1001 Albums Summary

Conceptually strong album with a clear journey. Each individual song is strong and emblematic of the best of the genre, but the connecting themes make this a top-tier album experience beyond a collection of songs.

Brian Wilson's Smile is a journey through the history of modern music. It places timeless A cappella sounds from a period of popularity during Wilson's youngest years at the forefront, fusing them with musical motifs of the '60s (namely soft backing guitar, subtle bass tones, and emphasised mid and treble ranges) and with the crisp, clean mixing available to producers from early 2000s technology. Whilst not the biggest fan of vocal heavy music, Brian Wilson's Smile demonstrates experience cultivated over years in the musical industry, with few rivals to match such a prolonged and successful career. At many points, I found the music enjoyable and tantalising, as the flow and the changes in tone and key, even within songs, keep the listener entertained. As the namesake suggests, the album's overall feel was playful, showing the bones of an artist who is past chasing fame and money (very much achieved over his career), and focusing on music that feeds the soul. RIP Brian. Even to someone who barely knew of your existence until after your death, your tenure is apparent. Pass on, my GOAT.

I was on the fence between a 4 or a 5. I ultimately settled on a 5 because I realised that some of the middle tracks were still great, it was just them living in the shadow of "Sweet Child O Mine". If I had to send an album to space to explain to aliens what rock music was, this is what I'd send. Slash is one of the greatest to ever do it.

I didn't get past the third song. This album genuinely felt unlistenable. The vocalist cannot sing, and the other instrumentalists are not much better. Generally I try to see why others may enjoy something, but with the first track especially, this was beyond my powers of reasoning.

The album was generally good. Some tracks I vibed with, though I will not go out of my way to listen to again. There is a particular sound arising from early-mid 60s music that just doesn't do it for me, so for some of the tracks on the album I found myself turning off.

The album was interesting musically. Clearly, this woman fashions herself as quirky and tailors her music and lyrics towards personal experience. However, given most of her works were in the 90s, and this album was from 2020, I fear she may need to get over herself. Unfortunately, as I am not an angsty, ostracised, young girl of 16-21, this music was not for me.

Is it inspired? Is it mechanically excellent? Is it exceptional in any meaningful respect? Probably not. But it is fun, classic British Glam/Hard-Rock. Also, Gudbuy T'Jane is lowkey pervy.

Some very enchanting sounds and good instrumentalism. Big fan of the folky, jazzy, orchestral fusions. Interesting vocal style. I was also surprised at the album being from the early 70s. The music seems a bit more experimental for that time.