Sail On Sailor/Steamboat/California Saga-Big Sun/California Saga-The Beaks Of Eagles/California Saga-California/Trader/Leaving This Town/Only With You/Funky Pretty
Holland was the final Beach Boys album from the group’s most creative period. After this they released little of merit, although they continued as a live act performing their many great hits. (US:36 UK:20)
“All members contribute and, for many of them, they are among their best. A tasteful, robust production and the return of their fantastic harmonies blend seamlessly over a progressive sound and quality songs. It is probably their most focused, confident work since the mid-60s. Brian is once again limited in his presence, but his two tracks are very effective as usual.”
“This is their last album that is worth checking out. It starts out very strongly with the hit, Sail On Sailor. Steamboat continues with some modernized rock sounds which leads into the three part California Saga that is half successful, and which could do without the poetry reading in the middle. The second side continues with nothing particularly revolutionary but they are listenable and well arranged. Funky Pretty is grittier than anything else in the Wilson catalogue, and with its funny lyrics about astrology, one of the lost gems of their catalogue. After this album of simple pleasures, The Beach Boys became an oldies act.”
“Generally regarded as the last great Beach Boys album. Recorded in the Netherlands, Brian Wilson isn't there full time, but Carl and Dennis Wilson come up with some of the album's best songs. The single Sail On Sailor opens the album, and is certainly one of the best latter day Beach Boys songs.”
“There was a short period in the early 1970s when I thought the Beach Boys weren't hip enough. Then I listened to them again and the harmony hooked me again like little other music does.”
“Holland was the uncharacteristically funky, gospel-infused, and even politically aware album that emerged from The Beach Boys' collaboration with two fine South African musicians. Not just for traditional Beach Boys fans.”
“Not easy to get into, but a quite pleasurable ride. The production is fantastic, with the sound being smooth enough to complement the lyrics. California Saga is the high point.”
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