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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DavidC
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    i understand why some people might not like it. It is a little nebulous and silly, but it appeals and satisfies every nerve ending in the comprehensional area of my brain. i don't know if i've ever been so memsmerized by a piece of music before. I'm not going to proclaim it the best album ever, not in my interest, and i think a lot of people get consumed by the mythology i understand why some people might not like it. It is a little nebulous and silly, but it appeals and satisfies every nerve ending in the comprehensional area of my brain. i don't know if i've ever been so memsmerized by a piece of music before. I'm not going to proclaim it the best album ever, not in my interest, and i think a lot of people get consumed by the mythology behind the album, and that may enhance the overall impression of the music in some strange sensory aesthetic, but without the legend withstanding, it is still and inticing piece of work.… Expand
  2. PaulW
    May 19, 2006
    10
    With Pet Sounds, I think Brian Wilson already established that he is one of the very top musical minds who ever walked this earth- I mean, listen to 'Don't talk (put your head on my shoulder' and 'Let's go away for a while'- it's way above Lennon and McCartney. 'Smile' is too good for this world, its ideas and execution so quirky and With Pet Sounds, I think Brian Wilson already established that he is one of the very top musical minds who ever walked this earth- I mean, listen to 'Don't talk (put your head on my shoulder' and 'Let's go away for a while'- it's way above Lennon and McCartney. 'Smile' is too good for this world, its ideas and execution so quirky and accomplished (the old West, a Victorian childhood, the earth, fire, water elements) that it will probably always be a 'cult' rather than popular classic. Make no mistake, think of the most famous composers you can think of in history and Brian Wilson's musical mind will be sharper. It's an insult to him to compare his compostional and production genius with The Beatles.… Expand
  3. SmittyP
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    The world is a much better place with the release of this album. Our and future generations should be eternally thankful to Darian and the band for helping push Brian over this hump. A true masterpiece on par with Gershwin. I have nothing but sympathy for those who are unable to truly appreciate the depth, complexity and innovation of this album.
  4. cliftonb
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    To all of you that rated the album low here is a suggestion. Take a msic class so you may possibly begin to wrap your brain around the beautiful and complex work on this album. Why do the critics like it? Because its damn good!I honestly feel bad for those of you who don't get it. You can say what do the critics know but the awnser is this a whole lot more than us especially those of To all of you that rated the album low here is a suggestion. Take a msic class so you may possibly begin to wrap your brain around the beautiful and complex work on this album. Why do the critics like it? Because its damn good!I honestly feel bad for those of you who don't get it. You can say what do the critics know but the awnser is this a whole lot more than us especially those of you whom have never studied music. if they dont convince you remember that Leonard Bernstien one of the greatest american composers singles out material from this album to show the world that the future of music was not completely lost.… Expand
  5. SeamusS
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    Okay Okay, So everyone here likes to disagree for the sake of being different eh? That's what I'm getting. First of all Drew M Get a life your self. It's an album of love, relativly harmless. Though it may have gone over your head, I'll just pitty you and forget about it instead of finding out what you like and rating it with a 0 after never listening to it. The album Okay Okay, So everyone here likes to disagree for the sake of being different eh? That's what I'm getting. First of all Drew M Get a life your self. It's an album of love, relativly harmless. Though it may have gone over your head, I'll just pitty you and forget about it instead of finding out what you like and rating it with a 0 after never listening to it. The album is a masterpiece in and out of the context of it's creation. It was a labor of love that needs to be looked at. From the first notes, the harmonies and complex sonic beauty that is Brian Wilson filles the air around you. At the same time, it captures themes of innocnece which, when reflected upon by many, can seem childish and even stupid. Those who reflect it as that are often bitter for it going over their heads or them taking it too seriously. I cant ramble any more because it'll just be more hot air. It's a fucking masterpiece I really have no time for those who are so bitter… Expand
  6. mike
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    brian wilson is god
  7. matthewk
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    The greatest music i have ever heard !
  8. karma
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    if i had to pick just one album to take with me to a desert island, this would be it.
  9. LeoS
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Simply the greatest album ever released
  10. Suzan
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    Melodic, masterly crafted, way ahead of its time for the late 60's, simply smile-worthy!!
  11. ZapR
    Dec 13, 2005
    10
    Simply the greatest album ever released -- it transcends pop music to create something both new and old -- part Americana, part whimsical escapism, part pure pop, part symphony. The lyrics are both non-sensical and lucid, and Wilson's compositions are breathtakingly, beautiful, such as "Wonderful." This is music to make us smile.
  12. JMoskal
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Couldn't have been better
  13. davek
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    I have been waiting for this along time ..I just wish it was done by the beach boys of the 60's
  14. JohnG
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    As close to perfection as is humanly possible.
  15. Thiscdisgreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Have another listen folks, although this music is not for everyone, there is no denying the genius in the writing ,arranging and producing. We are lucky to have this at all.
  16. DriR
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    Wonderful! Brilliant!
  17. TristramC
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    This disc is just a tease. As 'wonderful' as it is, it is impossible to enjoy it without wondering how it would have sounded in the late 60s with the same energy and exhuberance Brian and the boys had when they released Pet Sounds. And that is another thing. Even though Mike Love hated it, I want to hear the other Beach Boys on this recording instead of the Starlight Mints (or This disc is just a tease. As 'wonderful' as it is, it is impossible to enjoy it without wondering how it would have sounded in the late 60s with the same energy and exhuberance Brian and the boys had when they released Pet Sounds. And that is another thing. Even though Mike Love hated it, I want to hear the other Beach Boys on this recording instead of the Starlight Mints (or whoever Brians backing band is; I forget to be honest) That said, nothing came close to it regarding Album of the Year. 2004 had its stories; the Arcade Fire and Devendra Banhart being among the best, but not even they could compete with the release of he most anticipated record in pop history and even as a relative success, it blew everything else away.… Expand
  18. salomey
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    this is the best album ever released i would spent some time telling the people who gave this one 0 or hardly any points why they are so obviously ruled but i would end up using language that wouldn't be suitable :D + the music speaks for itself it would have been nice had brian been able to release this when his voice was still 100% (though i was pleasantly surprised really) but this is the best album ever released i would spent some time telling the people who gave this one 0 or hardly any points why they are so obviously ruled but i would end up using language that wouldn't be suitable :D + the music speaks for itself it would have been nice had brian been able to release this when his voice was still 100% (though i was pleasantly surprised really) but then again when that's the only possible flaw there's nothing to complain this album is a victory in every way… Expand
  19. JamesSaysThis
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    Everyone who thinks this album is a loss or a blunder is full of beans. I was almost completely in the dark in regards to the SMiLE legend before it came out last year, but have eaten it up whole hog since first popping it in. I'm 22, and it's clear to me that everyone in my age group who doesn't understand what Brian Wilson is not only capable of, but has done (let's Everyone who thinks this album is a loss or a blunder is full of beans. I was almost completely in the dark in regards to the SMiLE legend before it came out last year, but have eaten it up whole hog since first popping it in. I'm 22, and it's clear to me that everyone in my age group who doesn't understand what Brian Wilson is not only capable of, but has done (let's be clear on that), must have shit for brains.… Expand
  20. JordanS
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    I was confused the first five times I heard this album. But as I started listening to it more and more, I came to realize the wonders of this album. When I first started listening to it, something struck my subconscious as this was the first recording that sounded completely "American." You can't explain it; you need to hear it. Listen to this album a few times; if you don't I was confused the first five times I heard this album. But as I started listening to it more and more, I came to realize the wonders of this album. When I first started listening to it, something struck my subconscious as this was the first recording that sounded completely "American." You can't explain it; you need to hear it. Listen to this album a few times; if you don't like it, it's because something has convinced you that pop music is bad. Give it a chance though. This could very well be the greatest endeavour in popular music. And I'm not exaggerating.… Expand
  21. NicB
    Jul 23, 2005
    9
    I wasn't a fan of the Beach Boys, I wasn't not a fan either - they were just always there in the background of my life, but that was until Glastonbury 2005 when I saw Brian Wilson play live. Now I'm a fan. An annoying one who won't shut up about him!
  22. ErickC.
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    I don`t know how some people gave ratings below 9, A "5".....come on, this is a great album, even after 37 years you can listen magic in this music, the kind of album that you want to listen from start to finish( I have, 10 times at least ^_^ ) and nowadays that is something really hard to find, the only people who don`t like this cd is because they like predictible and easy listen music, I don`t know how some people gave ratings below 9, A "5".....come on, this is a great album, even after 37 years you can listen magic in this music, the kind of album that you want to listen from start to finish( I have, 10 times at least ^_^ ) and nowadays that is something really hard to find, the only people who don`t like this cd is because they like predictible and easy listen music, this album surprises you in practically every song, definitely is something really especial and innovative even 37 years later from the original release date. Pet Sounds may be more estructure and "famous" but SMiLE Challenges you, is for a intelligent audience who appreciate original music with great & unexpected twists in the songs. DEFINITELY A WORTHY ALBUM!! HAT`S OFF TO BRIAN WILSON!… Expand
  23. GregB
    Jun 24, 2005
    10
    Smile is an American classic. And Brian Wilson is among the greatest songwriters/ composers/ recording artists in American history. Right up there with Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin or Aaron Copeland. Right up there with Duke Ellington or Count Basie. Right up there with any of the greats in American rock. The fact that this album was released in 2004 truely crosses into the realm of Smile is an American classic. And Brian Wilson is among the greatest songwriters/ composers/ recording artists in American history. Right up there with Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin or Aaron Copeland. Right up there with Duke Ellington or Count Basie. Right up there with any of the greats in American rock. The fact that this album was released in 2004 truely crosses into the realm of miracles. Huge kudos to Darian Sahanaja and the Wondermints. Their passion, dedication and patience made this album possible. And Kudos to Brian Wilson for having guts made of steel. In 1967, he took a 900-pound bullet by cancelling "Smile" to keep the Beach Boys together. And in 2004, he finally gave the world this wonderful gift by bulling his way through his darkest demons and fears. While we may never hear what Smile would have been if Brian had been able to finish it in 1966, who cares! Listen to "Wonderful" in 100-200 years and it will still sound fantastic.. Yeah there's some goofy stuff on the album. So what! Dare to be stupid!! Yeah, Good Vibrations has some changes. So what! They probably had to be done for legal reasons.. And if Brian Wilson's music just isn't your thing and/ or you don't see what this big deal is here, check out the Smile DVD. Watch the documentary first, then watch the performance. You will see a remarkable story of human beings' ability to triumph against adversity. And you will see absolute proof that beautiful music has profound powers.… Expand
  24. GaryA
    Jun 6, 2005
    9
    Let me state something right up front, this is a superb piece of American pop music. With that said I am not ready to annoint this as the ultimate masterpiece. I have now listened to SMiLE about 10-12 times. All of us already knew how great "Heroes and Villains" and "Good Vibrations" were. And while there are cuts on this CD that rate among the greatest of all time, "Wonderful" comes to Let me state something right up front, this is a superb piece of American pop music. With that said I am not ready to annoint this as the ultimate masterpiece. I have now listened to SMiLE about 10-12 times. All of us already knew how great "Heroes and Villains" and "Good Vibrations" were. And while there are cuts on this CD that rate among the greatest of all time, "Wonderful" comes to mind, there are parts of this work that almost sound forced to me. Like Brian was being weird just for the sake of being weird with no real meaning to back it up. Granted, those passages are few and far between but they are there none the less. The CD starts off strong with the first 3 tracks, "Our Prayer", "Heroes and Villains", and "Roll Plymouth Rock". Then "Barnyard" appears, and while fun to listen to it seems a bit out of place. This is followed by "Old MasterPainter/You Are My Sunshine", which even though corny Brian makes it work and uses it as the lead in to the interestingly quirky "Cabin Essence". This is followed by the strongest stretch of this CD, the cerebral "Wonderful" that leads smoothly into "Song For Children" and then "Child is Father of the Man". These 3 pieces will mesmorize you. All that is followed by a superbly haunting "Surf's Up", which I still think is one of the greatest songs Brian has composed. That wonderful stretch of music is followed by the portion of the CD that I think sounds too forced. While "I'm in Great Shape/I Wanna be Around/Workshop" and "Vega-Tables" are interesting listens, I question what they add. "On a Holiday" is next which does work quite well and brings to mind Paul McCartney's "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsley" or "Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III" by the Beatle rip off first album by Klaatu. Next is the pleasant "Wind Chimes" which would have made a terrific lead in to the CD's strong final 2 cuts, "In Blue Hawaii" and of course the classic "Good Vibrations", still one of the greatest pop songs ever written. Instead Brian gives us "Mrs O'Leary's Cow" in front of the final 2 tracks, a song that makes The Beatles "Revolution Number 9" sound like ear candy. I can only assume that this was Brian's answer to the bridge in the Beatles classic "A Day in the Life". But while the Beatles are able to evoke the emotions and mystery of "A Day in the Life" with the orchestral bridge, "Mrs O'Leary's Cow" falls completely flat and is grossly out of place. Does "SMiLE" stand up to "Sgt Pepper's" ? Yes it does, but Pepper gives it a good left hook and still retains the title.… Expand
  25. anthonyr
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    total masterpiece from the opening our pray to the ending good vibes ... proves all along that it would changed the music scene and will do so now ... sgt what i dont think so... well done Brian and VDP .. and his bandmates a must cd to own musical history ... dig Anthony
  26. Kev
    May 29, 2005
    10
    Best album ever recorded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  27. 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.
  28. 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!
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
Page:

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 »