Smiley Smile

Smiley Smile is the twelfth studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released on September 18, 1967 on Brother Records and Capitol. Released in the aftermath of the shelving of Smile, Smiley Smile is best known for its sparse and lo-fi production. Upon its unveiling, the album was received with confusion.

The release of "Good Vibrations" in October 1966, teamed with the heavy marketing of Smile placed great expectation on the band to produce their next studio album. Originally intended for a Christmas 1966 release, by mid-1967, the band had yet to release any material and their popularity in the US started to suffer. The official cancellation of Smile and the band's failure to appear at the Monterey International Pop Festival furthered this popular downturn. Still owing an album to Capitol, the pressure was immense for the group to release new material and to remain relevant.

Smiley Smile was primarily recorded in Brian Wilson's home studio in June and July 1967. Though the album reached number 9 in the UK, Smiley Smile only resonated moderately with US audiences, reaching number 41 on the Billboard charts—the lowest chart placement the band had yet had for a record. Though initially reviewed in the US with indifference, Smiley Smile has grown in stature over the years to become a cult and critical favourite in the Beach Boys' oeuvre.