Gettin' In Over My Head
by Brian Wilson
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Jun 22, 2004
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Perhaps it's best to think of Gettin' In Over My Head as Wilson's celebrity children's record.
  2. AllMusic
    60
    Although the musicians here understand how to convey complex emotions in a pop song, Wilson and his co-songwriters obviously don't, and it's with them that the blame for this record lies.
  3. Dot Music
    60
    It's probably safer to view "Gettin In..." as the sound of an old man lying back in the ocean with well-deserved drink. A straight-up collection of rock n roll songs that he probably enjoyed playing on as much as anything else in his bizarre life.
  5. E! Online
    58
    His voice is rough, the melodies fall flat, and there's even a guitar solo by Eric Clapton.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    40
    If you've followed Wilson's treacherous saga, it's heartening how upbeat Getting' in Over My Head sounds, even with a fair number of tracks misfiring.
  7. Blender
    40
    He's labored, bombastic and pitch-challenged.... The lyrics are embarrassing. [Aug 2004, p.143]
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  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Wilson's voice is a sorry wisp of what it once was. [19 Jun 2004, p.57]
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  9. cokemachineglow
    40
    It's not so much that he's over his head as much as just past his prime, and though his love of creating music that aims to communicate a very simple and honest message is respectable, he's ultimately unconvincing and awkward with tepid melodies, gimmicky guest spots and subpar lead vocals.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Nothgual
    Nov 15, 2013
    5
    An awkward affair. Sounds like what it is. A release of newly recorded previously unreleased material.

    Only ones that should have seen the    An awkward affair. Sounds like what it is. A release of newly recorded previously unreleased material.

    Only ones that should have seen the light of day are "Soul Searchin'", "You've Touched Me", "Gettin' In Over My Head", "Saturday Morning In The City" and "Don't Let Her Know She's An Angel".

    Even these tracks are a laborious listen.    … Full Review »
  2. SeamusS
    Mar 30, 2006
    6
    I, as many die hard Brian Wilson fans, can recognize his genius from his fun stuff. This is fun stuff, straight up. There's not alot of I, as many die hard Brian Wilson fans, can recognize his genius from his fun stuff. This is fun stuff, straight up. There's not alot of depth to it. It's got a nice feeling and gives you (somewhat) of an Idea as to what he's going to do on smile. There's some humor and some beauty. Not enough beauty to be a masterpeice though.… Full Review »
  3. VictorVictor
    Oct 23, 2004
    4
    I am one of the longest Brian Wilson Fans- I grew up around the corner from Brian, and loved each and every work he produced. I am 53 and I am one of the longest Brian Wilson Fans- I grew up around the corner from Brian, and loved each and every work he produced. I am 53 and follow him from my youth. He is a genius- things happen and this album sucks. I think it should be renamed, "Get Those Other Folks Outa My Life" I could not even finish listening too it. Brian is still there and one one wonderful, but this is not him- odd, I kind of knew it before I got the album, really odd, it sent off a vibe- I am just listening to the album now, and it took me a long time to come to it. Some wrong management seems to be around Brian- Smile, while having nice pieces was released(i got it too!- my son sent to to me for my birthday- he a Marine in Iraq-and you can listen to it- and it was never complete, which was why brian never released it. The fact that is was released now, tell us more about people who want money than who is controlling the art- gets me to wondering. Yes, the album sucks, if left alone Brain can produce wonderful works still, he just needs the time, place and peace. … Full Review »
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