The Beach Boys: “Surf’s Up” (Album Review)

Genres: Psychedelic Pop, Pop Rock, Baroque Pop

        Despite being little more than a publicity move to regain the favor of their American audience, Surf’s Up is a powerful change of direction for The Beach Boys. Tackling social issues and creating existential songs proved to be a great choice, with fantastic work being the result of The Beach Boys tapping into their more serious side. This is the album that shows that the band is far more than their origins of surf music and upbeat pop hits. Surf’s Up reaffirms The Beach Boys’ status as a legitimate band, showcasing a phenomenal level of versatility and an ability to adapt.

        From the first impression of the album—it’s title and cover—there’s a statement of irony from the artists. Referencing the band’s surfing public persona and musical style, there’s an immediate disconnect with the artwork using cool colors to depict a dreary and sullen figure. The title track of the album is similar, being a more somber and meditative piece, compared to the jovial playfulness that The Beach Boys were known for. Even when speaking strictly from a stance of design and presentation, the band finds interesting ways to mess around with their image.

        Part of what makes Surf’s Up such a  fascinating album, is how important the role of marketing was in its creation. This led to the inclusion of humanitarian and environmentalist songs to help improve The Beach Boys’ image. Including more serious content in their lyrics is an interesting decision, as it distances themselves from their earlier work, possibly to be seen as more mature. This choice is an unexpected path to take but ends up working well while feeling genuine at the same time. “A Day In The Life Of A Tree” uses tree metaphors to creatively show the similarities between a polluting and dying tree, and the depression and pains that aging brings to humans. The level of thoughtfulness brought to this album isn’t unheard of from The Beach Boys, but the clear focus of making more stimulating music can be heard. On songs with a higher level of sincerity is where the band is able to express themselves in the most meaning way.

        Surf’s Up helps define The Beach Boys’ discography by dealing with the necessity of change. Although, the concern with image led to some safer songs with elementary explorations of topics such as on “Student Demonstration Time”, this album features some of the band’s best display of lyricism and songwriting. Instead of just changing what they sing about, there’s also a change in the way that they constructed songs, as Carl Wilson took the position of the band’s leader. Benefits of this can be seen on “Long Promised a Road”, a composition by Wilson where he plays most of the instruments himself. Surf’s Up may be rough around the edges, but it’s shift in dynamics and The Beach Boys’ unique approach are what make it a strong release. 

Favorite Tracks: A Day In The Life Of A Tree, Long Promised Road, Surf’s Up, ‘Til I Die, Lookin’ At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)

Least Favorites: Take A Load Off Your Feet

Enjoyment: 10 :)

Critically: Mid 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.4/10