In 1968 The Beach Boys, (that's right, The Beach Boys), reeling from the failure of Brian Wilson to deliver SMiLE in 1967 and their disappearance at the Monterrey Pop Festival that same year which they were asked to headline, went back to Brian's home studio and created a masterpiece titled Friends that was hardly noticed by the public world. Brian reminded everyone that although he was sliding away from public life, he was still able to deliver terrific music with melodies and harmonies that were second to none.
Friends features contributions from each group member, especially in the songwriting department. Carl Wilson steps forward in a big way on this album with beautiful vocals on the title cut. Dennis sings lead on two cuts, "Little Bird" and "Be Still". The songs are gentle (with the exception of "Transcendental Meditation" which was on the mind of Mike Love after he spent some time with The Beatles with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India.
All in all, this was one of the first group efforts which wasn't dominated by Brian. Each member played a vital role and while it didn't sell many copies, Beach Boys fans know of its beauty and cherish its warm sounds. No surfing here, no fast cars. Just great music from one of the most underrated musical groups of all time. Seriously!! Check it out!!
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