It was 54 years ago that 72-year-old Californian Brian Wilson began his music career. As the mastermind behind 60s classics such as Good Vibrations, In My Room, God Only Knows and Surfer Girl, he sits at the top table of pop and rock composers.
Wilson's mental health took a major hit after the success of the Pet Sounds album, his recovery taking years. It wasn't until the mid 90s that he was well enough to re-enter the world of music.
The "new" Brian Wilson portrays a sense of wonder, almost a naivety, which is evident on No Pier Pressure. His ability as an orchestrator is evident, even if some of the tracks are not fully formed songs, but snatches of beautiful harmonies and melodies.
Wilson has done well choosing collaborators he gels with. Jay Thomas co-wrote most of the songs with Wilson. Sebu interprets Runaway Dancer brilliantly, Beach Boy Al Jardine rejoins his former bandmate on Whatever Happened, The Right Time and Tell Me Why. Brilliant.
With 18 tracks on the deluxe version of the album, there's ample scope for Wilson to capture and deliver pop songs of the highest order. My picks include I Guess You Had to be There, I'm Feeling Sad, and Don't Worry.
