Disco de The Beach Boys: “Beach Boys”

Originally released in 1985, this was the Beach Boys' first album after the tragic death of Dennis Wilson. The album was produced by hit Culture Club producer Steve Levine, and, in keeping with '80s stylings, was heavily programmed. However, Levine was not as lucky with the Beach Boys as he was with Culture Club, as the album was not a success. This may have been because the album is not particularly strong overall. There are several songs that make it seem like the group wasn't really concentrating that much on songwriting. One song is a Culture Club "cover," one was written by Stevie Wonder (who plays most of the music on the song), and the songs that Brian wrote, or co-wrote, sound closer to rough drafts than finished songs. Likewise, in many places the music sounds kind of unfinished, at least compared to the productions on most other Beach Boys recordings (actually, if you think less music is better than more, this might be a positive thing). Brian's lead vocals on "Male Ego" sound like he's trying to "belt" them out (and not doing it all that well), his lead vocal on the first couple verses of "I'm So Lonely" sound sort of "flat," and Bruce Johnston's voice on his ballad "She Believes In Love Again" is a bit scratchy. (The song isn't one of Bruce's best, either.) However, the rest of the vocals are more impressive; I'd say they're great in certain places. Unsurprisingly, Carl turns in most of the best vocal performances on the album. Carl takes or shares the lead vocal on most of the songs, and his voice is magnificent, as usual. It's also nice to hear Brian back on falsetto again on "Getcha Back" (which was the hit single from the album). "California Calling," which harkens back to the "older" Beach Boys (or should that be the "younger" Beach Boys?), and on which none other than ex-Beatle Ringo Starr plays the drums, is one of the few "fun-in-the-sun" songs that the group released after the '60s. There aren't many other Beach Boys albums that this one can be favorably compared to; because of the (partly) Brian-written songs, the album feels kind of "incomplete" (even more so, if you prefer more instrumentation over less), and the other lyrical contributions aren't that great. The album is worth listening to (mostly because of [most of] the vocals), but the Beach Boys could have done (and have done) better. The vocals, or most of them, are just about all that keep this album from being dismissable. (R.I.P., Denny and Carl)

Beautiful vocals by brian and Carl Wilson---wish there more recordings made just before Carl passed away. A definite unforgettable album! All songs stand out.

Next to Pet Sounds I have listened to this more than any other BB release. Yes, it sounds 80's, but Getcha Back, California Calling, "It's a Matter of Time" and "I still Love You" are great. The vocals are great and there is a guest appearance by Stevie Wonder and Ringo Starr. Ignore the mild 80's sound and Dr. Landy's participation and you will find a most enjoyable album.

I have been looking for this CD for YEARS since our last one was stolen from our vehicle.It arrived quickly, and in great condition. We are enjoying it very much... It is a one of a kind from the Beach Boys!

The Beach Boys, minus drummer Dennis Wilson who had tragically killed himself in 1983, returned to the studio for the first time in over five years to create this self-titled album. To be fair, it's a step-up from their previous recent contributions (Keepin' the Summer Alive, LA - Light Album, and M.I.U.), but that's not saying much.

A hot producer of the day, Steve Levine, who was also the producer for the eighties new wave group Culture Club, was brought into the recording process, with results on par with what you would expect when the producer for Culture Club works on your album. Brian was dragged almost kicking and screaming into working on this album. Thankfully, although he didn't have a hand in the writing, the opening 'Getcha Back' is a wonderful slice of nostalgic pop, and a modest hit topping at number twenty-six on the Top Forty. You can hear Brian in the harmonies - back on falsetto! He sings the closing section as well and drags the whole song up to a higher level. Many of the songs here sound like Carl Wilson solo projects. His vocals do their best to rescue rather substandard material. This is noticeable on the likes of second song 'It's Getting Late'. 'Where I Belong' is possibly the most affecting moment of the whole record and it's largely thanks to those heavenly Carl Wilson vocals.

Brian's contributions to this record in terms of writing are very disappointing, which is not surprising when you have your therapist co-writing material with you ('Crack at Your Love's lyrics are just abysmal; a sixth-grader could of done as good of a job). He also co-wrote 'California Calling' with Al and it sounds very dated. The production doesn't help but it's hardly a shining jewel in any case. 'It's Just A Matter Of Time' and 'I'm So Lonely' are affecting songs but they don't quite sound fully developed. The closing 'Male Ego',with very dodgy lyrics apart, is mildly entertaining - musically if not lyrically displaying Brian's character. One of the few occasions his melodic touch shines through here.

Other songs include 'Passing Friend', which was written for Culture Club but given to the Beach Boys by Boy George and sung by Carl Wilson. Thank god Carl doesn't try to emulate Boy George, though. Be thankful for small mercies! 'I Do Love You' is a Stevie Wonder song sung by Carl with assistance from Al (and background vocals by Wonder). Bruce contributes 'She Believes In Love Again' which does overcome somewhat glossy production to end up sounding, for good or for bad, just like a Bruce Johnston song.

So you want to know if you should pony up the money to buy this? I would hesitently say yes, if for no other reason than this is the last true Beach Boys original album - over half of their last album 'Still Crusin' are simply songs from their sixties' hey-day.