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. SeanJ
    Sep 28, 2004
    9
    No doubt, it's extremely good. However, after all the years of hype, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed? All this fuss for this?! It doesn't come anywhere near Pet Sounds in terms of sheer genius. It's certainly one of the best albums of the year, but the Arcade Fire's "Funeral" is miles beyond this.
  2. MikeC
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    Glorious sonic fireworks. Amazing!
  3. wart
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    I can't stop listening to it.
  4. JacobQ
    Nov 16, 2005
    3
    Those demons in ol Brians head should have stayed there and not recorded on cd. I'm putting this "gem" on ebay...
  5. 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
  6. JMoskal
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Couldn't have been better
  7. radar
    Oct 13, 2005
    3
    It sounds cold and overproduced. Go for the originals, folks. This was done just as good before.
  8. KentG
    Jan 14, 2005
    10
    "Wunderful" to see that Brian is finally ok with his "Hero's and Villians". Beautiful music & Beautiful lyrics on an album flows better that Abby Road. The fact that Brian is 62 add's to the album making it sound like wisdom imparted and reflective. It's poetic justic that Brian would finish this grat album as a single being that he was the only Beach Boy who believed in "Wunderful" to see that Brian is finally ok with his "Hero's and Villians". Beautiful music & Beautiful lyrics on an album flows better that Abby Road. The fact that Brian is 62 add's to the album making it sound like wisdom imparted and reflective. It's poetic justic that Brian would finish this grat album as a single being that he was the only Beach Boy who believed in it. Thanks also go to the Wundermints who turned in an outstanding performance.… Expand
  9. SteveH
    Jan 14, 2005
    10
    Brilliant! Worth the wait
  10. PaulA
    Jan 16, 2005
    10
    Perfection
  11. RyanB
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    Incredible, soak it in.
  12. GeorgeK
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    The most unique record that I have ever listened to
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. SharonD
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Excellent. One of the greatest albums ever made. A true masterpiece.
  16. 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
  17. JustinK
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    If you don't like this, you don't like music!
  18. 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.
  19. NoobyF
    Jan 22, 2006
    1
    Brian Wilson is ancient OKAY! Get it through your head. I thought the album was so thoroughly boring, as his other stuff was. So I'm one hundred percent behind you, Dan S. It's terrible.
  20. JackL
    Mar 12, 2006
    6
    There once was a man named Brian Wilson; a fragile man who created many works of greatness in the '60s with the Beach Boys. After releasing "Pet Sounds", he began to prepare an album that's greatness would surpass any that ever been released. He worked... and worked... and worked. "Smile" was assumed to be lost forever until one day, 37 years later, it finally saw a release. It There once was a man named Brian Wilson; a fragile man who created many works of greatness in the '60s with the Beach Boys. After releasing "Pet Sounds", he began to prepare an album that's greatness would surpass any that ever been released. He worked... and worked... and worked. "Smile" was assumed to be lost forever until one day, 37 years later, it finally saw a release. It was a breathtaking work of genius and totally kicked Sgt. Pepper's ass. The deranged savant Brian Wilson was finally at peace. The end. Wasn't that a good story? Music journalists certainly thought so, declaring the album one of the best of the year; and even all time. Putting aside the history of the album, however, reveals a mediocre release full of cornball songs about barnyard animals and vegetables. The best tracks of this CD were released years ago, and to be frank, they sounded a lot better in their original versions. The first time I listened to this CD, I hated it, but I've given it another chance and it's growing on me. It still isn't anything truly great, in my opinion. Beach Boys fans and music historians may love it. As for everyone else, move on- there's nothing to see here.… Expand
  21. NickW
    Mar 22, 2006
    0
    I agree with Drew M
  22. 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
  23. IainS
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    Saw this track by track in 2004, had the experience of Pet Sounds before that TWICE; Brian Wilson is THE living pop genius. If you can't appreciate the genius of Pet Sounds, Smile or Brian Wilson then there really is no hope for you :)
  24. JereW
    Jul 18, 2006
    0
    Brian Wilson's "Smile" is ridiculous. I laughed when I saw this score...
  25. JohnL
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    It took me forever to finally get around to this, and I am absolutely blown away. It is BETTER than the raves. I honestly didn't know what to expect, with all the super hype, and I am just amazed. The last original thing he did that I loved was the self titled 1988 album. It would've been a wonder in 1967 to be certain, but I honestly can't imagine a better version than It took me forever to finally get around to this, and I am absolutely blown away. It is BETTER than the raves. I honestly didn't know what to expect, with all the super hype, and I am just amazed. The last original thing he did that I loved was the self titled 1988 album. It would've been a wonder in 1967 to be certain, but I honestly can't imagine a better version than this one. What a great ending to a great story !!!… Expand
  26. Illiniq
    Aug 21, 2006
    6
    Belongs right next to Pet Sounds as one of the most critically overrated pieces of work in all Rock and Roll history...silly and in many moments intensely unlistenable... How I wish it had been release in it's own era so it could have been properly assessed as fitting into the Beach Boys body of work just as one thinks of Satanic Majesties for the Stones, Let it Be for the Beatles, Belongs right next to Pet Sounds as one of the most critically overrated pieces of work in all Rock and Roll history...silly and in many moments intensely unlistenable... How I wish it had been release in it's own era so it could have been properly assessed as fitting into the Beach Boys body of work just as one thinks of Satanic Majesties for the Stones, Let it Be for the Beatles, or Nashville Skyline for Bob Dylan. Other than the classics we've already known for forty years (Good Vibrations, Heroes and Villians, Vegetables) the rest of this is just lame, annoying pop pasiche completely unworthy of any "genius" label.… Expand
  27. JakeM
    Nov 21, 2004
    1
    These songs are stupid and I cannot comprehend this albums critical acclaim. This guys brain is obviously fried. His songs aren't about anything at all and they all sound the same. The choruses are terrible. I HATE it. Come back Beach Boys!! How could this even be compared to Pet Sounds!!!!!!!!
  28. MackG.
    Nov 26, 2004
    1
    In the befuddled audio universe of Smile, there?s not a lot of fun fun fun to be had. The parking lot is empty, the beach is deserted, and despite what Brian Wilson tells you, the surf is definitely not up. Listening to Smile, the most famous unreleased album of all time, it?s clear that the tide is out, which would explain why the songs smell a bit like dead fish. For the uninitiated, a In the befuddled audio universe of Smile, there?s not a lot of fun fun fun to be had. The parking lot is empty, the beach is deserted, and despite what Brian Wilson tells you, the surf is definitely not up. Listening to Smile, the most famous unreleased album of all time, it?s clear that the tide is out, which would explain why the songs smell a bit like dead fish. For the uninitiated, a little history. In 1966, Brian Wilson, creative core of the Beach Boys, decided that he was going to record the greatest rock record of all time, outdoing not only the Boys? previous album and psychedelic pop cornerstone Pet Sounds, but The Beatles themselves. Brian Wilson was on a mission from god. But after 85 recording sessions and almost as many nervous breakdowns, Smile turned to Frown, and Wilson called it quits. The record was never officially released, although bootlegs have appeared over the years, and numerous songs have seeped out on other Beach Boys albums. Now, after years of referring to the incomplete creation as if it deserved the dread-filling, unspoken reverence of Lord Voldemort, Wilson?s gone off and rerecorded the whole shebang. Released last September, Smile received the kind of hyperbolic critical praise usually reserved for Sgt. Pepper and tinny British hip hop. After a few months of listening, I can conclusively say that Smile, in the words of Beavis and Butthead, sucks. Think of it this way. The Beach Boys song ?Shut Down? chronicled the street-racing antics of two high school hoodlums. Yes, they might have been burning rubber on some nameless Orange County street, but at least they were going somewhere. The biggest issue with Smile is that it goes nowhere. It sputters and coughs and makes a lot of noise, but it?s just spinning its wheels. Wilson?s songwriting is mostly to blame. There?s a pervading classical influence in the form of songs consisting of loosely glued-together snippets that Wilson called ?feels.? Rock and roll this ain?t. These ?feels? signal a basic misunderstanding of classical structure, but hey, it?s Brian Wilson ? who?s going to argue with him? This self-consciously ?innovative? compositional technique would work if all of the bits and pieces added up to a cohesive whole. But they don?t. What we get are transitions to transitions to transitions, without much variety in musical texture, until closing track ?Good Vibrations,? which is by far the most traditional number on here. The cut and paste songwriting works exactly twice on Smile, and both times it?s on songs that have already been officially released. ?Heroes and Villains? is well-crafted and works in the way that ?Bohemian Rhapsody? worked. ?Surf?s Up,? meanwhile, sounds as if it?s supposed to be some kind of grand musical statement, what with misty-eyed sighs of ?bygone, bygone? and lots of chime-sounding things. Apparently this musical statement involves inanimate objects playing chess, but that can be pardoned as the music works fairly well. In reality, it?s not too far off from ?Rose?s Turn? from Gypsy. Like I said, this isn?t rock and roll. I might be able to excuse Wilson?s frequent musical plummets down the staircase and listen to Smile as a failed experiment, but help me Rhonda, the lyrics, written by Van Dyke Parks, are unforgivable. To call them incoherent would be an insult to sufferers of Tourette?s syndrome. I?m not kidding around. The chorus of ?Surf?s Up? is ?Columnated ruins domino.? I rest my case. And I haven?t even mentioned the embarrassing rewrite of ?Good Vibrations.? I?m not saying that an artist shouldn?t be allowed to evolve. Quite the contrary. ?Pet Sounds? was 180 degrees removed from the classic Beach Boys sound, and it?s one of the best artifacts of the 60s, although it hasn?t aged especially well. What I?m saying is that an artist shouldn?t be allowed to release a musical roll of toilet paper (albeit, in this case, very fancy, possibly silken toilet paper) and get the best reviews of the year. That would do more to kill art, and more importantly, rock and roll, than Smile alone ever could. Had the record been released in the 60s, it would have been remembered as Pet Sounds? overly hyped, kitschy sister-album on which Wilson, in an attempt to create ?a teenage symphony to god,? took his self-indulgence to idiotic extremes. If that doesn?t convince you, then hear this. Which do you like better, Smile?s ?Cabin Essence? or the old time ?Surfin? Safari?? I guess you?ll always have your Smile people and your ?Fun Fun Fun? people, but let?s face it ? over-serious, over-orchestrated vanity-pop will never have the same musical impact or the same teenage truths of a song as gloriously moronic as ?Little Deuce Coupe.? That, and the people who think Smile is a modern rock cornerstone are probably the kind of folks who say that The Beatles started out as a boy band and that Jim Morrison was a great poet. In Brian Wilson?s own words, buddy, I just shut you down. … Expand
  29. BenjaminBunny
    Dec 13, 2004
    5
    I just discovered the Beach Boys last year, so I'm no authority, but "Pet Sounds" has become one of my favorite records--an album that I think many would agree has transcended time and still sounds appealingly fresh and accessible. This, on the other hand, sounds about as fresh as a Laurence Welk rerun. On a certain level I can see its "genius"--all the complex vocal lines, I just discovered the Beach Boys last year, so I'm no authority, but "Pet Sounds" has become one of my favorite records--an album that I think many would agree has transcended time and still sounds appealingly fresh and accessible. This, on the other hand, sounds about as fresh as a Laurence Welk rerun. On a certain level I can see its "genius"--all the complex vocal lines, that's why it's a so-called masterpiece right? Because the songs really aren't that great, and frankly, the endless shoo-be-doo-wop woo vocals are just plain cheesy, despite their "brilliant" complexity. Whenever I put this on, I just find myself wanting to listen to The High Llamas' "Hawaii" instead. Sean O'Hagan captured the essence of "Smile" way more listenably than poor aging Brian Wilson has. Even if this had been released 37 years ago, people would still prefer "Pet Sounds," easy. Ugh.… Expand
  30. LuCindiM
    Dec 26, 2004
    10
    The world is finally ready for Brian Wilson-the complex Brian. He gave us his joy, his sadness, his dreams, his hopes, his fears, his dismay and we are all lucky to finally be able to thank Brian..thank you for your (audio/visual) "Smile".
  31. JohnF
    Dec 31, 2004
    9
    The finest collection of gumball jamz this side of the Baltic Ocean, hands down.
  32. 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.
  33. 2bearnest
    Apr 9, 2012
    10
    Surf's up is possibly the best song ever made and Smile is possibly one of the best albums ever made/not made. 2nd only to Pet Sounds, Smile in its newest most complete incarnation is ecstasy.
  34. NickOMoss
    Sep 17, 2014
    7
    Smile is bitter sweet because it promises to deliver the album we waited so long to hear, but unfortunately it doesn't quite provide us with that fulfillment.

    Don't get me wrong, Brian Wilson Presents Smile is a great album, but it isn't SMiLE by The Beach Boys. The music is all there, the songs are great, the instrumentation is brilliant, but when you listen to it (which I have several    Smile is bitter sweet because it promises to deliver the album we waited so long to hear, but unfortunately it doesn't quite provide us with that fulfillment.

    Don't get me wrong, Brian Wilson Presents Smile is a great album, but it isn't SMiLE by The Beach Boys. The music is all there, the songs are great, the instrumentation is brilliant, but when you listen to it (which I have several times) you cannot help but wish you were hearing the real thing. It is of course blatantly obvious that the lifestyle of Wilson's during the seventies and eighties affected his voice considerably, and it is evident even more so in his old age. The vocals are just not good enough to do his original vision justice, which in many ways is sad. This is by no means a detriment to Brian, who of course cannot control the quality of his voice, but it does impact upon the experience when that falsetto is missing or the control is off. Hearing what the originals sounded like, these new versions just cannot compare.

    While listening to the album it just seems like Brian is confronting his demons, but that he is now too old and too burnt out to fulfill his vision as he wanted to when he was in his twenties. The magic which he brought to the original album had dissappeared in March 1967, and it now sounds like he is forcibly revisiting material purely for the purpose of finishing it, and not because he is in that inspired moment like he was back in 1967.

    Furthermore, although you can't really fault the band or the supporting singers, they aren't the beach boys, and thus the album suffers from losing that beautiful, harmonic "blend." As Brian said in an interview for the album, when he originally wrote SMiLE he could compose all the music, but at the end of the day he needed the guy's voices to complete it. They are sorely missed on BWPS.

    All in all this is a strong album, and the music is fantastic as previously said. If this album had been released by the Beach Boys in 1967 it could have changed the world of music - but in 2004 it just seems to reignite the sadness of all music fans that it was cruely locked away for 37 years. If you want to hear the definitive version of SMiLE, check 2012's The Smile Sessions disc one.    … Expand
  35. erikb
    May 7, 2007
    3
    one of those albums that you'll force yourself to hear all the way through because you "should," and then realize it is totally impossible to listen to. Can't really say I enjoyed this one at all, which is tough to admit given all the hype. Maybe I don't "get it" but I think the emperor's new clothes comment got it right.
  36. AlexanderB.
    Aug 6, 2007
    10
    For me Smile is the greatest album of all times! Period.
  37. HankB
    Mar 2, 2010
    10
    More of a triumph than anyone could have expected. Still, it's a bit tragic that the world didn't get to hear this finished piece in '67 with the original Beach Boys.
  38. AndrewF
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    One of the top 5 albums of all time. His voice is a little different, but certainly not bad, and the backing band is better musically than the beach boys. The only thing it is missing, is Carl, Mikes, Brian (in his 20s) voices. Only albums ahead of it are Pet Sounds, Revolver, Highway 61, and Sgt. Peppers.
  39. Ben
    Sep 17, 2006
    8
    It would have been a disapintment if released earlier... simply not comparable with pet sounds or any beatles records
  40. Rog
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    Outstanding music - for any era.
  41. DarylS
    Mar 10, 2007
    9
    Ok I'm 15 and (I'll admit it) very impressionable, I get this album based on metacritic's 97 average with very little previous beach boys experience and absolutely no idea what to expect. I've had only 3 listens so far and it's still growing on me - I'm still not sure what if the rave reviews are all genuine or if many are due to the hype and mythology Ok I'm 15 and (I'll admit it) very impressionable, I get this album based on metacritic's 97 average with very little previous beach boys experience and absolutely no idea what to expect. I've had only 3 listens so far and it's still growing on me - I'm still not sure what if the rave reviews are all genuine or if many are due to the hype and mythology surrounding it but all I can say is like it. I like it a lot. Maybe I don't appreciate it the same way as many other people do and i can't quite understand this being the "greatest album ever" but it is a very good listen and i hope more and more listens will reveal just how good it is to a poor boy whos been forced to grow up with Justin Timberlake and 50 Cent like myself.… Expand
  42. TedG
    May 21, 2007
    10
    What's so impressive about this album is how ahead of it's time it is today, 40 years since it's conception. The Polarized reviews speak to this. The album beautifully details American mass culture, with both ideas deep and adult, as well as childlike and innocent.
  43. danielb
    May 3, 2007
    1
    What a disappointment! All time highest score in Metacritic? Now I get it, Rock "critics" only give value to their own nostalgia and deep in their hearts they despise any music created after 1969. This album is not bad in the same way that some elevator songs are acceptable and even catchy. I don't care about the lyrics, the music in Smile is plain boring and no grandstanding about What a disappointment! All time highest score in Metacritic? Now I get it, Rock "critics" only give value to their own nostalgia and deep in their hearts they despise any music created after 1969. This album is not bad in the same way that some elevator songs are acceptable and even catchy. I don't care about the lyrics, the music in Smile is plain boring and no grandstanding about now genius Pet Sounds was will convince me of the contrary. Let me say it again: the music is utterly boring. It is the same annoying high pitched whining for 40 minutes. Can Rock critics talk about the music of the albums they review for once? If I wanted … Expand
  44. RoccoS
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    Everyone who gave it ones and zeroes probably put the cd in their car stereo on the way home from best buy, grimaced, and simply endured the first listen, like I did. They might have even listened a few more times. I've listened to it about 10 times through and I keep discovering more and more. Looking back, all of my favorite music of all time seemed random and inaccessible upon the Everyone who gave it ones and zeroes probably put the cd in their car stereo on the way home from best buy, grimaced, and simply endured the first listen, like I did. They might have even listened a few more times. I've listened to it about 10 times through and I keep discovering more and more. Looking back, all of my favorite music of all time seemed random and inaccessible upon the first few listens, but you have to devote some time to the music to be infinitely rewarded. This album is an absolute joy from beginning to end, the instrumentation is glorious and lush, NONE OF IT IS DIGITAL, and I'm only giving it a 9 because of the horrible misjudgement of changing the "Good Vibrations" lyrics.… Expand
  45. ScottW.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Now here as an album that should put a smile on your face. Not just because of its fun and catchy songs, but because your hearing what would have been classic Beach Boy tunes. This was a lost album for almost forty years, from one of the best rock bands. Brian Wilson gives us a true classic and a must have.
  46. Terry
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece. Good for you, Brian.
  47. patf.
    Jan 30, 2009
    10
    Best thing i have heard in years! surfs up, h&v, cabinessence the list of great songs is very impressive.
  48. DuncanL.
    Jan 2, 2010
    3
    The great thing about this being the best rated album by the music critics is that it shows very clearly just how superficial and sheep like those critics actually are. This is no more than a piece of fluff good for a couple of spins and then put away at the back of the cupboard with that Nirvana record. But hey there are plenty of other sheep who agree with them so they must be right.
  49. LuisI
    Feb 10, 2010
    10
    Pop orchestra, brilliant sound, brian wilson and a legendary record.
  50. DanD
    Feb 13, 2010
    1
    It sounded like Brian Wilson threw mud at the wall while high on drugs through this entire album until "Good Vibrations" magically appeared. Frankly it was the only track where the mad combination of his doo-wops and strings and novelty sounds worked together. I'm sorry, but even a monkey could type the Iliad if he tried enough times.
  51. ChrisL
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    Pristine.
  52. FeidoV
    Apr 12, 2010
    9
    A great album.
  53. AH
    Nov 20, 2006
    2
    Credit must be given to the level of creativity and variety on this album. In saying that however, variety without purpose and cohesion can be a bad thing and this album, after about Track 11, becomes really tiresome. Track 12 Vega-tables is just a montage of goofy sounds and nonsense.
  54. ChrisB
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    The most artistic album of all time. This proves that Brian does not need those coat-tail riding, freeloading Beach Boys. Here is a group of dedicated musicians doing justice to some of the most original American music since Copeland. God Save Brian Wilson!
  55. JasonF
    Jan 10, 2007
    1
    Complicated? Yes. Good? Helllll no. One of the worst albums I've ever heard. I really wanted to like it too.
  56. lonnieM
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Smile..... A masterpiece in many ways.... to many ways to put into words.... Listen to the album alone, without distraction, and any negative thoughts of the record will disappear..... I'm just glad I had the experience of Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks seeing this vision through. The record is and always will be ahead of it's time.
  57. KitS
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    I am an old Beach Boys fan, born in 1952. My wife and I saw Brian Wilson and his band perform this at Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Oct. of 2004. It was the best concert that either of us had ever attended. Despite the fact that we are two shy white nerds, we were dancing to the Beach Boys tunes they did after Smile was performed. We bought the album Smile and the DVD, listened to it I am an old Beach Boys fan, born in 1952. My wife and I saw Brian Wilson and his band perform this at Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, Oct. of 2004. It was the best concert that either of us had ever attended. Despite the fact that we are two shy white nerds, we were dancing to the Beach Boys tunes they did after Smile was performed. We bought the album Smile and the DVD, listened to it many times. We are silly, nerdy people and both vegetarians. We LOVE the Vega-tables tune. As for power tools and barn yard animal noises, we found this funny and whimsical, comic relief. The composition, the arrangements, the performances, it is all top rate. We find it very positive, spiritual, uplifting, a bright light of inspiration. Smile is lots better than the pop, "house music" and rap garbage that pretentiously poses as "music" these days. Brian Wilson is a master and he and his work deserve some serious respect.… Expand
  58. BrendanD
    Feb 19, 2007
    6
    Before I begin my review, I want to make something very clear: I worship at the temple of Brian Wilson. "Today!" is my favorite Beach Boys record, but, with the exception of "MIU Album," I love everything the Boys did from the early '60s through 1979's "L.A." I also enjoy the Wilson-Paley Sessions, and I even have a very special guilty pleasure song for the sample-heavy Wilson Before I begin my review, I want to make something very clear: I worship at the temple of Brian Wilson. "Today!" is my favorite Beach Boys record, but, with the exception of "MIU Album," I love everything the Boys did from the early '60s through 1979's "L.A." I also enjoy the Wilson-Paley Sessions, and I even have a very special guilty pleasure song for the sample-heavy Wilson rap spectacular/debacle (depending on one's point of view), "Smart Girls." When Wilson first announced he'd be performing "Smile" live, I was ecstatic; when I finally heard a copy of the live shows, I was even more enthralled. Pieces I'd been assembling for years fit together almost, though not quite, how I'd envisioned. "Holidays" sounded magnificent, "Vega-Tables" hilarious, and "Child is Father of the Man" more haunting than I ever would have dreamed. I couldn't wait for Wilson to release the album version, but my hope was that it'd be the concert, much like he had for "Pet Sounds Live." The album, as it stands today, isn't what it should be, and it certainly isn't what it was. In 1967, "Smile" would have been as revolutionary, and perhaps moreso, than the "Good Vibrations" single. But there's a lot missing. First and foremost, the production is awful. That's not to say that it's bad production on Wilson's, or anyone else's, part; rather, it's the wrong kind of production for this type of music. Computer editing works incredibly well for the bands Wilson and his Boys influenced -- acts like the Flaming Lips, the Super Furry Animals, and the Polyphonic Spree --, but left to Wilson, it simply comes off as hackneyed. This is most likely due to rock music's having advanced almost forty years between the original recording and the eventual release of "Smile." However, there's a bigger issue here: musicianship. No, Wilson's voice isn't what it was, but the backing band he's been using on tour is more than capable of picking up the slack on the road. That's fine for tours, but in the studio, these folks aren't capable of the magic of the six Beach Boys and the Wrecking Crew, which recorded most of the Boys' backing tracks in the '60s. There are little changes that don't work as well. The tinny harpsichord from the '60s sessions are replaced by a much more digital-sounding one, and the result makes the sound of "Heroes and Villains" go from a crazy acid trip to a mellow pharmaceutical high, "Wind Chimes" from hauntingly serene to childishly incompetent. No one is able to capture the "You're under arrest" line from "H&V" quite like Denny Wilson did. And most violatingly, the reversion to Tony Asher's lyrics for "Good Vibrations" is an unbelievably bad choice. Although I champion re-upping the "Hum-be-dum" chorus tag, which is among the most beautiful ideas Wilson's ever had, and though I hate admitting it because I dislike the man so very much, Mike Love's lyrics really were better. Finally, whereas "Smile Live" was literally that -- alive --, "Smile: The Album" sounds flat and dead and mundanely average. Wilson is capable of great things, especially with concerts; but this album is a true-blue disappointment. If you really want to get a look at what "Smile" is all about, find a bootleg of the session tapes, and then watch the "Smile Live" DVD; but skipping this tepid recording won't ruin your life or musical experience at all.… Expand
  59. daveb
    Jul 21, 2007
    6
    Just listen to Good Vibrations here and then the original, and you should know damn well why this isn't a 10/10 album. The warmth is gone, replaced by an old man and studio singers. Ruminations on the failing of the male ego? Shut the fuck up. It's a nostalgic CD about a dead culture, and teenagers trying to pretend they're all grown up. That is all. It doesn't compare Just listen to Good Vibrations here and then the original, and you should know damn well why this isn't a 10/10 album. The warmth is gone, replaced by an old man and studio singers. Ruminations on the failing of the male ego? Shut the fuck up. It's a nostalgic CD about a dead culture, and teenagers trying to pretend they're all grown up. That is all. It doesn't compare to Pet Sounds at all.… Expand
  60. KjellB
    Nov 13, 2008
    10
    At first I was like Brian... what is this? I listened to the album once in 2004, then in 2006, I found it buried in my collection. It wasn't until about the fourth listen when it hit me! This album is one of the best albums of all time. In this day and age of "cookie cutter" music peoples ears have become def to great music and I could of been one of those people. Brian Wilson's At first I was like Brian... what is this? I listened to the album once in 2004, then in 2006, I found it buried in my collection. It wasn't until about the fourth listen when it hit me! This album is one of the best albums of all time. In this day and age of "cookie cutter" music peoples ears have become def to great music and I could of been one of those people. Brian Wilson's Smile breaths life into a dying music industry, and i can only imagine what music would sound like if it had been released back in the day. Most people, especially my age (28) wont get it and thats just sad!… Expand
  61. dh
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    Perfect. Only comparable to the Lonely Hearts Club Band.
  62. nickm.
    Feb 8, 2008
    8
    This isn't the highest rated album on metacritic. The highest rated is London Calling by The Clash, which scored a 100. My score is just the avg, this isn't my actual score.
  63. MartinP
    Apr 25, 2008
    7
    I haven't listened to this album but i find the fact that some people are rating it 10 to counter the people who rate it 0 which are countering the general reviewers.
  64. SameerV.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    This is one of the greatest albums. I think it's up there with pepper. Sure, it probably would sound better if all the beach boys were on it and this was 66', but it's still great. It takes a couple of listens. Keep in mind, most of this was written in 66'. If it came out then, I think people would have appreciated it more.
  65. ClifC.
    Jun 22, 2008
    1
    Is this a joke?! It's not because he's from The Beach Boys band and that he produces music that were good for 60's and 70's that this album deserves 97 of 100 in average of all music critics. It's a shame! This album has nothing to do in the 2000's (I really love 60's and 70's music too, but keep in mind that this album is old-fashioned and with no Is this a joke?! It's not because he's from The Beach Boys band and that he produces music that were good for 60's and 70's that this album deserves 97 of 100 in average of all music critics. It's a shame! This album has nothing to do in the 2000's (I really love 60's and 70's music too, but keep in mind that this album is old-fashioned and with no interest! It's an "already heard". No originality, N-O-T-H-I-N-G!).… Expand
  66. AndyD.
    Jun 8, 2008
    10
    Truly stunning music. Love it!
  67. ButchAutomatic
    Aug 11, 2008
    2
    Ouch! Brian, like Paul McCartney, should relaize when it is time to sit back and enjoy their spoils. Guys - you did well - it's time to stop before you implode and totally ruin what could be fond memories for us. LEARN A NEW HOBBY!
  68. kaylix
    Aug 9, 2008
    2
    What is going on here? This wasn't as great as the reviewers claim. I could barely listen to the whole album. Based on the reviews I kept hoping there was something better in the next track. I gave up and deleted it from my music library.
  69. Steve
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    SMiLE is an album that some will simply never get. The layer of harmonies, the change in tempo, the strange unconventional instruments, it's bound to get 0s from people quick to judge. However, it will be an album that will stand the test of time and technically it already has. This is simply a re-recording of what Brian was working on in 1966-67 and it's still being praised. SMiLE is an album that some will simply never get. The layer of harmonies, the change in tempo, the strange unconventional instruments, it's bound to get 0s from people quick to judge. However, it will be an album that will stand the test of time and technically it already has. This is simply a re-recording of what Brian was working on in 1966-67 and it's still being praised. This album is simply amazing and most certainly deserves a 10.… Expand
  70. ConradC.
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    Worth every minute of the wait!
  71. peter
    Jan 6, 2009
    10
    Beautiful and haunting. I cant imagine how anyone could walk away from this unchanged.
  72. KimM
    May 2, 2009
    9
    Simply superb.
  73. ToddS
    May 9, 2009
    10
    Absolute perfection!
  74. SethG.
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    I've listened to this album so much. At least once a week, sometimes much more. It's so good!
  75. TiagoA.
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    A great album, this have soul and it's brilliant.
  76. AdamS
    Sep 8, 2009
    7
    Sounds like a good album, but 97! I think this score may have been boosted by critics nostalgia trips.
  77. Dri
    Jan 15, 2010
    10
    Classic album of a genius.
  78. RobertB.
    Jan 8, 2010
    10
    I love this album. He makes it all seem so easy. Don't think I have ever listened to a pop record that is this far ahead of the game.
  79. AnthonyL
    Mar 26, 2010
    10
    Best album ever.
  80. Mr.X
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    So Andy McD must think the crap that those retard rappers and pop artists put out is music. Today's music is such a de-evolution when it comes to musical progress that it makes me sick! It is a good thing I have Brian Wilson's Smile as my medicine. What an excellent album! Great musical and vocal arrangements.If you want to hear real music purchase this album.
  81. RichardK
    Dec 15, 2006
    7
    This album is good, but how it got its ranking I'll never understand. I'm obviously missing something. On the other hand, why do some people give 1's and 2's? Is it just to offset the misplaced 10's? Metacritic's ratings always tend to the extreme.
  82. DaleB
    Sep 23, 2006
    10
    When you listen to the arrangments, not just the music, but the vocal arrangments, this album towers above any other piece of pop music I have heard. You really need to watch the DVD concert video to take in all that is going on with this musical materpiece. SMiLE is brilliant! And to think Brian and Van Dyke did this at age 23? Mindboggeling!
  83. RobertA
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    So good!
  84. stephj
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    music does not get better than this. kudos to Brian Wilson. If only there was music of this caliber today.
  85. MaxM.
    Dec 3, 2007
    0
    Who?
  86. SanderV
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    Altough the original tapes sound warmer, the real winning point for this version is its cohesiveness. I never thought it could be pulled of, but it works and it's brilliant. It's a trip, from beginning to end.
  87. JPublius
    Apr 15, 2007
    2
    Horrid. The updated lounge band production of this album is so far from the mid-60s Beach Boys magic as to be unrecognizable. The great myth of "Smile" is that it was somehow unfinished, as if Wilson were on the cusp of writing great new material that would link everything together when pressure from his bandmates and label forced him to stop working on the record. This is ridiculous: Horrid. The updated lounge band production of this album is so far from the mid-60s Beach Boys magic as to be unrecognizable. The great myth of "Smile" is that it was somehow unfinished, as if Wilson were on the cusp of writing great new material that would link everything together when pressure from his bandmates and label forced him to stop working on the record. This is ridiculous: Smile was as finished as it was ever going to be, mostly due to its principal songwriter/producer having reduced himself to drug-addled mush. The Smile sessions were a story of diminishing returns, capped by endless studio tweakery at the end to produce the recording Wilson himself had promised Capitol by Jan 1967. The music was there--as numerous bootlegs and "rough mixes" conclusively prove. It wasn't the best pop album in history, and it was never going to be. But it was certainly far superior in every aspect to the mess the group released in its place, the career-killing disaster known as "Smiley Smile." It was also far superior to this slicked-up recording, with its mind-bogglingly awful version of Good Vibrations featuring lyrics not by Mike Love, which,given almost endless lawsuits that have marred the group's existence since the 60s, is probably the real reason why the original Smile never saw the light of day then, nor in the 80s, nor now. Sorry, Brian-worshippers. I just cannot get into a shallow re-recording of a famous lost album by a composer/singer long past his prime backed by studio musicians who just don't get it. The real Smile exists out there--it always has. You just have to look for it...… Expand
  88. chirs
    May 25, 2007
    10
    are you people insane? this album is amazing. it's wonderfully weird and genius.
  89. fagr
    Jun 20, 2007
    4
    how did this shit get up here... it seems that when critics see the beatles or the rolling stones or such oldies they feel the obligation to slap a 100 on it. NOT GOOD, put me to sleep
  90. DaveM
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    BRILLIANT!!!!! It took me back twenty years, then forward the same. A true work of art. It definitely left me with "Good Vibrations".
  91. PeterD
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    An American classic. Like psychedelic Gershwin.
  92. Sophie
    Jul 31, 2007
    9
    A really wonderful album, with some very slight faults. If only we had the original with us.
  93. CarlesI.
    Sep 26, 2007
    0
    This is the best album of 10 years ago, please close this web.
  94. RoyceL
    Nov 2, 2008
    0
    This album does absolutely nothing for me.
  95. PlatoS
    Dec 23, 2008
    8
    Well I guess I understand how critics feel - that this is one of the best pop albums of all time. Thats exactly how I feel, but all I can say is that pop isn't exactly the best music of all time, so I don't think that Smile gets a 97%. But for those Beach Boys fans, I am quite confident to say that this is another Pet Sounds, or perhaps even better, since its a concept album, Well I guess I understand how critics feel - that this is one of the best pop albums of all time. Thats exactly how I feel, but all I can say is that pop isn't exactly the best music of all time, so I don't think that Smile gets a 97%. But for those Beach Boys fans, I am quite confident to say that this is another Pet Sounds, or perhaps even better, since its a concept album, which makes it even stronger as a whole (the songs are also very good, such as Wonderful, Surf's Up, Good Vibration, etc.)… Expand
  96. YaronS.
    Oct 6, 2008
    10
    Released in 2004 or 1967 doesnt matter...its simply a great ride through an inavative and genious masterpiece of music. I did'nt know the whole story behind Smile...I just approched it as a regular cd I wanted to listen to. I have to admit that it took me a few listens to really grasp it, because the melodic rythems are very complex and unique - this cd is not for all ears, but I Released in 2004 or 1967 doesnt matter...its simply a great ride through an inavative and genious masterpiece of music. I did'nt know the whole story behind Smile...I just approched it as a regular cd I wanted to listen to. I have to admit that it took me a few listens to really grasp it, because the melodic rythems are very complex and unique - this cd is not for all ears, but I found it very moving!!!… Expand
  97. KenS.
    Mar 1, 2008
    1
    Were it not for "Good Vibrations", I would have given it a ZERO. What a disappointment. Pitiful.
  98. ThomH.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    This is the single most important work of musical art that has ever been produced. Thank you Brian Wilson.
  99. FredM
    May 21, 2008
    4
    I'm a massive fan of the Beach Boys, especially Pet Sounds, and for me they're second only to the Beatles in the revolutionary pop genius stakes, so before Smile came out I obviously waited expectantly to see if it measured up. It doesn't, the people who say it's a 'triumph' and other such words are writing about the album they wanted to hear. The album you I'm a massive fan of the Beach Boys, especially Pet Sounds, and for me they're second only to the Beatles in the revolutionary pop genius stakes, so before Smile came out I obviously waited expectantly to see if it measured up. It doesn't, the people who say it's a 'triumph' and other such words are writing about the album they wanted to hear. The album you do hear is very, very disappointing, I feel like the only sane person in a mad world writing that on here, but that's how I judge this album.… Expand
  100. GavinF
    May 21, 2008
    2
    I downloaded this purely because of the high ranking it received on this site and I have to say I though it was dreadful. It's all bee-boop-a-doo-daa non sense. Good Vibrations being the only exception.
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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 »