- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
In many ways, Wilson updates his style, while still paying tribute to the things he loves.
-
MojoThat Lucky Old Sun is easily Brian Wilson's most consistently enjoyable, moving solo albums; indeed you have to go back to "Surf's Up" itrself to hear a Beach Boys long-player as good. [Spe 2008, p.99]
-
UncutThere are very few other albums this year with as much force, verve, and sheer musical imagination as That Lucky Old Sun. [Sep 2008, p.84]
-
That Lucky Old Sun, then, is easily Wilson’s best collection of new material since, well, the original SMiLE sessions.
-
After taking care of some unfinished business in recent years, Brian Wilson shows he still has the stuff of conceptual brilliance on his eighth solo album.
-
What makes the record work, though, is Wilson's ability to create melodies that blend the childlike and enthusiastic with the melancholic and nostalgic.
-
That Lucky Old Sun lacks the magnificent shock of SMiLE, Wilson's 2004 completion of that '67 album. But it has a natural, hopeful flow that leaves you warm all over.
-
Sweetly and unmistakably, That Lucky Old Sun limns the sunset of Wilson's career, while still showing how California is at its most beautiful through his eyes.
-
"But now I'm back." And he is, with his finest non-"Smile" album since the golden age of the Beach Boys. Lucky us.
-
Whereas 2004's epic completion of "Smile" allowed the Beach Boy to rewrite (and right) history, his follow-up plays like the ultimate product of that self-examination.
-
The sunniness can feel strained, and 'Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl' is as unnecessary as sequels get. But when Wilson is on his game, you feel lucky to still be soaking up his rays.
-
The album pays wistful, hopeful tribute to the place he's long called home, and in spite of hard years and losses, now wants to enjoy for a while.
-
Though absent any truly great songs, That Lucky Old Sun is the most engaged and consistent effort from pop’s lonely genius in decades.
-
Not only an opportunity to look back, then, but a joyous reminder that, when at his lowest, Brian Wilson stepped up and did the unthinkable.
-
His sun-and-fun lyrics can be saccharine and anachronistic, but his complete lack of artifice helps to sell the sticky likes of 'Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl.'
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 34 out of 42
-
Mixed: 2 out of 42
-
Negative: 6 out of 42
-
BrendanD.Sep 13, 2008
-
Mar 6, 2013
-
KentG.Sep 19, 2008Easy to listen to........updated, reflective semi beach boy sound...........real nice to hear new stuff from Brian Wilsin.