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Gettin' In Over My Head - Brian Wilson
User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 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- 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. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. alk
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    i really love this album!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. jimrays
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    one othe best of the year
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. sallyl
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    a really good album dont care that much for the freind like you song
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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 McCartney or the Rolling Stones had a good album?? He's still incredible.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. Nothgual
    Oct 22, 2011
    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.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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 »