It can only be the Beach Boys, one of the greatest American rock bands, an act whose influence on music has been impossible to overstate. The collective is best known for its soothing harmonies and experimental musical palette. Written by chief songwriter, genius and tortured soul Brian Wilson, it’s impacted artists for generations since it first opened its gates. Their groundbreaking album “Pet Sounds,” released in 1966, is often cited as one of the most significant works in music history, inspiring bands like The Beatles to explore new creative territories.
On June 11, Brian Wilson’s loved ones shared their deeply sad news that he was lost at 82 years old. His passing signals the end of an era for fans and musicians like us. His gifts to music are incredible. Through The Beach Boys’ catalog, he stretched the limits of pop music with intricate harmonies and experimental lyrics.
The Impact of “Pet Sounds”
“Pet Sounds” is widely regarded as a masterpiece that transcended traditional pop music. This was the conceptual foundation for the album’s debut in Los Angeles in 1966. It introduced truly revolutionary instrumentation and production techniques that were nothing short of groundbreaking for its time. As Martin points out, the instrumentation alone makes “Pet Sounds” an outlier. It’s different in every possible way from all other music created before it or since.
Everything about the album—from its harmonic complexity to its lyricism—subverted the expectations of mainstream pop songcraft. Songs such as “God Only Knows” feature Paul McCartney’s all-time favorite song. This song showed the world that popular music could tackle subject matter and feeling that had long been considered off-limits.
Martin remarked on the influence of “Pet Sounds,” stating, “I think what happened … is that they were like, ‘Oh, if The Beach Boys can do that, we’re the Beatles, we can certainly do that!’” The Beach Boys didn’t stop there — they had way too much fun making their own sound. They challenged their peers to take daring artistic leaps in unexpected new directions.
A Catalog of Classics
The Beach Boys are most famous for a catalog of classic hit singles that remain timeless masterpieces even to this day. Songs such as “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” defined and dominated their time on the charts. Of those hits, “Good Vibrations,” in particular, is a landmark single that foreshadows what would later be called psychedelic rock or pop. It solidified the band’s third No. 1 hit and continues to be a standard in music’s lexicon.
“I Get Around,” another classic, reflects the group’s rise to fame and their desire for deeper experiences beyond mere popularity. What I love most about the song is its exuberant feel that embodies this spirit of youthful adventure and exploration.
Other important songs such as “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Don’t Worry Baby” display their varied musical landscape. The Beach Boys developed their sound by consciously absorbing their influences. One of those inspirations was The Ronettes’ massive hit “Be My Baby.”
A Lasting Influence
The influence of The Beach Boys cannot be contained to their biggest singles. Their unique methodology behind art/pop music production and song composition have served as inspiration for innumerable artists in all contemporary styles. The impact the band has had on both rock and pop should not be underestimated. You can hear their deep influence in the songs of generations of today’s young musicians.
This year “Pet Sounds” resurfaced in Dolby Atmos format. This newly remastered re-release allows a new generation of listeners to experience its barren, craggy soundscapes more rewarding than ever. With this re-release, the album’s staying power and visionary relevance shine brighter than ever, continuing its legacy as a touchstone for all things musically groundbreaking.
For many years, the Beach Boys were considered mainly for their commercial success, but was later recognized for their artistic impact. Successful artists continue to be inspired by The Beach Boys’ music. We can all see that their spirit will continue to live on for years to come.
