The 1960s icon Jeff Lynne struggled to work with: “What’s he trying to do?”
Jeff Lynne found producing Brian Wilson’s first solo album somewhat difficult, not because of Wilson himself, but because numerous doctors and advisers controlled the recording process. The experience mattered because Wilson had profoundly influenced Lynne’s approach to melody, harmony and studio production, while the collaboration brought together two distinctive musical styles.
The project produced “Let It Shine”, co-written and produced by Lynne for Wilson’s 1988 self-titled album. Lynne recalled songs and rough recordings passing through several people before reaching the record company, reflecting Wilson’s troubled period under therapist Eugene Landy’s influence. Despite the interference, Lynne described Wilson as lovely and said the experience was not personally soured by the surrounding problems.
- Jeff Lynne struggled mainly with interference surrounding Brian Wilson’s recording process.
- Their collaboration produced “Let It Shine” on Wilson’s first solo album.
- Wilson’s musical influence on Lynne was substantial and long-standing.