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. matta
    May 27, 2005
    9
    Not as classic as "Pet Sounds" but still amazing, especially considering this was really all written back in the 60's. Too bad that it wasn't released back then, becuase if it had been, it probably would have the same status as Pet Sounds does today. IN any case, it is a great album, but something has definetely been lost by the four decade delay of the release.
  2. JoeD
    May 24, 2005
    10
    All I can say is wow. This is so much different than anything else I have heard yet it is still amazing. Congrats to Brian Wilson for finally realizing his masterpiece!
  3. CarlosB
    May 18, 2005
    10
    ROCK AND ROLL produced only TWO GENIUS until today : one white, BRIAN WILSON, and one black , JIMI HENDRIX. Listen to this album and you will have a demonstration of what I said.
  4. TomF
    May 13, 2005
    10
    SMiLE is just undoubtedly the greatest music ever written. While the new tracks are missing a little of the heart of the 1967 tracks, they are close enough. The production on this album has yet to be tested by another musician.
  5. SamK
    May 12, 2005
    10
    I first bought this album in Feb '05 and believe it or not, I'm still listening to it almost every day, and it's the middle of May now! You'll either hate it or love it, but if you're open minded at all you'll see that this music is truly unique and YES it's WAAAAY more musically complex than anything the Beatles ever did. However, there aren't I first bought this album in Feb '05 and believe it or not, I'm still listening to it almost every day, and it's the middle of May now! You'll either hate it or love it, but if you're open minded at all you'll see that this music is truly unique and YES it's WAAAAY more musically complex than anything the Beatles ever did. However, there aren't catchy little songs about meter maids, or gettin' better all the time, so had it been released in 1967, I don't think it would have been that popular. This album demands several listens to get all the levels and nuances. It's really amazing that 40 years later, this album doesn't sound dated at all, and holds its own against anything musicians are doing today. Way to go Brian!… Expand
  6. VincentX
    May 11, 2005
    7
    An amusing anachronism brought to us with style. Though It all sounds a little too "thought-out" to me. I picture Brian Wilson in laboratory instead of a studio. I just can't listen to it in one go. For that it is all too much a musical disneyland. So, listen to this one for about 15 minutes and then switch to Hobo Sunrise by the Hunches as quick as possible.
  7. JustinK
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    If you don't like this, you don't like music!
  8. ScottH
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    The long awaited masterpiece proves that Brian Wilson is indeed a musical genius, comparable to nobody, INCLUDING The Beatles. In fact, Wilson is the only composer who matched the Beatles note for note, song for song in creative experiments and astonishing studio works. "Smile" and its predecessor, "Pet Sounds", must be in the same hallowed territory as "Revolver", and either easily The long awaited masterpiece proves that Brian Wilson is indeed a musical genius, comparable to nobody, INCLUDING The Beatles. In fact, Wilson is the only composer who matched the Beatles note for note, song for song in creative experiments and astonishing studio works. "Smile" and its predecessor, "Pet Sounds", must be in the same hallowed territory as "Revolver", and either easily outdoes "Sgt. Pepper." Only "Abbey Road" was a contender. Comparisons aside, it's a stunning CD that may only be surpassed if Wilson one day decides to release the original album with the Beach Boys, which would be truly a miracle.… Expand
  9. stevep
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    A true Classic ! ! !
  10. Dave
    Apr 12, 2005
    2
    I kepy checking the date of these reviews, in case it was April 1st. Then I thought it might like the Hasselhof reviews on Amazon, just a whole lot of effusive hilarious praise for a total turkey. Right now, I am bewildered because this album is so .. banal, uninteresting, lame, mediocre. Utter shite. Brian Wilson's voice is aweful and the soprano chorus thing in the back is I kepy checking the date of these reviews, in case it was April 1st. Then I thought it might like the Hasselhof reviews on Amazon, just a whole lot of effusive hilarious praise for a total turkey. Right now, I am bewildered because this album is so .. banal, uninteresting, lame, mediocre. Utter shite. Brian Wilson's voice is aweful and the soprano chorus thing in the back is irritating. Can I trust any other reviews on this site now??… Expand
  11. MaciejW
    Apr 8, 2005
    9
    Plain and simple, it made me happy, it made me nod my head in appreciation and it made me smile. In essence, sometimes that is all music needs to do. Brilliant.
  12. GraemeH
    Mar 28, 2005
    5
    Did they put the wrong CD in the case when I bought this? I bought based upon these reviews but was disappointed. It's OK but not great.
  13. Marillion
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Smile is quite simply the greatest triumph in the history of pop music! Bautiful! Thank you Brian! Welcome in Montreux this summer 05! A long time swiss fan!
  14. AgatheM
    Mar 19, 2005
    5
    It's OK, but what's the big deal?
  15. ryan
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    I think most americans forgot how good pop music can be Ashlee Simpson should feel ashamed after listening to this CD
  16. MichaelV
    Mar 7, 2005
    4
    Comparisons to Beatles Sgt. Pepper. Critics are dreaming. My copy of this is for sale. Very disappointing.
  17. JürgenR
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    The best album of all time!!!
  18. AllanH
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    Everything you hoped and dreamed it would be and more. For it not only to live up to it's legendary reputations after all these year, but exceed it is a simply remarkable acheivement.
  19. SharonD
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Excellent. One of the greatest albums ever made. A true masterpiece.
  20. Bluebird.
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    Truly awesome music/sounds! Puts a SMiLE on my face and in my soul each time I hear it. Brian Wilson's best!!! Rock, Rock, Roll.......
  21. EdwardB
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    Puts to rest any reservations that Mike Love's an idiot. The Beach Boys became irrelevant as a result of this betrayal. Justice and Brian Wilson triumphs at long last. A great visonary work of immense importance.
  22. FernandoM
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing, makes me give a smile every time that I put om my cd player. Strongly recomended
  23. PaulJ
    Jan 26, 2005
    10
    Wonderful, at last an L.P (!) to listen too
  24. GeorgeK
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    The most unique record that I have ever listened to
  25. RyanB
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    Incredible, soak it in.
  26. MurielB.
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    Look ! Listen ! Vibrate ! Smile !
  27. PeterB
    Jan 19, 2005
    10
    Astounding!
  28. ArielN
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    Smile Brian, You Did It Again.
  29. BrianY
    Jan 18, 2005
    10
    A triumph of the human spirit and a beautiful piece of utterly fun, pop, perfection. The best album in years.
  30. PaulA
    Jan 16, 2005
    10
    Perfection
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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 »