Across the history of popular music, few minds have created music as beautiful, infectious, and moving as that of Brian Wilson. But that mind was also intensely fragile, leading to bouts with mental illness that were so serious he had to withdraw from the creative process, often for years at a time.

During one such stint, Brian’s psychiatrist encouraged him to combat his idleness by working on new music. The resulting project (originally intended to be a solo record) is one of the strangest entries in the Beach Boys’ extensive canon. But for all of its absurdity, it is incredibly rewarding for anyone who accepts it on its own terms.

Brian Wilson’s struggle with mental illness infamously came to a head during the recording sessions for SMiLE, the follow up to the pop perfection that was Pet Sounds. Caught between the pressure of topping his previous masterpiece and his growing dependence on drugs, Brian broke down before the album could be finished. The label released Smiley Smile instead, a ramshackle collection of tracks deemed acceptable enough to pull from the half-finished pop opus.

And then, the Beach Boys seemed to move on more or less without Brian. He was still a member of the band, but he was hardly the driving creative force. He wouldn’t write another song for a Beach Boys release until Surf’s Up four years later, but their once-producer had very little to do with the recording process. He would pen a few songs for subsequent releases, then seemingly shrink behind the rest of the band. He had quit touring with the intention of staying home and writing full time, but that ended up just writing full time.

Without their creative leader at the helm, the Beach Boys seemed to languish for a while. After 1973’s Holland, the Beach Boys released several compilations and live albums, with no new material…until Love You in 1977. Not only would it mark a return to Wilson’s role not only as primary songwriter (it was intended to be a solo record, remember) but also as producer. Most of the instrumental tracks were recorded by Brian alone, building layers of synthesizers (!!!) on a multitrack recorder.

The resulting album is not an easy listen by any stretch. The combination of classic Beach Boys harmonies with Minimoogs takes some getting used to, no matter how many pet sounds like horns  accompany them. The lyrics are scattered, feeling almost like the first draft of a brainstorming section. And certainly, there are some moments that absolutely should have had some revisions (“Roller Skating Child” probably should have been refined a bit before it was sung by a thirty-four-year-old man).

But there are some absolutely stunning moments buried in the weirdness. “Solar System” is a moving pocket symphony that was, according to Wilson, written in the car while driving his daughter to and from school. “Airplane” is a delicate ballad that extols the mundane until it becomes romantic. “Let’s Put Our Hearts Together” is a tender duet between Brian and his wife Marilyn that is one of the most heartstring-pulling things Wilson has ever put to tape.

It should come as no surprise that upon its release, Love You was incredibly divisive. Fans and critics are still torn on its importance and even its listenability, some calling it childish and unlistenable while others call it the most important piece of work Brian ever produced. But perhaps most telling is Wilson’s own opinion of it: when asked where to start listening to the Beach Boys, he said, “Listen to Pet Sounds first, then listen to The Beach Boys Love You.” I’m not sure there are two albums in their catalog that are more different, but that pair may just give you the best understanding of their career—and Brian Wilson himself.

 

Perhaps most moving though, knowing the obstacles standing in Brian’s way, is the note in the liner sheet accompanying a photo of Brian and his wife:

TO BRIAN WHOM WE LOVE ALL OUR HEARTS.

We wish to express our appreciation, and acknowledge your willingness to create and support totally the completion of these songs.

We thank you for sharing yourself and your music with us, and all those who love you as well. An unspeakable joy being with you in your expresssion of the music you put out there for everyone.

Brian, we feel honored and grateful and we love you.

Carl, Dennis, Michael, and Alan.