POP

There’s no disputing Brian Wilson’s genius – Beach Boy’s classic Pet Sounds is proof alone – and it’s wonderful to have him back from his self-imposed exile; performing live (particularly his joyous set at T in the Park in 2007) and releasing music, in the form of ‘lost classic’ SMiLE.

But while it’s great to see a new studio album, there’s no progression from work he was doing way back in the 60s. That Lucky Old Sun shimmers with uplifting summer vibes, but somehow feels stuck in a time warp, and compared to the towering majesty of his earlier work, it can’t help but suffer in comparison.