Customer Reviews

Love You

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is probably the weirdest album in the Beach Boys catalogue. Brian Wilson was back in the driver's seat, producing and writing all the songs (with co-writers on only three of the songs). Brian had started writing songs again as part of his therapy with Dr. Eugene Landy. The songs have a sort of stream of conscious feel to them, like these were the first lyrics that popped into his head. Usually with songs like these, Mike Love or somebody would help Brian rewrite the lyrics, but in this case they just went ahead and recorded the "first draft" lyrics! So, you get songs on subjects like "Johnny Carson" and the "Solar System". As weird as these songs are, there is something undeniably appealing about them. There is a definite charm to them. If you are a Beach Boys fan, you should give this album a listen.

I own nearly every vinyl BB album, numerous compilations, and even rarities, but I'm embarrassed to admit I bought this--unheard--when it was released. Although some of the stellar BB harmonies are there, production is bare bones...this is the antithesis of 'pocket symphony' complexity that came before and after. Brian's keyboard work sounds plodding and basic, and many songs come across as juvenile. Brian's voice is hoarse, husky, tentative, and often un-melodic. 'Good Time' is an exception, and 'Mona' has potential. I am a huge BB fan and defender, but there's a reason why this album fell off the charts after 7 wks and spawned no singles. Brian's more recent solo efforts (such as 'Imagination') are super! I can't believe this is from the same genius who created the 'Smile' suite.

With five stars for post beach boys surfin days, we come to the trademark Brian Wilson works of Surf's up and Pet Sounds, adding 4 stars for Holland or Sunflower, and then fall down to "Love You"; with high hopes still, the album was a beached whale. Even if Brian had returned from his bedside, he was still under doctor's orders, and inspiration is simply not of it. I've kept it for the cover. Skip Love You, which appears to be the boys trying to make Brian's lyrics into music, and continue on to 'good timing' or the Live in Europe album, and the more current Imagination or the new Smile redo if you prefer to find the real education in Beach Boys/Brian Wilson Sonics.

This is a fun album for hardcore Brian fanatics. Such a quirky, underrated album. Like Smiley Smile, all of the songs are written by Brian himself. Like Pet Sounds, it's a solo Brian Wilson album featuring the Beach Boys. It doesnt get any better than this. God, please let us go on this way and listen to Love You forever.