The Top Beach Boys Songs

No one embodied the carefree life of a teenager better than the Beach Boys. Although the vast majority of their early music encompassed the typical California teenage life of surfing, cars, and girls. Brian Wilson's songwriting was able to develop at an accelerated pace. The group's perfect harmonies showcased Wilson's brilliance at songwriting. It was because of their exciting sound that they were able to rival the Beatles in the early 1960's. There was a couple of songs that really showed the Beach Boys truly immense talents.

Number Five is "In My Room". Released in 1963, the song show the sophistication of both the lyrics and melodies Wilson would be embarking on. The song was an example of Wilson's early introverted mind set. Often stating that his room was, at times, his only room, Wilson reflected the feelings of a lot of teenagers. He showed the typical teenage feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. The song also perfected their harmonies. Their harmonies were becoming more complex than their earlier work. This song shows the path , musically, that the group was on.

Number four is "I Get Around". Released in 1964, the song was written by Wilson as he felt the immediate challenge of the Beatles. Wilson was already feeling the pressure of not having written a number one song. But when the Beatles arrived in the States, he felt the immediate competition to do as well or better than the Beatles. "I Get Around" would become the Beach Boys first number one single. The song also entered the British charts, becoming the group's first hit single in the United Kingdom.

Number three is "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)". Released in 1965, the song would be a turning point not only for Wilson but also the band. By the time Wilson recorded the song he had already retired from touring with the group, thus allowing him to give more time to writing and producing music. The result was more in depth lyrics and more whimsical melodies. Both evident in "When I Grow Up". Wilson left behind the teenage, carefree lifestyle to become a thoughtful, stressed adult and his music reflected the change. "When I Grow Up" is paving the way for Wilson's masterpiece Pet Sounds. Wilson now had the time to perfect harmonies, experiment with sounds, and develop his producing skills. All of which is evident in this song.

Number two is "Good Vibrations" . Released in 1966, the song would become the group's third number one single. The song is often described as the peak of Wilson's and the group's careers. With it's simple but carefully crafted lyrics, backed by the orchestrated melody, "Good Vibrations" was a triumph in music. The song was recorded over six months, during the Pet Sounds recording sessions and was released right after Pet Sounds. The song uses instruments that were not typically used in rock-n-roll. For example the tubas and a theremin. At three and a half minutes, Wilson often has described the song as his "pocket symphony", talking of course about the time and thought he put into the song in every way.

The best song of the Beach Boys' career would have to be "God Only Knows". Released in 1966,, the song was part of the album Pet Sounds. The song was one of the first to include "God" in the title. With it's complicated melody to the outstanding harmonies, the song would break all barriers set for pop music to that point. The song, along with the Pet Sounds album, would set the bench mark for all other artists to follow. Even Paul McCartney has stated that because of the song, and album, he felt the pressure to out do Wilson. Thus inspiring McCartney and the Beatles to record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Wilson achieved what he had been aspiring to by producing "God Only Knows", and he left everyone in awe.