SMiLE
by Brian Wilson
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Sep 28, 2004
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 522 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 398 out of 522
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 522
  3. Negative: 85 out of 522

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  1. RoccoS
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    Everyone who gave it ones and zeroes probably put the cd in their car stereo on the way home from best buy, grimaced, and simply endured the first listen, like I did. They might have even listened a few more times. I've listened to it about 10 times through and I keep discovering more and more. Looking back, all of my favorite music of all time seemed random and inaccessible upon the Everyone who gave it ones and zeroes probably put the cd in their car stereo on the way home from best buy, grimaced, and simply endured the first listen, like I did. They might have even listened a few more times. I've listened to it about 10 times through and I keep discovering more and more. Looking back, all of my favorite music of all time seemed random and inaccessible upon the first few listens, but you have to devote some time to the music to be infinitely rewarded. This album is an absolute joy from beginning to end, the instrumentation is glorious and lush, NONE OF IT IS DIGITAL, and I'm only giving it a 9 because of the horrible misjudgement of changing the "Good Vibrations" lyrics.… Expand
  2. EliE
    May 29, 2007
    10
    Any flaws you could point out in Brian's vocals compared to the original tapes are drastically outweighed by the faithful attempt at reconstructing this greatest of lost pop albums.
  3. chirs
    May 25, 2007
    10
    are you people insane? this album is amazing. it's wonderfully weird and genius.
  4. TedG
    May 21, 2007
    10
    What's so impressive about this album is how ahead of it's time it is today, 40 years since it's conception. The Polarized reviews speak to this. The album beautifully details American mass culture, with both ideas deep and adult, as well as childlike and innocent.
  5. erikb
    May 7, 2007
    3
    one of those albums that you'll force yourself to hear all the way through because you "should," and then realize it is totally impossible to listen to. Can't really say I enjoyed this one at all, which is tough to admit given all the hype. Maybe I don't "get it" but I think the emperor's new clothes comment got it right.
  6. danielb
    May 3, 2007
    1
    What a disappointment! All time highest score in Metacritic? Now I get it, Rock "critics" only give value to their own nostalgia and deep in their hearts they despise any music created after 1969. This album is not bad in the same way that some elevator songs are acceptable and even catchy. I don't care about the lyrics, the music in Smile is plain boring and no grandstanding about What a disappointment! All time highest score in Metacritic? Now I get it, Rock "critics" only give value to their own nostalgia and deep in their hearts they despise any music created after 1969. This album is not bad in the same way that some elevator songs are acceptable and even catchy. I don't care about the lyrics, the music in Smile is plain boring and no grandstanding about now genius Pet Sounds was will convince me of the contrary. Let me say it again: the music is utterly boring. It is the same annoying high pitched whining for 40 minutes. Can Rock critics talk about the music of the albums they review for once? If I wanted … Expand
  7. BenC
    Apr 28, 2007
    3
    The original is incredible, this is mediocre at best. It has so many stops and starts in the middle of songs that it gets annoying. Tedious is the one word i would use to describe this new album
  8. JPublius
    Apr 15, 2007
    2
    Horrid. The updated lounge band production of this album is so far from the mid-60s Beach Boys magic as to be unrecognizable. The great myth of "Smile" is that it was somehow unfinished, as if Wilson were on the cusp of writing great new material that would link everything together when pressure from his bandmates and label forced him to stop working on the record. This is ridiculous: Horrid. The updated lounge band production of this album is so far from the mid-60s Beach Boys magic as to be unrecognizable. The great myth of "Smile" is that it was somehow unfinished, as if Wilson were on the cusp of writing great new material that would link everything together when pressure from his bandmates and label forced him to stop working on the record. This is ridiculous: Smile was as finished as it was ever going to be, mostly due to its principal songwriter/producer having reduced himself to drug-addled mush. The Smile sessions were a story of diminishing returns, capped by endless studio tweakery at the end to produce the recording Wilson himself had promised Capitol by Jan 1967. The music was there--as numerous bootlegs and "rough mixes" conclusively prove. It wasn't the best pop album in history, and it was never going to be. But it was certainly far superior in every aspect to the mess the group released in its place, the career-killing disaster known as "Smiley Smile." It was also far superior to this slicked-up recording, with its mind-bogglingly awful version of Good Vibrations featuring lyrics not by Mike Love, which,given almost endless lawsuits that have marred the group's existence since the 60s, is probably the real reason why the original Smile never saw the light of day then, nor in the 80s, nor now. Sorry, Brian-worshippers. I just cannot get into a shallow re-recording of a famous lost album by a composer/singer long past his prime backed by studio musicians who just don't get it. The real Smile exists out there--it always has. You just have to look for it...… Expand
  9. SanderV
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    Altough the original tapes sound warmer, the real winning point for this version is its cohesiveness. I never thought it could be pulled of, but it works and it's brilliant. It's a trip, from beginning to end.
  10. DarylS
    Mar 10, 2007
    9
    Ok I'm 15 and (I'll admit it) very impressionable, I get this album based on metacritic's 97 average with very little previous beach boys experience and absolutely no idea what to expect. I've had only 3 listens so far and it's still growing on me - I'm still not sure what if the rave reviews are all genuine or if many are due to the hype and mythology Ok I'm 15 and (I'll admit it) very impressionable, I get this album based on metacritic's 97 average with very little previous beach boys experience and absolutely no idea what to expect. I've had only 3 listens so far and it's still growing on me - I'm still not sure what if the rave reviews are all genuine or if many are due to the hype and mythology surrounding it but all I can say is like it. I like it a lot. Maybe I don't appreciate it the same way as many other people do and i can't quite understand this being the "greatest album ever" but it is a very good listen and i hope more and more listens will reveal just how good it is to a poor boy whos been forced to grow up with Justin Timberlake and 50 Cent like myself.… Expand
  11. Rick
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    After reading the majority of comments, I have come to this conclusion. The negative reviews are from young dead-eared rap-damaged musically retarded people who wouldnt recognize a good melody if it bit them and collegiate musical zipperheads w/ their heads so far up there own butts they judge music by how complex it may look on a score instead of by their ears,heart and soul! So sad for After reading the majority of comments, I have come to this conclusion. The negative reviews are from young dead-eared rap-damaged musically retarded people who wouldnt recognize a good melody if it bit them and collegiate musical zipperheads w/ their heads so far up there own butts they judge music by how complex it may look on a score instead of by their ears,heart and soul! So sad for you and the future of music and humanity. If you love melody,harmony and muisc as an artform this album is for you! Ignore these sad sad people and SMiLE instead.… Expand
  12. BrendanD
    Feb 19, 2007
    6
    Before I begin my review, I want to make something very clear: I worship at the temple of Brian Wilson. "Today!" is my favorite Beach Boys record, but, with the exception of "MIU Album," I love everything the Boys did from the early '60s through 1979's "L.A." I also enjoy the Wilson-Paley Sessions, and I even have a very special guilty pleasure song for the sample-heavy Wilson Before I begin my review, I want to make something very clear: I worship at the temple of Brian Wilson. "Today!" is my favorite Beach Boys record, but, with the exception of "MIU Album," I love everything the Boys did from the early '60s through 1979's "L.A." I also enjoy the Wilson-Paley Sessions, and I even have a very special guilty pleasure song for the sample-heavy Wilson rap spectacular/debacle (depending on one's point of view), "Smart Girls." When Wilson first announced he'd be performing "Smile" live, I was ecstatic; when I finally heard a copy of the live shows, I was even more enthralled. Pieces I'd been assembling for years fit together almost, though not quite, how I'd envisioned. "Holidays" sounded magnificent, "Vega-Tables" hilarious, and "Child is Father of the Man" more haunting than I ever would have dreamed. I couldn't wait for Wilson to release the album version, but my hope was that it'd be the concert, much like he had for "Pet Sounds Live." The album, as it stands today, isn't what it should be, and it certainly isn't what it was. In 1967, "Smile" would have been as revolutionary, and perhaps moreso, than the "Good Vibrations" single. But there's a lot missing. First and foremost, the production is awful. That's not to say that it's bad production on Wilson's, or anyone else's, part; rather, it's the wrong kind of production for this type of music. Computer editing works incredibly well for the bands Wilson and his Boys influenced -- acts like the Flaming Lips, the Super Furry Animals, and the Polyphonic Spree --, but left to Wilson, it simply comes off as hackneyed. This is most likely due to rock music's having advanced almost forty years between the original recording and the eventual release of "Smile." However, there's a bigger issue here: musicianship. No, Wilson's voice isn't what it was, but the backing band he's been using on tour is more than capable of picking up the slack on the road. That's fine for tours, but in the studio, these folks aren't capable of the magic of the six Beach Boys and the Wrecking Crew, which recorded most of the Boys' backing tracks in the '60s. There are little changes that don't work as well. The tinny harpsichord from the '60s sessions are replaced by a much more digital-sounding one, and the result makes the sound of "Heroes and Villains" go from a crazy acid trip to a mellow pharmaceutical high, "Wind Chimes" from hauntingly serene to childishly incompetent. No one is able to capture the "You're under arrest" line from "H&V" quite like Denny Wilson did. And most violatingly, the reversion to Tony Asher's lyrics for "Good Vibrations" is an unbelievably bad choice. Although I champion re-upping the "Hum-be-dum" chorus tag, which is among the most beautiful ideas Wilson's ever had, and though I hate admitting it because I dislike the man so very much, Mike Love's lyrics really were better. Finally, whereas "Smile Live" was literally that -- alive --, "Smile: The Album" sounds flat and dead and mundanely average. Wilson is capable of great things, especially with concerts; but this album is a true-blue disappointment. If you really want to get a look at what "Smile" is all about, find a bootleg of the session tapes, and then watch the "Smile Live" DVD; but skipping this tepid recording won't ruin your life or musical experience at all.… Expand
  13. Rog
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    Outstanding music - for any era.
  14. stephj
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    music does not get better than this. kudos to Brian Wilson. If only there was music of this caliber today.
  15. danh
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    This album is better than pet sounds. It is amazing but would have been better if the other living beach boys were on it.
  16. JasonF
    Jan 10, 2007
    1
    Complicated? Yes. Good? Helllll no. One of the worst albums I've ever heard. I really wanted to like it too.
  17. KitS
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    I am an old Beach Boys fan, born in 1952. My wife and I saw Brian Wilson and his band perform this at Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Oct. of 2004. It was the best concert that either of us had ever attended. Despite the fact that we are two shy white nerds, we were dancing to the Beach Boys tunes they did after Smile was performed. We bought the album Smile and the DVD, listened to it I am an old Beach Boys fan, born in 1952. My wife and I saw Brian Wilson and his band perform this at Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Oct. of 2004. It was the best concert that either of us had ever attended. Despite the fact that we are two shy white nerds, we were dancing to the Beach Boys tunes they did after Smile was performed. We bought the album Smile and the DVD, listened to it many times. We are silly, nerdy people and both vegetarians. We LOVE the Vega-tables tune. As for power tools and barn yard animal noises, we found this funny and whimsical, comic relief. The composition, the arrangements, the performances, it is all top rate. We find it very positive, spiritual, uplifting, a bright light of inspiration. Smile is lots better than the pop, "house music" and rap garbage that pretentiously poses as "music" these days. Brian Wilson is a master and he and his work deserve some serious respect.… Expand
  18. RichardK
    Dec 15, 2006
    7
    This album is good, but how it got its ranking I'll never understand. I'm obviously missing something. On the other hand, why do some people give 1's and 2's? Is it just to offset the misplaced 10's? Metacritic's ratings always tend to the extreme.
  19. EvaB
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    The smallness of vision of the touring Beach Boys for rejecting Brian's SMiLE is staggering. The good thing about this album taking so long to be released is that I am now old enough to savor it. I was a small child when the Beach Boys were at their hieght so their music was "standard" to me. I didn't see the inovation in any of it because I was too young and since it was the The smallness of vision of the touring Beach Boys for rejecting Brian's SMiLE is staggering. The good thing about this album taking so long to be released is that I am now old enough to savor it. I was a small child when the Beach Boys were at their hieght so their music was "standard" to me. I didn't see the inovation in any of it because I was too young and since it was the music that I was growing up to there was nothing remarkable about it to me. Listening to SMiLE now makes me want to go back and actually listen to the other Beach Boys music as albums rather than just singles. Wilson and Van Dyke Parks made majic.… Expand
  20. AH
    Nov 20, 2006
    2
    Credit must be given to the level of creativity and variety on this album. In saying that however, variety without purpose and cohesion can be a bad thing and this album, after about Track 11, becomes really tiresome. Track 12 Vega-tables is just a montage of goofy sounds and nonsense.
  21. ChrisB
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    The most artistic album of all time. This proves that Brian does not need those coat-tail riding, freeloading Beach Boys. Here is a group of dedicated musicians doing justice to some of the most original American music since Copeland. God Save Brian Wilson!
  22. JackH
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    Simply the best album since Abbey Road.
  23. Mr.X
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    So Andy McD must think the crap that those retard rappers and pop artists put out is music. Today's music is such a de-evolution when it comes to musical progress that it makes me sick! It is a good thing I have Brian Wilson's Smile as my medicine. What an excellent album! Great musical and vocal arrangements.If you want to hear real music purchase this album.
  24. AndrewF
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    One of the top 5 albums of all time. His voice is a little different, but certainly not bad, and the backing band is better musically than the beach boys. The only thing it is missing, is Carl, Mikes, Brian (in his 20s) voices. Only albums ahead of it are Pet Sounds, Revolver, Highway 61, and Sgt. Peppers.
  25. RobertA
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    So good!
  26. DaleB
    Sep 23, 2006
    10
    When you listen to the arrangments, not just the music, but the vocal arrangments, this album towers above any other piece of pop music I have heard. You really need to watch the DVD concert video to take in all that is going on with this musical materpiece. SMiLE is brilliant! And to think Brian and Van Dyke did this at age 23? Mindboggeling!
  27. Ben
    Sep 17, 2006
    8
    It would have been a disapintment if released earlier... simply not comparable with pet sounds or any beatles records
  28. Illiniq
    Aug 21, 2006
    6
    Belongs right next to Pet Sounds as one of the most critically overrated pieces of work in all Rock and Roll history...silly and in many moments intensely unlistenable... How I wish it had been release in it's own era so it could have been properly assessed as fitting into the Beach Boys body of work just as one thinks of Satanic Majesties for the Stones, Let it Be for the Beatles, Belongs right next to Pet Sounds as one of the most critically overrated pieces of work in all Rock and Roll history...silly and in many moments intensely unlistenable... How I wish it had been release in it's own era so it could have been properly assessed as fitting into the Beach Boys body of work just as one thinks of Satanic Majesties for the Stones, Let it Be for the Beatles, or Nashville Skyline for Bob Dylan. Other than the classics we've already known for forty years (Good Vibrations, Heroes and Villians, Vegetables) the rest of this is just lame, annoying pop pasiche completely unworthy of any "genius" label.… Expand
  29. JohnL
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    It took me forever to finally get around to this, and I am absolutely blown away. It is BETTER than the raves. I honestly didn't know what to expect, with all the super hype, and I am just amazed. The last original thing he did that I loved was the self titled 1988 album. It would've been a wonder in 1967 to be certain, but I honestly can't imagine a better version than It took me forever to finally get around to this, and I am absolutely blown away. It is BETTER than the raves. I honestly didn't know what to expect, with all the super hype, and I am just amazed. The last original thing he did that I loved was the self titled 1988 album. It would've been a wonder in 1967 to be certain, but I honestly can't imagine a better version than this one. What a great ending to a great story !!!… Expand
  30. GiovanniO
    Aug 17, 2006
    2
    Why are most reviewers giving this album a 10? When you rate an album do you consider overall enjoyability for adults that did not grow up in the 60's? As an open minded individual I can appreciate any music regardless of age or type, but as a reviewer I could not give a 10 to an album based on its history or lenght of creation. Rome was not built in a day but it fell in one...
  31. JereW
    Jul 18, 2006
    0
    Brian Wilson's "Smile" is ridiculous. I laughed when I saw this score...
  32. MikeLove
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    Quite simply one of the masterpieces of rock music and only a reaffirmation of Wilson's genius. My favorite dissenting comment is from a poster who claims that musicians and knowledgeable composers would dismiss Brian Wilson as an "average songwriter." This is why such unknowledgeable musicians such as Paul McCartney have called Pet Sounds their favorite album of all time, Neil Young Quite simply one of the masterpieces of rock music and only a reaffirmation of Wilson's genius. My favorite dissenting comment is from a poster who claims that musicians and knowledgeable composers would dismiss Brian Wilson as an "average songwriter." This is why such unknowledgeable musicians such as Paul McCartney have called Pet Sounds their favorite album of all time, Neil Young has admitted to weeping when listening to Wilson's music, Bob Dylan has suggested the donation of Wilson's ear to the Smithsonian and Pete Townshend has "liberally" applied the term "genius" to Brian. Oh yes, and for those schooled in musical theory, Leonard Bernstein, the former famed composer and conducter of the New York Philharmonic spotlighted Wilson on a 1966 TV special performing "Surf's Up" to demonstrate to adults the artistry that was occuring in popular music at the time. By the time Brian Wilson was 24, he had secured his legacy by penning the majority of the Beach Boys hits as well as Pet Sounds and this, Smile. What did your so called "above-average" songwriter accomplish between 18 and 24? His music may not necessarily be your cup of tea, but please do not display such ignorance and belittle the man's accomplishments.… Expand
  33. RaleighR
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    Brian Wilson is elevated to new highs with SMiLE. Though one can only dream what this time traveled masterpiece could have inspired if originally released as a response to Sgt. Pepper. In the 60's the hype that surrounded the album was that it was to be 'a teenage symphony to God'. In 2004 does it still hold up to what teenager feel today? All n all great album, good for Brian Wilson is elevated to new highs with SMiLE. Though one can only dream what this time traveled masterpiece could have inspired if originally released as a response to Sgt. Pepper. In the 60's the hype that surrounded the album was that it was to be 'a teenage symphony to God'. In 2004 does it still hold up to what teenager feel today? All n all great album, good for Brian to get it accomplished.… Expand
  34. IainS
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    Saw this track by track in 2004, had the experience of Pet Sounds before that TWICE; Brian Wilson is THE living pop genius. If you can't appreciate the genius of Pet Sounds, Smile or Brian Wilson then there really is no hope for you :)
  35. EricY
    Jun 17, 2006
    0
    why critics always against the good musics, this is the E era, young peoples are the main consumer of the music industry!!
  36. MeatMuffin
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    The people who are giving this album a 10 seem to be generally smarter than the ones who are giving it lower scores. Just read the reviews below this one.
  37. markh
    Jun 8, 2006
    5
    greatest album ever. hahahahahahahahahahha yeah right, refund please.
  38. DavidC
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    i understand why some people might not like it. It is a little nebulous and silly, but it appeals and satisfies every nerve ending in the comprehensional area of my brain. i don't know if i've ever been so memsmerized by a piece of music before. I'm not going to proclaim it the best album ever, not in my interest, and i think a lot of people get consumed by the mythology i understand why some people might not like it. It is a little nebulous and silly, but it appeals and satisfies every nerve ending in the comprehensional area of my brain. i don't know if i've ever been so memsmerized by a piece of music before. I'm not going to proclaim it the best album ever, not in my interest, and i think a lot of people get consumed by the mythology behind the album, and that may enhance the overall impression of the music in some strange sensory aesthetic, but without the legend withstanding, it is still and inticing piece of work.… Expand
  39. PaulW
    May 19, 2006
    10
    With Pet Sounds, I think Brian Wilson already established that he is one of the very top musical minds who ever walked this earth- I mean, listen to 'Don't talk (put your head on my shoulder' and 'Let's go away for a while'- it's way above Lennon and McCartney. 'Smile' is too good for this world, its ideas and execution so quirky and With Pet Sounds, I think Brian Wilson already established that he is one of the very top musical minds who ever walked this earth- I mean, listen to 'Don't talk (put your head on my shoulder' and 'Let's go away for a while'- it's way above Lennon and McCartney. 'Smile' is too good for this world, its ideas and execution so quirky and accomplished (the old West, a Victorian childhood, the earth, fire, water elements) that it will probably always be a 'cult' rather than popular classic. Make no mistake, think of the most famous composers you can think of in history and Brian Wilson's musical mind will be sharper. It's an insult to him to compare his compostional and production genius with The Beatles.… Expand
  40. AncaM
    May 10, 2006
    2
    big disappointment! it's not the 60's or the 2000's, it's a very weird mixture that personally i don't understand and can't relate to it!
  41. NathanG
    May 6, 2006
    1
    The Emporer Has No Clothes
  42. SmittyP
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    The world is a much better place with the release of this album. Our and future generations should be eternally thankful to Darian and the band for helping push Brian over this hump. A true masterpiece on par with Gershwin. I have nothing but sympathy for those who are unable to truly appreciate the depth, complexity and innovation of this album.
  43. BrianS
    Apr 9, 2006
    2
    Bought this album based on Metacritic review - deeply dissapointed
  44. cliftonb
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    To all of you that rated the album low here is a suggestion. Take a msic class so you may possibly begin to wrap your brain around the beautiful and complex work on this album. Why do the critics like it? Because its damn good!I honestly feel bad for those of you who don't get it. You can say what do the critics know but the awnser is this a whole lot more than us especially those of To all of you that rated the album low here is a suggestion. Take a msic class so you may possibly begin to wrap your brain around the beautiful and complex work on this album. Why do the critics like it? Because its damn good!I honestly feel bad for those of you who don't get it. You can say what do the critics know but the awnser is this a whole lot more than us especially those of you whom have never studied music. if they dont convince you remember that Leonard Bernstien one of the greatest american composers singles out material from this album to show the world that the future of music was not completely lost.… Expand
  45. SeamusS
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    Okay Okay, So everyone here likes to disagree for the sake of being different eh? That's what I'm getting. First of all Drew M Get a life your self. It's an album of love, relativly harmless. Though it may have gone over your head, I'll just pitty you and forget about it instead of finding out what you like and rating it with a 0 after never listening to it. The album Okay Okay, So everyone here likes to disagree for the sake of being different eh? That's what I'm getting. First of all Drew M Get a life your self. It's an album of love, relativly harmless. Though it may have gone over your head, I'll just pitty you and forget about it instead of finding out what you like and rating it with a 0 after never listening to it. The album is a masterpiece in and out of the context of it's creation. It was a labor of love that needs to be looked at. From the first notes, the harmonies and complex sonic beauty that is Brian Wilson filles the air around you. At the same time, it captures themes of innocnece which, when reflected upon by many, can seem childish and even stupid. Those who reflect it as that are often bitter for it going over their heads or them taking it too seriously. I cant ramble any more because it'll just be more hot air. It's a fucking masterpiece I really have no time for those who are so bitter… Expand
  46. CKbiggie
    Mar 26, 2006
    4
    wanted to like this, but 4 listens later was trying hard to stay awake. the critical fervor is completely baffling... a very mediocre album.
  47. NickW
    Mar 22, 2006
    0
    I agree with Drew M
  48. DrewM
    Mar 18, 2006
    0
    Oh my God. This album is absolutely fucking horrible. Anybody who rated it high needs a good smack. Really. Get a life, people.
  49. JackL
    Mar 12, 2006
    6
    There once was a man named Brian Wilson; a fragile man who created many works of greatness in the '60s with the Beach Boys. After releasing "Pet Sounds", he began to prepare an album that's greatness would surpass any that ever been released. He worked... and worked... and worked. "Smile" was assumed to be lost forever until one day, 37 years later, it finally saw a release. It There once was a man named Brian Wilson; a fragile man who created many works of greatness in the '60s with the Beach Boys. After releasing "Pet Sounds", he began to prepare an album that's greatness would surpass any that ever been released. He worked... and worked... and worked. "Smile" was assumed to be lost forever until one day, 37 years later, it finally saw a release. It was a breathtaking work of genius and totally kicked Sgt. Pepper's ass. The deranged savant Brian Wilson was finally at peace. The end. Wasn't that a good story? Music journalists certainly thought so, declaring the album one of the best of the year; and even all time. Putting aside the history of the album, however, reveals a mediocre release full of cornball songs about barnyard animals and vegetables. The best tracks of this CD were released years ago, and to be frank, they sounded a lot better in their original versions. The first time I listened to this CD, I hated it, but I've given it another chance and it's growing on me. It still isn't anything truly great, in my opinion. Beach Boys fans and music historians may love it. As for everyone else, move on- there's nothing to see here.… Expand
  50. JoeG
    Mar 9, 2006
    5
    I wanted to love this, I really did. It's from a genius isn't it, one of the great lost treasures of 60's pop! A few of the sequences (Heroes and Villians) are excellent, but I struggled to warm to much else, some of which is positively flaky. I've just sold it on Ebay, and hope the buyer enjoys it more than I did.
  51. [Anonymous]
    Mar 6, 2006
    1
    pretty poor stuff if we're honest with ourselves
  52. mike
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    brian wilson is god
  53. NoobyF
    Jan 22, 2006
    1
    Brian Wilson is ancient OKAY! Get it through your head. I thought the album was so thoroughly boring, as his other stuff was. So I'm one hundred percent behind you, Dan S. It's terrible.
  54. DanS
    Jan 12, 2006
    0
    Holy shit this album sucks. Its the #1 album on metacritic of all time? Ive lost all faith in critics and user ratings for life, with the exception of the few of you who trashed this piece, youve all lost your minds, much like Wilson. If you bought this album i feel sorry for you.
  55. matthewk
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    The greatest music i have ever heard !
  56. karma
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    if i had to pick just one album to take with me to a desert island, this would be it.
  57. LeoS
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Simply the greatest album ever released
  58. Suzan
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    Melodic, masterly crafted, way ahead of its time for the late 60's, simply smile-worthy!!
  59. ZapR
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    Simply the greatest album ever released -- it transcends pop music to create something both new and old -- part Americana, part whimsical escapism, part pure pop, part symphony. The lyrics are both non-sensical and lucid, and Wilson's compositions are breathtakingly, beautiful, such as "Wonderful." This is music to make us smile.
  60. JMoskal
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Couldn't have been better
  61. davek
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    I have been waiting for this along time ..I just wish it was done by the beach boys of the 60's
  62. JacobQ
    Nov 16, 2005
    3
    Those demons in ol Brians head should have stayed there and not recorded on cd. I'm putting this "gem" on ebay...
  63. JohnG
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    As close to perfection as is humanly possible.
  64. MikeO
    Nov 6, 2005
    6
    Surf's Up and Good Vibrations are superb, but we already knew that. The versions on Smile are inferior to the Beach Boys. Heroes & Villains is good, the rest is average to weak. What was all the fuss about? This is really the most over-hyped album of all time, yet it is still rates a 6/10 due to the 3 tracks mentioned above.
  65. Keith
    Oct 28, 2005
    1
    Utter sonic drivel, bought this for a friend, feelin' a tad guilty....must think i hate em.
  66. mattf
    Oct 27, 2005
    3
    I just don't get it and I've listened to the album many times. Best album of 2004. No way!
  67. DustinB
    Oct 26, 2005
    2
    I feel like I'm taking crazy pills! I can only imagine that fans of Wilson's past work must remain enamored, because the songs Heroes and Villians, Wind Chimes, and of course, Good Vibrations, save this album from being entire awful. Listen to songs Barnyard and Vega-tables to realize that Brian Wilson has nothing interesting left to sing about. Actually, don't listen to I feel like I'm taking crazy pills! I can only imagine that fans of Wilson's past work must remain enamored, because the songs Heroes and Villians, Wind Chimes, and of course, Good Vibrations, save this album from being entire awful. Listen to songs Barnyard and Vega-tables to realize that Brian Wilson has nothing interesting left to sing about. Actually, don't listen to them, just take my word for it and skip this album entirely.… Expand
  68. Thiscdisgreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Have another listen folks, although this music is not for everyone, there is no denying the genius in the writing ,arranging and producing. We are lucky to have this at all.
  69. radar
    Oct 13, 2005
    3
    It sounds cold and overproduced. Go for the originals, folks. This was done just as good before.
  70. hitchynonejusthitchy!
    Oct 13, 2005
    4
    To say I'm disappointed is an understatement!...we've all heard the legend of 'smile', so the anticipation of hearing this for the 1st time was high. Where to listen to it?...I never remember the first time I heard any of the great classics, so I was determined to make this 'hearing' something I'd remember forever. On a long lonely highway, late at To say I'm disappointed is an understatement!...we've all heard the legend of 'smile', so the anticipation of hearing this for the 1st time was high. Where to listen to it?...I never remember the first time I heard any of the great classics, so I was determined to make this 'hearing' something I'd remember forever. On a long lonely highway, late at night, cruise control on, by myself........turned up loud.......man i was salivating as i pushed the CD in.......the result?......oh brian, oh no, brian....please tell me this ain't smile......37 yrs in the making?......sounds to me like you just got a whole heap of lyrics & musical snatches, chucked 'em in the blender & recorded it in the order that they came out....oh Brian, no!… Expand
  71. harrypotter
    Oct 9, 2005
    1
    Opt for the Beach Boys originals instead. This is the sound of some demented old geezer trying to relive his glory days while equally demented old critics and musos oddly lap it all up. The emperors new clothes springs to mind. Waste of time. Complete and utter.
  72. ACritic
    Oct 6, 2005
    6
    I enjoyed the CD. Some of it. The songs were very unique and experimental, and had very different affects to them. "Our Prayer" was harmonic and bright, "You are my Sunshine" has a very dark sound to it. "Roll Plymouth Rock" was beautiful. Although, some of the tracks (Barnyard, Mrs. O'Leary's Cow), were a miss for me. A real mix I would recommend for anyone to listen to.
  73. Rev.Rikard
    Oct 5, 2005
    1
    I tried! I really did! This may be the most overrated album ever. No song touched or moved me; and it has become one of the few albums in my collections that is probably permanently shelved. Sorry Brian, but the years of sabbatical did little to make this work inspiring.
  74. reyn
    Oct 3, 2005
    0
    Worst CD. Ever.
  75. WilliamT
    Sep 23, 2005
    1
    first they told me Revenge Of The Sith had redeemed George Lucas. Heck many critics said it was even better than Star Wars. Then I hear Smile scores 97 on the metatcritic score so I goes out and buy it. "It's impossible for words to describe what is necesassary, for those who do not know what... horror...means"
  76. Jackhammer
    Sep 11, 2005
    0
    Wilson's voice is shot. He sounds like Neal Young with pneumonia--and is freuqently garbled. Easily the most grating album, as well as most overrated, on the market.
  77. PeterFrampton
    Sep 11, 2005
    1
    Sounds rather like a lost, misguided composition clobbered together by the Moody Blues, George Michael, and a drunken aardvark. The drunken aardvark is the best, too. Save your money.
  78. Waldo
    Sep 11, 2005
    0
    Horrific. And irritating. There's a reason that it took 37 years to get this material out--it ought to have remained in the dustbin.
  79. DriR
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    Wonderful! Brilliant!
  80. TristramC
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    This disc is just a tease. As 'wonderful' as it is, it is impossible to enjoy it without wondering how it would have sounded in the late 60s with the same energy and exhuberance Brian and the boys had when they released Pet Sounds. And that is another thing. Even though Mike Love hated it, I want to hear the other Beach Boys on this recording instead of the Starlight Mints (or This disc is just a tease. As 'wonderful' as it is, it is impossible to enjoy it without wondering how it would have sounded in the late 60s with the same energy and exhuberance Brian and the boys had when they released Pet Sounds. And that is another thing. Even though Mike Love hated it, I want to hear the other Beach Boys on this recording instead of the Starlight Mints (or whoever Brians backing band is; I forget to be honest) That said, nothing came close to it regarding Album of the Year. 2004 had its stories; the Arcade Fire and Devendra Banhart being among the best, but not even they could compete with the release of he most anticipated record in pop history and even as a relative success, it blew everything else away.… Expand
  81. salomey
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    this is the best album ever released i would spent some time telling the people who gave this one 0 or hardly any points why they are so obviously ruled but i would end up using language that wouldn't be suitable :D + the music speaks for itself it would have been nice had brian been able to release this when his voice was still 100% (though i was pleasantly surprised really) but this is the best album ever released i would spent some time telling the people who gave this one 0 or hardly any points why they are so obviously ruled but i would end up using language that wouldn't be suitable :D + the music speaks for itself it would have been nice had brian been able to release this when his voice was still 100% (though i was pleasantly surprised really) but then again when that's the only possible flaw there's nothing to complain this album is a victory in every way… Expand
  82. JamesSaysThis
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    Everyone who thinks this album is a loss or a blunder is full of beans. I was almost completely in the dark in regards to the SMiLE legend before it came out last year, but have eaten it up whole hog since first popping it in. I'm 22, and it's clear to me that everyone in my age group who doesn't understand what Brian Wilson is not only capable of, but has done (let's Everyone who thinks this album is a loss or a blunder is full of beans. I was almost completely in the dark in regards to the SMiLE legend before it came out last year, but have eaten it up whole hog since first popping it in. I'm 22, and it's clear to me that everyone in my age group who doesn't understand what Brian Wilson is not only capable of, but has done (let's be clear on that), must have shit for brains.… Expand
  83. JordanS
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    I was confused the first five times I heard this album. But as I started listening to it more and more, I came to realize the wonders of this album. When I first started listening to it, something struck my subconscious as this was the first recording that sounded completely "American." You can't explain it; you need to hear it. Listen to this album a few times; if you don't I was confused the first five times I heard this album. But as I started listening to it more and more, I came to realize the wonders of this album. When I first started listening to it, something struck my subconscious as this was the first recording that sounded completely "American." You can't explain it; you need to hear it. Listen to this album a few times; if you don't like it, it's because something has convinced you that pop music is bad. Give it a chance though. This could very well be the greatest endeavour in popular music. And I'm not exaggerating.… Expand
  84. DaveN
    Aug 5, 2005
    3
    Who would have thought that the band Brian really wanted to play in was the Moody Blues?
  85. JohnW
    Aug 3, 2005
    4
    It's ok, but it's a far cry from anything great. It's just an update of the Beach Boys. Nothing new, nothing fresh.
  86. ElMo
    Aug 1, 2005
    0
    This Supposed Masterpiece, is the worst music i have ever listened to, that's why it was never released and should have stayed that way. If Brian wilson had stayed with Mike Love and produced the album, the result would have been a lot different, and maybe i would have like it, but no! I think this album was only bought because Brian Wilson's name was on it. And a hell of a lot This Supposed Masterpiece, is the worst music i have ever listened to, that's why it was never released and should have stayed that way. If Brian wilson had stayed with Mike Love and produced the album, the result would have been a lot different, and maybe i would have like it, but no! I think this album was only bought because Brian Wilson's name was on it. And a hell of a lot of people are being polite.… Expand
  87. NicB
    Jul 23, 2005
    9
    I wasn't a fan of the Beach Boys, I wasn't not a fan either - they were just always there in the background of my life, but that was until Glastonbury 2005 when I saw Brian Wilson play live. Now I'm a fan. An annoying one who won't shut up about him!
  88. ScottY
    Jul 9, 2005
    1
    I don't get the high ratings this one receives. The music just seems like a slightly updated version of the stuff the Beach Boys were doing in the 1960s. What's so great about this album these days?
  89. AndyMcD
    Jul 5, 2005
    2
    Ummmmm... We get it Brian, you like singing "doo wop." Just because this was acceptable in the 60's, doesn't make it so now. Pretty darn overrated.
  90. SteveP
    Jul 4, 2005
    5
    Hugely overrated. I believed the hype ... the missing masterpiece ... the follow up to Pet Sounds. All the hype is rubbish. If the album had come out 37 years ago it would now be considered a very average 60's album with a couple of good tracks.
  91. TboneM
    Jun 29, 2005
    2
    Most. Overrated. Ever.
  92. ErickC.
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    I don`t know how some people gave ratings below 9, A "5".....come on, this is a great album, even after 37 years you can listen magic in this music, the kind of album that you want to listen from start to finish( I have, 10 times at least ^_^ ) and nowadays that is something really hard to find, the only people who don`t like this cd is because they like predictible and easy listen music, I don`t know how some people gave ratings below 9, A "5".....come on, this is a great album, even after 37 years you can listen magic in this music, the kind of album that you want to listen from start to finish( I have, 10 times at least ^_^ ) and nowadays that is something really hard to find, the only people who don`t like this cd is because they like predictible and easy listen music, this album surprises you in practically every song, definitely is something really especial and innovative even 37 years later from the original release date. Pet Sounds may be more estructure and "famous" but SMiLE Challenges you, is for a intelligent audience who appreciate original music with great & unexpected twists in the songs. DEFINITELY A WORTHY ALBUM!! HAT`S OFF TO BRIAN WILSON!… Expand
  93. ChadS
    Jun 26, 2005
    6
    I'm not purposely trying to be a dissenting voice just for the sake of being controversial, but I'd rather listen to "Let it Shine" and "Melt Away" from Brian Wilson's self-titled album than anything on "Smile", with the possible exception of "Heroes & Villians" and "Surf's Up". If you're a hardcore Brian Wilson fan, you might enjoy the novel "Fuel-Injected I'm not purposely trying to be a dissenting voice just for the sake of being controversial, but I'd rather listen to "Let it Shine" and "Melt Away" from Brian Wilson's self-titled album than anything on "Smile", with the possible exception of "Heroes & Villians" and "Surf's Up". If you're a hardcore Brian Wilson fan, you might enjoy the novel "Fuel-Injected Dreams" by the late James Robert Baker. There's a character that's obviously based on Wilson, and music that is meant to evoke "Smile". Cindy Lee Berryhill also wrote a wonderfully loopy tribute to Brian called "Song for Brian"(from "Garage Orchestra") that's more fun than anything on this disappointing "masterpiece". But god only knows this is a quantum leap in creativity from "Imagination". It is my hope that Wilson would team up with somebody like the guy from The Apples in Stereo with Jeff Lynne as the producer.… Expand
  94. ScottS
    Jun 25, 2005
    5
    Come on people, get a clue. The only people calling Brian Wilson a "genius" are critics. Critics are writers, not musicians. Take this tape to any knowledgeable composer or anyone with an undergraduate background in music theory, and they would laugh at it. Aren't we becoming a little too liberal with the use of the word "genius"? This is nothing more than average music by an average Come on people, get a clue. The only people calling Brian Wilson a "genius" are critics. Critics are writers, not musicians. Take this tape to any knowledgeable composer or anyone with an undergraduate background in music theory, and they would laugh at it. Aren't we becoming a little too liberal with the use of the word "genius"? This is nothing more than average music by an average songwriter (not composer). Decent, and fun to listen to, but no I am sorry he is not one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Sheeesh....… Expand
  95. GregB
    Jun 24, 2005
    10
    Smile is an American classic. And Brian Wilson is among the greatest songwriters/ composers/ recording artists in American history. Right up there with Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin or Aaron Copeland. Right up there with Duke Ellington or Count Basie. Right up there with any of the greats in American rock. The fact that this album was released in 2004 truely crosses into the realm of Smile is an American classic. And Brian Wilson is among the greatest songwriters/ composers/ recording artists in American history. Right up there with Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin or Aaron Copeland. Right up there with Duke Ellington or Count Basie. Right up there with any of the greats in American rock. The fact that this album was released in 2004 truely crosses into the realm of miracles. Huge kudos to Darian Sahanaja and the Wondermints. Their passion, dedication and patience made this album possible. And Kudos to Brian Wilson for having guts made of steel. In 1967, he took a 900-pound bullet by cancelling "Smile" to keep the Beach Boys together. And in 2004, he finally gave the world this wonderful gift by bulling his way through his darkest demons and fears. While we may never hear what Smile would have been if Brian had been able to finish it in 1966, who cares! Listen to "Wonderful" in 100-200 years and it will still sound fantastic.. Yeah there's some goofy stuff on the album. So what! Dare to be stupid!! Yeah, Good Vibrations has some changes. So what! They probably had to be done for legal reasons.. And if Brian Wilson's music just isn't your thing and/ or you don't see what this big deal is here, check out the Smile DVD. Watch the documentary first, then watch the performance. You will see a remarkable story of human beings' ability to triumph against adversity. And you will see absolute proof that beautiful music has profound powers.… Expand
  96. GaryA
    Jun 6, 2005
    9
    Let me state something right up front, this is a superb piece of American pop music. With that said I am not ready to annoint this as the ultimate masterpiece. I have now listened to SMiLE about 10-12 times. All of us already knew how great "Heroes and Villains" and "Good Vibrations" were. And while there are cuts on this CD that rate among the greatest of all time, "Wonderful" comes to Let me state something right up front, this is a superb piece of American pop music. With that said I am not ready to annoint this as the ultimate masterpiece. I have now listened to SMiLE about 10-12 times. All of us already knew how great "Heroes and Villains" and "Good Vibrations" were. And while there are cuts on this CD that rate among the greatest of all time, "Wonderful" comes to mind, there are parts of this work that almost sound forced to me. Like Brian was being weird just for the sake of being weird with no real meaning to back it up. Granted, those passages are few and far between but they are there none the less. The CD starts off strong with the first 3 tracks, "Our Prayer", "Heroes and Villains", and "Roll Plymouth Rock". Then "Barnyard" appears, and while fun to listen to it seems a bit out of place. This is followed by "Old MasterPainter/You Are My Sunshine", which even though corny Brian makes it work and uses it as the lead in to the interestingly quirky "Cabin Essence". This is followed by the strongest stretch of this CD, the cerebral "Wonderful" that leads smoothly into "Song For Children" and then "Child is Father of the Man". These 3 pieces will mesmorize you. All that is followed by a superbly haunting "Surf's Up", which I still think is one of the greatest songs Brian has composed. That wonderful stretch of music is followed by the portion of the CD that I think sounds too forced. While "I'm in Great Shape/I Wanna be Around/Workshop" and "Vega-Tables" are interesting listens, I question what they add. "On a Holiday" is next which does work quite well and brings to mind Paul McCartney's "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsley" or "Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III" by the Beatle rip off first album by Klaatu. Next is the pleasant "Wind Chimes" which would have made a terrific lead in to the CD's strong final 2 cuts, "In Blue Hawaii" and of course the classic "Good Vibrations", still one of the greatest pop songs ever written. Instead Brian gives us "Mrs O'Leary's Cow" in front of the final 2 tracks, a song that makes The Beatles "Revolution Number 9" sound like ear candy. I can only assume that this was Brian's answer to the bridge in the Beatles classic "A Day in the Life". But while the Beatles are able to evoke the emotions and mystery of "A Day in the Life" with the orchestral bridge, "Mrs O'Leary's Cow" falls completely flat and is grossly out of place. Does "SMiLE" stand up to "Sgt Pepper's" ? Yes it does, but Pepper gives it a good left hook and still retains the title.… Expand
  97. Dale
    Jun 6, 2005
    4
    If you are a fan of BW or the Beach Boys, Smile may (or not) tickle your fancy, but if you are just a casual fan taken in by the critical acclaim it has received from this site (like yours truly), DO NOT PURCHASE THIS ALBUM before listening to it first. It is overrated by any standard and most may find the dated sound and (lack of) song structure rather unpalatable.
  98. CaseyB
    Jun 5, 2005
    5
    I wouldn't call it a disappointment, 'cos it's a pleasant surprise that it ended up seeing the light of day, but SMiLE is definitely *not* a masterpiece, and I'll lay 5-to-1 that most of the people who gave it 10 on this page have already filed it back into their larger CD collection where it remains undisturbed. There are classic tracks here - "Heroes and Villains", I wouldn't call it a disappointment, 'cos it's a pleasant surprise that it ended up seeing the light of day, but SMiLE is definitely *not* a masterpiece, and I'll lay 5-to-1 that most of the people who gave it 10 on this page have already filed it back into their larger CD collection where it remains undisturbed. There are classic tracks here - "Heroes and Villains", "Good Vibrations", "Cabinessence", "Wonderful", even "Surf's Up" if the lyrics aren't too arch for you - but given that they've all seen the light of day before in superior versions, it's not much to get excited about. (Some might argue for these versions, but I'd be interested to find *anyone* who thinks the 2004 "Good Vibrations" is in *any* way an improvement on the original.) Brian Wilson's singing - though better than on other recent BW recordings (and, unless my ears deceive me, rather heavily pitch-corrected) - cannot help but reflect the stroke damage; of course, he's also 35 years older and it would be ridiculous to expect him to sing as if he'd just finished making "Pet Sounds". The instrumentation is strong, if occasionally a little hamfisted. I smell a repackaging of the '67 sessions just around the corner, and suspect that *that* release will be the one that people will choose to remember as "SMiLE". If they choose to remember that it was released at all. The album has a startling lack of thematic unity - it's about, wait for it, the settling of America and the taming of the West, childhood and the elements. Overreach much? It doesn't actually have anything profound to say about any of these topics, and posters here who find it necessary to mock "Sgt. Pepper" (another faux-concept album of the time) on the basis of its "catchy little songs about meter maids" are displaying incredibly selective vision. "Vegetables"? "I'm In Great Shape"? Wilson once said that "SMiLE" was planned to be his "teenage symphony to God", but the notion suits "Pet Sounds" far more. If Beatles/Beach Boys comparisons must be made (and I'm puzzled as to exactly what they achieve), "SMiLE"'s fellow-traveller is the White Album - fragmented, with some moments of gentle beauty and others of apparent insanity. Look, anything's better than nothing from Brian Wilson at this stage, and we're lucky to see "SMiLE" in any shape at all. We're just not quite as lucky as some folks would have you believe.… Expand
  99. anthonyr
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    total masterpiece from the opening our pray to the ending good vibes ... proves all along that it would changed the music scene and will do so now ... sgt what i dont think so... well done Brian and VDP .. and his bandmates a must cd to own musical history ... dig Anthony
  100. Kev
    May 29, 2005
    10
    Best album ever recorded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2004
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2004
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    100
    Smile is quite simply the greatest triumph in the history of pop music.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    100
    Smile's post-adolescent utopia isn't disfigured by Brian's thickened, soured 62-year-old voice. It's ennobled--the material limitations of its sunny artifice and pretentious tomfoolery acknowledged and joyfully engaged.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    100
    "Smile" emerges as a beautiful and cohesive work, at times deeply moving, at others oddly whimsical, at still others eerily disturbing but celebratory. [27 Sep 2004]
See all critic reviews »