On paper, The Beach Boys seem like little more than a blithe surf band, bottling up the sunshine of the West Coast for the masses. Many bands of their era fell into this category, but The Beach Boys proved to be much more than that as their career evolved. Thanks to the experimental affinity of Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys’ music became era-defining. Check out three songs that prove that The Beach Boys were ahead of their time.
Videos by American Songwriter
“All I Wanna Do”
“All I Wanna Do” stands in stark contrast to the rest of The Beach Boys’ catalog. Though other bands were pushing the “mellow gold” sound at the same time, this song propped up that sub-genre. The band dared to stray from their breezy musical style for something a little rounder. Though still a swaying rhythm that would find a comfortable home on the beach, there is something heavier about “All I Wanna Do” that is rarified in The Beach Boys sphere.
All I want to do
Is always bring good to you
To give you all the love I can
And help you in whatever you do
Sure as the sun will come around again to start off another day
You can be sure that in my heart and soul I’ll love you in every way
“Good Vibrations”
“Good Vibrations” is largely considered one of The Beach Boys’ most impressive efforts. The psychedelic sound they found here helped to usher in new recording tactics. Moreover, it ushered in a new era for the band. They were no longer just a surf rock group. They moved into legend status thanks to Wilson and his fearless approach to music.
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me the excitations
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is many Beach Boys fans’ favorite track. It’s impossibly catchy and arguably one of the best songs to come out of the ’60s. It’s hard to shake this track once you’ve heard it, which is likely why it became so influential in rock music.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older?
Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long
And wouldn’t it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong?
You know it’s gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together
Stevens/ANL/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.