Looking back at Brian's Disney album

[Shady]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

[pixletwin]

I actually have grown to like it quite a bit.

[bringahorseinhere?]

about the only solo album that didn't make it to vinyl 

RickB

[Ninten]

about the only solo album that didn't make it to vinyl 

RickB

I wish Imagination was on vinyl, I'd love to have that one.

[Jim V.]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

[bgas]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I happened to really like it save the heavily autotuned 'Can you feel the love tonight'

[Jim V.]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

Actually, I discussed it with Brian, and I've been reliably informed that Jeff Foskett was made promises during the recording of this album that Brian was not prepared to keep. And because of that, the album ended up being a disaster, treading over Brian's past glories.

[mikeyj]

It's been a while since I listened to it but I actually prefer Brian's version of "We Belong Together" - at least in the chorus.

[joshferrell]

Brian's voice sounds AMAZING on "Color of the wind" he sounds like the Brian that sang "Surfs up", he sounds younger on it and has a nasally sound that we haven't heard in awhile, but yeah "Baby Mine" is another one I like..

[bgas]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

Actually, I discussed it with Brian, and I've been reliably informed that Jeff Foskett was made promises during the recording of this album that Brian was not prepared to keep. And because of that, the album ended up being a disaster, treading over Brian's past glories.

I call Bullshit.

[TMinthePM]

It's funny how widely tastes can vary. I'd originally had little interest in this album, The Gershwin album having left me cold. But with the coming of That's Why God Made The Radio I gave both a try and found myself rather delighted. In fact, I've done a compilation and fine the three albums sit quite nicely together.

So, I'll give it, Disney, a thumbs up.  

[Jim V.]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

Actually, I discussed it with Brian, and I've been reliably informed that Jeff Foskett was made promises during the recording of this album that Brian was not prepared to keep. And because of that, the album ended up being a disaster, treading over Brian's past glories.

I call Bullshit.

You can think what you want. But I know I'm right. You guys can argue over all this stuff if you want, but I'm just saying that Foskett was promised a full bucket of KFC after recording one night. And Brian ate half the bucket on his own. He made promises that he could not keep. Now if it went the other way around and it was Brian who got screwed out of chicken, you guys would be up in arms. But because it's poor Jeff Foskett, you guys overlook it.

[Nicko1234]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

Actually, I discussed it with Brian, and I've been reliably informed that Jeff Foskett was made promises during the recording of this album that Brian was not prepared to keep. And because of that, the album ended up being a disaster, treading over Brian's past glories.

I call Bullshit.

You can think what you want. But I know I'm right. You guys can argue over all this stuff if you want, but I'm just saying that Foskett was promised a full bucket of KFC after recording one night. And Brian ate half the bucket on his own. He made promises that he could not keep. Now if it went the other way around and it was Brian who got screwed out of chicken, you guys would be up in arms. But because it's poor Jeff Foskett, you guys overlook it.

Lovely stuff. 

[Ron]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

I disagree with you wholeheartedly.  I think it's one of his best solo albums... IN MY OPINION, and this is of course just my opinion, Brian's always suffered from a lack of good lyrics in his solo career.  I've always enjoyed his voice, I've always of course enjoyed his masterful production which is still every bit as sharp as it ever was... I've always enjoyed his genius when it comes to arranging harmony and the backing vocal 'pads' or whatever you want to call that thing he does.  Lyrically, though... he's always been a little weak. 

So, in the Disney album, here's a whole album full of well-written songs.  They've already proven the test of time, that's some damn fine songwriting.  It leaves Brian to do what he does best, and I think on the album he did an amazing job.  They're all produced well, and the vocals are for the most part very nicely done.

I don't like the Newman songs.  I've never been a big fan of his, and even if you are a fan of his you have to admit that he's very stylized, and isn't a good artist to cover.  Brian just doesn't sing them very well, but not because of his 'old man' voice but just because it's not his type of music.  I wish he would have abandoned things like "You've got a friend in me", which is a great song, for some more of the classic stuff.  How the album ended up not having "Chim Chim Cheree" and things like that is beyond me, he would do fantastic with stuff like that.

The album seems very intelligently done to me.  Songs like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" Brian KNOWS he can't outsing Elton John on that.... so instead, he strips it down as far as a Brian Wilson song can go, and sings it very plainly, almost like a kid would sing it at a school play or something.  Similar treatment to "Colors of the Wind".  He sounds beautiful on both of those songs.  I love the gimmicky "Heigh Ho/Whistle While You Work/Yo Ho" mix up too. 

I've got to admit I've never heard the original "Baby Mine" so I dont' know how much of it's Brian and how much of it's the original arrangement, but that song is gorgeous.  Brian sounds about as good as he possibly can on that, with even a few falsetto notes here and there, just an amazing vocal considering his age.  I'm sure it's all sweetened up and auto-tuned and whatever, but my ear isn't sensitive to that stuff, all it does is make it sound better to me.  I hope he slathers it on everything from here on out if this kind of sound is the result. 

"Kiss the Girl" is another one I haven't heard.  When I was a kid It was part of my job description to do everything I could to not ever catch even a glimse of "The Little Mermaid"... maybe I should download them movie and watch it.  Brian kind of loses it a little bit vocally on this song, but the way he basically made it a 50's rock and roll song is great.  This song could either be horrible, or great, and i'm leaning towards great.  It's completely audacious that he even attempted it, gotta love that.

"When You Wish Upon A Star" is very well done too, although the songs so famous it's hard to listen to it over and over again having already heard it a million times in my life.  I love the line "Like a Bolt out of the blue/Fate steps in , and sees you through".  What a beautifully written song, it's sad that something this great loses a little bit of it's wonder when you've heard it a million times. 

Those are the songs that stick out in my mind.  I also like "Bear Necessities" but it's a guilty pleasure.

[EgoHanger1966]

Best vocals of his solo career, unfortunately wasted on this material. "Baby Mine", though, is a keeper.

[Blue2013]

It's something he probably could have done better when he was younger.

[RangeRoverA1]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Funnily, I tend to dislike these exact ones, esp. "Colors of the Wind". So extremely dull, it's easily the worst Disney song. Woulda be really cool if Brian had ended up trying "Fox & Hound" instead. "Baby Mine", vocally, is mesmerizing, only it's too slow for my taste. The latter I liked for a mo', but it faded away eventually. The saxophone intro is a dire.

"Stay Awake" have still remained my favorite track, same is "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" (Simba's version is much better though. Very sunny). The Randy covers are cool; I'm with mikeyj on preferring them over originals. "When You Wish Upon A Star" is wonderful! I never fail to be struck by that stunning a cappella at the beginning. Brian must have loved this oldie as a kid.

To summarize the above: decent solo effort, nothing more than that (though I agree with the next-door poster, Brian does indeed sound impressive on the rec).

[phirnis]

It's something he probably could have done better when he was younger.

I agree. This might've worked in the early 70s I think and maybe even that would've been a little late already.

[Nicko1234]

Thinking about this album just makes me realise that Brian`s solo career has been too focused on cover versions and not enough emphasis has been placed on his own compositions (especially as some of the unreleased songs that he has written are strong). The Disney Album was professionally done but it has no spark for me and feels forced.

[Dave Modny]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random  

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, I have to mostly agree with this. Though, I probably wouldn't go as far as "awful."

I think the above tracks work the best because Brian sounds the best on them (particularly Baby Mine), at least in terms of his modern voice, but the material just seems so at odds with the artist here even though the band gives us those occasional flourishes that are supposed to remind us that the whole affair's being "Brianized."

I just can't wrap myself around him doing stuff like Can You Feel The Love Tonight. For me, it's mostly going through the motions MOR...minus Joe Thomas, and frankly, I'm all "cover version-ed" out these days. I can honestly understand why it was quietly released with so little fanfare. On the other hand, if it resonates with others, I think that's great. Maybe, I'm just not a Disney tune guy?

On a somewhat amusing side note, when the album was first released to iTunes, there was only one review for it (a glowing one)..........and it was from Melinda.

Hmmm.....  

[Wirestone]

A much better album than anyone gives it credit for. Fabulous lead vocals, great relaxed vibe to backing tracks. A bit bland in places, but overall the only real fault is the over-reliance on 80s and 90s Disney soundtrack material.

Thinking about this album just makes me realise that Brian`s solo career has been too focused on cover versions and not enough emphasis has been placed on his own compositions (especially as some of the unreleased songs that he has written are strong). The Disney Album was professionally done but it has no spark for me and feels forced.

He's released 10 solo studio albums. Three are mostly previously unheard solo material, one is assembled from Paley sessions and Sweet Insanity tracks, one is recut Beach Boys tunes and one is Smile. That's six of the total. Of the remaining four, one is a Christmas album (with five of the songs written by BW), one is a collaboration with Van Dyke Parks (for which BW did vocal arrangements), one is the Gershwin record (which Brian wrote two songs for), and one was the Disney album. I guess you can quibble over percentages, etc., but that hardly seems like a career focused on cover versions.

It seems like the career of a guy who didn't get record deals for his 90s solo tunes, who wasn't that enthused about re-cutting them (the one album where he did that -- GIOMH -- didn't go over well), and who otherwise was interested in revisiting his past and past collaborators.

[Heysaboda]

Until I came across this album on my ipod today I literally forgot it ever existed, it was so random 

I gave it a listen and bar a few nice moments, "Colors of the wind", "Baby Mine" and "Kiss the girl", it's borders on awful.

Any thoughts?

Well, it's obvious that this one got overshadowed by the release of The SMiLE Sessions the week after it, and also the growing sense that a reunion was coming.

But even besides that, it just wasn't a very good album. None of the songs seemed very special. It seemed like some of the tunes were just Brian-ized, but without the heart that you hear in Brian's best work.

Hey, I'm just wondering: when you say it wasn't very good and none of the songs seemed very special, are you stating this as fact, or is this just your opinion?

Actually, I discussed it with Brian, and I've been reliably informed that Jeff Foskett was made promises during the recording of this album that Brian was not prepared to keep. And because of that, the album ended up being a disaster, treading over Brian's past glories.

I call Bullshit.

You can think what you want. But I know I'm right. You guys can argue over all this stuff if you want, but I'm just saying that Foskett was promised a full bucket of KFC after recording one night. And Brian ate half the bucket on his own. He made promises that he could not keep. Now if it went the other way around and it was Brian who got screwed out of chicken, you guys would be up in arms. But because it's poor Jeff Foskett, you guys overlook it.

But still, half a bucket of chicken is better than no bucket at all!

 

[Amy B.]

I think it's a good album for what it is. The vocals are good, and some of the arrangements are cool. Heigh-ho cracks me up every time.

Do I make a point of listening to it? Not really. Some of them aren't really great songs, IMO. Can You Feel the Love Tonight isn't really my thing. But the album is nicely done. If Brian does this kind of stuff to keep his gears in working order for the next creative project, or if he does it for his own enjoyment, I don't mind. I don't make a point of listening to Monkey's Uncle either.

[Jonathan Blum]

My theory for why this album is so overlooked is because it seems effortless.

Not lazy -- Brian's singing is way more polished than in his GIOMH days.  But there's no sign of struggle -- he just pulls it off.  At the same time, he's not doing anything wildly ambitious.  There's nothing for fans to either celebrate his triumph over the odds, or agonize about him having screwed up.

But that means that people overlook all the stuff he and the band get up to here.  For heaven's sake, "Heigh Ho" is the first time Brian's done a track in the style of "Vegatables" since 1967 -- surely that's worth being noticed!

Cheers,
Jon Blum