit. With his darkest years behind him, Wilson seems willing to use only the brightest colours in the paintbox.
  8. NOW Magazine
    60
    Overall this is a testament to Wilson's endless creativity.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Hearing Gershwin done in the style of Wilson's groundbreaking works is pleasant enough, but the middle-of-the-road veneer of this prestige project is the stuff of PBS pledge gifts.

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. 6969420blazing
    Apr 13, 2018
    10
    Reimagines Gershwin is the perfect description of what has happened on this album. I don't know what I was expecting but I have never heardReimagines Gershwin is the perfect description of what has happened on this album. I don't know what I was expecting but I have never heard versions of these songs like this. Its like the beach boys met frank Sinatra and its awesome… Full Review »
  2. Social
    Oct 31, 2010
    3
    I was very happy to see Brian Wilson had a new album out after loving every bit of "That Lucky Old Son". I loved the more musical kind ofI was very happy to see Brian Wilson had a new album out after loving every bit of "That Lucky Old Son". I loved the more musical kind of approach he used on it so I was interested to hear his new album would be based on George Gershwin who wrote a lot of musical music in his life.

    I don't know what happened! I guess somewhere during the recordings nobody had the guts to step up to Wilson and tell him his "Reimagines" were really forced and boring. Most of the tracks on the album have good arrangements and could be very nice instrumentals, but his voice is really not up to the task. It sounds all wrong and very forced. Some parts of his singing also sound very heavily modified. Like you're listening to a robot Wilson.

    No, I won't be listening to this album anymore, it's a really bad one.    … Full Review »
  3. Sander
    Oct 4, 2010
    8
    Of course not his best work ever, but is a work of love. This shines through most of this album. Despite some shortcomings, it is anOf course not his best work ever, but is a work of love. This shines through most of this album. Despite some shortcomings, it is an educational piece of work. A look into the great musicial minds of George Gershwin an Brian Wilson.… Full Review »
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