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. EvaB
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    The smallness of vision of the touring Beach Boys for rejecting Brian's SMiLE is staggering. The good thing about this album taking so long to be released is that I am now old enough to savor it. I was a small child when the Beach Boys were at their hieght so their music was "standard" to me. I didn't see the inovation in any of it because I was too young and since it was the The smallness of vision of the touring Beach Boys for rejecting Brian's SMiLE is staggering. The good thing about this album taking so long to be released is that I am now old enough to savor it. I was a small child when the Beach Boys were at their hieght so their music was "standard" to me. I didn't see the inovation in any of it because I was too young and since it was the music that I was growing up to there was nothing remarkable about it to me. Listening to SMiLE now makes me want to go back and actually listen to the other Beach Boys music as albums rather than just singles. Wilson and Van Dyke Parks made majic.… Expand
  2. JustinB
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    Wondrous!
  3. ruggeroruggero
    Nov 16, 2009
    10
    A trip in the inner life of a person and, in the end, the discovery, with GOOD VIBRATIONS, that the most important thing in the life of a person is LOVE. Sgt. Pepper can't compete with SMILE, this one is better than the first one for the musical compositions, the songs, the meanings that it develops and presents. The Beatles were lucky because they didn't search for the A trip in the inner life of a person and, in the end, the discovery, with GOOD VIBRATIONS, that the most important thing in the life of a person is LOVE. Sgt. Pepper can't compete with SMILE, this one is better than the first one for the musical compositions, the songs, the meanings that it develops and presents. The Beatles were lucky because they didn't search for the complexity like Brian in the production of SMILE but Brian wnated the perfection and his label and his bandmates didn't understand. It's a true progressive album.… Expand
  4. Steiner
    Oct 2, 2011
    10
    Everyone who gave this album a negative review doesn't understand music. In order to really enjoy this music and realize how great it really is, you must be someone who really LISTENS to the music, rather that just hearing it for the mood that it brings. Brian Wilson is one of the most talented artist in the past 50 years and anyone who disagrees with that just is flat out dumb, and thisEveryone who gave this album a negative review doesn't understand music. In order to really enjoy this music and realize how great it really is, you must be someone who really LISTENS to the music, rather that just hearing it for the mood that it brings. Brian Wilson is one of the most talented artist in the past 50 years and anyone who disagrees with that just is flat out dumb, and this album is one of his best. Music these days such as metal, rap, pop, and country etc., that a person may hear on the T.V. or radio are for the dumb, simple minded people such as the people who gave this album a bad review are the people who don't have the time to go find music, but rather flip there remote to MTV. So when deciding to purchase this album, go ahead and do it, don't listen to the dumb as**** who gave this album a bad review because those people are just to stupid to understand this kind of music.… Expand
  5. Mangos
    Jan 24, 2011
    10
    It's not for everyone. It never was really. One reason it wasn't released in 1967 is Brian didn't think anyone would understand it. And, just looking at the "user" scores, that hasn't changed. It's music that goes a lot deeper than some people are worth going when listening. I think it's perfect. It took me a couple years, when it first came out, i didn't really listen. I thought itIt's not for everyone. It never was really. One reason it wasn't released in 1967 is Brian didn't think anyone would understand it. And, just looking at the "user" scores, that hasn't changed. It's music that goes a lot deeper than some people are worth going when listening. I think it's perfect. It took me a couple years, when it first came out, i didn't really listen. I thought it was odd. Then I got into Pet Sounds, and i listened to original SMiLE recordings, and it all clicked. It's music that Wilson was doing because that's what he wanted. There's no pretentious in it at all. Pure genuine, amazing, emotional music. We don't get enough anymore, and because of that, not everyone is attuned to this perfection. Also, the coda to "surf's up" might be the most moving thing ever.… Expand
  6. ImUnavailable
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    Smile was and is a landmark in pop music. Building on his masterful work on Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson creates a complex, moving and bewildering flow of music.
  7. karateworm
    Mar 21, 2011
    10
    The greatest album of all time. Without a doubt. Despite being 37 years old, and with Brian's voice not being anywhere near what it used to be... it's is still astonishing. A tapestry of sounds, imagery, words, ideas and spiritual energies. You have to be fairly bright to "get it".. but my god, if you do.
  8. 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.
  9. brockcheese
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    A missing Beach Boys album that could have just become a holy grail of lost content if not for Brian Wilson's reimagining much later. Great on its own the layered accapella vocals are near perfect beach music.
  10. kbtyphoon
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    The last thing these circle-jerky boys will ever care about is music. After properly absorbing this album with nothing else in my mind but the tunes, following the songs wherever they went, like a good, unpretending, non-dense music listener, and getting all that elation into my life, I made the mistake to go look for reviews to see if anyone else understood why this is the greatest popThe last thing these circle-jerky boys will ever care about is music. After properly absorbing this album with nothing else in my mind but the tunes, following the songs wherever they went, like a good, unpretending, non-dense music listener, and getting all that elation into my life, I made the mistake to go look for reviews to see if anyone else understood why this is the greatest pop music album ever made. I'm very stoic and rational about this, it's just there, bros. All the reviews I saw were all about Brian this, acid that, Mike Love that, or they would talk about the damn packaging, the bonus discs, anything but the music. It's bizarre. It's like they're deliberately avoiding to talk about the music. My conspiracy theorist side yells "The powers that be won't let this sh*t fly!" but the truth is that they're simply forgetting to talk about the music. Because they're stupid. These little internet writers, man. These little writers and career "music fans" all have their little agenda that they simply cannot take some time from. All the talk about it being incomplete. It's not all incomplete. A little imagination will take care of that for you. Noise about being disappointed about it coming out now because they'd rather have the mystery. Laughing my ass off. That's like screaming F*ck music! I'll have celebrity drama over it anyday lol! C'mon and think about the pettiness of thinking like that. I read somewhere that this album is "no musical watershed on Sergeant Pepper"... Son... please... Surf's Up alone destroys that whole thing. What's better than Surf's Up or Cabin Essence in there? A Day In The Life? That lazy songwriting that goes nowhere and accomplishes nothing? Is Wonderful not the spiritual better to Lucy In The Sky? What about the structure of Smile man, has anybody taken time to assimilate the structure, the master flow of the beginning with americana, the intensity of those four songs that make the middle section - it is really a deep and introspective trip all by itself, and I personally never heard anything more intense, getting real at Child Is Father of the Man then going ever deeper down on Surf's Up, what is that song emotionally?! - Then Workshop as a little moment to let things breathe as you realize how great it's all been so far (even that is part of the nonstop flow of this album) and then that string of gems: Vegetables being the happiest thing ever, with that sassy and godlike instrumental fade out that literally no one has ever talked about, the badass classical flourish in the Holidays verses, going into that part with the marimbas that is the apex of the childlike quality throughout this piece, (cantata, so many words for it), that heavenly chant at the end that exemplifies how spiritual and holy are actually keywords for this thing, the benediction at the end of Love to Say Dada, loveable even though aggressively incomplete, then the final lightning bolt of divine with Good Vibrations. But oh wowzers, There's a reprise of the opening track right before the last song in Sgt. Pepper's!! Amazeballs!! Full circle you f*cking plebs!! Got to keep sucking John Lennon's ghost dick I guess lmao. I'm a Beatles fan too but relax... Then there's the ones that say Pet Sounds is better than Smile. Look, you might have some history with that album... Maybe it helped you get over a girl that kicked your little heart in the balls or whatever but other than that it's all status quo and hot air and I'ma need y'all to sit down as well. Don't get me wrong, I know it's heavenly too but see, that's just how good Smile is! Either that or Brian and Carl Wilson are wrong and you're right, by all means man, f*ck me in the ass... It's all sad but also very routine; it's almost obvious to anyone with a realistic view of what this world is that something that good will not be embraced by the general populace. This album is extra-world. It's spiritual, it's a notch up, it is Next Level. People in the way they operate, living their lil' lives and all, are simply not gonna get it or even care really. I get it, and I forgive you. You weren't raised right. In another world maybe. But hey, man, you're missing out on the real deal. For quick summary: Holy Grail of Pop, Next level holy vibes, not for the basic.… Expand
  11. Denvers
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Smile is simply one of the greatest albums of all time. There's something that really warms my heart when I listen to this. Wilson's old yet smooth voice is relaxing to say the least. Please, listen to this album.
  12. luiseduardo03
    Sep 2, 2021
    10
    Really emotional, a brilliant masterpiece. Take a moment of your time to listen this album, don´t listen this album as your background sound, you will miss a lot of excellent stuff and ruin your entire experience.
  13. Bomek
    Jun 11, 2022
    10
    It took a while for me to really "get" this album, but when it did I was speechless.

    Better than Seargent Pepper? Absolutly, this is a masterpiece.
    Way better than I thought it would be, I am stunned.
  14. RaleighR
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    Brian Wilson is elevated to new highs with SMiLE. Though one can only dream what this time traveled masterpiece could have inspired if originally released as a response to Sgt. Pepper. In the 60's the hype that surrounded the album was that it was to be 'a teenage symphony to God'. In 2004 does it still hold up to what teenager feel today? All n all great album, good for Brian Wilson is elevated to new highs with SMiLE. Though one can only dream what this time traveled masterpiece could have inspired if originally released as a response to Sgt. Pepper. In the 60's the hype that surrounded the album was that it was to be 'a teenage symphony to God'. In 2004 does it still hold up to what teenager feel today? All n all great album, good for Brian to get it accomplished.… Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. FeidoV
    Apr 12, 2010
    9
    A great album.
  18. JackB
    Oct 1, 2004
    9
    Have to agree that it's brilliant. But we already knew that. My only complaint is that I miss Brian's old vocals. The other boys in the band I can take or leave. But Brian sounds like an old man now. Love this "Heroes" better than any other mix we've heard before. "Surf's Up" loses a step without Brian's original lead. Like the lyrics of the '66 "Good Have to agree that it's brilliant. But we already knew that. My only complaint is that I miss Brian's old vocals. The other boys in the band I can take or leave. But Brian sounds like an old man now. Love this "Heroes" better than any other mix we've heard before. "Surf's Up" loses a step without Brian's original lead. Like the lyrics of the '66 "Good Vibrations" better. … Expand
  19. BrianF
    Oct 4, 2004
    9
    The second "suite" is worth the purchase price alone...brilliantly beautiful! Deduct 1 point for the odd animal and power tool songs - give me more music!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. KimM
    May 2, 2009
    9
    Simply superb.
  23. RyanK
    Oct 5, 2004
    9
    This album is a blast of 1960's psychadelia that is sure to inspire many strange trips... It's beautiful and innocent... why don't people make music like this anymore?
  24. markf
    Oct 7, 2004
    9
    "Good Vibrations" was one of the first 45s I ever bought, and I still probably think that song is the best Beach Boys song, at least the old single. This album's version isn't quite as good, but the entire album, while not exactly flawless, is a beautiful flow of music with many repeating motifs from "Heroes and Villians", "Surf's Up" and "Good Vibrations" sprawled across "Good Vibrations" was one of the first 45s I ever bought, and I still probably think that song is the best Beach Boys song, at least the old single. This album's version isn't quite as good, but the entire album, while not exactly flawless, is a beautiful flow of music with many repeating motifs from "Heroes and Villians", "Surf's Up" and "Good Vibrations" sprawled across the three suites. Sometimes, the simplest parts are the best; for example, the Aaron Coplandish cello (with drums) melting into the haunting voice singing "You Are My Sunshine" brings shivers, and then the sax dissolves into a whirling string section (actually reminds me of the Beatles circa '67.) The opening "Prayer" is more beautiful than anything on Bjork's most-recent, although I think it's a good companion piece to her "Vokuro." Overall, this is a tremendous, awe-inspiring piece of art, which also enjoys being funny and silly. But I am sad that the Beach Boys aren't actually a part of it. (Carl and Dennis R.I.P.)… Expand
  25. JohnG
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    As close to perfection as is humanly possible.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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!
  29. 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".
  30. Sophie
    Jul 31, 2007
    9
    A really wonderful album, with some very slight faults. If only we had the original with us.
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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 »