Smile (2004) — Brian Wilson

Sigh. If you're a Beach Boys fan and haven't listened to Smile (Brian Wilson's reimagined version of their album Smiley Smile), you simply must. I started listening to it again after Brian's passing and it's such a strong testament to his genius and vision. Because it was a labor of love, it lags in some places and feels a bit scattered in others, but I don't even care honestly. Brian Wilson simultaneously took himself very seriously as an artist, while also making sure everything he made was infused with at least a little bit of fun and whimsy, so who am I to judge a bit of disjointedness. Ugh. I miss him already...