Going Public [Import]

Bruce Johnston | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 12, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 1977
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Edsel Records UK
• ASIN: B000050IJG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,031 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Originally released in 1977 this CD includes 'I Write The Songs' made popular by Barry Manilow but written by this former Beach Boy who appeared on Pet Sounds. Nine tracks total. 2000 release standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Guys Finishes First, July 22, 2001

By 

Cynthia S Harvey (Romeoville, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Public (Audio CD)

I love this CD! I bought it when it was an album and NEVER thought I'd see it's release on Compact Disc! Thank God it was!

I find myself in the peculiar position of having to defend my love for this CD! A lot of my friends are real Beach Boys fans and dismiss this solo outing by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston as a waste of money. Not So! There's some outstanding music here and I highly reccomend it- without reservation!

"Won't Somebody dance With Me" is the standout cut- unabashadley romantic- this song immediately grabs your heart, and pulls you into the world of a man watching his daughter ("a lonely wallflower") at a dance, hoping to be asked to dance. A wonderful little production that hits all the right notes.

Bruce wrote "Disney Girls" for the Beach Boys, "I write The Songs" for Barry Manilow and "Rendezvous" for the Hudson Brothers. He reprises each of these songs on this Cd and makes them all uniquely his own.

"Rock and Roll Survivor" is another outstanding cut- Bruce goes country and does so with style. I love this song- the production on this one is especially strong.

"Pipeline" is another show of Bruce's versatility- this is an impressive, spirited disco-fied version of the surf classic. Bravo bruce. This cut rocks.

Great Songs, Great Voice and Great production throughout by Gary Usher makes this CD a keeper!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bruce Johnston steps out..., February 28, 2001

By 

[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Public (Audio CD)

Bruce Johnston, who joined the Beach Boys in 1965 (he can be heard singing on "California Girls" and the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" album) released this solo album in 1977, and it has some interest for Beach Boys fans. It contains updated covers of two songs: "Disney Girls" and "Dierdre" which the Beach Boys included on a couple of their early 70's albums, as well as his own version of his hit composition for Barry Manilow "I Write The Songs" (reportedly written as a tribute to Brian Wilson). Not a must-have album, but interesting for Beach Boys fans, and a pleasant, inconsequential outing. The complete track listing: 1. I Write the Songs 2. Deidre 3. Thank You Baby 4. Rendezvous 5. Won't Somebody Dance with Me 6. Disney Girls 7.Rock and Roll Survivor 8. Don't Be Scared 9. Pipeline.

3.0 out of 5 stars Great vocals, uneven effort, July 28, 2005

By 

synchro1 (San Mateo, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Public (Audio CD)

I am a big BB fan. I am also a fan of Bruce & Terry as well as the late Terry Melchers 2 wonderful solo albums (check out Bruce on both of these as well as the first Roger McGuinn solo lp). I owned this when it came out on vinyl and am glad to have a clean CD copy. The material is uneven (Won't Someone Dance with Me is just too sugary even for my overly-sweet preferences).

However, I consider the vocals outstanding across the board. Bruce has a superb voice for both lead and background. I think Rock & Roll Survivor is the standout track on here. Unlike the other reviewers, I think the sparse production suits the material. I could do without the disco Pipeline.

The album is short on running time. But I stll regularly play and enjoy what is there. If you can find it, also check out Bruce (and Terry and Brian and Curt Boettcher) on the California Music 45s. Each is a gem.