Surf's Up

Seems a lot of people had a Beachy day today! After a few listens, I feel much more of a kinship to this album than when I began. It's got important messages about being kind to our water and our feet, and reflective musings on life and death. And the societal topics are just as relevant today as ever. There's a riot goin' on. I enjoyed the mix of quirky and chill and introspective and even bluesy. The album was weird, but it definitely grew on me. A Day in the Life of A Tree and 'Til I Die felt like Brian was already preparing goodbye songs. I'm glad he still had 54 more years to enjoy! RIP to Mr. Wilson, and thanks for all the tunes.

Weird coincidence for this to come up the day after Brian Wilson died. This was kind of what I would expect from The Beach Boys, with a few little twists. It was enjoyable but not up to their very best material. I love the album cover though.

Please let this be the last Beach Boys album on here

Not a fan

It's nice that this one is pretty short, but honestly, I still feel like it wasn't really worth my time.

One listen. Gut instinct 4 star. The Brian Wilson news sucked, dude is a world class musician and will be missed. The music and harmonies in this are so weird but they work so well. What a pioneer.

This feels like a perfect blend of 60s style with 70s inspirations. It's so damn catchy and not at all what I expected from the Beach Boys. Loved this one a ton. Favorites were Long Promised Road and Student Demonstration Time.

RIP Brian Wilson. This album is really great. Student Demonstration Time is on here too! Not quite as good as a Pet Sounds or Smile, and I think I like Sunflower a little more too, but an 8.5-9/10 is still a damn good rating. Favorite songs were Long Promised Road, Feel Flows, Til I Die, and Surf’s Up

This is another one I wanted to like, but just really didn't care for.

could i write poetry to this? n

There are some very good songs here, but also some clunkers. As the Beach Boys tried to stay relevant in a fast-changing society, the socially-conscious tunes come off as ham-handed. Brian Wilson's diminishing role as leader of the group is felt throughout the record. We've already heard enough Beach Boys and Beach Boys-adjacent albums that better and more essential than this one.

This maybe the least beach boys beach boys album which is why I dug iy

The political song lyrics are dopey as fuuuuck, but, otherwise, this album is pretty amazing.

Ég hlustaði á þessa plötu daginn eftir dauða Brian Wilson og mér fannst hún mun myrkari en það sem ég bjóst við að heyra við Beach Boys plötu. Það gæti hafa verið vegna fráfalls hans en platan var engu að síðu góð. Alveg endurhlustunarinnar virði.

Lost my rating and write up for this one unfortunately but it was a damn good album with the exception of that damn anti student protest song!

Weird, very uneven album, and not in a way I enjoyed.

another L for dad's music. why do the beach boys sound like chicago and steely dan all of a sudden

didn't know the beach boys ever sounded like this. kind of enjoyed it. Student Demonstration Time has me thinking about LA rn. RIP mr wilson

Listening to "Student Demonstration Time" in 2025: 🫣

Meh. I guess I'm in the minority here but I've never really liked The Beach Boys. Their best early stuff I can dig a couple tracks, but those famous harmonies grate more than elevate. I don't even like Pet Sounds much, so it's not that Brian Wilson (RIP) is missing here. They're trying something here, credit where it's due, looking for their place in 1971 American music. And there are a couple of good tracks. But mostly it's warmed over musically and too on the nose lyrically. It's got real "hello, fellow teenagers!" vibes, a sort of catchall attempt at zeitgeist, but from what feels like an outsider's perspective. Let's play dirty blues and sing about student protests! Environmentalism, sexual liberation, and even (shock!) a kind of world-weary resignation (Surf's ALL DONE, man). All of which could be forgiven if these were great songs, but they're not.

3.7 1x . needs second listen. timely as Brian Wilson just passed yesterday

Brian Wilson died yesterday, the generator throws me a Beach Boys album today. Appropriate. This isn't your cleancut Beach Boys, this is your animal style fries Beach Boys. This album kicks ass. Listen to it until you get it.

It’s not Pet Sounds and there’s a melancholy streak running through it but it is never dull

Not the Beach Boys I'm used to. This is not the cheery style that they're known for. Much better than expected.

I had to resist the urge to just turn it off and rate it a 1 when I heard the first song The calmer parts of Long Promised Road sound decent to be fair. Yeah, good song I had to resist the urge to just turn it off and rate it a 1 when I heard the third song Fourth song was good again, 'Til I Die was also fine I get it now, they added some shitty songs so that their regular ones sound better than they usually are Oh, and the dude decided to die on the day everyone got his album. Fucking attention-seeker

Not into it

RIP Brian Wilson who passed away yesterday 😢 Interestingly weird and different than what they'd done before do it was likely a big risk. Allot of it works I guess.

Wow! I had not heard one of these songs before, and they were all excellent. I will be getting this one on Vinyl.

Listened to this on the day of Brian Wilson’s death. I’m not really a Beach Boys fan but this is a wonderful album full of melodic, quirky songs. Some of it reminds me of early 10cc.

None of the hits, but good album. RIP Brian Wilson

First Beach Boys album I've ever listened to. I've been meaning to give this one a chance because of its reputation but also (and mostly) because of that cover. I'm not expecting is to perfectly represent the sound of the album, but it sure is a good eye-catcher. Finally listening to the band will also be bittersweet, after the passing of Brian Wilson about a month ago. So, let's go. The opener is a 60's band boy anti-pollution song, filled with nice harmonies, not too deep (but still meaningful) lyrics and a nice instrumental too! I specifically love the ending. Long Promised Road is about the disappointment that comes with realizing that everything that's been promised you about the future is not true. Love the verse, love the chorus, and love the bridge. I'm not so sure I understand what Take a Load Off Your Feet is about, but it sounds nice, has a personality, and I like it. Oh Disney Girls is really hitting! A slower song is very welcome. Again, the lyrics leave me wondering what exatcly it is about, but the singing, the harmonies, the instrumentals, it's all very lovely... My favourite so far. Next track's a blues-rock song, another welcome change in pace and genre. It's about student's riots and the violence that came with them, but also the frustration of the social issues of the time. Loved this one too. Feel Flows is another one that I connect to most in regards to the sound and not so much the lyrics (will need some time with those). Lookin' At Tomorrow is a weird almost ethereal song. Good and interesting. A Day in The Life of a Tree is beatiful. A metaphor for life and growing old.The delivery is amazing, the slow build-up and the outro are amazing... This is absolutely my favourite on the record. The next song carries on the nature-as-a-metaphor-for-life and pollution themes. While it is beautiful and successful in carrying its message, it does falter in comparison to the song before it (which should maybe have been the closer). Great nonetheless. The closer track, after which the album was named (or was it the other way around) reflects on the evolution of the band to the point at which they were then. I'm guessing the lyrics would feel more poignant if I heard every other Beach Boys albums before this one. But even now, with the small amount of information I have about them, it is successful in transmiting the feelings of someone tired of what people expect him to perform. This album was very good. I can't say it blew me away, because I was expecting something of this quality, but yeah, track after track of good instrumentals, lyrics, harmonies, and vocal performances. Did it reinvent the wheel? Maybe not, but it is an accomplishment nonetheless. Bye

I like the concept and the music in this album, not really my cup of tea but I can appreciate it 3/5

i think i liked this more than pet sounds? but maybe i am a philistine.

While Pet Sounds is my favorite album of all time and truly Brian Wilson’s masterpiece, Sunflower, Surf’s Up, and all of the music in between represents the pinnacle of the collaboration between the members of the Beach Boys. It marks a time where they reached their potential as a group. In addition to their grand creative efforts, the themes of this album really show off what I love most about this band. If The Beatles and their music are the representation of the best of life and the world, then the Beach Boys and their music are the representation of something more human. Flawed, but redeemable. The Beatles stand so high up, they’re unreachable and it’s difficult sometimes to relate to them, but the Beach Boys are an open book. They put their struggles on display like in A Day In The Life of a Tree and ‘Til I Die, and they’ll also let you know that you can turn things around for the better, in songs like Long Promised Road and Feel Flows. There’s so much heart in their music that anyone can relate to because they went through so much themselves. There’s never been any genius like Brian Wilson. His songs will be played on forever and he will be dearly missed. Love and mercy.

Love the Beach Boys, this album is an interesting one. The chillness of it makes this album repeatable compared to other music of theirs.

Kinda unremarkable for the beach boys, but they do have rather a high standard

The album cover is not what I expect when I think of the Beach Boys. The songs themselves are similarly not what I expect. Overall a pretty solid album.

Darker that I expected, I guess that happens when you shack up with Manson

Presumably a coincidence that I got this the day after we lost Brian. Not heard the album before … love the cover art and only knew the first song (from the late great Kirsty MacColl version … had no idea it was a cover until today). Overall, it’s not Surfin USA .. but I enjoyed it.

An odd no-hits Beach Boys album that left me thinking it was kind of forgettable. Still some good writing and production though, as is customary from the group.

This is a weird pick for the Beach Boys. This is definitely one of their more eclectic albums. It's like Brian was let loose to do whatever he wanted after the success of Pet Sounds. It is also dripping with political and societal commentary. Definitely a departure from their earlier content. It doesn't really land for me though. Also, weird that this album popped up the day after Brian Wilson died...

It’s the Beach Boys. Nothing against them, just never hooked me.

Some good songs on here, had to listen twice. Some are not my favorite but I would listen again.

Enjoyed the listen. Added "Long Promised Road" to my liked songs. Also wild to listen to "Student Demonstration" as a song from 1971 with all of the parallel turmoil of today.

aptly got this album the day after the death of Brian Wilson. Not a bad album, some good songs on it and a nice balance of different styles. Solid 4 stars

Surprisingly good, not really what I expected from the Beach Boys

Good writing, not their best musically.

This was alright. I’m not sure if the BB hype is what everyone says it is.

RIP Brian. My personal fave masterpiece by the Boys.

I am sure I got this album today because of the sad passing of Brian. My exposure to the Beach Boys has only ever been the well known surfy songs that everyone has heard so this album took me by surprise. I thought it was great and while there were some beach boyisms in there on the whole it was a completely new and dare I say mature sound. Loved it.

The biggest surprise about this album is how activist it is. There are so many songs very clearly written to be pro-environmental works, and I love it. I love that a band that was all about surfing and fun believed that it was their platform to reminder people that the water isn’t fun if we actively poison it. The songs are unmistakably Beach Boys, but with some evolution in style to the singles I knew. A great listening experience.

Dans l'immense et complexe océan qu'est la discographie des Beach Boys, "Surf's Up", sorti en 1971, flotte comme une embarcation de fortune à la fois magnifique et précaire. Ce n'est ni le yacht luxueux et parfaitement agencé de "Pet Sounds", ni la planche de surf insouciante des débuts. C'est plutôt un radeau assemblé à la hâte, fait de planches sublimes et de débris flottants, portant en lui les espoirs et les fantômes d'un groupe en pleine crise existentielle. Tenter de le juger comme un tout cohérent est une entreprise vouée à l'échec. C'est précisément cette nature fragmentée, cette collection de fulgurances et de faux-pas, qui en fait une œuvre fascinante mais profondément imparfaite. L'album est un champ de bataille stylistique où les différentes âmes du groupe s'affrontent et cohabitent difficilement. D'un côté, nous avons les vestiges du génie torturé de Brian Wilson, des trésors repêchés des abysses du projet "Smile". De l'autre, les contributions de plus en plus affirmées de son frère Carl, l'émergence d'une conscience écologique portée par Al Jardine et Mike Love, et les élans nostalgiques de Bruce Johnston. Cet assemblage hétéroclite donne l'impression d'écouter plusieurs mini-albums compilés en un seul, sans véritable fil conducteur pour les lier. Le sommet absolu, la raison pour laquelle cet album restera à jamais dans les annales, est bien évidemment le morceau-titre, "Surf's Up". C'est une cathédrale sonore, un poème baroque et énigmatique mis en musique. Issu des sessions maudites de "Smile", ce titre est une symphonie de poche en trois mouvements, un voyage onirique porté par le piano mélancolique de Brian et les paroles surréalistes de Van Dyke Parks. L'entendre, c'est toucher du doigt ce que "Smile" aurait pu être : une œuvre d'une ambition et d'une beauté vertigineuses. La performance vocale de Carl Wilson sur la seconde partie, superposée à la démo originale de Brian, est un moment de grâce pure, un passage de flambeau symbolique et déchirant. Dans la même veine de chef-d'œuvre introspectif, " 'Til I Die" est une autre perle noire signée Brian Wilson. C'est peut-être la chanson la plus désespérément belle et la plus honnête de toute sa carrière. Sur un lit d'orgues et de synthétiseurs Moog qui ondulent comme une marée funèbre, Brian contemple sa propre insignifiance face à l'immensité de l'univers. "I'm a cork on the ocean / Floating over the raging sea". Les paroles sont d'une simplicité désarmante, la musique est d'une complexité harmonique sidérante. C'est une plongée sans fard dans la dépression d'un homme, un moment d'art si pur et si vulnérable qu'il en devient presque inconfortable. Face à ces monuments, les compositions de Carl Wilson, "Long Promised Road" et "Feel Flows", brillent d'un éclat différent mais tout aussi intense. Elles représentent l'avenir du groupe, une voie plus ancrée dans le rock progressif et psychédélique de l'époque. "Feel Flows", avec sa flûte envoûtante, son saxophone déchaîné et sa production aérienne, est une exploration psychédélique magistrale. "Long Promised Road" est un hymne à la résilience, une chanson pleine d'espoir qui montre un Carl Wilson au sommet de son art en tant que compositeur, chanteur et producteur. Ces deux titres sont la preuve que le groupe pouvait encore créer une musique pertinente et puissante, même sans la supervision constante de son génie aîné. Hélas, c'est là que le radeau commence à prendre l'eau. Le reste de l'album peine à maintenir ce niveau d'excellence et accentue la sensation de patchwork. Le principal coupable est sans doute "Student Demonstration Time". Adaptation lourde et maladroite du "Riot in Cell Block Number 9" de Leiber et Stoller par un Mike Love en mode commentateur social, le morceau est un blues-rock bruyant et caricatural. Ses paroles politisées à la truelle et son énergie presque agressive détonnent complètement avec la subtilité et la mélancolie des titres de Brian. Le choc est brutal, et ce titre agit comme un véritable mur sonore au milieu de l'album. Dans un registre différent, les chansons à thématique écologique, "Don't Go Near the Water" et "A Day in the Life of a Tree", sont bien intentionnées mais artistiquement inégales. La première, signée Jardine et Love, ouvre l'album sur une note presque enfantine, avec des paroles un peu simplistes sur la pollution de l'eau. L'harmonie vocale est certes magnifique, comme toujours, mais le propos manque de la profondeur poétique du reste de l'œuvre. Quant à "A Day in the Life of a Tree", chantée par le manager du groupe, Jack Rieley, c'est une curiosité. L'idée d'un arbre se lamentant sur son sort est audacieuse, presque théâtrale, mais la performance vocale, fragile et non professionnelle, la place dans une catégorie à part. C'est une expérimentation qui divise, ajoutant à l'étrangeté et au manque de cohésion de l'ensemble. Enfin, il y a la magnifique ballade de Bruce Johnston, "Disney Girls (1957)". C'est une chanson parfaitement ciselée, une madeleine de Proust baignée d'une nostalgie douce-amère pour une Amérique idéalisée. La mélodie est somptueuse, les arrangements sont d'une grande finesse. Le problème ? Elle semble appartenir à un tout autre album, peut-être un disque solo de Johnston ou une comédie musicale de Broadway. Sa perfection même souligne les fractures du disque. En conclusion, "Surf's Up" est une œuvre frustrante et attachante. C'est le journal de bord d'un groupe à la dérive, capable du meilleur comme du plus discutable. Il contient au moins deux des plus grandes chansons jamais écrites par Brian Wilson ("Surf's Up", " 'Til I Die") et deux des meilleures compositions de Carl Wilson ("Feel Flows", "Long Promised Road"). Pour ces quatre titres seuls, l'album mérite d'être écouté et chéri. Cependant, l'incapacité du groupe à trouver une direction artistique commune, les clashes stylistiques violents et la qualité inégale des autres morceaux l'empêchent de se hisser au rang de chef-d'œuvre unifié. C'est un album schizophrène, un instantané poignant d'un génie en lambeaux et d'un groupe qui apprend à survivre sans lui. Un 3 sur 5 pour un trésor incomplet, un radeau magnifique qui nous laisse entrevoir le paradis tout en nous rappelant constamment la tempête.

RIP Brian wilson but this album isn’t good

love love love the beach boys, so happy to see them pop up, crazy it was the day after Brian passed away. I don't vibe as much with this album but some of the songs are great and honestly even the ones I don't click with I'm sure I will. some real haunting ones and stuff. Just isn't as sharp as it could be. Pretty firm 4.

Dark and broody compared to a lot of Beach Boys - very enjoyable

Not bad. I like the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson died yesterday so I had the opportunity to listen to one of his contributions to the world. It's cool, but I'm not converted, I'm afraid.

It turns out I was one album behind this week. Brian Wilson just died a few days before I listened to this album. "Surf's Up" is an amazing experience. Everyone involved was brilliant, not a single dud among them. The Beach Boys are yet another band I thought were cheesy, but I ended up being wrong. 5 stars for "Surf's Up".

5/10 Brian Wilson was cool. 6-12-2025

"Student Demonstration Time" was just downright embarrassing. Drags the whole album down. The rest of it shines with Brian Wilson's arrangements and gorgeous harmonies. 1971 was a hell of a year, man, even the Beach Boys struggled to focus on the positive.

Didn’t know The Beach Boys had this in them

No está mal pero lejos de pet sounds y el año 1971 tuvo unos discos cojonudos.

Definitely not what I was expecting from the beach boys. Sounds like general pop rock, with some good musicianship and songwriting. Good stuff. Getting a little slow for me.

not the beach boys I know

Everyone under 50 who loves music must have their “I’m sorry, I wasn’t familiar with your game” moment and this one is mine. I listens to Pet Sounds years and years ago and could appreciate it, but still didn't get it. Now I do.

Love it. Is is a coincidence that this pops up the day after Brian Wilson passed away? God only knows ...

It is a good album.

***an ok album, not one of there best but easy listening.

This album changes the narrative on the “beach boy” name and vibe it implies - much more interesting themes and concepts than one might expect

Not really crazy about this album.

The Dark Side of the Beach Boys

It was great. Sad because of the timing of things.

I should be on a date at a retro bistro while sipping on Strawberry Ice Cream soda before we go to a drive-in movie theatre to watch Dirty Harry. Overall, the album consists of pleasant tracks that give off summer vibes but personally to me, they seem monotonous

I love the “we aren’t surfers anymore” narrative, find it very funny. Disney Girls and a day in the life of a tree are such beautiful songs. RIP Brian Wilson, getting fucked up in heaven with Dennis now

Having never really sat through this album I was surprised by the progression into what I consider their defining sound. The earlier tracks do fit with the nice, clean boy charm it distracts a little from the call to action from the college / politically active youth. That being said, as the album does progress it's clear that the cheap thrills of easy writing fade away into soemthinging far more moody and intense.

Good

Not the typical Beach Boys sound that I expected, especially with an album title of "Surf's Up". Seemed a lot more mellow and bluesy. Decent album. Not something I'd come back to, but it didn't offend my ears.

It was an odd coincidence to get this album generated the day after Brian Wilson died, so I was naturally interested in this record. Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. Do not get me wrong, I still think of this as a great, mellow album. However, I got bored with half of the songs on this album. An uneven good record nonetheless.

This is not really a typical Beach Boys album since it is light on the lush harmonies that they are known for, but it is an interesting album nonetheless. Student Demonstration Time in particular is a pretty stark departure from most of their other material in both sound and lyrical content. I'm not sure I would pick this album if I wanted to hear the Beach Boys, but I did not mind listening to it. I would listen again.

I got this album the day after Brian Wilson died... spooky! I don't think I'd ever listened to this. Not quite the high of Pet Sounds, but still great. Very different from their earlier work.

BEST SONGS: - Take a Load Off Your Feet - Student Demonstration Time

Wasnt familiar with this Beach Boys Album but its really good. Cover goes unnecessary hard. Student Demonstration Time was my fav. (4.0/5.0)

Great lyrics, didn't think I was going to like it.

Not my favorite Beach Boys album, but not my least favorite either

Perfeito! Eu só conhecia outros álbuns do Beach Boys, e confesso que não teria conhecido esse até ser indicado aqui! Aliás, estou escrevendo essa pequena resenha um dia após a morte do Brian Wilson. Eles são aquelas bandas muito grandes, mas que precisavam ser mais divulgados, ouvidos...

I guess we all got Beach Boys related content today due to Brian Wilson’s death yesterday. That being said, I normally enjoy The Beach Boys in small doses, but this was the first time I heard this album and I appreciated hearing a more subdued sound from the band.

Did we all get this the day after Brian’s death too?

Meh

This sounds so far removed from what I understand a Beach Boys record should be. It feels way more expansive, and kind of weird and unusual. A much darker tone, with typical Beach Boys notes punctuating it at times. The production is quite interesting as well. There's some good tracks in here, but the overall to me is merely 'quite good'. The album cover is badass. RIP Brian Wilson.

I enjoy these songs a lot more than their popular hits. It's softer but still catchy. I don't enjoy the loud, "yelling" singing.

I like some of the songs, but mostly just not my thing. Kind of boring and weird.

Very of it's time, but loved it

It was fine

Not really taht great

This starts on the wrong foot. The first two tracks have none of the innocent fun feeling that made the Beach Boys, and none of the beauty or technical proficiency of the obvious contemporaries, like the Beatles. Even when it's not terrible, this music is all awkward and self-conscious. Feel Flows and Lookin' At Tomorrow were more of a trip. All in all, the album improved enough that it's worth a listen.

I tend to enjoy the less California style works of The Beach Boys. I'd much prefer In My Room to Surfin' USA. Fortunately for me, this was more off-beat than the usual offerings I've heard from this famous group. Long Promised Road, Student Demonstration Time, and 'Til I Die were my favorites on this album. The layered harmonies and their beautiful voices are still so, so good. While I don't think I'd go out of my way to listen to the whole album again, I enjoyed my time with it. Also, RIP Brian Wilson.

Very serious Beach Boys! For some reason, very serious Beach Boys reminds me of very serious Coldplay. Not really a fair comparison, as Coldplay started out serious and got way more poppy and light, the Beach Boys vice versa. Anyway, I don't think all these songs work, but the best tracks stand up with anything else in their catalogue. Favorite: Surf's Up Side note, The End of the Trail is a hilarious choice for the album cover.

Ci sta come ricorrenza, ma non mi ha particolarmente colpito.

Brian Wilson’s voice means something to me. I’ve never really known what, to be honest – I’ve just always enjoyed it, enjoyed emoting to it. He has this knack for combining moods and feelings in the most faithful way. How a song like “‘Til I Die” can feel like flying, floating and sinking all at the same time. The palpable ache to the song’s opening melancholy is a familiar feature of Brian Wilson’s songs; being inside a losing struggle to name a feeling. It’s a triumph, then, when the song arrives at its conclusion: a list of things to be grateful for. From that perspective, it’s tempting – as it is with many aspects of “Surf’s Up” – to read “‘Till I Die” as the denouement of an arc begun on Pet Sounds. If “I guess I wasn’t made for these times” is a song that peers Janus-faced backward and forward in search for sanctum, then “‘Till I Die” is accepting the here and now for what it can be. There’s a ribbon of ecological and political consciousness that runs through “Surf’s Up”; “Don’t Go Near The Water” – a song that slaps; is that Al Jardine breaking into a rap? – sets the tone, while “Feel Flows” and “A Day in the Life of a Tree” have a more spiritual, pantheistic feel to them. “Student Demonstration Time” honky tonks it’s way around the sort of subject matter history probably didn’t need the extended Wilson family’s thoughts on. Yet while it occasionally threatens to fall into cringe – while one might imagine Jim Morrison, at a push, describing “the winds of change fanned into flame”, I cannot force myself to imagine him quipping about “a new degree, the Bachelor of Bullets” – it’s just about rescued by the combined compositional talents and strong artistic sensibilities of the Beach Boys. The album’s closer, “Surf’s Up” is, simply, a flawless piece of music. Whispers, moogs, horns, glockenspiel, car keys – a sonic sculpture where each and every potential has been explored before paring it back to a fully realised form. (Unsurprisingly given its accomplishment, it took a decade to refine and record.) By the time the final minute has crashed over me – the most gorgeous, most sumptuous collapse into harmony I’ve ever heard – I’m edified, elated, wiped out and better for it. On the whole, “Surf’s Up” might be my favourite Beach Boys record. Its wobbly moments and goofy tangents don’t hamper or distract from the album’s treasures so much as work to elevate them. These are still all good songs, after all – it’s just that some of them are among the most wonderful ever recorded. Which brings me back to Brian Wilson’s voice. I suppose what it means to me now, reviewing this record in celebration of his life, and always has is something secret and specific to me. A feeling I’ll always struggle to name. Thank you, Brian.

Pretty much exactly how I thought I'd feel about it... And how I feel about most Beach Boys. There are a couple really striking and cool compositions in here, but I find I still don't really vibe with the songs. That said, some very cool and obvious bits of influence on here. For example, they have a protest song on this album and it sounds startlingly like the Black Keys. I also didn't know they were the type to do a protest song!

This is an interesting one - the lyrics often seem kind of obvious, cheesy and forced (eg: Student Demonstration Time, A Day In The Life of a Tree) and yet I liked it? Definitely catchy if nothing else.

Joining the probable many who are rating this with an RIP, thanks for the tunes. This album was a nice switch up from The Beach Boys normal and I liked the introspectiveness. Ironically Til I Die was my favorite (3.5/5)

Kind of slow and boring. The title of the album doesn't match the vibe. I don't mind "experimental", but this felt like too much of a departure.

Good vibes, fun for a summer drive

Kinda liked it Bit psychey

ES 12-6-25: Not my thing

“Lookin’ at Tomorrow”

.1

Meh

Another remarkable album from The Beach Boys; the lyrical content is a lot darker than usual so it's a nice change of pace and they always delivery musically. Brian Wilson is stellar. Upon first listen there were songs that didn't really click with me but after a few more spins (and it kept me coming back for more) the vision became clearer. 5/5, this is an underrated classic in my book.

Great!!

It rocked a bit more than I expected.

7/10

Really liked it- liked how they raised awareness for how we should take care of our oceans Great themes and really meaningful lyrics ‘Dont go near the water, Don’t you think it’s sad, what happened to the water, our waters going bad’ Bit simple but good message Fav songs- long promised road, take a load off your feet, Disney girls, pretty much the whole album

lol que onda? creo que cai en la trampa de juzgar un Álbum su portada, guardé 5 canciones, no son pegadicas pero si son como pa tenerlas de fundo, y eso es algo que aprecio un montón

Standouts Student Demonstration Time is a weird song

I was surprised at how varied their sound is. 'Take a Load off your Feet' and 'Disney Girls' were the standout tracks.

Excellent Album.

Odd for the band, experimental.

still a chop… highlights: lookin at tomorrow, life of a tree,

I dug it, if maybe a bit forgettable. Had the fun "buh buh buh" backing vocals, classic Beach Boys, but actually a bit darker than I normally expect from them? Which is a good thing in my book. Probably a 3.5

I liked the album a lot! Great lyrics and good vibes

Not for me

Conheço pouco The Beach Boys. Não empolgou.

good

Rip Brian Wilson. Not bad, but has aged a lot

Nada memorable.

was really excited this album was assigned to me yesterday after Brian Wilson’s passing and then realized it was assigned to everyone. All the same, everyone should listen to it, but its no Pet Sounds. While the writing is good, it reeks of forced relatability (Don’t Go Near the Water) alongside loosely veiled political statements. This is fine, but some of their song choices just feel odd, which would have been a dismissible trait in the early 60s, but they were established at this point, and so was surf rock. Great album, great sound and a good lineup of songs —some of the picks are unfortunately juvenile.

Good, but miss the harmonies

Enjoyable album but far from their best. Lack of harmonies but some awesome riffs

No podía haber mejor elección para el día después de la muerte del gran Brian Wilson. Surf's Up es uno de los mejores álbumes de los Beach Boys, donde se juntan las maravillosas melodías de los hermanos Wilson con cierta experimentación psicodélica. Una joya.

One or two good songs, but not peak Beach Boys. The protest songs were ridiculous.

I liked a couple songs but overall pretty lack luster not really my vibe.

Not bad! All the songs I liked are ones other people didn't like, but its because I didn't know the Beach Boys could sound like that. RIP dead BeachBoy

chill

Понравилось, достаточно легкая музыка, хотя по обложке казалось, что будет совсем наоборот. Темы прикольные и легкие, но в каждой песне есть какая то неуловимая нотка меланхолии

not my first thought about beach boys, found it mostly a little slow. But good song writing at times

I liked Student Demonstration Time. All of the other songs made me fall asleep, since they were so boring.

What a beautiful album. I’m not sure how much I will go back to it, but I loved it and want to hear more from The Beach Boys overall.

Immediately love the cover art

Melancholy drive to the beach anyone? Nice consistent beats! Rush Hour 2 Movie reference!

Woulda been five stars even if Brian Wilson hadn't died this week.

Not the best, most memorable stuff by the Beach Boys, but still great to listen to.

I’ll be honest, when I saw the album cover, I thought I was going to be listening to some prog metal band from Europe. Instead I got…the beach boys? The album itself was decent. I appreciated the somber tone, as it really felt like this was the journey of a care free surfer bro that had grown up, and gained awareness of the realities of the world around him. I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this again. It’s totally in offensive, but an extremely mellow album. Nothing outside of the first track really stuck with me after a full play through.

It is so interesting that without looking at any of the album's credits it is immediately clear to me which songs have greater involvement by Brian Wilson versus those that do not, despite the fact that I'm not a big Beach Boy Head; obviously the stronger songs on this one are few and far between since he did not have the same creative input as with previous albums. Experimentation is fun either way. Oh... As I am writing this I just learned that Brian Wilson passed yesterday... Fly high angel :)

Great album, mostly slow and relaxed with a few upbeat songs sprinkled in there.

rly good album!! i love the beach boys

неплохой, было приятно послушать.

A very different side of the quintessential summer band I had no clue even existed. This is music for when the beach is trashed, the heat is scalding hot, and everyone’s nervous about the summer inevitably coming to a close. It’s dark and unusually pessimistic, but still contains the group’s signature harmonies, like a ray of sunshine attempting to break through the ever-building clouds.

I liked it. This was the first Beach Boys album I’ve ever listened to. I’ve only ever heard their hits randomly but never a whole album.

Didn’t like it

BB Hole

The lyrics are cryptic and sad, the music is peaceful and 70s, no question about age here. I would probably say more about some songs, but got lulled to sleep in the middle.

Warm and comfortable

Raw energy.

I do like some of their songs but this album didnt do it for me. Good musicianship but not my taste

I was especially happy to see the Beach Boys pop up, with the passing from this world of the genius of Brian Wilson. However, while there are a couple good songs and excellent sound, most of the album is below average for a Beach Boys album. It may have been better than a good portion of the songs that came out on the year of release, it was a disappointing listen in 2025.

Great Beach Boys album. Very pleasant and accessible. The song about student protests in LA was super prescient…

Brilliant! I have a BB greatest hits album with all the surf tunes, but this one has added Grateful Dead and Stones influence (or vice versa?).

Really surprised by this album. A great listen and opened up a need to delve deeper into their catalogue.

Easy 5/5. Surf’s Up the song is an absolute sonic masterpiece.

what an interesting album! my perception of the beach boys has always been summer fun and not much else, so even just from the cover I was surprised at how dark it seemed. i never knew that the beach boys had such political songs. this is a great little album, surprisingly short but very poignant. makes me sad that it's still so relevant - these songs could have been written and recorded yesterday and that would make perfect sense. maybe one day humanity will get it together but not today. Great album

Since I'm not a big fan of the Beach Boys' surf sound, I got into the album very well when I heard it for the first time. Catchy melodies and the Beach Boys' signature vocals are still present on "Surf's Up," though they're no longer fundamental. Compositionally, Brian Wilson is no longer the only one playing a decisive role, which adds variety to the album. The Beach Boys are straying from their familiar paths...I like it.

I enjoyed listening to this, as I hadn't heard much from this era of The Beach Boys. It wasn't for me, but it was worth the experience.

Church boy chorus tries to cover gay Beatles.

Yeah mad. Beach boys

R.I.P. Mr Wilson. Unfortunately, surfin‘ ain‘t my type of sport. Fav: A day in the life of a tree

Genuinely really enjoyable sound. Actually really refreshing. Standout songs: Long Promised Road Student Demonstration Time

Another album I had never listened to in full.

Not like any other beach boys album. Very little multi-part harmonies. Pretty boring.

RIP Brian Wilson

RIP

catchy and layered. RIP Brian

Very timely - my son had been telling me to listen to this, so I’m glad I did. Will definitely listen again.

A very different Beach Boys album. It feels like they were trying to shed the bubble gum surfer pop style and transition to a Rock band, but just don't fully have it in them. Every song on here feels like it has a little bit of a different influence, from Sgt Peppers to The Doors and on and on. They never fully nail it, and they never seem to settle on a specific style. The harmonies are still there, just adjusted. It's not a bad sounding album, but not a single song on here is quite a hit. It's sad to hear "Student Demonstration Time" and realize that the world is just repeating patterns that should have died off decades ago. The more things change, the more they truly do stay the same. If this wasn't a "Beach Boys" album maybe I'd enjoy it more...but it doesn't fit what I expect from them and I feel like that's probably affecting me a bit. It's fine. Just not what I wanted going in.

This was fun! Only ever listened to popular beach boys.

Won-won-wonderful...except Student Demonstration Time. Shoutout Bruce Johnston for Disney Girls, that is absolute heat. Thank you, Brian. (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)

This was today's album in the random 1001 album generator. The timing could not be better. RIP Brian Wilson 🖤 I've never been very familiar with The Beach Boys. For me, they've always been just a 1960's surf rock group that for some funny reason seemed to be a little bit more than that, judging by everybody's opinion on them. I knew someday I'd come across one of their works and would probably have a better perspective on them. I was surely right about it. This was anything but what I could expect. It's an album full of deeper and sometimes darker songs, with an amazing technical aspect to it. It's a great work of art that made me understand better the praise the group gets. Although some parts of it are forgettable, the album as a whole deserves attention and it's certainly a pleasant experience. -- Este foi o álbum do dia no gerador aleatório dos 1001 Albums. O timing não poderia ser melhor. Descanse em paz, Brian Wilson 🖤 Nunca fui muito familiar com Beach Boys. Pra mim, sempre foram só uma banda de surf rock dos anos 60 que, por algum motivo curioso, parecia ser um pouco mais do que isso — pelo menos, a julgar pela opinião das pessoas. Eu sabia que, em algum momento, passaria por algum trabalho deles e provavelmente entenderia melhor toda essa admiração. E eu estava certo. Este álbum foi tudo, menos o que eu esperava. É um disco cheio de músicas mais profundas e, às vezes, sombrias, com um aspecto técnico impressionante. É uma grande obra de arte que me ajudou a entender melhor os elogios que o grupo recebe. Apesar de algumas partes serem esquecíveis, o álbum como um todo merece atenção — e certamente é uma experiência agradável. 9,25/10

Interestingly dark! Classic Beach Boys vibes, but then gothy almost? Yeah, interesting, but no real hits, and nothing I'll revisit.

Great Beach Boy album, showing why they influenced the Beatles.

Not what I expected but ok.

There's some real clunkers on this late Beach Boys attempt at being socially conscious. There's a song that's an ode to caring for you feet. Seriously! And a homage to our oceans and how bathing pollutes them. Uhh...okay Hippie. But it's the back half of the record that really gets going. In fact, Feel Flows has to be one of the best Beach Boys songs I've never heard of. It's got some pretty out there lyrics, but the production and melody are incredible. All in all, Surf's Up is uneven, but the highs hit really high.

ok, but nothing special...

This album found me on the day that Brian Wilson passed away. I hadn't listened to The Beach Boys prior to this album, but hearing them made me understand the impact of Wilson's passing. This album was quite good with Student Demonstration Time being my favorite track by far. I found this album to be pretty enjoyable. RIP Brian Wilson

Not my fav beach boys

Completely different tone of the Beach Boys than the popular stuff I know. Sounds great. The last three songs starting the Life of a Tree - sad as hell. Ends on a super somber note with those tunes. Loved it.

AM sounding (of course) but it seems like they are trying to get “political” or catch up with the times (60’s counterculture). Student Demonstration Time sounds like a total Beatles ripoff.

Always great!

It’s an enjoyable, solid 70s Beach Boys record. There are some real gems: Til I Die and Surf’s Up are obvious, but Feel Flows, Long Promised Road, and Disney Girls are classics as well.

I did not like the song where they said protesting is dumb and inconvenient

The Beach Boys get major clinical depression

Bit bluesier than I was expecting. Some weird lyrics. Didn't float my boat.

Astonishing timing, the day after Brian Wilson's death. Masterpiece of an album. RIP Mr. Wilson.

Rating: 4.5/5 Short Review: This is not your cousin’s Beach Boys. Surf’s Up is sunshine filtered through existential dread. Harmonies are intact, but they’re now floating above a crumbling Californian dream. It’s beautiful, fractured, and haunted by the ghost of what the ’60s thought they’d become. Favorite Track: “’Til I Die” A fragile little whisper of mortality wrapped in ocean breeze and despair. Possibly the most honest thing Wilson ever wrote. Makes you want to float away on your back and not come back. Consistency With Me: 9.3/10 This album is me if I had a sunhat, a traumatic beach memory, and a deep fear of time. Melancholy in a Hawaiian shirt. Introspective but pretending it’s just vibing. It’s like smiling politely while your inner monologue screams in lowercase cursive.

Who knew that the beach boys were capable of something darker than pet sounds in beach music that said I didn't care for it

Great

The Beach Boys, like The Beatles, were always more than just a mop-top 60s boy band playing music about surfing or holding hands. Really solid album. Brian Wilson is an excellent songwriter and producer.

A different Beach Boys album. Dark and at times psychedelic but I liked it. Production is top notch.

Obsessed with the ending of the title track. Quite a mixed bag but intriguing.

I've never heard this album before. I don't even think I've ever heard any of the songs on it. Pleasantly surprised.

Favorite track: Surf's up other picks: student demonstration time, feel flows, til I die

I prefer Pet sounds, but it was an experience to listen to this the day after Brian Wilson passed. RIP

I feel like this was around the time that they thought they were better than Brian Wilson and tried to be successful on their own. It’s flat compared to other albums by them. There’s less overpowering harmonizing than what I’m used to. This doesn’t even seem like Mike Love on vocals. Everything about this seems less like the Beach Boys and more like the Land Teens…. Whatever. Rating wise, it is actually decent. Sure they sound sleepy and disinterested but the songs still deliver enough to make me understand why this album is on the list. Surfs up, the song, did not hit like I thought it would. I’m sure that was intentional Choice cut: Disney Girls

Dark, weird, and schmaltzy. Kind of erratic at times but overall a wonderful journey of an album.

Don't Go Near the Water 3.6 Long Promised Road 3.6 Take a Load Off Your Feet 3.2 Disney Girls (1957) 3 Student Demonstration Time 3.1 Feel Flows 3 Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) 2.8 A Day in the Life of a Tree 2.5 Til I Die 3.2 Surf's Up 3 Score: 3.1

Listening to this one the day after Brian passed away. I'm so sad I didn't appreciate this man's work more when he was alive. RIP Brian Wilson, thank you for Disney Girls.

How appropriate with Brian Wilson's death making the news yesterday.

Rock/Pop, 1971 -> 2-3

-0 skips. F the haters, be a man and listen to A Day In The Life Of A Tree -Less talked about Beach Boys album but I think it’s gold. Long Promised Road and Feel Flows are 10/10

Probably one of those things that were super influential when it came out but is just okay now. No need for the album art to be so hard for the barber shop quartet. Fav track: Feel Flows or A Day in the Life of a Tree

First Beach Boys I’ve really listened to and yea, I get it now Highlights: - Student Demonstration Time - A Day in the Life of a Tree - Surfs Up

Sad white ppl music

so unexpected! I loved it

That’s a side I didn’t know existed from beach boys Rip Brian Wilson according to Joey

Great album!

Not the best beach boys album I’ve listened to.

Inconsistent. Great Brian Wilson material, but some dire material from other members.

First of all, rust in vrede Brian Wilson, zonder jou waren The Beach Boys niks. Nu naar de review: Het "vergeten" Beach Boys album, maar eentje die absoluut niet onder doet aan de absolute klassiekers. Natuurlijk is het geen 'Pet Sounds', maar dat hoeft ook helemaal niet. 'Long Promised Road' is lekker, 'Feel Flows' is een heerlijk psychedelisch uitstapje & 'Surf's Up' is een sublieme afsluiter; al met al een zeer vermakelijk halfuurtje. Eigenlijk het enige wat me tegenhoudt dit album hoger te scoren is 'Student Demonstration Time', een nummer geschreven door de oerconservatieve Mike Love, waarin hij basically de slachtoffers van de Kent State shootings victim blamed. Ansich klinkt het nummer niet verkeerd, maar de message is zo walgelijk dat ik het niet kan luisteren. 8+/10.

Don't Go Near The Water: Een waarschuwing / call to action, een waardige album opener. Aankondiging van het einde van de surf-sound/ethos van The Beach Boys. Long Promised Road begint zo mooi, en is prachtig in de rustigere stukken, voor 1971 zijn dit vrij lijpe synth arps. Moderne productie. Wel van type dat je zachter zet tijdens de refreinen ipv harder. Kinderlijke stemmetjes en een goeie dosis humor + sound effects in 'Take A Load Off Your Feet'. Ook hier weer allerlei experimentatie met het pannen van vocals en andere gekkigheid. Disney Girls: Nog nooit Dinsey gehoord met drie lettergrepen en zeer spacey vocal harmonies in de break op 2/3 van de track. Student Demonstration Time: Dope. Denk de hardste kickdrum van alle albums tot nu toe. Heel vette synth sirenes. Nog altijd relevant. Het swingt eigenlijk te hard voor het onderwerp. Feel Flows: "There is a point in the song where you hear a synth and then there’s a "swoosh" sound. Carl and I have been told by a number of girls that that was the closest they’d heard to the sound that would go with an orgasm." Jack Rieley (manager, co-producer). Oke. Lookin' At Tomorrow: Crosby Stills & Nash hadden de 'tu du duuhs', Beach Boys hadden de 'pa pa paaahs'. Door de vocal effects toch nog best dope. A Day In The Life Of A Tree: Intens, ietwat knullig, prachtig :( 'Til I Die: zeer fan van de volume jump bij de eind mantra. Surf's Up: Ergens spannend, maar wordt niet echt ingelost. Toch vet. Flarden van trompet, glockenspiel en sitar worden geïntroduceerd om nooit meer terug te komen. Nice. Allerhande 'early' studio experimenten en goede songs / ideeën komen samen op een best wel samenhangend geheel. Beste: Feel Flows / A Day In The Life Of A Tree Minste: - Albumhoes: Best wel depressing maar mooi. Knoopt het 'einde van de surf era' aan mekaar. Blijkbaar gebaseerd op een sculptuur genaamd: End Of The Trail. "The art historian Carol Clark said that the work has been interpreted from multiple perspectives. Some have seen it as a statement that Native Americans were destined to die out as part of the progress of America, and others have seen it as an indictment of the government destroying an entire culture" Dark. Wat een move. 4/5

Oud forumgenoot, ja echt ja, poneerde regelmatig de heuristiek dat de Beach Boys slechts op twee niveaus werkten: afgrijselijk als het over surfen of auto's ging en anders goddelijk. Kon niet goed gaan met deze albumtitel. Mijn smaak werkt toch minder binair blijkt. Het is bij lange na niet hun beste, maar zelfs middelmatige Beach Boys heeft genoeg om te boeien. Strafpunt voor Disney Girls, wat verdacht veel weg heeft van een Michael Buble avant la lettre. Bonuspunt voor Student Demonstration Time. RIP Brian Wilson en fuck Eugene Landy trouwens. Pet Sounds op met een Who's My Eugene kicker vanavond.

De eerste keer dat ik dit hoorde vond ik het he-le-maal niks. De tweede kans dat ik het gaf heeft het wel iets verbeterd voor mij, maar ik hoor hier gewoon teveel de oude beatles invloeden in (of is het andersom idk en idc) maar kon het toch iets beter waarderen. Long promised road vind ik dan het beste nummer. De rest voelt als mekkerende oude songs.

Ik had dit nooit eerder geluisterd, maar vond het hele album heel erg nice. Vette melodieën en harmonieën en het voortkabbelende tempo werkt best wel goed voor mij

Geweldig album van begin tot eind.

Wat een heerlijk geluid heeft dit hele album. De enige domper voor mij is Student Demonstration Time. Er is zoveel gaande op dit album zonder dat het chaotisch of onsamenhangend wordt. Een plotse fluit solo op Feel Flows die ik meer gewend ben van prog rock albums past om een of andere reden perfect en is een aangename verrassing. Zo komt elk nummer wel met unieke dingen die mn aandacht continu weten te pakken.

Voor mij is Beach Boys naast album Pet Sounds vrij onbekend. Voelt gek om dit album voor het eerst te horen nu Brian Wilson net dood is. Vooral het nummer 'Til i die... Echt een mega divers album met geniale songwriting. Toptijd gehad tijdens het luisteren. Was alleen lichtelijk afgeknapt op sommige zangeffecten. Bijvoorbeeld in 'Feel Flows' zit er een soort backing vocal die klinkt alsof de basilisk mee aan het hissen is vanuit the Chamber of Secrets. Alles wat daarna komt is weer erg tof gelukkig.

Not the beach boys vibe I was expecting.

Not at all what I expected.

Parts of it sound like surfer Pink Floyd. Not your typical Beach Boys. I really enjoyed “Student Demonstration Time” though.

Komponeringa æ vilt bra. Sommarvibes

Digga dt! Mye bedre enn ka eg forventa av et 70-talls album. Sangene e lignande i sjanger men fortsatt distinkte nok te å holda albumet spennande. Bruken av "eksotiske" instrumenter hjelpe på sangoppbygningå og gir nogen av sangene en merkverdig quirk🤩 Kanskje isje musikk eg komme te å hørra så mye på videre men utrolig kult!

LOCURA DE ALBUUUMMM creo que es mi favorito hasta ahora. La vibe es inmaculada, bien psicodélico pero onda pop o rock o que se yo. Alguna que otra guitarra con wahwahwah y sintes y en general un ambiente impresionante. Pero aún así tiene una variedaddd. Ya desde Don't Go Near The Water tenía altas expectativas (aparte está lo de que venían haciendo canciones sobre surfear y ahora es tipo no vayas cerca del agua porque está contaminada). DINSEY GIRLS. Temón agshdhfh locura. Re interesante la harmonía, como en una banda de otros temas. Student Demonstration Time: un blues rock bienn distorsionado sobre student protests, muy bueno. FEEL FLOWSS amo el efecto ese de la voz medio reversed, reverb que hay como por abajo de la voz normal. Vibes de Yes a veces (osea buenísimo). Till I Die es una vibe parecida a Feel Flows, me gusta la harmonía. Me gusta que sea como una gran duda existencial y de ser pequeñísimo en el universo. SURF'S UP al final. La estructura es rarísima pero te atrapa. Amo las high notes del principio y lo de child child child. Lowkey no entiendo la letra pero bueno. Overall, albumazo, vibes inmaculadas, letras muy buenas. 9 tirando a 10 diría

Quite the change

Tried to judge it independently of the my expectations of the bad, but I didn't really get what this one had to say. Didn't enjoy it musically either.

Damn. I didn’t know The Beach Boys were like that. The only Black ppl I ever heard mention them are Hanif and our beloved JT. Favorite Track: A Day In The Life Of A Tree

Imma give this one another spin but it has some tunes!

So many bangers on here.

It was fine I guess. But there's much better Beach Boys out there. I assume there's more on the list I'll get to hear later. This album hit a little harder today, as it's the day after Brian Wilson passed away. RIP Brian. I couldn't get into the tunes on this one though. There were a couple decent ones. "Long Promised Road" and "Student Demonstration Time" (The former which will make it to the 1001 playlist). But outside those two songs, the album was a dud. ~ 2 Stars.

Sleepy. A little wierd.

I don’t want to focus on the negative, BUT I learned that you can hide songs by right-clicking on Student Demonstration Time and never having the chance of listening to it again. What an incredible album. I instantly listened to it twice this week after Brian Wilson’s passing, once in headphones and once through my beat up vinyl copy. Both sounded great in different ways. Please play Feel Flows at my funeral.

Wow, fucking wild coincidence. Good robot. This is a later-day Beach Boys classic, and features my favorite Beach Boy's song of all time, "Surf's Up". Side A of this record is a little odd at times, especially “Student Demonstration Time”. “Take a Load Off Your Feet” borders on too goofy. However, Side B is perfect. From “Feel Flows”, to “Til I Die”, and “Surf’s Up”; it’s such a pleasure, you forget about any weird mis-steps from the first half. “Surf’s Up” fits best in the context of “SMiLE”, the never-released record that Brian Wilson started after Pet Sounds, but was aborted by the band. Brian later re-recorded “SMiLE” with a backing band, and a box set of the SMiLE sessions was released as well. I highly recommend them both. I guess what Brian Wilson taught me is don’t be afraid to be weird, and don’t let insecurity cause you to shrink inside yourself. Go with your gut, follow your wild muse. Also, take good care of yourself. Rest easy buddy.

Was in the mood for some Beach Boys… not this album though.

Didn't know the beach boys had an environmentalist/political album. Here it is. It is...a lot. Highlight included student demonstration time, which felt like a Beatles song. This album made me feel weird.

An apt album for the day after Brian Wilson’s passing - not a coincidence, I assume. I’ll admit I didn’t have a chance to give this a proper deep listen but I enjoyed listening during my work day. Don’t Go Near the Water made me realize the Beach Boys were a key influence on Animal Collective. Student Demonstration Time was…not good. Anyway I need to listen to Pet Sounds again.

This is one of those cult albums that doesn't deserve the hype. It's not bad. It's a perfectly solid album. I just don't think it's this buried treasure people claim it to be. It's not consistent enough. The Brian Wilson songs are good... but the rest is a mixed bag. Sometimes the best album is the popular one... the one everyone likes ...cough....Pet Sounds... cough. Sometimes the generic take is just the best take. We don't need to have a hot take on every band. The classic surfy Beach Boys songs are awesome. The Brian Wilson magnum opus is incredible. Both are way better than this album. And that's okay. Let it go Beach Boy hipsters... let it go. And rest in peace Brian Wilson, thanks for all the beautiful music. And thank you to the random algorithm gods who selected a Beach Boys album for the day after Brian's passing. The 4 Brian Wilson tracks on the album are interesting and seemingly very sad (mainly the final 3 tracks). Which makes sense since this album sits after his mental health started to decline (as far as i know - post the smile sessions). A Day In The Life Of a Tree is a very sweet and pretty song about a tree. Love the instrumentation. The pro environment/anti-pollution angle aged very well. 'Til I die (the only song that's fully credited to Wilson) is sad and existential. He is insignificant and then he will die. Aren't we all. It's a downer, but very good. Surf's up is this sprawling, multiphase devastating piano ballad about endings and beginnings (i think anyways). It feels like the end of the surfing 60s era of the band. I love this one falsetto line in the "chorus" in the first half of the track. Haunting. And then there's Take A Load Off Your Feet which is just good silly fun (not sad at all). The rest of the album is a bit of a mixed bag... Don't go near the water is pretty cool. It's a moody, kinda dark beach boys song. Like you were having a bad acid trip and listened to a happy surf beach boys song but it got twisted by the drugs. It's neat. I'm a fan. Long Promised Road is a good, catchy rocker. I'm also a fan. Feel Flows feels like some Beatles worship? It's whatever... and also the most popular song on the album on spotify? Not sure why. Lookin' at tomorrow is fine? Forgettable. Disney Girls is weird... I'm not into it. I don't like. Something off about it. Student Demonstration Time... woof. Are they sort of siding against the Vietnam protesters on this song? It seems like they're saying... ya that happened, and it was dangerous and people should stay away... but ya there's problems in America, but don't get involved in a riot.. how dare they say mean things about cops... and those cops shouldn't have shot them... but they shouldn't have been there in the first place. A weird bad guys on both sides take here. Did not age well. I'm gonna blame Mike Love... his conservative values are well documented... he had them play one of the Trump inaugurations (Brian Wilson did not attend) [googled it and he did write this shit track]. It also kinda sounds like Revolution by the beatles or some other Lennon blues rock song... but way shittier. Fuck Mike Love. The wrong Beach Boy died the yesterday... that's all I'll say.

RIP Brian

RIP Wilson

Very well done, 1001 Albums Generator! I wonder if everyone got a Beach Boys album today? I have been arguing with some music buddies since yesterday about my inability to get into the Beach Boys. Yes, I recognize Brian Wilson is a genius, yes I know I'm wrong about this, but I just couldn't ever separate them from their dumb surfing/girls/cars stuff from the early days despite several Pet Sounds listens. You can't control what you like. But I have seen some talk about this album being underrated, so I am interested to give it a listen. The only title I recognize is "Feel Flows," which was on the Almost Famous soundtrack (and which I kind of like.) LISTENING: LOL, this first song is absurd. I'm experiencing cognitive dissonance amid all this "Brian Wilson was a genius" hoopla. Looking now I see it is credited to Jardine and Love, but still, come on. Third song may be even more preposterous. I am really trying to keep an open mind but this is just so dumb. And this is one of the songs Brian co-wrote! "Student Demonstration Time" started out kind of cool musically but then the siren noise started and the idiotic lyrics. We are at the end of side one and four of the five songs so far have made me laugh out loud. I'm starting to feel like it is disrespectful to listen to this so soon after Wilson passed away. And now they're singing "Stay away when there's a riot goin' on" - now I'm laughing and disrespecting Sly Stone too? Imagine listening to something like "Kick Out the Jams" and then this song comes on, lol. This album is dreadful. On to side 2... "Feel the Flow" is still good. The music on side 2 is MUCH better so far, but then the lyrics of "A Day in the Life of a Tree" start and I'm laughing again. I just can't take this seriously. "'Til I Die" is decent. "Surf's Up" is decent. Strong finish! I am going to give this two stars based on the music on side 2 and the fact that I would feel bad giving it one star the day after Brian Wilson died. (Edit: Nope. I came back today and decided the grace period is over. I was laughing about this album all night.)

I don't know if it was a coincidence this album arrived the day after Brian Wilson's death, or maybe 1001 pulled some strings. Either way, after listening to this and learning more about Wilson I felt I saw The Beach Boys as they are for the very first time--not just a golden, saccharine vision of California but the oh so complex people elegizing it. This album is strangely intense, wistful; it lands on the ears as good vibes and simultaneously betrays a much deeper current of feeling. Thanks, Brian, for everything you did.

A great example of untapped potential, showcasing how creative and dark the group could get. Far from perfect, but it is hard to say it's not at least interesting. RIP Brian Wilson 6.85/10 Favorite Song: Surf's Up

Very nice surprise! Turns out when they stop banging on about the beach and lean into arrangement techniques beyond vocal harmonies that the Beach Boys have go some serious chops! High 4.5

Soaked up the sun with this

An incredible album that’s spearheaded by the biggest genius in all of popular music.

I have a perverse love for squeaky clean vocal groups making their psychedelic record (see the Beau Brummel's' Triangle) and this, is the corny old Beach Boys trying to make sense in a time (the 1970's) that has passed them by. It half works. "Feel Flows", one of the first written by Carl Wilson, is low key one of the Best Beach Boys songs ever. "Disney Girls" also touches that place where my heart should be. The Brian tracks, the last three culled from the styled Smile sessions, stand out for his brand of lysergic pudding and the fairy-tale EP he insisted they add as a bonus single is a goofy pleasure. The rest is as cool as your parents trying to rap.

I imagine the disorientation I felt when approaching this album — it’s called “Surf’s Up,” in typical Beach Boys fashion, yet it bears pretty dark cover art, and it’s filled with songs addressing social and environmental issues — was shared by many when this came out in 1971. This album is thick with AM radio vibes, and there are some really good songs, like “Disney Girls” and the title track, but also some bizarre and heavy-handed ones (“Student Demonstration Time” is the weirdest protest song I’ve ever heard). It seems like a reflection of how the group was fracturing into distinct and warring personalities.

A few great songs and a few horrid clunkers. I'd rather hear pet sounds and avoid this one, not sure why its on the list.

Not sure I've heard anything from this album before. It's good. Some really interesting sounds on this one. Not sure if there's a direct connection, but I can see some audio threads connecting this with Dennis' "Pacific Ocean Blue" solo album release later in the decade.

Weird feel for a Beach Boys album. A lot of drugs going around back then.

I always assumed I really knew The Beach Boys, but what the hell was this thing? Thought I might have come across some jag off fucking around on YouTube, but I double checked. Nope….this shit is just weird. I guess I should have seen that coming from the depressing Blue Period looking album cover. Might have been alright if I wasn’t expecting a fucking Beach Boys sounding album.

Really didn't know any of these songs, really didn't know The Beach Boys ever got this political. I still liked it and would spin it again.

Alltså Beach Boys bästa på Pet Sounds är världsklass, men detta är mest tråkigt. Tvåa

• 3/5 • a few enjoyable tracks, but overall impression is of The Beach Boys self-consciously trying not to sound like The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys get political? Only it's several years too late, and has all the bite of a corporate training video. The songs are disjointed. The performances are goofy and amateurish like a school musical.

This surprised me! I guess my perception of The Beach Boys is, y'know, oldies stuff. This was pretty weird! I liked the first two tracks a lot, but then it kind of lost steam. What was going on with Student Demonstration Time? I guess I appreciate the ambition in the album, but it didn't seem particularly skillfully or artfully done - more idea than execution.

Classic

More than anything I felt this album was evidence of a an all powerful ruling meddling in the world of us mere ants. Despite the themes being really relevant to today: 'stay away from the water' felt a bit dated to me or a bit cringe. made me think of The Who's 'save the whale'.

One of the best. Bye Brian. Did a Beach Boys deep dive around 10 years ago after really only knowing Pet Sounds and the singles. This one stood out. Sad, magical pop music that shines. Feel Flows both sinks and floats. A special song.

Yes this was wonderful. Even the much hated student demonstration came through well. How much is that because Brian died? Funny to have picked an album where he didn't have so much to do with. RIP Brian

Not their best.

RIP Brian Wilson but this wasn’t their finest work.

Moody beach boys— pretty good stuff, just no standouts

I must confess, I’ve never really had my breakthrough moment with The Beach Boys. I do like this a bit more than their average offering though.

Wasn’t very beach boys. Dull as dishwater, went back for a slight re listen and don’t know if I’m missing something. Just didn’t hit

Konnt man gut anhören, aber jetzt auch nicht ein Weltwunder das Album

Gute weghörbar, aber nichts was im Ohr bleibt

Uhhhh Beach Boys? Are you ok? I just borrowed my dad’s Cadillac and Topher is meeting us at the beach with his dune buggy. We’re going to catch some waves and smile at the girls. Why did you bring this painting of a slain man atop his weary steed? You’re totally harshing my buzz. I, like the narrator of the initial exchange in my paragraph, always believed the beach boys to be slop, produced for rabid consumption by the lowest common denominator. I have learned much since then, and enjoy many of the beautiful melodies and harrowing oddity that this group produced on albums that will assuredly appear later on, like “Pet Sounds” and “Smiley Smile.” I was unaware this album even existed. Time to keep learning. And toph, pass that wacky tobacky, I want to think about the last heroes of Atlantis. Don’t Go Near The Water - Nice. Sweet melody with a strange, ominous message. This rules. Long Promised Road - This is like whiplash. From the beautiful, haunting atmosphere of the previous track, I am thrown head first into a dive bar where a local trio is covering “The Band.” We are able to gain some interest about halfway through, but this one isn’t as much for me. Take a Load Off Your Feet - An ode to podiatry. Ehh. I don’t care about this. Odd, but in a childish, unlikeable way. I like the soundscapes here though. The vocal effects are cool and the sounds that get inserted here and there are wonderful. Just a shame it’s on a song about taking care of your feet. Disney Girls (1957) - Was this written in 1957, or an ode to the Disney Girls of 1957? Oh boy. This is pretty cringeworthy. What does this even have to do with Disney. I think Disney might feel this was laying it on a little thick with the tootsie rolls, swellness and *shudder* Cape Cod. Student Demonstration Time - Hey guys. Gather round for a student demonstration. They’ll either be protesting America’s war crimes in Vietnam OR demoing their baking soda volcano. Either way, it’s a can’t miss event. Oh sweet lord. No white guy blues. This is a parody of a parody of Revolution. Also, this is gross. Hey guys, don’t protest because the government might kill you. Maybe criticize the government killing its citizens? Feel Flows - Alright. That was a slump. It seems like we’re back on a reasonable track now. Flutes soaring over an ok track. This is nothing to write home about, but at least the pen is back in the inkwell. Lookin’ at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song) - Besides the Jack Black a capella segment, this was pretty forgettable. It’s nice enough, but that’s about it. A Day in the Life of a Tree - You know this is very similar to the foot song. It’s cooler than that, but it’s just kind of beyond me. Or beneath me. Whatever my humble readership may determine. How about this; I think it’s just ok. ‘Til I Die - My phone tried to correct “‘til” to “TIL” which I believe is Reddit for “Today I Learned.” I truly wasn’t made for these times. This song was ok. Surf’s Up - What an insane pop adjacent song. I can’t believe that the group that brought you “Surfin’ Safari” is doing this, less than a decade later. This ain’t just drugs folks. Walk around any downtown of any city now. Lots of people do drugs. Not too many people are producing things like this. Interesting, beautiful, and ultimately surprising. Shadows dance across the blackened sea under a moonless sky. Are they there or an imagined whimsy in place of the inhospitable emptiness. The shape of a rider takes form, limping over the horizon. Waves crash at the feet of the besieged horse carrying the aquatic spectre. They collapse into the sea in a flash of light that leaves tremors rippling beneath you. At your feet a harpoon washes ashore, in the distance, a bloodcurdling scream. Mom? Can you come pick me up? These Beach Boys are weird. Uhh yeah this album was pretty cool. An easy listen for the most part with some minor stinkers to endure along the way. This is an above average release that continues to alter my perception of the Beach Boys and pop music in general. Rock on, Dead Sea horse man. May you liberate the souls of the sea bound. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Don’t Go Near The Water, Surf’s Up

Darkest beach boys album, but it is tremendous. Especially the feeling you get after listening to the last 3 songs.

RIP Brian Wilson. It’s amazing that he only had a hand in a few of these songs and you can hear it instantly, lush harmonies and layered orchestration clearly outdoing the other tracks. He truly was a genius and it’s clear that his influence made the rest of the band better for having him nearby, if not hands on.

Better than their earlier stuff but still do t think I’m a beach boys fan, except for pet sounds.

Incredible. Love every song. Feel flows is so fucking good

God this album is just so good. It’s all the classics recently. Kinda half listened to some of the hits cuz beach drive. But still so good cmon.

not their usual thing but still not a fan. didn’t listen to the full thing

Insane catalogue choice but I actually liked it. A couple duds but some really cool stuff happening

Kind of a hodge podge but not terrible. RIP Brian

how fitting seeing that BW just passed. after i saw the movie about Brian's life Love&Mercy (aweeeesome!!! a must see) I had a whole new perspective - when your 1st impact w rock and roll is zeppelin the who the doors the stones these guys seemed like the CHEESIEST. then i learned.. and saw and LISTENED. Genius. don't know if i love this record but i do madly appreciate them and his struggle - all geniuses are a bit crazy (they have to be) i hope he is at peace now!

Not a lot to like here but I do love the instrumentals on Feel Flows & Till I Die is mesmerizing. Brian Wilson is a master of layering vocal harmonies. RIP.

First..I love the cover art. Take a Load Off Your Feet, Student Demonstration Time...it feels relevant today. I also like those high notes. I'm surprised because I’ve never been much of a fan. I have a new respect.

And then things start to get weird...not on the quasi psychedelic mid 60s "Good Vibrations" way but in the quaalude and cocaine 70s"Student Demonstration" way - just look at the cover. Endless Summer this is not. This is really the last hurrah before they started the suck before losing the thread completely. Plenty of studio frippery and sonic textures. As is always the case with the Beach Boys - if you're on board with these then Surfs Up. If not then is may be a wipeout. I'm 3.5 on this but rounding up to 4 cause.... Thanks for the good times.

Eerie that this was the album yesterday after Brian Wilsons passing.

Poignant (maybe even purposeful?) that this album came up for me on the day of Brian's passing. I've never really listened to the Beach Boys before, other than hits on the radio. I found this album really enjoyable though, quite a bit of variety and a little weird at times. But I like weird.

Not at all what I was expecting when I saw that it was the Beach boys. But I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed it.

Ecological and Social themes. Beautiful melodies, interesting sounds. I knew the Beach Boys had depths and richness in their pop but this still took me by surprise, having never heard it before. I really got into the atmosphere of the second side with headphones on. I love the little known Lightning Seeds album 'Four Winds' and it's sound is clearly influenced by this. All in all this was an unexpected treat :)

Not a bad listen, just nothing jumping out and grabbing my attention. Sadly, just nothing all that memorable here for me. Enjoyed the opening few tracks.

Hit and miss. I don’t really see the big fuss about The Beach Boys. I can tell they branched out a bit with this album which is good, some interesting 70s sounds.

RIP Brian Wilson.

2007 film Surf's up is a mockumentary style animated film produced by SONY animations. The movie is a bog standard herculean rise of our plucky protagonist who picks up the wisdom of an old legend, both learning new things along the way. That isn't to say it isn't a solid story. The emotional beats hit both on the side of the rise to the top, but also the has been rekindling his passion for a sport he quit on. Tank is an excellent antagonist and there are enough great side characters to really flesh out the cast. The music is solid if dated but the visuals are the best part of the movie. Few animated movies make you want to be there to witness the action quite like this one. The colors are vibrant and the waves animation is gorgeous. Overall the movie tells a fun story in a compact hour and 25 minute package. Fun for the whole family.

When you think of Beach Boys, you don't really think of this kind of album but this is the real legacy that they left. Gone are the barbershop quartet harmonies and 50's happiness, and what we're left with is still the vocal harmonies and talent that the beach boys have, but much more mature. The songwriting very much evolved to take elements from rock, soul, jazz, and other genres. While some of the subjects are still classic, they're no longer so saccharine that they sound dated. Not everything is in a major key, not everything is 4/4. I particularly liked "Student Demonstration Time" and "Disney Girls", though all of it is good to great. Some of the more weird stuff like "Day in the Life of a Tree" (complete with the midi sounding woodpipes and blocks) sound nothing like the old stuff but contain all the interesting vocal elements that they're famous for. Really all three of the final tracks showcase some of the songwriting and arrangement skills the band has, and it's a great way to close it all out. It's not something I'm going to listen to a ton, but I'm glad I got to hear it. I'm not enough of a fan to see where Brian Wilson was really left out, but apparently this isn't even one of the albums he was super involved in. Whoever was, clearly took some direction from him though.

Now here's an album cover. This is the worst of the three Beach Boy's albums we've had so far. It lacks the catchy-ness of "Pet Sounds" and The "Beach Boys Today!". I won't come back for seconds but it was an alright listen.

I MISS YOU BRIAN

9.3/10

Even when it’s not their best stuff it’s still pretty damn good. Really one of the only acts of this time and style that could stand alongside the Beatles.

Apt it came up yesterday. RIP. (Not my fave album of theirs tho.)