Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Gettin' In Over My Head - Brian Wilson
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
view
per page
  1. Q Magazine
    80
    He has rediscovered the knack of making Beach Boys records again. And make no mistake, in sound if not personnel, this is a Beach Boys record. [Aug 2004, p.119]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Billboard
    80
    An unexpected but dazzling return to the top form of the later Beach Boys years.
  3. Uncut
    70
    A valuable addition to his catalogue: the most consistent and sympathetically constructed solo album he's made. [Jul 2004, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Los Angeles Times
    63
    Too many lyrics are more serviceable than insightful or inventive. [20 Jun 2004]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Dot Music
    60
    It's probably safer to view "Gettin In..." as the sound of an old man lying back in the ocean with well-deserved drink. A straight-up collection of rock n roll songs that he probably enjoyed playing on as much as anything else in his bizarre life.
  6. All Music Guide
    60
    Although the musicians here understand how to convey complex emotions in a pop song, Wilson and his co-songwriters obviously don't, and it's with them that the blame for this record lies.
  7. Rolling Stone
    60
    Perhaps it's best to think of Gettin' In Over My Head as Wilson's celebrity children's record.
  8. E! Online
    58
    His voice is rough, the melodies fall flat, and there's even a guitar solo by Eric Clapton.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Wilson's voice is a sorry wisp of what it once was. [19 Jun 2004, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. cokemachineglow
    40
    It's not so much that he's over his head as much as just past his prime, and though his love of creating music that aims to communicate a very simple and honest message is respectable, he's ultimately unconvincing and awkward with tepid melodies, gimmicky guest spots and subpar lead vocals.
  11. Blender
    40
    He's labored, bombastic and pitch-challenged.... The lyrics are embarrassing. [Aug 2004, p.143]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. 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.
  13. 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).
  14. The Guardian
    30
    Everyone wants Brian Wilson's story to have a happy ending. The worst thing about Gettin' In Over My Head - far worse than the mediocre songs and the MOR guest appearances - is that it doesn't sound terribly happy.
prev next
Page:
  • 1

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Nothgual
    7
    This album was very "hit or miss for me" How Could We Still Be Dancin' is a very good opener and one of the strongest of the bunch, though Wilson had to strain to reach his notes. Soul Searchin' is easily the best song and rivals Sail On Sailor in style and songmanship. You've Touched me is filler, but good filler. Gettin' In Over My Head is a very delicate song and is well performed. City Blues is a disappointment all things considered. The arrangement on that song is just too weird. Awkward pop and bluesy guitar does not make sense no matter who's playing on it. Desert Drive is what's to be expected from a very old unreleased Wilson rocker. A Friend Like You is not as terrible as people say. It''s got a nice melody. Make A Wish is catchy, but isn't inspired or artistically satisfying. Rainbow Eyes is another one of the good tracks. It doesn't feel as laboured as the other ones. Saturday Morning in the City is a very good song, with a sophisticated melody under all those mundane lyrics. Fairy Tale is one of the worst on the list. It seems like a musical rant with no real direction or purpose. Don't Let Her Know She's an Angel is very underrated. It's a very charming, well constructed song with emotional depth. The Waltz is a terrible end to the album an leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth. It seems like Brian just wanted to make a waltz for the sake of making a waltz. I felt like I had to review each song because this does not feel like an album as much as it does a collection of songs. I do not understand why so many people hate this album. It isn't great, but it's not as terrible as some on the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson forums will lead you to believe.… Full Review »
  2. SeamusS
    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.… Full Review »
  3. VictorVictor
    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- 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. … Full Review »
See all user reviews »