Today I'll tackle a much lighter topic, but one equally important :) Sure, you could argue that most of the Beach Boys' albums prior to Smiley Smile WERE Brian Wilson solo recordings, but for the sake of accuracy, I'll stick with the name on the album. Here we go!

#1: Brian Wilson: Smile [link]
Quite possibly the only album that no one ever expected. This album rings true to what fans were hoping for since 1967 and even surpasses! Ingenious production thanks to Brian, amazing imagery via Van Dyke Parks, and supremely executed by the Brian Wilson Band. The biggest highlight of the album is the "Song Cycle" that is weaved. Sequenced into three movements, you don't realize that nearly an hour has passed until you find yourself wailing out the final track "Good Vibrations." This is an absolute must for anyone with ears.

#2: Dennis Wilson: Pacific Ocean Blue [link]
In 1977 this represented the first solo recording by a Beach Boy. With this album Dennis Wilson's soul is completely exposed. Produced by Dennis, this record is a complete departure from what you might expect from a Beach Boy, which is probably why it is such a heavy hitter. If Pet Sounds is a vignette of coming of age, than Pacific Ocean Blue is the rest of the story. Love, love lost, and death. Out of print on vinyl for nearly 30 years, and only a short run on CD in the early 90's, this album has been one of the most difficult to find. It looks like that is all about to change as a re-issue is on its way out with bonus tracks (!) on the Sundazed label! Highlights include the uncredited Beach Boys performing harmony on the River Song and shared writing credit with brother Carl on Rainbows.

#3: Carl Wilson: Carl Wilson
Carl's first of 2 solo albums, largely criticized for being "underproduced", sets a great stage to highlight the uniqueness, beauty and diversity of his voice. From the love song "Heaven" which rivals the beauty of "God Only Knows", to the rocker "Right Lane", this album is pure Carl Wilson. Search eBay for your copy.

#4: Blondie Chaplin: Blondie Chaplin
One quarter of the south african band Flame that Carl Wilson discovered in 1970, Blondie was an official Beach Boy for several years in the 1970's. "Blondie Chaplin" sounds like a great companion to Dennis' solo release of the same year. Pure fun and rock and roll. The rarity of this record only enhances your enjoyment for it. Very briefly, this was available on CD via the Sony Japan label, but good luck finding it. I own the only one I've ever heard of or seen :)

#5: Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made For These Times [link]
This album consists of newly recorded Rare and obscure Beach Boys and Brian Wilson songs and represents the first appearance of Brian Wilson since his original solo album in 1988. Despite no new material and its relatively short running time of about 30 minutes, songs like "Wonderful", "Let the Wind Blow" and "'Til I Die" sound fresh and beautiful all over again.

#6: Carl Wilson: Like a Brother [link]
Carl shared the stage with Gerry Beckley and Robert Lamm to create this mosaic of an album. But ranked number 6? Carl was always discouraged by the Beach Boys' lack of determination to continue to grow and create new material in the later years. He eventually broke out and found new ways to explore he musical creativity. Hence his solo albums in 1980 and 1981. This record was recorded in the early 90's but didn't see the light of a record store until after his passing. Here lies more proof that Carl's voice is unmatched and simply amazing! Consider Like a Brother as a glimpse of what the Beach Boys could have been if Carl had his way. Highlights are the title track Carl wrote for his brother Brian and "Run Don't Walk."

#7: Brian Wilson: Brian Wilson [link]
All original. First Brian Wilson Solo record. Despite the obvious 1980's synthesizers, this record is loaded with great tunes and superb harmonies. My favorites include "Meet Me in My Dreams Tonight" and a very 1970's sounding "Baby Let Your Hair Grow Long."

#8: Brian Wilson: What I Really Want For Christmas [link]
An excellent follow up record to Smile! A great mixture of Traditional Christmas songs, classic Beach Boys and a sprinkling of Brian Wilson originals. Brian gives the Band a chance to shine vocally on this record. This is a must for anyone celebrating the music of Brian Wilson or Christmas!

#9: Brian Wilson: Imagination [link]
Brian Wilson's first album of new material in 10 years. His voice sounds great, but the production doesn't sound like Brian Wilson at all. It's almost like someone was trying to produce a modern album as if Brian Wilson were producing it. Nonetheless, the songs are catchy and a great listen.

#10: Carl Wilson: Youngblood
Carl's second solo album drifted into the same oblivion as his first did, but didn't deserve it. If anything, the songs were even stronger; but the abysmal production really left it wanting. It's as though he listed to the critics and brought in Jeff "Skunk" Baxter to produce a bigger record. Unfortunately, it ended up just a very 'noisy' record with that is atypical for Carl Wilson. Favorite songs: "What More Can I Say", "She's Mine", "Givin' You Up", and "One More Night Alone." Youngblood ranked above #11 and #12 for the sheer greatness of these tracks. Search eBay for your copy.

#11: Blondie Chaplin: Between Us [link]
The second solo release from Blondie Chaplin is a significant departure from his first record, nearly 30 years ago. Since then, he has worked with The Rolling Stones, The Band and others. Most significantly, he has embraced his roots and this album shifts from rock and roll to a funkier South African feel. The production is solid and consistent but the writing doesn't stand out. Notable: "I Heads On Fire" and "Love you Till I Die."

#12: Brian Wilson: Gettin' In Over My Head [link]
This album is out of place in time. First of all, it was released after it has been announced the he was going to release Smile; so obviously you're expecting that it's going to be another Pet Sounds. That didn't happen. The songs aren't bad, but they don't seem to create a coherent album. Likely due to the fact that they are culled from old, abandoned tunes from projects like "Sweet Insanity", the "Paley Sessions" and old Beach Boys attempts. Highlight tracks: "Soul Searchin" (with Carl Wilson's vocals), "Fairy Tale" and "Desert Drive."

#13. Bruce Johnston: Surfin' Round the World
Almost difficult to classify this (and #14) as a Beach Boys Solo record as they were recorded before Bruce was a Beach Boy, but I think it's still valid. Consisting of mostly forgettable surf instrumentals, it has that "me too" feeling. Like Blondie Chaplin's 1977 album, it was available for a very short time on Sony Japan and is tough to find today. It's probably not worth it unless you are a hard-core completist.

#14: Bruce Johnston: Surfer's Pajama Party [link]
I don't even know what to say about this. I guess "Thanks to Rhino" for preserving this piece of history. But you probably shouldn't have. Between the crazed kids screaming and really poor quality of recording, it's tough to even hear the music. Maybe it's better that way.

#15: Bruce Johnston: Going Public
Slightly disco inspired, ballads slower than a snail going uphill, this album is the reason why Bruce has never done another. Let's not forget the abysmal covers of his own "I Write the Songs", "Deidre" and "Disney Girls." What was he thinking? Highlights: I don't think so.

#16: Mike Love: Looking Back With Love
Didn't you know Mike had a solo album? There's a good reason for that. There has been plenty written about this album so I won't beat a dead horse. Just trust me.