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Pacific Ocean Blue [Reissue] Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

  • Summary: Beach Boy Dennis Wilson's solo album is rereleased with songs from his unreleased "Bambu" album and one unfinished track sung by the Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Adding a plaintive beauty and combining it with coke-ravaged, mid-Seventies, Spector-ish AOR and some playful studio trickery, the album is a raw, introspective and melancholic delight.
  2. 100
    Unavailability has also played its part in pumping up the myth – so much so that you wonder if, heard in 2008, these songs stand to disappoint. In fact, key moments of Pacific Ocean Blue square dramatically up to your loftiest expectations.
  3. The new Pacific Ocean Blue: Legacy Edition corrects that [being out of print] while confirming the rumors of the album's greatness.
  4. The Wire
    80
    Pacific Ocean Blue has aged well, considered over 30 years later. [July 2008, p.46]
  5. This double-disc set includes the first official release of Pacific’s follow-up Bambu, a harder-rocking but weaker set that Wilson never finished. Yet the reissue’s heart lies in tracks like “River Song” and the rollicking “What’s Wrong” — two raw, emotional highlights that are as moody as anything Brian ever composed.
  6. Though at times difficult to listen to, the effect is a clear view of an artist's process. Herein lies the true value of Dennis Wilson's legacy: an open invitation to simply listen.
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    Unfortunately, the all-star collaborators mire Wilson’s primary-colored tunes in pointless excess and self-indulgence. Point being, some albums are lost for a reason and Pacific Ocean Blue is overwrought yacht rock schlock. [Summer 2008]

See all 16 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. JohnB
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    My second favorite album of the 1970s. Have only been able to listen lousy MP3's of it since the needle went and i disconnected the My second favorite album of the 1970s. Have only been able to listen lousy MP3's of it since the needle went and i disconnected the turntable. Now if only they will release my favoite 70's album: Beached by thr original Rikki Martin. It has so much Carl Wilson on it that I thught of it as a Beach Boys album, same with Pacific Ocean Blue! Expand
  2. Apr 29, 2016
    10
    The BEST Solo Beach Boy Album. Dennis Wilson was a genius and just listening to this album will show you why that is. River Song and You and IThe BEST Solo Beach Boy Album. Dennis Wilson was a genius and just listening to this album will show you why that is. River Song and You and I are probably my favorites. Expand
  3. AlexH
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    I had been anticipating this reissue for a long time and now it's finally here. Pacific Ocean Blue is a classic album and the Bambu I had been anticipating this reissue for a long time and now it's finally here. Pacific Ocean Blue is a classic album and the Bambu songs are great. Tracks like 'River Song' and 'Moonshine' are up there with Brian Wilson's best compositions, as far as I'm concerned. The sound quality of the CDs is fantastic, and after listening to many of these songs on low quality mp3s and bootlegs for years, I have a whole new appreciation for this music. Expand
  4. MarkK.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    I've had the bootleg for years - love the new deluxe package. Wonderful!
  5. DavidS.
    Jun 20, 2008
    6
    Very over rated. The title cut (Pacific Ocean Blues) has lyrics that are cringeworthy and simplistic. Some decent tracks - especially Very over rated. The title cut (Pacific Ocean Blues) has lyrics that are cringeworthy and simplistic. Some decent tracks - especially Farewell My Friend but not worth the universal acclaim it is getting on re-release. Expand