Dennis Wilson (1977) Pacific Ocean Blue

The troubled Wilson brother's solo debut in 1977 is considered the best standalone effort by a Beach Boy. It's an experimental album of powerful songs in the confessional singer songwriter vein. The neo-funk of the title track displays his unique ideas in terms of production; from the faded gospel singers to the propulsive doo wop vocals to Wilsons' own signature raspy tone it's a fresh sound. The album is full of underrated material with a Tom Waits lyricism but more attention to melody and a Wall of Sound it contends with most of Brian's work. Ironically written along with Mike Love, who himself is an under appreciated member of the band and was behind a lot of their success too. The chorus hook of "It's no wonder the Pacific Ocean is blue" is a classic blues line and at 2 minutes 40 this is a tight funky blues song as well as an appropriate title track displaying the album's volcanic darkness and yet foot tapping sense of rhythm.