Album Review 178: The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys (1985)

[@ENigma-um8zw]

I also love how the early 80s CDs had “Compact Disc Care Notes” whereas early Beach Boys albums (which to be fair was the early era of long player LPs and in early like classical or jazz albums from the late 50s early 60s many of them had “how to handle and care for your record” type album sleeves too lol, love it. (Just rewatching and re commenting bc I love your Chan) keep on rockin in the free world

[@thestranger56]

Way to kick off summer (almost) with the Beach Boys! I love Carl's voice on this album (and every album for that matter). The entire BB saga will always be interesting.

[@Giggens]

Totally agree there!

[@adammozsolics7097]

One of my top 3 Albums from The Beach Boys. This album was awesome !

[@Giggens]

For sure!

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! 👍

[@mt9054]

Maybe I Don’t Know is my favorite...by far..🔥

[@Giggens]

Love that one!

[@bretvyon2336]

I'm happy to see a positive review on this album! It gets such a bad reputation but it's really not that bad.

[@marcofalzone6469]

I agree. There's way too little acoustic instrumentation on 85.

[@Giggens]

Such a fun album!

[@shadowsoflife000]

“Where I Belong” is just gorgeous, and when the harmonies come in, it’s stunning. Carl’s voice on that sounds perfectly at home with the synth bass line. Many singers from the ‘60s and ‘70s just didn’t sound as good with synths augmenting (or “replacing”, depending upon your point of view) their traditional instruments.

[@Giggens]

Agreed! Carl can sing any decade!

[@mattmcnulty8363]

My gf and I love “maybe I don’t know” and that’s huge for me, she can sometimes be a hard sell and all with my beach boys obsession 😂 they’re literally all I play.

[@Speedoflight671]

How worth it to see Brians physical style go back to his early 60's appearance. The Getcha Back song. Awesome! So much to say but wont here.

[@wcassady]

This is one of my top 10 fave Beach Boys albums. I remember hearing the single on the radio and going to buy the cassette right when it came out. "Where I Belong" is one of Carl's best vocals and is an amazing song.

[@Giggens]

Oh man totally! That's awesome you got it when it came out!

[@stevenfrolich2621]

"Where I Belong" in and lof itself makes this a worthy album. A Brilliant Song in every way!

[@Giggens]

Excellent song!

[@raymondgill9796]

Interesting video as always. A couple of times you have used the term "became America's band" I am sure I heard Mike Love say that in the mid seventies and saying it happened around the time that Surfin Usa made the charts (for the second time)and Endless Summer went down so well. The other two quotes that seem to stick from old interviews are Al saying " Brian is Back was a"totally brilliant and totally bogus marketing ploy" and Denis saying " I don't drink, but I do drug". Keep up the good work, I feel it can only be a matter of time before Sunflower gets its place in the sun.

[@Giggens]

Haha thanks Raymond! That will be happening soon for sure!

[@samuelmorado70]

Sunflower is my favorite album

[@AstroMusic1987]

I think this is a perfect review of this album! This is personally one of my favorite Beach Boys albums and I think it's a very strong comeback. Dennis would be proud!

[@Giggens]

It's a great album!

[@semmcstevenson]

Wow!!!! That IS Carl on David Lee Roth’s version!!!! So cool!!! Made me smile!!!

[@mattmcnulty8363]

You sir are the definitive Beach Boys KZbinr. I really enjoy the content!

[@Giggens]

Thanks Matt! And thanks for watching!

[@bchbys]

I remember how excited i was when this album came out. Walked into the record store and they were playing the album on the store record player.

[@Giggens]

No way! That's so cool!

[@Bswinmo1]

Awesome input, love your honesty on this album. I agree with you on this album, it’s early 60’s Beach Boys with a 80’s style.

[@rcollosi]

bruce's gritty vocal on "she believes in love again" really got me thinking "is that really bruce???" at first listen because usually his voice is so sweet and smooth

[@bennyscomin]

Hands down, "I Do Love You" is the jewel on this album......runner-up-"Maybe I Don't Know" w/Gary Moore (!)

[@Lambert1386]

I like it, it brings back fond memories. It came out the same time as the American Band documentary and I drove 50 miles to Dallas to buy both.

[@marcofalzone6469]

Getcha Back video, and their Live Aid performance was Epic to watch first hand, on the MTV '85 baby. It was a phenomenon. Until the Monkees comeback...that's another story😄 great Review Gig. My favorites on this lp. are Getcha back where I belong she believes in love again and I'm so lonely. I really think "I'm so lonely" is Brian singing about Dennis. Really think about the lyrics. Dennis was Brian's comfort there for awhile, right?! Yr awesome.Gig. keep em comin. Wheres yr Love You review, maaaaan?

[@Giggens]

Interesting view there Marco with Im So Lonely, that changes everything!

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Live in Hawaii 86 was great..spirit of r and r..shud have been a big hit

[@samuelmorado70]

Great memories of California in 85-88. Maybe I don’t know is my favorite too

[@MontyMcDaniel-vb4xr]

California Calling is my favorite from this album!

[@Giggens]

Nice!

[@johnsavala8202]

Hey Giggens, Once again, nice review of a great album. I remember when this album was released and played it nonstop. One of my favorites for sure. I would definitely give this a 10/10!

[@Giggens]

Great stuff on it!

[@TonyM132]

Wow, great job! You have a ton of in-depth Beach Boys knowledge. I learned some things I appreciate. I agree with you that California Calling has an earlier sound, but I still think it is a quality track which fits. I really agree with you about Where I Belong, a super song which could and should have been a real hit if it had been released as a single and promoted. Wonder why it wasn't. We'll never know, eh? Quite a collection of physical media you have to show off too. I have genuine affection for this self-title album and rank it as my #10 Beach Boys studio album. Why doesn't your video show when it was uploaded? I can usually see that on every youtube video but on this one I cannot.

[@Giggens]

Hmmm, this one must have been 2018 or 2019, judging by how short my hair was!

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

What a fantastic review. I love this album and you did it justice in your review Giggens. I play the song "Where I belong" so much and overall I like this album because this is where the Beach Boys in there career become Legendary. You have a very cool collection of this album and I have a copy myself of the 45 along with the CD but not an original like you. Thank you, this was awesome and watched the whole 28:05 run time LOL.

[@Giggens]

Haha, glad you made it through the whole thing haha!

[@AndysRambles]

Thanks for this Giggens; it was nice to get back from work late this Friday night and see you uploaded such an in depth (half hour! YES!) review of a pretty cool catchy record. Just sitting with my coffee finishing up the review, good job. I wasn't even born yet when this dropped but as soon as I heard Getcha Back I knew this record would be something special despite some lower ratings on a lot of sites. That song is just pure audio joy. I think having that song in the opening credits to the Disney Herbie reboot is why I'm an apologist for that movie. It's just so much fun. It's Getting Late I almost like more? Definitely as much! I love the vocal melody going in and out. They definitely could never make another true "with Dennis" album, I think this LP is the best hat trick they could have pulled at the time. Top stuff! Cheers Giggens

[@Giggens]

Thanks Dasher! Yeah, once I finished recording, I saw it was 28 minutes long, and I was like, welp, this is it! Haha! I'll have to watched Herbie just to see Getcha Back, that's so cool!

[@robbinpenney5706]

Giggens!...Great Review and synopsis of the times! Getcha Back is a real gem, I remember the video too - pretty sweet. The rest of the album is not something I listen to anymore, sadly. Poor Dennis, his presence was sorely missed on this album, first on drums (drum machines - gag) and second, as a song writer and vocalist, it was sort of incomplete without Dennis. I laughed hard when you showed us your 'George Harrison' copy of the 'Getcha Back' single - LMAO! Nice work Giggens...

[@Giggens]

Hahaha, can't believe he'd sell that damn thing! And yeah, without Dennis, it is lacking for sure

[@jimhislop2979]

Glad to see that someone else appreciates the merits of this album. I think it's a very solid album and Carl does such great vocals especially. Where I belong is a classic. Nothing I don't like on here. No idea why it's unpopular. Great review.

[@patrickjordan6710]

Where I belong is as almost as good as any tune they ever recorded....like an 80's Warmth of the Sun, it gives me chills!

[@Giggens]

Well said!

[@bikmellown4515]

One of My favourite Albums of all Time! Great review, thank you very much!

[@Giggens]

Anytime! Such a good album!

[@danerd8978]

Not a bad album. Getcha Back, Crack At Your Love, She Believes In Love Again, California Calling are my favorites. California Calling has Ringo Starr on drums.

[@Giggens]

It sure does! Can't remember if I even mentioned that haha

[@ENigma-um8zw]

I always thought Carl Wilson had the most badass beard from like 1974-1998 with its golden era in the 80s, just that big well trimmed and cared for seasoned manly beard, a little salt n pepper toward the 90s. It’s wild he was the youngest in the group as I would have guessed as a kid with non Wikipedia access as it is now that Dennis was the youngest based on his style and life and living and Carl had middle child energy but then I realized bc Brian was the oldest and Dennis was the mischievous hot rodding woman loving wild boy that during tough times with the family Carl would be there for his brothers, Brian with his drug and mental health issues, thankfully helping him get out of The Landy Situation in the Nick of time, and freed him from that and was able to help support Dennis as he could but also his mother after Murray died and I think if I remember my reading that she would often stay in Carl and wife’s house in the Hills during tough times at home even before Murray’s death as I guess the two parents still loved each other but they had that two step side step cash flowing in (joke) to buy separate houses. Anyway another great review of an album I know just a handful of the noted popular cuts but I’ll have to revisit it in full. I def have a sweet spot in my heart for mid 80s proto over-production lol, Clapton’s Phil Collins period comes to mind, or anything Phil Collins for that matter, like you said it was the dawn of digital recording. Not quite pro tools or abelton but still fighting it out. At the time in the 90s and by late 90s early 00s it was a punchline but now as things do there’s a reappreciation and context for such things. Peace and Love

[@Giggens]

That Two Step joke had me rolling haha!

[@violinmke]

It saw them taking some reasonable chances growing to get in the adult contempory market populated by the likes of Ballad version Chicago. Capital continually flogging the compilations of early hits as as a perpetual goldmine and these songs lacking brilliance it was a noble attempt.Getcha back was solid. I remember loving that one. I think that when Brian Wilson declined they should have gone to outside writers to craft some hits. Mike Love and Terry Melcher who also wrote Getcha & Kokamo at least knew what to look for.

[@patrickjordan6710]

Carls voice makes the record(as is usually the case). Like damn near everything in the '80's it's way overproduced

[@garyolshan4177]

Really good review on the Beach Boys album, Playing it right now on my turntable. Sounds fucking great! Getcha Back is catchy as hell, which Brian Wilson could do in his sleep.

[@Giggens]

Such a cool album!

[@garyolshan4177]

@@Giggens Wondering why, however, you gave it just a glowing review, and deservedly so, but then ended it with a grade of just 7!? I would have said 8 or 8.5 based on your review

[@barbandreasen5680]

Giggens, have you reviewed BEACH BOYS LOVE YOU album? I can’t find it

[@Giggens]

Not yet, but it will be out later this year!

[@tylergalindo1278]

Love it. CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO DO LOVE YOU!!!!!

[@Giggens]

Happening soon!

[@Babyboss65]

By far their most underrated album. I went in after looking at reviews thinking "This'll be yet another KtSA." Went out wondering what the fuck is wrong with the critics. One called it "technically perfect yet generally sterile". What does "sterile" even mean musically? Sounds to me like "We found nothing wrong with this album but we don't like it.". Absolutely gorgeous album, features Mikes best composition ever (Getcha Back), one of Bruce's best songs and Carl's soulful vocals all over it. Also, am I the only one who feels like Maybe I don't Know could have been a Toto track?

[@Giggens]

I can see that! It's an awesome track!

[@tjsmith3132]

Seriously in 1985 this album was not even heard of. It was the height of punk and new wave. It received zero air play and sold so poorly that CBS records let their contract expired, leaving the Beach Boys without a record deal for the first time ever. They were an oldies touring band, which isn't a bad thing since the music was great in the 60's but like so many great bands they don't continue to grow and evolve their sound or the music listener moves on. Still not a big deal because like Joe Montana was a great QB, you don't expect him to lead a team to the Super Bowl.

[@Giggens]

I can understand that for sure!

[@slimjimm8]

For the Stevie Wonder song, I can't tell who's singing lead on the outro "I do love you, I do looooooove you " Is that Carl or Al? Kind of sounds like Stevie himself even

[@Giggens]

I think it's Al, but I think Stevie pops up sometimes!

[@bennyscomin]

@@Giggens The outro lead is Al, the aah ah ah ah ahhhhs are mike........always suspected the groan in the fade was Stevie W.

[@tommycollins7846]

Two years prior to Dennis Wilson’s passing, this album helped the band rebound to their surfing sound in the 80’s.

[@Giggens]

Very true!

[@robf6105]

This album was 2 years after Dennis's passing. Not prior. It's a rather uneven album and very much of it's time.

[@kenni123064]

What a great review touching on from 1980 to 1985 ! I personally liked “Keeping The Summer” and “LA Light Album” much better. This self titled record sounded to over produce with drum machines and samples. It was a Terry Melcher period and strong bond between Mike Love and him. It’s Getting Late is good and so is Getcha Back! Mike Love sounds great on this record as well as its predecessors in 79 & 80. Fantastic review Gigs! PS more Dennis Wilson stories please 😊 Looking forward to some Jan & Dean reviews

[@Giggens]

I think I'll be doing a video just on Dennis at some point. He deserves one!

[@kenni123064]

Can’t wait for the Dennis Wilson Special! Make sure you mention his relationships with Barbara and Christine McVie

[@Giggens]

@@kenni123064 Oh yeah totally!

[@midwestmelancholy97]

Really love Getcha Back, I’m so lonely, Crack at your love, and male ego!

[@Giggens]

Some great stuff there!

[@sammytheonionhead]

I have this on Japanese mini Lp as well as the whole catalog on mini Lp.

[@Giggens]

That is awesome!

[@simplemanplan409]

I have this album as well my favorite song is She Believes In Love Again

[@Giggens]

Excellent song!

[@simplemanplan409]

@@Giggens that booklet from the CD version is a lyric booklet to the songs it opens up one more time

[@orbyfan]

Canadian pressings of 45s from those days didn't have the bar code.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

2025 Box Set of mid 80s 84/85/86 Beach Boys box set called The Beach MEN lol

[@stevenstark5797]

I can’t wait to listen this!

[@Giggens]

It's a really good album!

[@Wolfsky9]

The '85 album is uneven ------------but Carl's vocals are THE reason to listen. -------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o

[@Wolfsky9]

The shame is that " California Dreaming " wasn't on this album. For me, That's in my top 5 BB's songs, all-time. -------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o

[@Giggens]

That would have been a great addition!

[@Wolfsky9]

if there is a " gem " that didn't make this album besides " California Dreamin " , it's the flip side of " Getcha Back " ----------a song, called " Male Ego " , which --------though under produced, is a Doo Wop gem . Had it been given more work , it could have been something, IMO. ------WolfSky9

[@Wolfsky9]

" R & R to the rescue " is also a nice Rocker. ---------------------Wolfsky9, 74 y/o

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

I agree about 'Get'cha Back'.... fabulous music as only the great BEACH BOYS BAND could create.

[@Giggens]

Oh yeah, that classic feel!

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

@@Giggens What amazes me: The common perception of the Beach Boys is that one-trick pony summer means fun sound; when the fact is, The Beach Boys displayed probably the widest range of any pop group from the era, (including the Beatles). Surf rock, Chuck Berry Rock, Do-Wop, right on thru to experimental and progressive type compositions. In fact their output is so diverse, some of it cannot be easily categorized.

[@Chadturner21]

When do you think you’ll be doing Love You?

[@Giggens]

All of December!

[@Chadturner21]

@@Giggens solid, your review of it will determine whether or not I buy it.

[@dummytree]

This album was repackaged in a way that looks like a cheapo compilation but it's just...that album.

[@president-electfreddy-krue3866]

I'd give The album a 9 or a 10. The overproduction was just the style of the day. So, that part is totally forgivable. Everyone I know loved "California Calling" the best, even though it's my least favorite song on the album. But, it does add a traditional Beach boys element. In any case, I'd call this a top album of the decade. Comparable to Bruce Springsteen. I really think The Beach Boys 85 album was fantastic. And, the overproduction was deliberately 1980's.

[@Giggens]

Totally, and you're right, it's of the times. The songs on it really are well done and the feel is mature but ready for radio. A great album!

[@paulrodriguez8852]

Yeah! I just saw your review on this album. I had it on CD, album, and cassette. I thought it was and still is great. It's dated now but still good. Even Mike love remade Get ha back. I also would like to mention that Ringo Starr also played on this album. Who ever made the decision to not have Steve wonder guest on it. Is the biggest schmuck that there is. Again I know you reviewed this a couple of years ago? I just wanted to comment on it.

[@daniel.holbrook]

I can't stand the really heavy 80's production on this one. But this review and some of the context/insight provided helped me appreciate it a little more, even if I don't _enjoy_ it personally

[@Giggens]

I can dig it!

[@garrettcarroll5808]

Is it Beach Boys month? You should consider renaming your beach boys album reviews Beach Boys reviews xD.

[@Giggens]

April has been a Beach Boys month for sure! :)

[@ronfowlermusic]

It's so refreshing to see your positive reviews of albums like this and Carl's Youngblood. In my experience, a lot of the original fans from the 60's don't like their 80's stuff; and those who became fans in the 90's and 00's don't seem to like it much, either. They all seemed to want another Smile or Pet Sounds. That wasn't gonna happen in the 80's; they were still trying to make music that had a chance at top 40 airplay, AC airplay. I think they did pretty well. I remember going to see them at the fair the year this was out. Getcha Back was on the radio....in fact, that was the song they were doing as we walked in - that was the afternoon show, we were there for the evening show. California Calling and She Believes in Love Again were also in the show. Oddly, Carl was not there. I never got an explanation, he must have been ill or something. So no It's Gettin' Late at that show. Brian sang God Only Knows - he wasn't hiding behind the grand piano this time, he was standing up, playing some kind of keyboard, came out front to sing GOK. He might have even played keytar on a few songs. Anyway, I thought BB85 was a good, commercial sounding album, should have done better than 50-something. Everyone loved the BB's in 1985. They were everywhere! Maybe the one missing element was having some of the songs featured in a hit movie. Gee, I wondered how that might impact their success....:)

[@Giggens]

Awesome comment man! So cool to get some insight into them at that time, love it!

[@mapeymaple]

Bryan was humongous

[@andygaines9686]

I really wanted to like this album when it came out, but try as might I couldn't and still can't. I think that it was because the production took away all the personality of the band. To me, it sounds like a band trying to be the Beach Boys making what they think the Beach Boys would sound like but being lost in all the eighties digital gloss. I much prefer LA and Keepin the Summer Alive despite all their faults and dips.

[@Giggens]

Interesting, I can see it!

[@zapple1003]

Drum machine wrecked the album for me.

[@patrickjordan6710]

drum machines wreck everything for me.

[@Giggens]

Yeah, I can see that, but sometimes they can be cool

[@jdtcjfuchxuvyd510]

Im ur 1 thousandth sub

[@Giggens]

Woooooo!

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

The 1980s production keeps me away from this album. I just like Getcha Back and Male Ego.

[@Giggens]

Some great tracks on here for sure!

[@murdockreviews]

Great video on - i have to admit - one of my least favorite BB albums.

[@johndoyle2429]

This album does nothing for me. Beachboys albums in the 80's and 90's were poor.

[@mickdeleon5072]

With as much excitement as a 12/13 year-old can have, I bought this LP the day it came out, and it was a good album -- I don't agree that it's awesome, but fans were hungry after a five-year fast. To me, the digital instrumentation/production actually detracts from the overall product in the long run. What for Giggens is the "weakest" track on the LP -- "California Calling" -- is for me the strongest. It was a single in Japan, and should have been the title of the album. "I'm So Lonely", "Just A Matter Of Time" and "Male Ego" are awful; seems like Brian's rehearsal room exercises made it past the wastepaper basket. The Culture Club and Stevie Wonder songs were good, but to me it's a legendary band trying to be hip with the current hitmakers.

[@Giggens]

Well said Mick, I hear you!