Friends – THE BEACH BOYS****

Meant For You/Friends/Wake The World/Be Here In The Morning/When A Man Needs A Woman/Passing By/ Anna Lee The Healer/Little Bird/Be Still/Busy Doin’ Nothin’/Diamond Head/Transcendental Meditation

Another collection of simple melodic songs from The Beach Boys. Friends struggled on the US album chart, a swift fall from grace for this highly influential group. (US:125 UK:13)

"For those who when thinking of The Beach Boys hear large orchestral sounds and studio trickery will be shocked by Friends. Its a sparse, short and simple album. A laid-back affair that is the complete antithesis to the grandiose Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations sessions. Here is a basic album that prospers from its minimalism. It flows almost like an ambient piece, such is the tranquillity of the music. Friends is sadly overlooked by many people who are missing out on a different Beach Boys experience to what they may expect, but a rewarding one none the less."

"The songs are a little too simple for my complete liking. Friends is nice to listen to in certain situations such as a warm day with some like minded friends that enjoy the beauty of The Beach Boys. However, there aren't many songs that standout on their own and make me want to come back and listen independently."

"Lots of great songs. Lots of filler songs that fade out prematurely before the two minute mark. Annoying and frustrating to say the least when you have such great ideas permeating the majority of the album."

"Each song is a short masterpiece that leaves you wanting more. The album isn't quite as lush as some of their other works, but the beauty of such bare songs as Little Bird and Be Still never leaves you unfulfilled. Busy Doin' Nothin' is a catchy song about nothing, and the title track is a beautiful song complete with standard Beach Boy harmonies. This album is a necessity for anyone who loves pop music."

"It is so mellow and different from any previous Beach Boys record. Brian really lets the vocal harmonies come out, like on Anna Lee The Healer, Wake The World and the title track."

"Friends is one of The Beach Boys' most charming albums, and one of their last truly unified efforts. Brian Wilson has simplified his production, yet it is still rich, and his grasp of chord changes remains masterful. Good vibes all around."