Review Summary: Really big surprise by Brian Wilson.
By the end of 1966, nothing seemed impossible for Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys: "Pet Sounds" was widely acclaimed, and single "Good Vibrations" was topping the charts. And almost everyone wanted to see what was Brian doing next. Brian was proudly announcing: "It will be better than Pet Sounds." and he really had ambition to do so. Then, something went wrong. And, to make a long story short, album that came instead of shelved "Smile" was "bunt instead of grand slam", as Carl Wilson said.
It is easy to understand why. Everyone expected great production, orchestra things, catchy hits, some groundbreaking songs. Of course, now we have Brian Wilson's "Smile" so we can get picture how it should sound alike.
"Smiley Smile" has no production, except "Heroes and Villains" and "Good Vibrations". It was all stripped down, but every important ingredient is still here: great songs, wonderful singing, some organ, maybe guitar or primitive rhythm and... that's it. What more do you want? OK, "Pet Sounds" was production masterpiece, but hey, it's not fair to expect that kind of album every year.
There are also flaws on "Smiley Smile": "Whistle In" is a bit pedestrian closing, "Little Pad" should have sound better without laughing, and album length is 27 minutes.
The biggest problem is that album shouldn't be heard in context of "Pet Sounds". It has more to do with, say freak folk, Crosby, Stills and Nash first album, even Devendra Banhart than the "old" Beach Boys. Maybe it was moment when Brian Wilson should say "F*ck you I am going to do what I'm going to do and don't bother me with anything in the past."
"Smiley Smile" has nothing to do with Beach Boys either, although, it does offer plenty of their excellent singing. There are a couple Brian Wilson deathless tunes, too - hits "Heroes And Villains" and "Good Vibrations", but also hidden gems: "Wind Chimes", "Wonderful", "With Me Tonight", to name a few.
Few artists in history of rock had moved so radically as Brian Wilson did in 1967 with "Smiley Smile". It is no surprise that many BB fans consider it as missed opportunity. But my advice is: listen without any prejudices and this album is going to get you under your skin.
