Reviews (page 10 of 17)
Drag mi je ovo album, iznenađuje me na trenutke jer odlaze u neke polupsihodelične spike, što mi ide čudno s njima. U svakom slučaju dobar album i zaslužuje pažnju. 🫶🏻 4/5, 8/10
Some great tunes on here
Had no idea they did God Only Knows AND Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Other than that, I don’t give a shit.
Great harmonies, great songs. People who know music more than me have shown there’s more than meets the eye with these “simple” pop songs, too. But what can I say, despite all that it’s never reeled me in.
Heard it before 2 times and the 3rd time now hasn't changed how I feel about it. I might get stoned for this opinion but I just don't get this album at all. I don't hear what's so supposedly groundbreaking about it. Maybe 2 songs on the album are enjoyable on their own 1/5
5/10 because it’s not what I prefer to listen to. But still good
While I may not resonate with every cut on this album the overall listening experience is wonderful. The stand out tracks like God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn't It Be Nice, and I Just Wasn't Made For These Times are among the finest songs in recorded music history
One of the best albums of all time.
Subjectively, not everyone's cup of tea. Objectively, one of the first-ever 'concept' albums - one that walked so that Sgt Pepper's could run. But don't tell Brian Wilson that, the poor guy has suffered enough! Wilson and the band generated a genuinely fresh sound on this thing, one that captivates the listener's attention with really interesting songwriting choices. Sure, there are parts that get pretty weird, but as a whole it's a big beautiful sound that helped transform the sound of pop & rock music for decades to come.
Maybe I've just gotten older, but this feels like the first time I've "gotten" Pet Sounds. In the past, I thought it was fine, but didn't understand the cultural significance it has. In 1966, this had to be revolutionary and honestly, many of the sounds on this have yet to be reproduced. The Beach Boys nailed a uniquely 60s ethereal sound here, especially on songs like God Only Knows. The only song that feels out of place, to me, is Sloop John B. I have never liked this song and probably never will. It feels like the label wanted a "safe" single and the Beach Boys came up with this song. Even with Sloop John B, the album is timeless and I'm glad I spent my afternoon listening to it. Best Songs: Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times Worst Songs: Sloop John B
I am not a huge Beach boys fan, but this album is solid throuought. Sloop John B, I just wasn’t made for these times, Caroline no…. All stone cold classics and a remarkable turnaround from their early days. Too bad that they never reached this height again
I always see this on those greatest of all times lists, and it was really good. A bit less surfery, and more creative on this one. Easy to listen to
deus abençoe as experimentações em estúdio dos anos 60
Iconic
Wouldn’t it be nice if we never have to hear how incredible this album was again? (Random horn!)
Well made but not my thing
Album 740 of 1001 The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966) Rating : 5 / 5 No secret that this is a great album. Helps with the disappointment I felt from The Beach Boys Today. Sumptuous arrangements, inventive production , and impactful lyrics. Nice step up from the surf tunes.
duh, what else?
Een van de beste albums ooit, geen notities aan vuil maken. De makkelijkste vijf sterren die ik ga geven. Mooier wordt muziek niet. Ik probeer er wat zinnigs over te zeggen, maar bijna 60 jaar later is er nog steeds niet zoiets als dit gemaakt. Onvoorstelbaar.
Album is a 3, God Only Knows is a 10, so 4??
Beautiful
Genuinely great, but I feel so distanced from it. I find myself admiring it rather than enjoying it.
Perfect
first half lowkey got me wondering what all these 4chan music freaks are on about with this album but the second half starting with sloop john b picks up and was far more impressive imo
A really good album - probably their best.
Yup, a really great album.
I mean, it’s pet sounds. It can get a five just for historical significance, or a five just for pushing the boundaries of pop music, but I give it five stars for being full to the brim with perfect beautiful songs.
I am not a particularly big fan of The Beach Boys. And I probably have never listened to a whole album before. But I must admit I found it quite good.
Good overall with several of their best songs on. I can see the significance and it sounds great but i probably won't listen again
When I was younger and first heard The Beach Boys there was something about the harmony that I found too sweet. Even as a kid I really didn’t like it. I felt like there was no edge. The overall sound was something my dad liked and I never really wanted to listen to any more of that. However, as I got older, I accepted that The Beach Boys were important, regardless of the sugary sweetness. I still didn’t exactly like them though. And then, a number of years ago, after I had met and really fallen for the man I ended up marrying, I remember hearing the song “God Only Knows”, and, all of a sudden, The Beach Boys made complete sense. He lived in the UK. I lived in Canada. And one night I was lonely, missing him terribly. I listened to that song on repeat while I drank an entire bottle of wine to myself and, at a certain point, I was laying on the floor, hands on my chest, listening to the words, listening to the beautiful layers of sound, and all of a sudden the sweetness of The Beach Boys made total sense. It completely and totally captured everything that I thought about what it meant to know that you found the love of your life and that they would be with you forever and always. "God only knows what I’d be without you” is the most perfect declaration of love. This album is perfect and five stars even if it was just that one song over and over and over.
Surprised by the production quality being so bad. Was this on purpose?
I know this is considered one of the greats, the best of the Beash Boys, the foundation for so much that came after… and it was good… but there was a lot more “filler” than I was expecting. A couple massive hits here, but many tracks were quite similar to each other, and that dragged down the listening pleasure. 4/5 for me today
This is one of those albums that it's kind of mad I'd never listened to before now. It's such a well-known, iconic album. It's actually way more sedate than I thought it would be, based on other songs of theirs. In general, I preferred the more well-known songs like God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice. I liked the variance in instruments though, and the more orchestral bits. Overall, it's a nice time. Elsewhere, I had the realisation that Frank Black covered 'Hold On To Your Ego'. The write-up on this is fascinating, and I hadn't had any of that context before now. I feel like I've grown as a music appreciator, even if this one didn't completely hit for me. 3.5 rounded down.
This was a tough listen… didn’t give it a 1 because at least it didn’t hurt my ears. However, I cannot even imagine trying to produce any of these songs and being like “wow, we are really gonna make it out the hood with this one”. Yeesh beach boys
Way groovier than anticipated
Never realised the beach boys did so many great tunes
Für 60er Jahre Rock klingt es noch sehr modern. Bekannt sind Sloop John B, Wouldn't it be nice 4/5
Wait, you guys weren’t joking when you said this was one of the greatest albums of all time?
okay but not my style
Always find it hard to get into this, feel like I'm on the cusp of "getting it". 4*
The undeniable genius of Brian Wilson doesn’t quite make up for the plunky-plonk annoyance of some of these songs. But the good ones, there’s little better.
The Beach Boys are great and this sounds like summers riding in my mom’s car.
First album generated
This album sounds very nice. A lot of the major innovations from it sound fairly standard to my 21st century ears, but it's good to remember that the Beach Boys were the first to do many of these things. Solid 4 stars. Edit: I was listening to this after Brian Wilson’s death and I must say I totally underrated the lush production and arrangement. Reminded me more of Bach than most pop music out there. +1 star in honor of Brian Wilson, and I’m sorry for not fully recognizing your genius in life. Favorite Track: Sloop John B
Sognai di avere un'aureola intorno alla testa, ma la gente non poteva vederla. Ora che ripenso a questo è proprio un'aureola che avevo intorno alla testa. Dio era con noi per tutto il tempo che facemmo l'album. Dio era accanto a me, potevo vederlo, potevo sentire questo feeling nella mia testa, nel mio cervello.
This was like fine. I would like listening to this with my dad or by the beach.
1 First one. Not a bad album for a first. It's givin summer vibes Rating 3 out of 5
Class
This is pretty much a perfect album for me. Animal Collective and more specifically Panda Bear owe a lot of their sound to this album. I hear it in many other bands too like The Lemon Twigs but Animal Collective always stands out as a somewhat recent successor to this sound. Brian Wilson was a genius and a madman and this album was the direct result of letting him run wild. If you haven’t watched the 2014 Brian Wilson biopic, Love & Mercy you should check it out. Anyway as for this album it blows me away at every listen even after all these years and for that I’d give it a 5.
My favorite from them! It has a different vibe than their previous albums. The title track is cool, but my favorite is Sloop John B. 4.
Complex arrangements, intricate harmonies. Some beautiful melodies. Getting more experimental. Moving beyond the upbeat teenybopper attitude of "Fun Fun Fun" and "Surfin' U.S.A." to something more introspective and at times even melancholy. "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Sloop John B" and especially "God Only Knows" are standouts.
Sloop Jon B, God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice, on their own put this album at a 3 or 4 for me. They are tremendous songs with well done performances and creative arrangements. I like others on the album too but those 3 are juggernauts. This is an era of analogue musical creativity and well thought out musical parts.
An absolute masterpiece.
1966 is an insane year musically--Sounds of Silence, Frank Zappa, Revolver, Paint It Black--the needle is really moving from good time R&R to introspection. This album is lush and incredibly painstaking in its arrangements, unlike anything BB had done before and it's great! I think personally it's a 4.5 because the SMILE SESSIONS exist and I think that is the complete fulfillment of Brian Wilson's bonkers brain. The harmonies are so good here, the instrumentation is always surprising and interesting, and even though the songs are fairly simple in theme, they are musically complex. I've listened to it 3 times so far and find new things each time.
Listened to it before this site. Love it.
Easy
I was happy when these fellas released 3 albums a year exclusively about surfing, cars and girls, yet I'd still like to thank Brian Wilson's dealer for contributing to this work of genius
Cannot overlook that Sloop John B has done immeasurable damage to our wonderful English football songbook. Admittedly it did make me burst out laughing when it started playing
Another of the not a lot to say albums, of course heard many times, important, redefining etc. 5 Star
These bells keep pushing my brain to feel like I’m listening to a Christmas album without all the joy
I would genuinely love to meet a Beach Boys. They must be an absolute piece of work. This was atrocious. I would rather rub my knuckles against a cheese grater than listen to this again. If I were to kidnap someone and lock them in a basement, I would play in album on repeat as I believe it would be the most sincere version of torture to endure.
Perfect. I played it over and over, all day. Such a comforting sound. The Beach Boys captured something magic with Pet Sounds.
I listened to this album and it's still shocking to me that this is 60s music. It's so freakin dandy. I guess it just goes to show you how sanitized and polished the 50s and 60s were. I can't imagine the atom bomb that would have been Zepelin and Black Sabbath that would come just a few years after this. Anyways its good. Wouldn't it be nice, God only knows, and the closing track are all standouts but the whole thing is creative and well put together. These beach boys were really trying to capture that same lightning that the beatles were on and they did it in their own way. I was thinking a 4 but I did quite enjoy it.
Before anything I should note that I listened to the original 30 some minute album and not the 120 minute remaster that gets linked in here, so I don't have any complaints about length or weird changes in sounds. I knew the classics (God only knows, wouldn't it be nice, Carline, No, etc) but some of the other one's I'd never heard. They are, as expected, very obviously Brian Wilson Beach Boys tracks. At the time this must've sounded pretty wild. The production level for a 60's album is insane as they must've used so many tracks on what I'm guessing was largely analog equipment. There is a lot of complicated instrumentation in here, including some very unexpected instrumental tracks. I think that's what kind of gave it away as a mostly Wilson album. Musically it's more complicated than the other stuff I've heard from the Beach Boys, though some of the lyrics now sound like incel complaining. I did like "Sloop John B", which sure sounds like the story of an ill fated small boat captain on the worst trip ever. If there's a metaphor there I didn't catch it. This album was better than the traditionally upbeat and/or shallow beach boys tracks (which are good in a different way) and I recognize the absolute momentum shift it played in music production. Plus it's nice to listen to. I don't think of it as the absolute masterpiece many critics do but I'm just a guy.
This is better than the The Beach Boys Today. The songs feel larger and the themes are generally more adult. There's less single potentials here but that's okay. Wouldn't it be Nice has been stuck in my head all weekeend.
This is one I wanted to set time aside for and really take in. Just a masterpiece of an album that deserves your undivided attention. Influential doesn't even begin to describe this, as this album was created with the production in mind first. Taking some clear inspiration from Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" and motivated by the Beatles' previous album "Rubber Soul", Brian Wilson essentially set out to create "the greatest rock album ever made" as he dubbed it. I would say this extends past rock and sort of exists in some sort of art pop-adjacent plane. Many know the Beach Boys for their surf-rock persona and sound, so "Pet Sounds" represented a heavy shift in that regard. The vocal harmonies are more complex, the song structures were progressive for the time, and the lyrical content of the music is more introspective and even somber at times. Even the instrumental tracks can evoke those aforementioned feelings. There's a lot packed in here despite the 36 minute runtime. A revolutionary in the way of music production, "Pet Sounds" dared to be great primarily via the efforts of Brian Wilson. And by golly, it continues to be great nearly 60 years later. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is a masterfully recorded song especially, and sets the tone nicely for the rest of the album.
I listened to this ages ago and had such great expectations that it really disappointed. Hadn’t heard it for a while, so I thought I’d listen again, expecting trash but it wasn’t so bad this time.
wanted to do a haha joke about there being no pet sounds on this album but i forgot about the dogs barking at the very end yup it's still good though, kind of an album to be in the mood for for me and the mood this time was i was very very sleepy and it was nice for that. very very lush
Don't have a lot to say but thoroughly enjoyed this album front to back
I did not care for Pet Sounds. It insists upon itself. Just kidding, it's really good, but it's nowhere near my favorite album ever. Fun fact: you could cut out Mike Love from the album cover and nobody would bat an eye, they'd just say "yep, that's Pet Sounds" Anyway, uhhh... my favorite tracks are Trombone Dixie, Good Vibrations, Hang On To Your Ego, and Pancreas
Great songs I knew beforehand (Caroline, No. Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows), this album was inspired after Brian Wilson heard the US version of Rubber Soul that had a folk/rock sound, but mostly inspired by the use of Sitar in Norwegian Wood and how The Beatles crafted songs with unusual instrumentation. While this album is a great way of displaying that mindset in a full project. The album starts strong, but in the middle it falters, but ends strongly so I'll give it 7/10
this is not my favorite beach boys album but it's a really good beach boys album!
I remember the first time I properly sat down and listened to Pet Sounds. My mum introduced me to this album many moons ago, and I’ll always be grateful she did. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what I was hearing, but the more I returned to it, the more I understood why it’s hailed as one of the most influential records ever made. The production on this album is, quite honestly, immaculate. Every layer is meticulously crafted — you can tell Brian Wilson poured his entire soul into every second. The mixing is nothing short of top tier; each instrument, from the warm bass lines to the shimmering percussion, sits perfectly in the mix without ever feeling crowded. The vocal harmonies are breathtaking, and they seem to float effortlessly above the complex arrangements. Songs like God Only Knows and Wouldn’t It Be Nice still sound fresh, delicate, and powerful all at once, and it’s incredible to think this was recorded in the mid-'60s. It pushed boundaries in ways most people wouldn’t dare to, blending orchestral elements, odd time signatures, and sound experimentation with pop sensibilities — and that influence is still felt today across countless genres. However, if I had to nitpick, there are moments where the pacing dips slightly — a couple of tracks don’t hit quite as hard as the heavy-hitters, and they can feel like filler when compared to the brilliance surrounding them. But even those moments are interesting from a musical standpoint. At its core, Pet Sounds is an album that taught me that music can be art — not just entertainment. I’ve got my mum for showing me how joyful music really can be. This record remains timeless and continues to inspire not only artists but listeners who simply want to feel something genuine. 4.6/5 stars
Yes!
Pet sound? Good Vibration.
6/10 buhhhhhhhhh I’m sorry, I have the most upmost respect for this album as being a foundational cornerstone for Pop and Rock music throughout history, it’s undeniably one of the most pristinely produced and crafted records of the 20th century. I just don’t think I can fully fall in love this album outside of that context, I think the songs are quite nice, but the songwriting on this album doesn’t really hit me in the way the records it paved the way for did, like I’m sort of just expected to be impressed by the production value. There’s a couple of strong moments here and there, especially with a song like God Only Knows, but I don’t find myself wanting to come back to this album a lot. Could just be a “cilantro tastes like soap” thing for me, I wish I could enjoy these songs to the fullest extent, but I can’t really bring myself to fall in love with this album completely. I’m sorry Paul Dano
happy shit
Not the biggest Beach Boys Fan, but Pet Sounds is a Classic and the record is quite coherent.
Oh hey it's them. Songs that have been played a billion times and used in advertising for thousands of years. Still, it's nice reading how influential it was at the time. Fave: Sloop John B
I've moaned about Dimery's Beach Boys picks before, but I suppose I can't quibble too much at "Pet Sounds" getting included. (Though I have a slight preference for "Smiley Smile" over "Pet Sounds" - more weirdness, plus "Good Vibrations"...) Still, "God Only Knows" is worth the price of admission here alone! The whole album is cracking summer sound track material... Fave tracks - all the predictable ones, "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "Sloop John B", and "God Only Knows"
4/5
I was aware of the Beach Boys as most people are. But even though I have generally enjoyed their vibe, and even feel a bit compelled to learn their backstory, I never really spent too much time thinking about them. After listening to this album I am a changed mind. This is really nice. Today with the world turning upside down it is nice to reflect and here about the good and bad of ordinary life, and the Beach Boys really deliver that well. It may well be that one of my favorite genres, that kind of alternative surfer rock that bridges between so many other genres, maybe is rooted here. I actually think this was really good for me to hear, perhaps when I did, but certainly that should not mean only because I needed it now!
Really solid album with some great tracks. 4.5. Probably should be a 5 but let’s be tough today.
😍
I listened to this album while walking through the Phillips Collection. Ethereal experience
Mastapiece
One of the best of all time
It's hard to re-evaluate megahits like Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows, but the remaining tracks are mostly pretty good too without any other real standouts. I like the production style, and the way it jams so many instruments and sounds in at once without feeling overwhelming. But to me there's something a little too clean, upbeat and artificial about this album when listened to as a whole that keeps it from getting a 5.
I've tried to get into this album in the past due to its high praise and it still just does not do it for me. Aside from a couple of tracks that I DO love (Wouldn't It Be Nice & God Only Knows) most of the songs are way too cloying for me to really enjoy. I get that the production and song writing are a big leap for the band compared to their earlier work but the songs just aren't there for me, sorry Brian.
5 stars
Hjerteskjærende melodier, spektakulære harmonier og banebrytende produksjon gjør dette til et tidløst kunstverk. Sublime sanger som Let's Go Away For A While, God Only Knows (!!!), I Know There's An Answer og Caroline No snakker for seg selv. Platen er ikke perfekt, og spesielt noen stilistiske valg kan virke gammeldagse nå seksti år senere. Der er uansett null tvil om at Pet Sounds fortjener plassen sin blant de vakreste og mest banebrytende albumene noen gang.
It really is that good. Though it kinda creeps me out. Both because the lyrics and general vibe are kinda stalkerish and because the production is spooky as if it’s somehow haunted.
I have to sing all of these songs in my most ridiculous strained falsetto. It's not possible to do otherwise. Obviously a masterpiece, I could sit here and eulogise but I don't currently have the time. I don't really understand why some people don't like this record, but I guess all the things, melodies, sounds, harmonies that charm me, irritate others. Definitely one of my favourite ever albums, and probably my favourite of all those 'classic' albums that are widely acknowledged as a great. I probably like it even more than The Bends.
Maybe the best album ever
I have mixed feelings about this album. Every time I have listened to it before was after reading a review that made me think I was gonna see god after listening to this. Not life changing, but it was actually pretty good! The instrumentation was layered and interesting though the vocals still feel trapped in 1950s boy band zone. Overall I think this album is more historically significant as one of the first concept albums than some sort of sonic masterpiece. 4⭐️
really enjoyed it
loveeee such a fun listen!!! I also feel this is Rachel's next obsession lol
It's iconic, but I'm not impressed.
Such a brilliant album.
Simply and without question one of the best albums ever made.
I never understood how this album effected the Beatles so much. It's not anything like what they were doing at the time. Which is a compliment. The number of bands trying to be the Beatles and failing was shockingly high. This record is good, though not my style at all. It's historical significance is also really high. I'm taking a star off here due to the number of fade outs, which pull me out of songs in a really negative way.
have you seen the length of influence and legacy page of this album??? yea
One of my favorite albums of all time. I just can't find any real fault with it and there is so much to enjoy. It's so textural and fun.
what can I say? love teenagers god beauty and pain
Irgendwie wider es solids album vonere solide Band wo mer kenne sött und meistens doch nur 1, 2 Lieder wükli kennt, was sich bim lose vom Pet Sounds aber au chli für mich bestätigt het willi jetzt kei mega neuentdeckig gfunde han bi ihrne fast chli zviel songs uf eim album. Het aber au ned gstört. Absolut klassische, durchschnittliche drüer
D beach boys die alte knackers. De name löst bi mir biz nostalgie us, als ob de neduzen i sim frühnere leve in california hippie vibes am zelebriere gsi isch und chli barfuess dur malibu gstramplet isch. Aber neeei, de mr ned.duzen isch denn bi witem nani am schnufe gsi, grad mal de paps afi es baby und mis mami kurz vor geburt bi dene releases. So guet findi denn amigs de beach boys sound doch au nöd, isch zu langsam und fast scho grenzwertig zu langwilig. Bar wenigi banger track though. 3 sandkörner gsponsort vum ned.uz.en an irgend e rando strand in cali
die boyes sind ja no für es paar überraschige guet gsi hett sich schön ahlose lah uf de dütsche autobahn und au die zwei bangers hend spass gmacht 3 muhs und mähs vo mir
iconic vo a–z! will dunschtig isch und ich gad wiedermal im kalte liebe fieber bin chani dem meisterwerk aber leider nöd 5 stern gäh, wär aber durchus dinne gläge darum abgrundeti 4 goodie goodies für die süessi ziegene
Not very cool is it? Lads singing like that. Very clean shirt, buttons done up to eleven. Try some cools drugs boys, sack off the bible (probably)
I frequently see this album listed as one of the all time greats. And so I have listened to it several times over the years. I just don’t get it. I can appreciate that for 1966 it was technically advanced and different. But as a listener I just don’t enjoy it all that much. It’s too saccharine? Sorry, I’ve tried many times to like this!
I love this album with my whole heart. Easily one of my favorites of all time. Thank you, Brian Wilson, for orchestrating this masterpiece.
Wouldn't it be nice to like this more? I can appreciate that there's a reason it's a highly regarded, classic album, but it just doesn't align all that well with my tastes.
I will never understand the adulation bestowed on the Beach Boys. It’s good pop music, nothing more.
Just sublime.
It's a great album, one of the most influential rock albums of all time. Defined a generation of music.
I don’t think I like The Beach Boys
When they hit, they HIT. When they don't, meh.
It's not true for all Beach Boys albums, but on this one these guys are way too carefree for me, it makes me sick. 2/5
Masterpiece
I know I'm supposed to say this is a masterpiece and easily 5 stars, but it just isn't for me. I do like some of The Beach Boys work so its not like I don't like their music. But this just isn't a perfect album. Having said that, the layering of horns elevates many of the tracks on the album, like Wouldn't It Be Nice and Sloop John B. But maybe that's just because I'm a sucker for a band including horns in just the right way. And was that a theremin I heard in I Just Wasn't Made For These Times?
It was alright, can't go wrong with the beach boys
I think I was expecting something more for how much I've heard about this album. I liked it well enough but it was sort of underwhelming. If this is a 3/5, its a high 3/5. Highlights: Wouldn't It Be Nice Lets Go Away for a while
This sound is so developed and innovative for ‘66. It’s clear that it made a huge impact on music at the time. The cacophony they’re able to create is amazing and paved the road for every chamber pop album to come after it. There are so many bangers on this, and very few misses. The grooves are always tight and sound really special. What keeps this from a five for me is the lilting vocals, the type taking center stage in “god only knows”. If they could embrace the magic of the final 30 seconds of “I’m waiting for the day” I would be all over this.
Ugh. Still reminds me of my dad, ugly sweaters, and racist frat boys. Can’t get there.
Wouldn’t it be nice if every album was as great as this one
Easiest 5 stars on this list.
Classic!
A pleasant relaxing experience from start to finish. Loved the rendition of sloop John B as well and sent me down a sea shanty thread. Also has two of the most essential Beach Boy songs.
No words needed, almost a perfect album
Ive never understood the attention this album gets.
Classic, and all with that sat, but little outdated for my taste
Just like Beatles
Is it sacrilege to say I find this album a little boring? There are some definite classics ("God Only Knows" is a perfect song) but overall, I don't find it that interesting.
Oh great another ‘great at the time’ album. What a chore this was.
that cover is worth getting banned from the zoo for bouncing a carrot off a tiger's nose. Partly pop-changing, decade-defining bangers, partly psychedelic choirboy bizarrity.
Incredibly influential, shaping many other albums including the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's, which then went on to influence so many others. The songwriting and production still holds up, even in the remastered version I listened to today. It's no surprise this album is so highly regarded, but I find it surprising the individual tracks do not receive more recognition. Paul McCartney once called "God Only Knows" the perfect pop song, and it's tough to argue with his expertise in song craft. Definitely worth a listen.
I've got no notes about this album musically. It's perfect. Not a single wasted note. Instead I'm going to tell a quick true story. One day I randomly sat next to this super quirky, super friendly girl at a work thing whom we'll call "G". "G" and I became fast friends. She was one of the most outgoing people I'd ever met. Through her I met "M". Through "M" I met "H". One day I was hanging out with "H" and she introduced me to her former roommate "R". I married "R" and we have a beautiful family together. I often wonder how different my life would be if I'd randomly sat next to someone else that day at work. Anyway, this album is kinda like that story. The Beatles apparently wrote Sgt. Pepper because they wanted to write something as good as Pet Sounds. Sgt. Pepper inspired Ozzy Ozzborne to pursue music. Black Sabbath inspired every metal, grunge, & hardcore band ever. So... I often wonder what music would be like if this album was never made.
Not what I think of as a concept album but I guess I understand how it would be viewed as such back then.
Sounds harmonic and very sweet and calming. Despite the impact it made I wuld rate it 3 but I fucking love Wouldn't It Be Nice and its feeling of nostalgia.
7 Simple, yet effective.
Pet Sounds is definitely an album I’ve taken for granted. It was always part of my childhood but somehow didn’t leave the impression on me that the likes of Rumours or Sgt Pepper did. Besides having the best song about being homesick on a boat ever made, it seemed like a catalogue of fairly simple love songs and a couple of instrumentals. It’s over before you really feel you’re into it. But I’ve given it a few listens this week, proper, nothing-else-but-headphones listens and boy is that the beauty of it. It makes you think you’ve heard a simple love song when you’ve actually heard the masterpiece that is God Only Knows. The genius is in making something really immaculately crafted feel like something so simple and pure. It actually had me feeling quite emotional just focusing on the lyrics and getting lost in them. I mean, they’re lyrics I’ve known for years but *heard* without really *listening* to them. My first reaction was ‘oh ok, Pet Sounds, that’s an easy 5.’ Then I thought ‘ah but is it, shouldn’t I actually give this a bit more thought and be more critically minded?’. So I was, and yeah, it’s Pet Sounds. It’s an easy 5.
It's the beach boys
Definitely the best Beach Boys album. Iconic, wildly popular, and influential. Still don't really like it though. I kind of liked their stuff when I was a kid, but since then that's faded and it all sounds a bit meh. 2/5 for me
Definitely see the influence and some songs that I want to come back to + explore more of their albums
Some great tracks, but I'm more of a Beatles gal.
There's just something about the vocals that will never make it a 5 star for me personally, but it is a delight
Don't see what the fuss is about. Some obviously hummable tunes and quality production, but underwhelming.
One of my favourites. A classic.
The Beach Boys are one of the best and original bands of doing one thing, but doing it so well you are essentially a genre of your own. Are there other bands that do this beachy, barbershop, simple beach rock for 2 minute songs out there? Maybe but nobody knows them and they don't really need to exist. This is album 11 for the kings of that genre and anyone who can listen to more than 100 tracks of this is probably insane enough to have those 100 on repeat and not really tell anyways. I'll be honest in that I wrote that first paragraph before getting to far into this album. Pet Sounds was always synonymous with the Beach Boys but I only have heard a couple of these tracks. So while there may be more variety in the content of the songs, the style does not change all that much. It's weird how popular the album is yet there are only 2-3 songs that made it to mainstream. Also, there are several songs that are kind of depressing lyrically yet still are played in the same poppy upbeat style. It is unsettling. "just wasn't made for these times" is super relatable as long as the passage about 'trying hard to find the people that I won't leave behind' isn't narcissistic and more about depression. I always assume others would rather I not be involved so I'm doing them a favor by staying away. Well now that I'm sufficiently bummed out, time to go find some other Beach Boys tracks to get some good vibes back. Favorite track "God only knows" 4/5
Timeless
An album where I knew 3 or 4 songs well but listening thoroughly and reading the background added an extra dimension to the music. Interesting story and unique album.
The myth is better than the reality A couple of belters, a lot of pretty dull filler and some wal of sound-esque production. Want to give it a 2.5, does not live up to the hype
It’s really great.
A classic, of course, but too sugary sweet for my diabetic ears.
Overall enjoyed listening - definitely a new sound that I don't listen to a lot. Good to get into some older classics and explore the beginnings of psychedelic pop. I didn't feel super drawn to any of the songs and probably wouldn't listen again besides a couple that stood out to me. Favs: "you still believe in me", "caroline, no" "don't talk" - beautiful vocals and lyrics so many unconventional sounds; bells and horns and whistles love the instrumentals of "let's go away for awhile" - drums a lot of the sounds remind me of "strawberry fields forever" by Beatles - psychedelic hazy feel fading out of every song - gives it a nostalgic feel to me
Solid 3.8.
Some undeniable bangers, but most of this is mid
Inspired Sgt Pepper, and for good reason.
Love it. A true masterpiece.
This may have been influential but did not sound particularly special to me. Like every old psychedelic rock album. Stand-out: Sloop John B
Damned good, though I like Smile more
Classic.
Obviously it has some bangers, but for the most part it was pretty bland. I will give it a weak 3 but it almost deserves a 2 to be honest.
Sometimes I find the slower songs a bit of a drag if I'm not in the mood, but otherwise this album is pretty fantastic. Sloop John B is still my favorite off this album.
the moment in the wizard of oz when dorothy steps outside and everything is colour
Fairly inoffensive but I remember learning Sloop John B in first year at school in the mid sixties.
Love the Beach Boys sound. Their harmony and their chill sound are always fun to hear. I prefer their other songs over the ones on this particular album, but still a solid album. Best song: Sloop John B
You know, it's good but I really don't get the fawning over it. Maybe when it came out, there was something super radical about it but it really sounds like a lot of other wall of sound stuff, which I do like. The album tracks are sort of bland and not catchy. I also never understood the hate Mike Love got as he could reel in Brian Wilson and keep him focused.
Classic.
one of the greatest albums ever made I have so much respect for Brian Wilson cuz god damn what a life
Pretty good for a decade I never listen to. Liked it more than I expected to
Pretty good! Still better than most new pop albums
8.4/10
Pa nije lose al sta znam ne bih slusao cesto
Some really high highs, with a few not-so-outstanding lows, still a cool listen and an interesting blend of what I'd say plays within the confines of a 60's pop sound but obviously still expands on those structures to create such a special album - I bet this was mindblowing when it dropped
Haven't listened to them much, but I do really like their sound and vibe.
Classic, obviously. Just very well done!
Listening to this and realizing I just don’t like The Beach Boys.
It's an uneven album for me, so my score is solely based on how much I like Sloop John B, God Only Knows, and Wouldn't It Be Nice.
Harmonizing is great, one of the best groups at doing it and this album is them at their best. Some great classic songs on here. 3.5/5 Would listen again
I've never really liked the Beach Boys and I've listened to Pet Sounds before. On a re-listen, I have a greater appreciation for the lyrics, which are basically classic love poetry. But I find the dreamy instrumentation saccharine, Brian Wilson's voice too doo-wop, especially in combination with the harmonizing backing vocals. Other people are clearly getting a LOT out of this album and I can understand that it revolutionised recording, but I still don't really like it, sorry.
After ten minutes I was sick of The Beach Boys. Wouldn’t it be nice is great though but I think of that still of Pedro pascal smiling every time I hear it
There are some enjoyable songs here. This ultimately falls into the "influential without being all that enjoyable" bucket for me.
Pretty good. I adore the vocal harmonies from a musical standpoint, and there are a few standout tracks on here for sure. The non-single tracks are still good, but don't get stuck in my head the way the more well-known tracks do. Nice to hear them branching out a bit from straight surf rock.
all beauty, no edge
I think it’s clear that the best albums stick out and the best songs. I was prepared to be a bit churlish but this is as good as it gets.
I had an absolutely long written review for this but I just deleted it. This album can’t be expressed in words it’s so beautiful. It captures an intense feeling of childhood innocence while delving into adult topics. Amazing instrumentation. Initial listen: 10/10??? or 5/5.
This album has two killer songs - Wouldn't it be Nice, and God Only Knows - the latter of which is an all-timer. Funnily enough the rest of the album has a similar vibe but doesn't connect with me at all. Something about the Beach Boys makes them much better in small doses than an album's worth at a time, for me at least. It's just all a bit twee
very dreamy but no loves
Wasn't my thing back then and still not but I can appreciate it and they were all great musicians.
details a love affair that turns worse - I think I only knew the first song, 'Wouldn't it be nice?' in advance. I relate to 'You still believe in me' a lot, it's simple but hits hard and is very dreamy as well. The Beach Boys seem to have a theme were the music gets larger as the song advances and more instruments get introduced + we get really long outros. I would love to put on 'Put your head on my shoulder' during a trip, completely melt with another in the song. Love the bells in 'Let's get away for a while'. Oh I know 'God only knows' as well ofcourse, I did not realise how often their music really gets used in soundtracks. Also love the last song, 'Caroline, no'. Kind of want to hear the whole album again while on shrooms
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would! The songs that I didn't recognize were interesting and deep - makes me want to learn more about the Beach Boys & their history.
Beach Boys harmonies are probably the closest thing we'll ever come to hearing actual angels sing.
Iconic
It's a masterpiece
Absolute masterpiece of an album.
My review: it is a good album but it doesn’t sound as interesting as it would have if you were there to appreciate it since it’s format was and is used often after it’s release, but even then the instrumentation is still absolutely fantastic. Though the lyrics are kind of by the book (boy wants girl) but the songs sound nice and it was a good listen. I rate it a 7/10, I appreciate that without it music would sound far less interesting than it does because of the influence this albums instrumentation had.
Amazing highs, i'm not sure the entire album bops, but wouldn't it be nice and, more importantly, god only knows are......top 20 songs of all time? Gotta be. Does that make the album a 5? I don't know, maybe i'll come back and rate it as such, but some of the other songs are pretty forgettable. So for now, 4. God only knows......so good.
what can you even say. angelic
stop talking about love god damn. be hateful
Greatness. God only Knows
God Only Knows
Absolute perfection of an album - not a single skippable track with pristine production.
A classic, probably one of the actual best albums ever
Pets sound good
cheesy lyrics? you bet! nevertheless, this album holds a very dear place in my heart.
3.5
Welp. It’s The Beach Boys.
Not my jam but a classic.
Listening to this whilst crying on a boat
Not bad, solid positive vibes
I can never fully get into albums with the huge production and Orchestra vibe because I base it off this album. I love the harmonies- the vocals and lyrics in general. The mixing of the vocals is amazing. There's so much going on musically in all these songs and it's not distracting, it adds to the feel. There's not a not great song on this album.
An excellent album all the way around. It really sounds like they captured something different and I like it.
The Beach Boys soundtrack the best parts of life.
Great album. What sort of joyless twat doesn’t like The Beach Boys?
ugh i dont care if its revolutionary, that doesn’t make me like it any more. im just genuinely bored and the singing just drones on.
instrumentals were my favorite
Great album! Amazing Harmonies!
Don’t love The Beach Boys but hard to give this less than 4
So this is what makes this exercise hard. Even though it's not exactly my thing, there's no denying that there is greatness here. This record doesn't sound like anything else, and if I gave another record 5 stars, this probably deserves 6.
Someday this album will click for me.
One of my all time favorites. Beautiful haunting melodies and harmonies, exotic yet comforting.
So it's Pet Sounds time. Groundbreaking, yes. Incredible harmonies and production, check? Why didn't I like it more? Maybe it's just a particular day in this world going to shit -- but it just didn't resonate with me. I got kinda bored in the middle stretch. All in all, I'd prefer listening to Smile. It's still a great album, sure. But it just wasn't what I needed.
Just brilliant
This was fine. I love The Beach Boys, but I can't help but think I was expecting more. This was a bit underwhelming is all. I don't know what I was anticipating to hear, but from some reason, this was not it. Maybe it was just me. Strangely enough, I'm at a loss for words. I don't want to do the album a disservice by underrating it, but this was definitely not a five. But is it a four? ***More time has now passed and I've listed to track 8*** Absolutely, if only just for the song "God Only Knows." This song hits differently the older I get and now it hits me on an emotional and spiritual level deep inside my soul I didn't even realize I had and will often bring me to tears. Okay, Beach Boys. Okay. You got me. This is a four.
There are definitely a few straight bangers on this album. I appreciate the experimentation, but on some songs it was completely out of the blue and took me right out of the vibe. Some of the other instrumental songs were fine, but I'm not sure what their purpose was or why they were included at all. Those points lost it a star for me.
No skips. Legendary
scares me
I'm sure this slapped in the 60s but I don't think this has aged well. That might have something to do with the fact I listened to the album in mono rather than stereo. But I also think the best Beach Boys songs (Good Vibrations, Surfing USA) are not on this album
I mean, it was the greatest album in the world for a year and 10 days until The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper. This isn't just peak Brian Wilson, or peak Beach Boys, it was peak pop rock and has only gotten better with age.
God only knows what I’d be without you.
Gotta be the most wholesome album
Nothing special. Might have been back then.
Classics are classic for a reason.
Nice background noise.
Love it shocked that it was this good
Iconic and important 1960's album. Really nice and cheerful tunes.
Perfect.
One of my favorite projects in college- this album! Love getting to listen to such significant music culturally and personally.
I know Pet Sounds often compared to "Sgt Pepper's" but I think it fails in this comparison. But the album stands on it's own as a big step forward for the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson in particular. There is a lot going on here, and he's done some pretty amazing production work here. The songs are solid although there's only a couple I'd consider "classics". But all-in-all this is a great album and it did push the envelope and deserves it's credit as one of the all-time great albums.
This is a 5 from me for sure. There was some discussion in my listening group -> I can see why this isn't everyone's favourite and we decided some folks in my group sort of "don't get the hype" about this record, and indeed the Beach Boys in general, much the same way I don't personally understand the love of Radiohead. I went through this a few times and I've listened many times in the past - I was looking for shortcomings and I'm aware of a few (ex: 'I just wasn't made for these times' does sort of fit the mood and theme of the record but is kind of a standout low point IMHO) but overall I love the sound and construction and performances here.
Good but not the best new order lp
Own it, love it
Great album
Good.
Great album with lots of classic songs. Reminds me of being at the water park as a kid. Very chill music with excellent lyrics. I wouldn't buy this one just because I've heard it so many times but it's definitely one of those classic albums that is just about perfect.
Most of these songs were heard frequently on the radio and in movies as a kid, 20-30 years after they came out, which says a lot about the band and the album.
Day 5: Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys. Pet Sounds is one of the most revered albums of all time. Almost everywhere you look for information regarding this album, it's listed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Unfortunately, I don't really understand why it's as beloved as it is. I'll give it a 5/5 in the second category because of how beloved it is. I suppose that it is nostalgic for the individuals who grew up in the 1960's. The Beach Boys are possibly in a similar vein as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. However, I prefer The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. It does feel like The Beach Boys had fun in this album. Gosh, I feel bad for not having much to say about this album. It has a lot of nice melodies, and nice songs. Thank you very much for reading my whole lotta nothing. Personal Enjoyment: 3/5. How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
IMHO, one of the 2 most important albums of the rock era. A masterpiece of baroque rock, the tippity top of songwriting, orchestration/production, and vocal performance sprung from the godhead of Brian Wilson. "God Only Knows" and "Caroline, No" are sublime confections and I could listen to them non-stop for the rest of my days without remorse. A shame I can only give it 5 stars. If I could, I give it 99.
Great
One of the best albums ever created.
Not for me.
A classic!
love
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Certainly one of the top 10 best rock/pop albums ever and in my top three for sure. Hopefully the Album can be a gateway to new listeners to discover other great gems in the Beach Boys catalog.
tender, wistful, optimistic, wondering, wonderful symphonic pop
So fun. So cheery.
The Beach Boys are in a league of their own. I've listened to them since my dad would play their albums on long car rides, I mostly enjoyed singing along to Barbara Ann back then lol. I love the epic orchestral feel and innovative synthy production. Someone described their sound as church hymns for teenagers once. I would agree, minus the mind numbing boredom I experienced listening to hymns growing up (exaggerating a bit).
essential beach boys album
This is an easy album to listen to -- great from start to finish. It's not on my personal favorite albums which seems strange for someone who usually aligns with the boomer sentiment around music, but it's a true classic.
Great album with some real bangers!
The Beach Boys just don't do it for me. Most of their songs sound so similar and kind of cheesy. That said there are some classics on here. I can handle a song or two at a time and enjoy it, but a whole album is a bit much.
It’s a nice one and there isn’t much more to be said
happy/embarrassed to report that wouldn’t it be nice still makes me teary
Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, God Only Knows all good, I didn’t like the rest
One of the easiest decisions so far. Simpsons: Yes
Pretty sure I listened to this a while ago and forgot to rate it. After 2 listens, I can confidently say that I am not a fan of The Beach Boys. Wouldn't It Be Nice is alright, and God Only Knows is a good tune. The rest I did not like.
Wouldn't it be nice and God only knows are both ok tunes. Everything else is mediocre at best. Thankfully it is not a very long album.
Big fan
Good stuff. Aged pretty well.
classic beach boys fun music
Though nostalgic, I don't care for several Beach Boy songs in a row. Throw one into a summer mix with Jack Johnson and Michael Franti and I'll dig it.
Look It's the Beach Boys, people call this one of the top 5 albums of all time. Revolutionary, etc. It's just not for me. I do not like this album, but bonus points for it being so iconic. Best Song: Wouldn't it be Nice Rating: 4.0/10 (Forgettable) 2 Stars
Best Beach Boy album.
Pet Sounds is the eleventh studio album from the Beach Boys. It is regarded as their best work, and sits at the very top of most lists of the greatest albums of modern music. At the time of its release, it was not successful, critically or commercially. The complicated orchestrations and significant production were too much of a departure from the band's catalog of innocent, harmonic surf-pop. Over time, the album's repute has changed to universal acclaim. These songs maintain the band's youthful, innocent perspective and vocal harmonies, like in "Wouldn't it be Nice," but added an array of instruments and production effects that changed the world's understanding of what could make a pop song.
Classic, variable, intriguing harmonies
4 estrellas y media. Lo que no tiene en grandes canciones lo tiene en producción.
yeah, no. Sloop John B is OK, the rest not so much.
I was worried this would be another album where the first track was the best. Luckily this wasn't true, but I still found it near totally uninspiring. Favourite track: God Only Knows.
• 5/5 - Maybe #1 all time; definitely top-10 • set aside that it represents a critical turning point in modern music, every song holds its own and makes the whole better • So much complexity - headphones are best
Der beste Titel fehlt leider. Good Vibrations.
Qué cosa tan brutal y depresivamente inesperada. Conocía las canciones alegres de los Beach boys, las buena onda, pero Pet Sounds resultó un trancazo con su letras de desamor y sus tonadas melancólicas. Un disco que voy a seguir escuchando por largo rato.
My main note on this album is the use of multi-instrumentation, it felt like it had all the usual suspects but then featured doubly the number of unexpected instruments (hello, theremin solo?!). I was taken aback by this and felt it was rich in musical depth. This album feels underrated, despite there being two hit songs. It had more emotional depth that I didn't know they had previously, having only heard the top hits. Sloop John B, I know there's an answer, and I just wasn't made for these times were a combination of dark pop, which may have defined this genre before it was a genre, meaning it was made as upbeat music with dark undertones in the lyrics. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of this well developed album. I had no idea the Beach Boys offered more complex themes and rich composition for being California surfer dudes.
Heart Break Music - and I don't really care for the topic. Still pretty good though.
If you graphed talent on the Y axis and debilitating mental illness on the X axis, Brian Wilson would be as far to the top right as possible. I think it was *probably* worth it.
Look, there's nothing I can say about this album that hasn't already been overly exalted by every music writer on earth. And yet: it's all true!
dang that was pretty good
Klingt recht altmodisch
Classic but aged worse than others , not something ID sit down and listen to.
Finally something that doesn't suck. This list seems to be full of shit I NEVER needed to hear. It's disappointing to say the least.
I consider this the greatest album of all time.
1/1001. Didn't automatically jump out. Tried to focus on harmony and beauty as read online. Really enjoyed Let's Go Away for a While. Higher volume made me appreciate more the background. Lyrics felt a bit sappy but endearing. Saved God Only Knows and LGAFAW for further listening, but will re-run and update somewhere in the next week. Cowardly 6.5/10 on first listen, but albums veeeeery rarely grip me this early.
not my go to everyday sort of music, but an undeniable classic that shaped pop music and influenced countless bands and artists.
Great
Not really my thing.
OK I promise I'll stop with the stereo stuff (I truly don't know enough to keep mentioning it) BUT worth noting that Spotify only carries stereo for a bunch of 60s stuff and old heads are pissed because the mono versions were what was intended (unsurprisingly r/bobdylan had LOTS of rage about this) . For some of the classic albums/re-releases (like this one) Spotify has mono AND stereo versions...if nothing else, especially with headphones, it's kinda fun to listen to the differences in feel and make up your own mind. Brian Wilson liked the original mono, wall-of-sound mix. This is clearly an inspired album. Harmonies are crazy and you can feel Brian Wilson spending so much time on these songs. It makes sense that Phil Spector and Brian Wilson knew each other because that "wall of sound" fingerprint is all over it. It's a 5 for me--my only hesitation is that I don't really like the "California sound"/specific voices of the Beach Boys. I listened to the instrumental versions and obviously the vocal melodies are missing so there's not the same magic but I didn't miss their actual voices and was nice to just sink into Brian Wilson the orchestrator. Might be why "let's go away for awhile" was my favorite discovery on relisten. Not on the album but a pitch to listen to "Feel Flows" (released later)...can't explain why I like it so much but it's my favorite BB song, more psychedelic for sure.
Masterpiece. WALL OF SOUND. One of my all time favorites and thinking about it this weekend, it occurred to me there is a lot of contradiction in Pet Sounds. Epic/docile, approachable/complex, happy/sad, avant- garde/pop. Approachable enough that my toddlers listened to it constantly (not that they were requesting it), but too complex for me to really understand. I think that’s the key and why I always come back to it. It sounds insanely good, which is probably its lasting legacy, but every time I play it some new instrument or harmony or whatever stands out like it’s the first time I’m hearing it. The record opens with a key shift in the first 6 seconds! Another contradiction is the fact that it’s so meticulously crafted but is also very emotional. Aja is comparable from a production standpoint but still feels distant or cold at times. The fact that I’m a concept album guy is really hitting home now, and I think these albums benefit from a full listen through. I greatly prefer consistent themes to an eclectic mix of songs. I love to sink into an album and this one specifically takes you somewhere. Dreamlike. Pet Sounds is also incredibly unique. It profoundly influenced popular music 60 years ago but as far as I can tell no one has made anything similar to it since. This time through my favorites were Let's Go Away for Awhile, Here Today, I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times, Caroline, No. The horns in the pre chorus in Here Today fucking rule. P.s. Phil Spector seems to be the primary influence for this, and this led to The Beatles response in Sgt Peppers. Crazy how much that creep Spector changed the landscape of popular music.
I've been struggling all weekend to articulate why my gut reaction is to give this album a 4 instead of a 5. Obviously, it sounds amazing, the harmonies are spectacular, and it was hugely innovative and influential, so I have no objection to it being generally considered one of the greatest albums of all time (other than maybe to spite Sean). But something being objectively great doesn't mean I personally have to love it - and there is something about the Beach Boys I just don't fully connect with. For lack of a better word, I think it's a lack of 'edge.' I don't mean that the sound is too refined or over-produced - the sound manages to be both perfect and inviting. Instead, I think it's more about the songwriter's POV. There's a childlike quality to the songs, an innocence, I guess, that when sung by men in their 20s with beautiful singing voices, leaves my inner skeptic wanting more. I want these songs to hit a littler harder, to have some teeth to them, to sound like this music is coming from a man who has lived a little more of life instead of an extremely talented group of kids with great singing voices. With the innocent act, I feel like Brian's not giving me the whole truth - not that he has to, but if he isn't, he should lie a little better. I know this isn't a valid criticism, I'm just justifying my own taste.
Ive been through PS so many times and it continues to impress me every listen. PS listens like a play or a movie. The lyrics paint an angst ridden story of changes related to maturing and love. The track sequencing keeps your attention by switching between upbeat, pure instrumentals (lets go away for a while and pet sounds) and sad songs. Less generally, the hits themselves hold up so well. Wouldnt it be nice is not cheesy IMO and is filled with so much depth. God only knows is maybe the most impressive progression ive tried to analyze. Maybe one of the only songs I know that can pull this off without losing general appeal I know Brian Wilson was rumored to have inspired Sargent Pepper with this project - Its mentioned in several Beatles interviews. I personally think Pet Sounds is a more cohesive and better sounding album than SP.
If you don’t love this album I don’t like you. I grew up listening to the Beach Boys’ greatest hits that my parents had, and thought of them as an unserious band for surfers and wannabe surfers. I think that was maybe true for the beginning of their careers even at the time, but when they came out with Pet Sounds, they viewed it as a gauntlet thrown down at more respected bands like the Beatles. Pretty sure the Beatles credited this album with firing them up to do some of their best work in the late 60s. This album rules - so much more musically interesting than their early poppy stuff. I don’t know the full story of why they did two versions of the same song on this album Hang Onto Your Ego and I Know There’s An Answer (some sort of fugue-like exercise?).