Gettin' in Over My Head

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Gettin' in Over My Head is Brian Wilson's seventh solo album, and fourth of new studio material. It was recorded over a period of several years and, making use of many previously-written songs never before released, was issued in mid-2004 on Rhino Records.

Featuring a slew of celebrity guests, such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Eric Clapton and the late Carl Wilson, Gettin' in Over My Head received satisfactory reviews upon release but was not commercially successful.

Firstly, more than a few reviewers took note of the fact that many of the songs were not new; "Make A Wish", "Fairy Tale", "Rainbow Eyes" and "Don't Let Her Know She's An Angel" all hail from the 1990/1991 sessions from the abandoned Sweet Insanity album, though they were newly re-recorded. In addition, Wilson's voice was not as steady as on previous releases (going out of pitch in certain harmonic moments). Finally, with the concurrent live performances of the recently completed Smile album, and the announcement of its impending issue on CD, it completely overshadowed Gettin' in Over My Head's release, with all attention going to the former.

Although generally not considered Brian Wilson's finest release, most fans feel that Gettin' in Over My Head does have its share of moments to commend it.

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Track listing

"How Could We Still Be Dancin'?" (Brian Wilson/Joe Thomas) - 4:42
- Featuring Elton John on lead vocals
"Soul Searchin' " (Brian Wilson/Andy Paley) - 4:07
- Recorded by The Beach Boys in 1996, but discarded. This version features Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"You've Touched Me" (Brian Wilson/Steve Kalinich) - 3:21
"Gettin' In Over My Head" (Brian Wilson/Andy Paley) - 4:27
"City Blues" (Brian Wilson/Scott Bennett) - 4:20
- Features Eric Clapton on electric guitar
"Desert Drive" (Brian Wilson/Andy Paley) - 3:34
"A Friend Like You" (Brian Wilson/Steve Kalinich) - 3:37
- Features Paul McCartney on co-lead vocal
"Make A Wish" (Brian Wilson) - 3:49
"Rainbow Eyes" (Brian Wilson) - 4:06
"Saturday Morning In The City" (Brian Wilson/Andy Paley) - 2:53
"Fairy Tale" (Brian Wilson/David Foster) - 5:28
"Don't Let Her Know She's An Angel" (Brian Wilson) - 4:17
- Tracks 8, 9, 10 and 11 originally recorded for the scrapped Sweet Insanity album in 1990/1991
"The Waltz" (Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks) - 4:09