Gettin' In Over My Head
by Brian Wilson
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Jun 22, 2004
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17

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  1. VictorVictor
    Oct 23, 2004
    4
    I am one of the longest Brian Wilson Fans- I grew up around the corner from Brian, and loved each and every work he produced. I am 53 and follow him from my youth. He is a genius- things happen and this album sucks. I think it should be renamed, "Get Those Other Folks Outa My Life" I could not even finish listening too it. Brian is still there and one one wonderful, but this is not him- I am one of the longest Brian Wilson Fans- I grew up around the corner from Brian, and loved each and every work he produced. I am 53 and follow him from my youth. He is a genius- things happen and this album sucks. I think it should be renamed, "Get Those Other Folks Outa My Life" I could not even finish listening too it. Brian is still there and one one wonderful, but this is not him- odd, I kind of knew it before I got the album, really odd, it sent off a vibe- I am just listening to the album now, and it took me a long time to come to it. Some wrong management seems to be around Brian- Smile, while having nice pieces was released(i got it too!- my son sent to to me for my birthday- he a Marine in Iraq-and you can listen to it- and it was never complete, which was why brian never released it. The fact that is was released now, tell us more about people who want money than who is controlling the art- gets me to wondering. Yes, the album sucks, if left alone Brain can produce wonderful works still, he just needs the time, place and peace. … Collapse
  2. alk
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    i really love this album!!
  3. jimrays
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    one othe best of the year
  4. sallyl
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    a really good album dont care that much for the freind like you song
  5. ScottS
    Jun 26, 2004
    8
    Quit comparing everything Brian Wilson does to past glories. It blow away a lot of what current bands have been doing.
  6. JimA
    Aug 8, 2004
    8
    These songs that people are calling weak are better than 90% of music that has been released by anyone in the last 10 years. Shame on all of you for thinking that the 24yr old Brian Wilson still exists, he's still tremendously gifted and still can produce beautiful music. Lyrically its obviously simple, but so what... he's one of the all time greats, when is the last time Paul These songs that people are calling weak are better than 90% of music that has been released by anyone in the last 10 years. Shame on all of you for thinking that the 24yr old Brian Wilson still exists, he's still tremendously gifted and still can produce beautiful music. Lyrically its obviously simple, but so what... he's one of the all time greats, when is the last time Paul McCartney or the Rolling Stones had a good album?? He's still incredible.… Expand
  7. SeamusS
    Mar 30, 2006
    6
    I, as many die hard Brian Wilson fans, can recognize his genius from his fun stuff. This is fun stuff, straight up. There's not alot of depth to it. It's got a nice feeling and gives you (somewhat) of an Idea as to what he's going to do on smile. There's some humor and some beauty. Not enough beauty to be a masterpeice though.
  8. MichaelC
    Jul 13, 2004
    9
    This album gets better with every listen. While some of the lyrics and a few vocal moments are underwhelming, the melodies and, especially, the arrangements on this album are awe-inspiring and fun.
  9. AdamG
    Jul 14, 2004
    2
    As a die-hard Wilson/Beach Boys fan for over 25 years, it tears me up to realize that this is one of the five single-worst Beach Boys-related albums ever released. That makes two (1998's 'Imagination') bad albums in a row. The ONLY saving grace is the duet with Carl on "Soul Searchin'" and even THAT was better on bootlegs with The Beach Boys' backing vocals.
  10. craigm
    Jul 3, 2004
    9
    I love it. Best thing since "Love You". Those of you who do not like this album have no taste, ears or hearts. Something which, sadly these days is afflicting more and more Brian Wilson fans.
  11. Nothgual
    Nov 15, 2013
    5
    An awkward affair. Sounds like what it is. A release of newly recorded previously unreleased material.

    Only ones that should have seen the light of day are "Soul Searchin'", "You've Touched Me", "Gettin' In Over My Head", "Saturday Morning In The City" and "Don't Let Her Know She's An Angel".

    Even these tracks are a laborious listen.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Stylus Magazine
    30
    The evidence now seems indisputable that Wilson is completely, totally, finally spent as a creative force—as it is, we’re treading dangerously close to “How many failed collaborators does it take to produce a half-decent Brian Wilson album?” territory (answer: you can’t count that high).
    Read full review
  2. Austin Chronicle
    40
    If you've followed Wilson's treacherous saga, it's heartening how upbeat Getting' in Over My Head sounds, even with a fair number of tracks misfiring.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    40
    He's labored, bombastic and pitch-challenged.... The lyrics are embarrassing. [Aug 2004, p.143]
See all critic reviews »