Pacific Ocean Blue is the debut solo album by American songwriter-musician Dennis Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, released on August 22, 1977. Recognized for departing from The Beach Boys' signature sound, the album features an array of genres ranging from soul and funk to country and progressive rock.
Wilson's work on the album was a stark contrast to the type of music his band was known for, including mature-themed lyrics related to love and failed relationships, his feelings about ecology, and his deep admiration for the ocean, a recurrent theme in his works. This album was largely a critical success, earning recognition from multiple sources as one of the greatest albums of all time.
The recording process of the album began in 1975 and took over two years to complete. It was partially recorded at Wilson's home music studio which he had built in order to create an environment that was relaxing and suitable for his creative work, but it mainly in Brother Studios. Unlike previous works where Brian Wilson was the key contributing songwriter, Dennis Wilson contributed to the majority of the songs on this album either as a solo writer or a co-writer, and also performed most of the vocals himself.
Despite the critical acclaim, Pacific Ocean Blue was met with commercial disappointment, however, sporadic reissues helped build a cult following around Wilson's solo work. It was the only completed solo album released by Dennis Wilson during his lifetime, as his follow-up, Bambu, remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1983.
