Wilson's God-given gift has manifested in some of the most melodically creative, lyrically poignant pop music ever. Not necessarily by design, a majority of Christian artists salute him on Making God Smile, the title being a wry nod to the Beach Boys' officially unreleased late 60s masterwork, Smile, and Wilson's acknowledgement of music's spiritual properties (he called Smile, "teenage symphonies to God"). Faves on a set, with little sag time, include contributions by criminally underrated Rick Altizer ("Surf's Up"), an instrumental "Heroes And Villains" by Phil Madeira, Aaron Sprinkle's medley of "I Know There's An Answer" and "Hang Onto Your Ego" (Sprinkle sounds uncannily like a Brian, Jr.), Randy Stonehill remaking "Love And Mercy," Dolour power-popping through "This Whole World," and Sixpence None The Richer's go-go boots rocking on the melancholy "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" (Leigh so sells this). Phil Keaggy bites off only slightly more than his estimable talent can chew in tackling "Good Vibrations," but the acoustic touches make it worthwhile. If a tribute album's highest purpose is heightening listeners' appreciation of the feted artist, expect to endanger the rent to Beach Boys and Wilson solo work once you hear Making God Smile.
Editors' ratings - Doug 3.5/5, Jason 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dave KerschbaumSilent Planet Records knows how to throw a good birthday party. While Hit Radio is populated with boy bands and midriff girls who are younger than your car, Brian Wilson turned 60 years old this summer. And although many young VH1-watchers may only recognize Wilson as that guy the Barenaked Ladies sang about, Wilson's innovation and influence in rock music cannot be denied. With Making God Smile,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Ken MuellerIn honor of tunesmith Brian Wilson's sixtieth birthday, the folks at Silent Planet records have put together a pretty decent tribute album. While most tribute albums tend to be pretty uneven affairs, this one, with few exceptions, is quite good. The large majority of the tunes are from the Beach Boys catalog, including the "lost" album Smile, while a few are from Wilson's solo work in later…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshI can remember back in 1964 wandering the halls of the local high school in my sophomore year with two other guys trying to perfect the harmonies to "In My Room" by the Beach Boys. Fortunately for the rest of the world that is as far as my singing career ever went. Also fortunately that was just the tip of the iceberg concerning the music of Brian Wilson. Although my personal taste has always run…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trilisa M. PerrineWhen a project of the magnitude of Making God Smile is undertaken, the result is often unsatisfactory to those who are fans of the originals. But alas, this two CD tribute to Brian Wilson was refreshing and well put together. The interpretations of Brian's songs ranged from fairly direct reproductions ("Good Vibrations" by Phil Keaggy) to the slightly strange and experimental ("Help Me Rhonda" by…
