Surf's Up established the Beach Boys as an 'albums' band without sacrificing their individuality. The group's harmonies are as peerless as ever, their grasp of evocative melody unerring, particularly on Bruce Johnston's 'Disney Girls'. The ecological tenor of several tracks was politically shrewd and by opting to revive the title song from the unit's fabled Smile project, the Beach Boys reminded the outside world of their innovative past. Carl Wilson emerged as a fine composer (Long Promised Road), ''Till I Die' showed Brian Wilson's gifts intact, and the result was an artistic triumph, enabling the group to progress unfettered by artistic preconceptions.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (11/11/71, p.49) - "...This is a good album...Perhaps because of the ecology theme, it is not as joyous. But it will do to keep the turntable warm until their next album..."
Uncut (11/03, p.138) - "...It was, loosely speaking, a concept album, its songs pinned together around the theme of ecological awareness..."
NME (Magazine) (12/30/00, p.79) - Ranked #3 in NME's "Top 5 Reissues Of The Year".
NME (Magazine) (9/18/93, p.19) - Ranked #13 in NME's list of "The Greatest Albums Of The 70s."
NME (Magazine) (10/2/93, p.29) - Ranked #46 in NME's list of "The Greatest Albums Of All Time."
