Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
1977
Album Summary
Pacific Ocean Blue is the first album by American musician Dennis Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, and the only one released in his lifetime. When released in August 1977, it was warmly received critically, and noted for outselling the Beach Boys' contemporary efforts. Two singles were issued from the album, "River Song" and "You and I", which did not chart. The album remains a focal point of Wilson's legacy, being referred to as a "classic". It was voted number 838 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums. Wilson intended to record a follow-up, entitled Bambu, but the album was left unfinished at the time of his death in December 1983.
WikipediaWas never a big fan of Dennis. The only song of his I like was "All I Wanna Do," so I didn't have high hopes for his solo effort. But from the first song I was surprised. "River Song" gives off strong Beach Boys vibes, and in fact it was originally supposed to be so, but the choir masterfully interlays with Dennis's and the piano ballad to make an emotionally powered piece. Nice segway to the classic rock n roll "What's Wrong" which sets up a cool mood for the next few bluesy-roots songs. My favorite stretch of songs is from "Dreamer" to "Pacific Ocean Blues." I absolutely love the brass contributions of that first song and how they work together with the guitar for lead. The other songs are a lot less blues, showcasing Dennis's amazing baroque pop voice that reminds me of what I loved so much about the Beach Boys. "You and I" gives off Steely Dan vibes, probably the most beautiful song on the album. The titular track is a momentary return to the bluesy theme of the album. It's another strong entry, and the track you're most likely to sing along to, again showcasing a Dennis's talented production. The last tracks are also good ballad tracks, although I wasn't as crazy about them as the others. I thought the closing was perfect. Ignoring the lyrics, it combined everything that defined the album, from the choral vocals to the blues sound to the piano ballad, and Dennis's mature and passionate voice. I see a lot of reviews complaining about the length. They should know Pacific Ocean Blue is just the first 12, which is the perfect length for me. I will for sure return to this album, and re-listen to Dennis's tracks on Beach Boys albums.
Successfully walks the fine line of acknowledging the influences of the Beach Boys while claiming his own style. Expertly crafted, and a joy to listen to. Best track: River Song
Funky, bluesy, groovy rock (Clapton-esque) with a spiritual bent. Nice range of styles. Feels more mature in style and substance than the Beach Boys (Wilson's other band).
You know that Wilson guy from the Beach Boys? No, not Brian, the eccentric genius. The other one. No, not Carl! Why would you even mention Carl?! Nobody ever talks about Carl! No, I mean one who was all mixed up with Charles Manson. Dennis, yeah. Well, it turns out he was a damn fine songwriter. In fact, "Pacific Ocean Blue" is a great album. It has a little bit of that Beach Boys smell to it but it veers hard into funk/rock/blues territory, at times evoking Clapton, The Stones, George Clinton, and a half-dozen other artists who were cutting absolute classic tracks at the time. It's really a great album. Too bad about that whole Manson thing.
Suggests that Dennis was the George Harrison of the Beach Boys. I actually prefer this over two of the Beach Boys albums on this list. And if you really want to go on a ride, peruse Dennis Wilson's Wikipedia page. That thing is a RIDE! Aside from the entire section on Charles Manson, you get to learn (or recall) that Dennis dated Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie (who claimed Dennis Wilson was "half little boy, half insane"), and often told friends he was raped by a black man. But hell, aren't all of the Wilsons at least half insane?
Dennis Wilson really goes the extra mile on his only solo record. Though his voice took a turn to a grainy and harsher tone (no thanks to the drugs and alcohol), he fills these songs with a Joe Cocker-esque soul that still compliments well with the signature background vocals from Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston. The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous on this record, with plenty or strings and organ to fill your ears with vibrant, grandiose harmonies. For fans of Pet Sounds - this is a must listen to album. Favorite Song: Time Least Favorite: Thoughts of You
3.6 - Here's a studio veteran that had a hand in some of the greatest popular music ever recorded. So as might be expected, towards the end of his recording career, he's got a supremely deep bag of studio tricks, he's got access to the finest equipment, and a vast network of sound magicians he can tap at will. But, what might be lacking are new ideas along with the energy to explore new emotional territory. I'm hearing loads of subtle beauty in the studio craft. Each song seems like a masterclass in paring sounds, but there's a yawning melancholy that seems to pervade this record despite its considerable sheen.
This was better and more interesting that I thought it would be given the Beach Boys connection. Like the Beach Boys with the annoying elements removed and replaced with something grittier
Been meaning to listen to this for years. Definitely the soulful Beach Boy. Really liking this
I discovered this album about five years ago and I fell in love with it instantly. Dennis Wilson was a man in the midst of self-destruction in the wake of his abusive upbringing and the excesses of fame as a member of the Beach Boys. He was not known as a sensitive man, but for his drunken escapades which eventually culminated in his death by drowning. His voice was rapidly deteriorating which can be heard here and in subsequent live performances of this material. Here, Wilson is concerned with environmental devastation and love. In 'River Song' the opening track, he confronts the claustrophobia and smog of LA, opting instead to champion a cleaner, more natural environment. In the title track, 'Pacific Ocean Blue,' penned alongside cousin and bandmate Mike Love, Wilson laments the destruction of ocean wildlife. This is an album very close to my heart both for its lyrical and musical value, but also because it gives us an insight into the enigmatic and broken person that was Dennis Wilson.
Haunting and beautiful in conveying the depths of Dennis Wilson's talents. The drummer moves to the forefront and the results are huge!
that was a lot better than I was expecting the diversity here was honestly crazy, several times listening to this, I thought this was a compilation of different artists songs but apparently these all came from one guy super beautiful album, crazy to think he’s one of the beach boys, this is a 10/10
Классный альбом! Неожиданно. Он звучит как прог-рок, но при этом на прог-рок 80-ых не сильно похож. А где-то даже напомнил Дэвида Боуи и Криса Риа.
Lang album maar wel goed! Veel verschillende stijlen door elkaar. Wel een legendary vibe.
Spectacular album. Wilson's vocals combined with great arrangements and production make this a 5/5 for me. I cannot believe I had never heard of this record.
This is the perfect example why I'm doing this. This is a masterpiece, however I've never heard about it. Background story of Dennis Wilson is also interesting (and sad).
so after all these years where we were led to believe brian was the musical genius in the beach boys and he wasn't even as good as his brother on drums. didn't know anything about him so read up a bit; was done over by charles manson and his cult, met some of them and then before you know it they've squatted in his house he's ended up moving out and they've sold all of his belongings. did the famous recordings of charles mansons music and when asked for the recordings as part of the investigation he said he'd destroyed them because in the most california surf dude way possible - "the vibrations connected with them didn't belong on this earth"
oh wow yeah, very nice. no prior experience with dennis wilson or the beach boys etc but this is great
Off to a great start, has me interested. Super chill listen, like it a lot. Will look up more by this dude.
Surprisingly diverse collection of songs for what was expected from a former beach boy. Very good production throughout. Has a concept-album type feel to the music. Highlights: -River Song -You and I -Rainbows -Only with You -Holy Man -Common -
Easy to enjoy. River Song and Pacific Ocean Blues stand out for me, though there is little to not like. Cool soft rock vibe with a light Beach Boys influence.
Sorprendentemente maravilloso. Una delicia para escuchar mientras te tomas una buena copa
This guy is hard to get a read on. Sounds like Pink Floyd, Chicago, and what I imagine Randy Newman thinks he sounds like.
Tämä oli omaan korvaan sopivaa rokkia. Vähän teatraalistakin jopa taustalauluineen. Merellisyyttä löytyi.
Mooi album van de drummer van de Beach Boys. Doorstaat de tand des tijds goed.
I love this album but two deluxe albums combined together is waaaaaay too long for me to actually appreciate it properly. I've listened three times and I'm like what. But. It's rock n roll, it's jazzy, it's moving, it's pretty excellent.
This album is something really special. Dennis Wilson's incredible voice and rough-hewn surfer soul conveys so much pathos. I don't know who would have realized the depths of feeling he would be able to convey with this record. There are a few songs where he veers a little too close to easy listening, but never over the brink. And the incredible highs more than make up for these moments. I feel like this record highlights how he was only starting to come into his own as an artist before his tragic death. Favourite tracks: River Song, Thoughts of You, Pacific Ocean Blues, End of the Show, Farewell My Friend
An extremely poignant record, as Dennis Wilson, the blueprints used by the Beach Boys to bring their California sound to the 60s. The strain and melancholy in his voice combined with its richness is really something to behold. The highs of this record are undeniable, and seem like a mix of Beach Boys harmonies, with a little of Big Star's Third and a lot of heart. I can forgive the overly blues-y parts. Fav Tracks: Thoughts of You, End of The Show, Pacific Ocean Blues, River Song and Moonshine
Some pretty cool melancholy jams, some beach-boy-esque vibes at times. Would listen again
There’s a lot of interesting ideas goin on within this album, especially within the instrument choices. Some you don’t hear in many albums of the era, makes the listening experience so much better since you keep anticipating what could be next. I strongly recommend listening to this album. Favorite Tracks: River Song, Dreamer, Rainbows.
It's not going into my rotation or anything, but I quite liked this. Reminded me of Eels in places.
really great album from the former beach boy, very enjoyable and would listen again
This definitely doesn't sound like a Beach Boys record. I liked this a lot. Highlights were Pacific Ocean Blues and What's Wrong
Este disco me sorprendió, me gustó más de lo que esperaba, para ser un artista y un género con el que normalmente no estoy en contacto ni escucho muy seguido. Escuché la "versión ultra-extendida", lo cual fue un poco tedioso, pero encontré un par de canciones agradables que no venían en el disco original, como "It's not too late". Mi calificación sería 3.5, pero redondearé hacia arriba.
This was a great surprise…. The beach boys drummer pulls out the best beach boys solo effort I’ve heard!
This is a hidden gem of an album. Sure, there are some corny parts, but I just kept getting caught in the hooks. This whole album just sounds like someone who is genuinely having a great time making music, and that makes me happy.
Very good, very chill album. It's very easygoing but that doesn't mean it's poorly made or anything like that. There is certain art to making an album this seamless.
Although Mexico is not on the original album, I'd add a star for it. What brilliant and warm music!
I never heard anything from him or from The Beach Boys before, but I really enjoyed this album! Was expecting something totally different judging from the cover. Favorite tracks: * River Song * Friday Night * Time
Sometimes the day makes the album- and I had a Long Beach run and this was the perfect accompaniment
like this a lot all sorted of different genres and sounds coming out here.
Did not know about this album, quite liked it and will be giving it a second listen. A little darker, Beach Boys comes through a little bit at parts but a good listen.
Jg gillade detta! hade ingen aning om att det var strandpojkarna-killen.
This is no formulaic Kokomo designed for adult contemporary radio. An interesting, melancholic country blues album that is much better than I expected.
Yes, that Wilson family and it more or less shows that those Beach Boys documentaries where Brian Wilson is the only true musician is inaccurate.
Dennis was the most soulful and moodiest of the Beach Boys. His compositions and voice are hard and feely, sensitive things. The songs on this album are dramatic and expressive and bound to stir your emotions up at least once. To my ears, 'Farewell My Friend' is the most moving.
I didn't know what to expect. This album is full of all kinds of different genres I feel. There's some songs I really liked and some I didn't vibe with at all. All in all, solid 4.
Sometimes leaning towards overproduced, while at others having some very inspired production choices. Overall? Cool album
This is quite a departure from the Beach Boys sound. Dennis Wilson was a great songwriter; after Brian Wilson, his songs have the best reputation amongst fans. But by 1977 his voice was reduced to a rasp, which is a real shame as he previously had a decent singing voice. Compare the vocals on this album to tracks like Little Bird or Be Still from a decade earlier, the difference is astonishing. But taken on its own terms, this is a good album with a mature sound, and it's certainly got a lot of soul and emotion.
Great to listen to but as a huge Brian Wilson fan comes off as derivative
This starts off sounding fairly Beach Boys-like, but then it gradually morphs into something more interesting. Some of it reminds me of Wilco, some of Randy Newman, but overall it's really nice. 4 stars.
A really interesting and varied album. Definitely glad I got to hear this & I think I'll play it again.
Starting this album, I really didn't get it, as it just seemed like Pacific Rock from the era, and not much more, but the second half of the album, starting with Thoughts of You, really changed the album into something that felt a lot more impactful. His voice seemed like it genuinely meant what it was singing, and the musicality really showed through from that forward. It felt like the first part was like "Yeah, I was the Beach Boys, but these are my true musical abilities. It's a shame that he died so young and couldn't have a flourishing career, I truly think it would've only gotten better.
This album reminds me of an old sweater that’s falling apart. Barely held together by a couple loose strings. None of the musicians sound like they’re really into it which is a shame considering the lyrics, chord progressions, and structuring all sound like they’d be great if they were played tighter. Poor execution, but great theory. Makes me sad to think that they were so close to such an incredible album. 4/5
It's a long one, but has a lot of heart. Raw and meandering, it's a bit of a journey, but one I'm glad I've taken.
Loved it, will give another listen and probably add to rotation. Crazy sound for the year it came out, good psych whatever