The Beach Boys (Still Cruisin’)
The Album
The Beach Boys’ 1989 album “Still Cruisin'” feels like a sun-soaked cruise down memory lane, filled with familiar melodies that harken back to the band’s iconic surf-rock era. While the album embraces a sense of nostalgia and delivers a handful of enjoyable tracks, it also raises questions about creative direction and originality.
The album opens with the re-recorded version of “Still Cruisin’,” which captures the essence of the Beach Boys’ classic sound. It’s a catchy, upbeat tune that immediately sets the mood for the album. Similarly, “Somewhere Near Japan” captures the group’s harmonious vocal blend and incorporates a sense of wanderlust, although it does feel like a nod to their earlier works rather than a new evolution.
The highlight of the album is undoubtedly the inclusion of two classic Beach Boys tracks, “Kokomo” and “Wipe Out.” “Kokomo,” a catchy and infectious tropical tune, became a smash hit for the band and remains a beloved summertime anthem. “Wipe Out,” while not originally a Beach Boys song, features their unique spin on the classic instrumental, infusing it with their signature vocal harmonies.
However, it’s in the original compositions where “Still Cruisin'” struggles to find its footing. Tracks like “In My Car” and “Make It Big” lack the innovation and lyrical depth that characterized the Beach Boys’ earlier works. These songs, while enjoyable in their own right, pale in comparison to the band’s groundbreaking material from the ’60s.
The album’s inconsistency might stem from its concept, which aims to evoke the spirit of the Beach Boys’ youthful sound while catering to a more contemporary pop audience. This dichotomy sometimes leads to a clash between their iconic harmonies and attempts to modernize their style.
Conclusion
While “Still Cruisin'” doesn’t quite capture the magic of the Beach Boys’ heyday, it still possesses an undeniable charm. The nostalgia factor alone may appeal to long-time fans, and the album’s beachy, carefree vibes can offer a pleasant listening experience. Tracks like “Island Girl” and “Somewhere Near Japan” manage to infuse a touch of the band’s classic sound with a modern twist.
In the grand scheme of The Beach Boys’ discography, “Still Cruisin'” may not be considered a standout release. However, it serves as a reminder of the band’s enduring ability to evoke a sense of summer and adventure. While it might not rank among their greatest works, it’s a testament to the band’s lasting impact on popular music and their ability to maintain their signature vocal blend even in the face of evolving musical trends.
Track Listing
- Still Cruisin’ (Lethal Weapon 2)
- Somewhere Near Japan
- Island Girl
- in My Car
- Kokomo (Cocktail)
- Wipe Out
- Make It Big
- I Get Around (Good Morning Vietnam)
- Wouldn’t It Be Nice (The Big Chill)
- California Girls (Soul Man)
Kokomo
Lyrics
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go-
Jamaica, off the Florida Keys
There’s a place called Kokomo
That’s where you wanna go to get away from it all
And bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand
We’ll be falling in love to the rhythm of a
Steel drum band, down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go
Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo
Martinique, that Montserrat mystique
We’ll put out to sea and we’ll perfect our chemistry
By and by we’ll defy a little bit of gravity
Afternoon delight, cocktails and moonlit nights
That dreamy look in your eye, give me a tropical contact high
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go
Ooh, I want to take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we want to go
Way down in Kokomo
Port au Prince, I wanna catch a glimpse
Everybody knows a little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go and get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go
Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go…