Pet Sounds

I know that the album is iconic and changed the way bands approached album creation, but it’s just another Beach Boys album to me. It’s good, but not great

average Beach Boys album: "I HATE YOUR BOYFRIEND" "look at this cool boat :)" "I WOULD LOVE YOU MORE THAN HIM" look, I like the Beach Boys. I'm more of a 20/20 guy myself, but I love the sound of their music overall. but boy howdy, they sure fucking know how to write songs that are every Nice Guy's "your boyfriend doesn't love you properly but I am perfect for you actually and you just don't know it yet but I can FIX you" anthem. I've been asked out on dates by guys like that. it's not endearing, folks.

Not sure what to say about this. The best known tracks are great, the arrangements are great, the production may have been groundbreaking but often sounds dated now, and as an album it's really overrated.

I’ve probably seen Pet Sounds in ‘Top 10 Albums of All Time’ lists as much as any other, which perhaps raised my expectations when I hit play on this album for the first time. ‘Wouldn’t Be Nice’ and ‘God Only Knows’ are memorable, but over the relatively short runtime of the album The Beach Boys’ harmonising and jovial-ness worse thin a little. Not bad by any means, but hardly the greatest thing ever put to record.

Hella overrated. While I think Wouldn’t It Be Nice is a great song with some heavenly vocal harmonies, the rest of the album didn’t really have any standouts and was kind of samey. A lot of people call this one of the best albums of all time, and it’s definitely very influential, but when I think of other albums that fall into that category like Rumours and Abbey Road, this falls short. An enjoyable listen - no more, no less.

Good music of its time, but not my favorite

IMHO - This is one of the most overrated LPs in rock and roll history. There are some really good moments on here but I've never seen what the all fuss was about. The band and the LP are just okay IMHO.

Listening to them is always like having a trip around countryside, remind me of good old days

I was really expecting to be floored by this -- but I wasn't? Don't get me wrong, it's certainly good, and I can understand why it's considered essential listening; I just found a lot of the tracks to fall seriously flat, and boy does it sure sound dated. I don't know. Not for me, I guess. Fave tracks: - Wouldn't It Be Nice - That's Not Me - Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) - I'm Waiting For The Day - Sloop John B - God Only Knows - Here Today - I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

i have listened to pet sounds a couple of times. i understand its significance intellectually. but it's kinda like listening to classical music.

I have attempted to get into this album multiple times over the decades, and this most recent one may be my most successful. That still isn't saying much, because I don't foresee ever listening to this on my own. I appreciate this as a landmark album and respect its place in music history. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" are classics for a reason, and there are great musical moments throughout. But I've always found their songs pretty trite (with some exceptions), and those vaunted Beach Boys harmonies just aren't my thing.

Never understood why this album is so much praised. A couple of non-spectacular, inoffensive, nice radio-songs.

Memories of listening to my older Sisters Beach Boys Greatest Hits album when she went out. Knowing where she hid it! Enjoyed listening to this album again in full. At the time of its release It was a new sound which obviously made it a classic breakthrough album but for me while every track is easy on the ear only a few Beach Boys tracks in general stand out for me. “God Only Knows” being one of my all time favourites.

3 tá de bom tamanho

The big songs are good. Although I don't really like Sloop John B. The rest I really don't get.

I just don't really get the beach boys. Their big tracks are out of this world, but the others are just there and I find them fairly forgettable. Quite a few on this sounded like they were gonna be Christmas songs with the prominent early jingly percussion. I guess I just fins it hard to understand the impact this album had at the time. And this is what people are thinking when they can't get their heads around why the Beatles are amazing. But there we go. Id happily put on a greatest hits anytime, but if this is their best album I'm not fussed about their albums.

I get that this was revolutionary and is ranked high on so many album lists, but it's not something I LOVE listening to by any stretch. They are so skilled at weaving their voices together. The backing instrumentals are great too.

I’d known Pet Sounds was hailed as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, but I had never actually listened to it until now. I gave it three tries, hoping to understand what makes it so great, but it just isn’t my taste. Once again, I realized I’m drawn to guitar-driven rock, and since guitars are almost absent here, maybe that’s why it didn’t click with me.

Very unique high pitched sound with harmonies that people probably either love or hate. Starts off strong with "wouldn't it be nice" and also has "god only knows" - these are probably the punchiest songs on the album, the rest are slow and somber. So, it's not my favorite album of theirs, but not bad.

An interesting album. I really enjoy a few of the songs on here, such as Sloop John B., and Wouldn't it be Nice. I appreciated the funny noises, but overall it was just alright. I know critics and others will say this album was insane and groundbreaking, but I think it's just not quite my sound. Favorite song was God Only Knows.

It is early January, you are with your parents at the family holiday home. They are going on an evening lake cruise with their friends and they don't want to get a babysitter, so they are dragging you along. At least your cousins will be there, but you'd rather just be at home playing PlayStation because you were given Final Fantasy VIII and you just passed the SeeD exam so you can start exploring the open world, outside of Balamb Garden and the Fire Cavern. Your parents and their friends are having a great time, drinking rum-based cocktails that are heavy on the pineapple, but there isn't too much for you to do. The buffet dinner has chicken nuggets which is pretty cool, but by the time you have waited for the adults to serve themselves, the nuggies have cooled down quite a lot, and they were actually pretty stale anyway. Now that the adults have a good head of steam up, the karaoke machine is turned on and you watch as your parents fumble their way through The Lion Sleeps Tonight. They get you to join them to provide the background 'wimoweh' chant which is pretty fun, but you are aware that you are very much an extra in this evening, and the lake cruise wasn't really planned with you in mind.

Some great tunes but a bit of a dates sound now. And too many lyrics related to young girls.

Good

Ganska charmigt o mysigt sound, och flera klassiker såklart och inga direkt tråkiga låtar men är inte supersåld heller. Lagom bra, o kul att ha lyssnat!

ça va

Some good songs some bad doesn't feel cohesive don't know what folks are on about

The beach boys zijn altijd leuk

I’m a sucker for harmonies. But other than a few songs I didnt find these super memorable.

This is difficult. Three of my favourite Beach Boys songs on here, 'Wouldn't It Be Nice', 'Sloop John B' and 'God Only Knows'. The rest, while not exactly 'fillers' can't live up to those. I'm too old (by more than 40 years) for themes of 'teen angst and romance' to resonate, so lyrically this doesn't speak to me. I KNOW this is an 'important' album. Everyone says so... I'm not scoring things on that, though, I'm not a music critic. I'm scoring things on my personal enjoyment and on that basis it gets a 3/5.

fine

I’m not sure, it’s kinda enjoyable but kinda cringe almost, I don’t get how people say this is one of the best albums ever tbh

it's just simple, good, honest pop / rock and roll from the 60's. yeah it's def their best album.

Not nearly enough sounds from pets

It was fine!

This is a tough one but I’ll be honest- I never got the appeal and acclaim for this album. The Beach Boys are fine and have great harmonies but it has always sounded like bubble gum pop to me. Having said that, God Always Knows is a phenomenal song. I understand that the production is great and that it was influential but in 2025 it sounds a bit dated. When I listened this time I tried to listen with fresh ears and concentrate on all the elements and parts are beautiful. There’s just not enough there to convince me this is one of the greatest albums.

It was alright but was underwhelming considering how highly rated it's supposed to be

Groundbreaking and inventive to the max, this is when pop grows up - but I don't love all the songs

Historical and sort of fundamental though I reckon they are not as original as they pretend; more tech driven. I wouldn't listen to the whole thing again.

With all the hype this album gets, I’m not gonna lie I dont really think it lives up to it, but I do enjoy this album!

I don't think I really get why people love The Beach Boys so much, but I can definitely appreciate their unique sound and overall musicality. They were certainly ahead of their time. The harmonies in many of their songs are quite elegant and precise. God Only Knows is a great song and I like that it has french horn. Wouldn't It Be Nice is a classic too. It's a pleasant album, but not groundbreaking for me. 7.5/10.

7.5/10

Wouldn’t it be nice was good, rest were average. Won’t listen again.

Paar alte banger drin…aber vielleicht eine Album Variante nehmen ohne die Mini Versionen…

Tooooooo formulaic for me

*1966. *This is full of depressed Beach Boys songs, and I much prefer the mellow tunes to standard Beach Boys. *Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows are the only previously-known-to-me songs. *Would listen to this again, but not often. RATING - 6.5/10

It’s good - I just don’t love it. I appreciate it’s 1966 and it’s incredibly innovative and ahead of its time.. but I just prefer other albums of that era, of that year even. Something about the lyricism and voice grates me.

A smooth vibey time.

Classic Beach Boys album. A few bona fide hits on here, but outside of those I wasn't feeling it too much.

Definitely get why this is on the list - it's 2025 and the production still sounds modern even today. That being said I'm not really moved by it.

Bella la prima canzone

Enjoyed Sloop John B

It's alright. Nothing sparked anything in me.

An important and influential album. They certainly experimented with a lot of new sounds and styles, and it’s impressive that they could still reinvent themselves and make such great music by their 11th album (!), at a point in their career where most bands usually start to decline. As revolutionary as it was back then, I’m not sure it aged that well though. Some songs are still pretty awesome, but many others sound a bit tame now. I think I prefered The Beach Boys when they were doing brainless, happy surf music ; maybe it wasn’t as sophisticated as Pet Sounds, but they had a raw energy that this album could sometimes use. I enjoyed listening to it, I acknowledge its objective importance, but it didn’t excite me as much as I would have liked. Maybe I’ll come back to it in the future to try to get a new perspective.

It's hard to define a 5 star album. It needs to make a good first impression, needs to have replay-ability, and should have strong songs that are balanced throughout. This is probably more than I can judge on a first listen. I don't know if this album will be 5 stars on the third listen or the tenth listen, but it's not there yet. Maybe in the future.

Did not match my vibes but good!

Big for its time. Couple of hits. Good harmonies.

So, 'Pet Sounds' IS on this list, after all. Fine. It deserves to be. But then I stand even more strongly by my earlier assertion that 'The Beach Boys Today!' does NOT warrant taking up a second spot on this list which at least 1,001 other albums could and should have had. Anyway, about THIS album. It sucks. Since it's (thankfully) short, I even gave it a second playthrough just to be sure. Yep. It sucks. The three tracks everyone knows are passable, but the rest of this is a singsongy snoozefest. "(Brian Wilson's) goal was to create "the greatest rock album ever made"—a cohesive work with no filler tracks." Uh... really? Guess "filler track" had a different definition back in 1966. I understand this album's historical context and significance, and so, for pushing production boundaries and for using a theremin (if for only but a moment) it gets a bump in its rating - but I'm unwilling to bend any further for what is essentially an overrated, outdated slice of beta male Americana.

I only really like one Beach Boys song (Good Vibrations) and it isn't on this album. I can appreciate how influential this is, and that it's the pinnacle of pop music and all of that. It just subjectively leaves me cold. It sounds *aggressively* 60s in a way that my favourite Beatles songs don't, and I really don't like the intense use of reverb on the vocals. Just, not for me.

not my type of music but let’s see… already know ‘wouldn’t it be nice’ ofc cute! really enjoyed the interlude/instrumental track actually, sloop john b too lowkey god only knows is a classic for a reason tbf

Generic Beach Boys sound. Whatever you hear in your head when someone mentions the Beach Boys, that's what this entire album sounds like. It's fine, nothing special. An important part of American music styling but not really a "stand out" album for me personally.

If you take away the only 2 good songs on here, then in my opinion it is pretty boring with a lot of repeating stuff to the point where it becomes boring. Also, it is pretty dreamy, if that makes sense.

Vibes; Het album. Ik weet niet, misschien komt het door Love Actually, maar dit hele album voelt voor mij echt heel erg als een kerstalbum? Misschien zijn het de vele belletjes en dingetjes die je op de achtergrond hoort. Misschien is het de zang die bij wijlen bijna als een soort koor klinkt? Misschien zijn het de teksten die gaan over liefde en gezelligheid en hoe schattig en mooi alles eigenlijk is? Ik weet het niet, maar het voelt nog altijd als een kerstalbum. Er staan de hits op(wouldnt is be nice en God only knows) maar het is ook eigenlijk meteen duidelijk waarom dit nou de hits zijn. De rest is gewoon een flink stuk saaier en de melodie is minder catchy. FAVO: Wouldn't it be nice, God only knows

Me parece que si no eres estadounidense te dan completamente igual los Beach Boys.

Stone cold classic. The harmonies and some of the songs are brilliant. In a possible controversial statement though, I didn't love the entire album. Sloop John B remains a personal favourite and God Only Knows is a masterpiece of loveliness but there are others that don't shine as much.

I hate that super happy pop crap. Was planning on a 2 but I guess I gotta give credit where credit is due. I go up to a 3 and that’s it

There's some bangers, but there's some absolute shite too, let's be fair. I always find Pet sounds a bit dark in places.

Nice. Fav: God only knows

3,5

Not a BB fan but I like the weird psychedelic style of the album.

Some bangers but some ehs

Good vibes and nice background synths

6.8/10 - some slappers

Another Beach Boys album, just a few weeks after BW's passing? And less than two weeks after my first? I'll take it, but seems a little odd (if not intentional). I've often heard (especially lately, given recent events) that this is one of the greatest albums of all time, but I can't say I really see why after listening. It does some interesting stuff musically, and felt like it flowed well both in composition and lyrically. Even so, there was really nothing that I can say blew me away. I'd guess it's another example of something that had more impact in context than I get from hearing it on here. Looking into it more, it often gets cited as altering the course of music production, which is harder for me to recognize now, almost 60 years later. A lot of the songs are fine to good. Similar to what I've written about some of the other records on here, it notably has no particularly bad songs. A couple are very good- God Only Knows is probably the best track on the album and holds its own off of it. Other than that, nothing really stands out as great on its own. It's also solid as a whole album, but again, nothing that strikes me as great. I'll concede that it isn't my particularly favorite genre/style, which could skew things a bit. Even so, I enjoyed it, and thought certain parts were pretty good. There just wasn't that much else that stood out to me as better than that. As a result, it sits in the high range of good in my ranking, but not up to great. Overall: 3.5/5

Some good, some bad

Wouldn't it be nice and surfin usa are bangers rest are alright

Lots of familiar hits and songs that sounds exactly like the hits. It's the falsetto harmony that's grating.

Classic.

These guys just won't go away. I'll admit that I enjoyed this album more than the last one. "Wouldn't it be nice" is definitely my favorite Beach Boys song so it was great to kick things off with. Pet Sounds was able to make it further into the album before getting tiresome of the same exact sound/song. It feels more mature than prior albums. Overall not too shabby, and I can see how the mixing approaches and experimenting led to some new developments for the Beatles.

god only knows

Easy listening, good happy background music

Another day of tribute to Brian Wilson. RIP. Some iconic classic s on this one: Wouldn’t it be nice, Sloop John B and Fox only knows. Still not their best work, but a fun listen.

30/1001. Was it random coincidence or does someone plan these? 2 days after Brian Wilson's death I get this on the plate. What to say? Well let's start with that I've seen the Beach Boys live! That was way back in 1991, at the Dodgers stadium in LA, and I can't say I enjoyed it, it was 4th of July celebration with Patriot missile style fireworks, you know after the Gulf war, which I hated. Didn't stand up for the national anthem (it wasn't my nation anyway). Ever since that year I spent there as an exchange student I've looked America with a crooked eye, what a waste to so much beauty and potential greatness it has become. Can't figure out why my sister wants to live there and stay there… But to the music, yes. I do own this cd, but for some reason the Beach boys always sound too beach for me. The unofficial bootlegs of Smile and the final release of Brian Wilson's Smile are great, (I don't think I have actually heard Smiley Smile?) but this one for me is more surf than turf. I'm sure more BB albums are coming up, perhaps some interesting ones. perhaps.

Eh, again, not much of a beach boys fan. Cant fault the music, just my taste

This album is just ‘ok’ - sounds very homogenous; I *really* don’t understand why this is considered one of the greatest albums ever made…

"This is the worst trip I've ever been on" Concept album (ugh). Groundbreaking masterpiece at the time, but maybe you had to be there? Reminds me of circus/carousel music but make it trippy. Enjoyed a few tracks - Sloop John B and God Only Knows, and the stereo versions are much more pleasant than the mono.

3.0 - Ok

Hmm synes det er godt og helt sikkert anerkendt for at være en af de bedste produceret albums nogensinde. Det er en af de første gange, hvor man har lavet et album hvor det ikke bare er singles osv men der er en gennemgående rød tråd. Det meste er lavet af en person og der er lagt mange timer og energi i det. Inspirerede bla the beatles til at lave sergeant pepper.

I've listened to this album before, and honestly it didn't do much for me at the time. I will say my opinion has improved upon it for this listen, but feel like it's still not an album that I'm super into. When the album hits, it absolutely hits. Tracks like Wouldn't It Be Nice? (Best track on the album), Sloop John B, I Know There's An Answer, and Pet Sounds are great. But when the album doesn't hit for me, its sitting in a slow or mid tempo spot that I'm not a huge fan of (You Still Believe in Me, Don't Talk, I Wasn't Made For These Times). Top it off with it being one of those psychedelic records with that really sharp, high pitched keyboard/piano sound. Think I referred to it as the sound of Ren Faire or something on previous records I've gotten. Don't think its quite that sound, but not far. I will say, this is probably the best album of its genre, easy, just not my thing. I do prefer Surf's Up from The Beach Boys.

Excepto ese tema, goodbye. Nota: 2.7

Average, sounds very 60s

Had some classics but I was feeling something more upbeat and felt most of the songs were slower. Good songs just didn’t fit my vibe at the moment.

RIP Brian Wilson I guess. The Beach Boys have never really done it for me. They are okay I suppose, just never resonated with me.

It is a little mellow for my taste

nonononono

I know this is supposed to be a best album of all time, I guess I’m not musically literate enough to understand why. There are some good songs, but it’s not nowhere near one of my favorite albums. This is the third time I’ve heard the album and I always have this same reaction. I know it was groundbreaking but personally I wasn’t wowed by it

Pet Sounds was a pretty enjoyable album. It is your fairly typical psych rock outing from the 60s with the vocals and the general melodies without any real things to make it different from those. But while it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for by just being a solid album. The vocals were still solid as were the lyrics and the music was also done pretty well and was able to shift to various different moods quite well. This album is still kinda samey throughout but i still think i found it quite a bit more memorable than the last Beach Boys album i listened to. This album isn't incredible or anything but it's still a pretty solid work. Best Song: Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) Worst Song: Let's Go Away For Awhile Side Note: Also, obligatory rest in peace to Brian Wilson who as of this review being written, passed away yesterday. R.I.P. Brian Wilson June 20, 1942 - June 11, 2025

I'm not sure about this one. I REALLY LOVE 3 songs on this album. I don't really think the others I'd ever come back to. I guess I'm supposed to marvel at the production. I guess it's cool, but if I need to have a degree in music to get it then it's not working well. I guess it belongs on the list.

Not my personal favorite, wouldn’t seek out to listen to but wouldn’t turn off the radio or skip the songs

3,5/5 I only heard Pet Sounds for the first time about a month ago. My first listen left me slightly underwhelmed, but it has definitely grown on me upon further listening.

A few bangers but otherwise a bit boring

3.5 good and really important but not something i would listen to on a random wednesday

This is tough because while I enjoyed the music on this album, I also found it bloated with different versions of the same songs. Speaking on the quality of the music only, it was very nice! There are a couple where I really liked it because of the drums, and others I enjoyed the singing. I didn't know they were behind God Only Knows. I liked that song before and now I love it. It almost sounds sad hearing it this time around. I also enjoyed the instrumental tracks. They're a nice break. I would listen to this album again, but probably skip the repeats or idk if they have a simplified version of the album. I'll have to check.

Cool

I like it. But at times it seems dated. Like 40’s and 50’s music.

why does pet sounds sound so christmassy

This album was very nice, I enjoyed it for the most part. It was cool to finally listen to it and hear a refreshing take on the beach boys, that was different than their early 60s and 50s surf sound they had going for so long. The hits are amazing, the rest of the album is good but a little bit too experimental for me personally. I think three out of five is good, not something I would go out out of my way for again, but I liked it for what it was.

Alright I've heard the Beach Boys hits. Paying attention to the lyrics is different. The music and the lyrics are at odds for quite a few songs. One of the songs is about him changing after years and the fear he has. Yet the singing and the music are opposite. It's odd and off-putting at times. I want to find an album of Beach Boys songs with different arrangements and singers. I think that would be an amazing album. The lyrics are good, I'm stuck by the music.

Harmless and pleasant but I only really liked a few songs

Imagine écouter Pet Sounds la semaine de la mort de Brian Wilson, et trouver ça super mid. On rigole, mais imagine.

Getting this album after hearing of the passing of Brian Wilson is so bittersweet. The Beach Boys are absolutely incredible. Wouldn't it be nice is such a beautiful and fun song, and every other song on this was pleasant. They did drone on for a while though and it's not exactly my personal taste, but I am glad the Beach Boys are on the list.

3.5

I bought this album 20 or more years ago after hearing a lot of musicians etc praising it. Not sure the hype and the praise lavished on this album are justified. Maybe I’m missing something but it’s a few very good pop songs interspersed with some not so good pop songs! Maybe it was amazing back in 1966 but today it all sounds a bit tame. I’m not saying it’s rubbish but it’s not a game changer for me.

The sound of California summer. RIP Brian Wilson. Fantastic music. The best tunes.

This is #day308 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… believe it or not, despite having seen this album cover numerous times, this is my first time listening to it. Just like it's my first time listening to The Beach Boys. Ever. What can I say? The harmonies and melodies are beautiful, and I like the psychedelic pop nature of the whole thing. The opening song is the best song on the album, and is my favorite. The rest is fine, but rather unlikely to make me reach for this record again anytime soon, though. I'm going with a 3 eventually. Looking forward to #day309, aka wondering what Friday the 13th brings.

I got this album the day Brian Wilson died. I have to say, I never really cared that much for this band, but considering this was from 1966, and people were all about The Beatles at that time, it's nice to hear a band that sounds a bit different. Great harmonies as well.

I recognize its importance but other than a few songs, I don't care to listen..

It's not bad, it's interesting especially for what it was done in. But I don't like it at all, too soft.

hatte leider zu hohe erwartungen die nicht umbedingt erfüllt wurden konnten. Ich weiß unfair euch beachboys gegenüber aber was willst machen?

A solid album. In my head I remember "God Only Knows", then it comes on and it's so much better.

It's very pretty, but I don't feel like I get it. Still nice tracks though "I know there's an answer" was good. I'm missing something.

Some sublime moments, but does not work as an album for me.

Et par knakende gode låter, og bra sound. Men løfter seg ikke til de store høyder for meg totalt.

R.I.P. Brian Wilson

Deliberate timing or extraordinary coincidence? I didn't know this album although it's always cited as a groundbreaking masterpiece and major influence on Sgt Pepper. But, apart from the singles, I didn't find it THAT amazing. Perhaps it's best if you are out of your head man.

good, but the songs blend together a bit

Some great songs mixed with some rather forgettable ones. Decent overall, but not something I’ll return to anytime soon.

Well written and played but not quite my style, there are some classics in there though.

I agree this album is revolutionary and historically significant. But I'll be damned if I don't find it downright boring most of the time. It's obvious The Flaming Lips are heavily influenced by this album. 3/5 #90

Tricky one to rate….nostalgia but also not many great tracks. RIP Brian

Timely

I’ve heard a lot about this being such a good album but it doesn’t quite do it for me. It’s fine. The Beach Boys just come across as the most normie 60s band. Still on the love song kick and never quite did the drugs to get to the weird interesting place their contemporaries did

Really don’t see what the buzz is about for this album - just kind of a middle-of-the-road 60s pop album and not very memorial at that. Really only think "Sloop John B” and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" are memorable- the rest just were there.

The ultimate tv jingle album

Fun, recognizable beach boys

Rather fitting that this album should come up on the day after Brian Wilson‘s death. It presents a rather fitting tribute to his legacy and signature harmonies. As the name of the album would imply, the music itself is pretty tame and comforting but mostly entertaining.

This is one of the RARE instances in this list in which I don't really love this album, but I totally appreciate hearing it before I die. Thank you.

Ground breaking at the time but the sound is dated for me

3.5 stars There is a lot of wonderful sweet music on this record. But I feel like this is an album people put at the top of their list because other people have had it at the top of their lists. I wouldn’t say there’s a bad song on the record. But the flow of the album makes it feel like a drag. Many slow songs into each other. A lot of it can feel forgettable next to each other. A different flow and a few faster paced songs laced throughout would improve it. That being said, any album with both “Wouldn’t it be nice” and “God only knows” is a bonafide classic.

This feels like a grown up Beach Boys. I like the topics they tackle and then the hits that came from that album.

Oooh. I am shocking myself that I am giving this album such a low score. As I have written just a few minutes prior about Elephant: I favour songs over production. And if this album actually had good *songs* on it, it could be a 7* album. But there are so many songs like "I Know There's An Answer". These are nothing songs, with layers and layers of beautiful harmonies and instrumentation smothered on top like cheap fondant. So what are the actually good songs here? Wouldn't it be nice; God only knows; Sloop John B. And that's it, and even those aren't *that* good. It's mutton dressed as lamb. Sorry Marshall.

I aknowledge it is a great sounding album, but i did not like most of the songs. RIP Brian Wilson

It’s a chirpy album with 2 classic songs, enjoyed it but not immensely.

Interesting switches between vibes across the songs.

Wouldn't be nice is overplayed in so many adverts here in the UK but the whole album has a joyous vibe, with jangly tambourines and happy grooves. The iconic beach boy vocal harmonies are everything, and so unique to them. RIP Brian Wilson.

Great vocal harmonies, gentle instrumentation

Not what i dig too much, but nice

Jeff didn't like the vocals but liked the harmonies Tamara didn't like the downer songs but liked the more upbeat ones We both liked the instrumentation and can appreciate that it was groundbreaking for its day

not bad just kind of slow? vibing w it the closer i listen though! don't talk and caroline, no are my favorites from the album

Siiiiiggh

Best songs on the album by far wouldn't it be nice and god only knows, both added to playlist. Pretty good album for the time but also most songs are dated.

Lovely album, some special special songs. Not one I’d return to offer though

Didn't have time to listen to it on its whole, but the songs that I listened were very good, It feels kind of nostalgic in a way idk why

On first listen, it did not resonate with me. After reading a little further about it, such as how it was a big change from prior music focused on individual songs to a whole album, and it was a favourite of Paul McCartney's, I took another listen. While still not a favourite, I did have a further appreciation for the album overall. I'll likely listen again at some point down the road to revisit.

3.5/5 too slow moving. Great first song

This feels sacrilegious but this album is really average. The harmonies are nice and all but most of the album is not memorable. Still a good listen and I do understand why people love it, it’s just not a masterpiece in my opinion.

It’s good but not for me

As much as I've been told this is a work of staggering genius and the most influential piece of music since the Magna Carta, I just can't bring myself to enjoy it. "God Only Knows" and "Caroline, No" are pretty OK. The rest is white-white-white bread.

2,5

Super clean production and lots going on. They set the bar for harmonizing and are untouchable. The mix of a variety of instruments with the vocals, and the blending of both seamlessly makes this a great listen.

nog steeds geen fan van beach boys

blasphemous but I just don't care about the beach boys. I've listened to this album many times and there are some abso classics but most of it elicits zero response from my brain, I'm sorry. That being said I KNOW it's a genre defining album and the first concept album which is so cool but just not my bag baby Song's added to playlist: - wouldnt it be nice - I'm waiting for the day - sloop john b - god only knows - here today

I have tried for years with this album, I just can't get there. I like parts, just not all

RIP Brian. Choo Choo.

It's okay.

The most album of all time. I know many adore this album, some hail it as the greatest to ever be made. Unfortunately, I can't get there. It irks me and for some reason I pin it as the reason we have the modern pop music that sucks ass. 5 for its impact

I’ll admit, I’ve got some baggage with The Beach Boys. I spent high school working at a car wash called Surf City where their Greatest Hits played on repeat all day, every day. So I have spent 25 years of avoiding them, but I'm trying to come into Pet Sounds with as open a mind as possible. For 1966, this was clearly a game changer. The arrangements are complex, the instrumentation is creative, and there’s no denying the influence it’s had on music since. That said, the vocals wear on me. It often feels like an a cappella group decided to start a band, and over time, it becomes more work to sit through than I’d like. There are moments of brilliance, but maybe it’s PTSD, or maybe it’s just not for me.

first one is a claaassic, bäänger 7th song was real not as much pet sounds as I hoped but very chill and very nice, me like

My favorites were Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, and surprisingly the instrumental part of Let's Go Away For Awhile was very moving to me! I loved the variance of musical textures contained within the album and enjoyed it even more than I thought I would.

RIP Brian Wilson. Em and I listened to this album a few months ago as it was near the top of a Best Albums of All Time list. I get that it was pioneering at the time, but unfortunately I don't really see the appeal as most of the songs are just so slow and sleepy. But hey at least there were some actual pet sounds at the end.

Hang Onto Your Ego hits differently today. Also, is it weird that the mono version sounds way better then the stereo version?

Some okay songs. Never been a big beach boy guy. RIP Brian Wilson though

A day after Brian Wilson passed I get this, I'm sure it was mildly planned and I love it. The album used to be great but as time has gone by it's just settled into good. I guess time does that.

Un peu lent mais de très bon morceaux

Personally, this is an exercise on evaluating albums on their current quality and whether they have endured the test of time by still outshining everything else. Pet Sounds might have set a lot of things in motion back in the day and paved paths, but listening to it today, it was just average pop which didn't really impress at any stage. Similar to artists like Neil Young or David Crosby who invoked similar feelings but with a different genre, this album will receive a 2.5/5 and be bumped to 3. The saving grace of thee Beach Boys in this instance, is that the album didn't bore as much as Crosby and Young did so in spirit they are better even if the rating won't allow it.

3/5: Influential album for their time. Mostly melancholic lyrics with an underlying coming of age theme. Lots of mid-tempo catchy tunes. However, overall it didn't really feel like a masterpiece to me. It's fine but not exceptional. Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows are two classics though.

Listening to this album right after Brian Wilson passed away is special. Back in the day, the Beach Boys made a big impression on me. I even had a compilation album. I had never listened to Pet Sounds in its entirety

This was a very easy album to listen to! Learning that The Beach Boys inspired the Beatles makes so much sense. It is a lighthearted listen! I don't really love a lot of the songs on their own, aside from the well-known hits, but I still enjoyed the album.

First of all, RIP to the legend Brian Wilson. Kind of crazy that I would pull this album on the day that he died. It seems like a perfect tribute to me. Second, man this is a lot of music for an album from the 60's. There's a lot of filler here that's just passable at best. This is an album that consistently makes me happy, and even if it's really not my thing I can still have a great time listening to it. There are very few things to criticize on this album, but for me personally, I just think that as a whole, it doesn't really hit me the same way as it does for others. After a while, I kind of get the point and am ready to listen to something else. Especially with 27 songs on an album that goes on for an alarmingly long 1 hour and 16 minutes. There's only so much joyous music I can take at a time. Speaking of, my favorite songs are the ones I've heard before. I think the most successful song here really is the best one, "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is great, as are "Sloop John B", "and God Only Knows." I don't believe I'd heard "That's Not Me" before, but it was also one of my favorites.

Sempre pensato che fosse un album meme, invece dar da mangiare alle capre funziona. Belle sonorità bel sound, un po' distante dal mio stile ma comunque catchy.

Really good piece of music. It lacks a bit of edge though...

God only knows... why it wouldn't it be nice !! That's a major album that changes the world music... but it's a bit old now and some tracks are far below the excellence of some tracks That's why only 3 stars

I don’t find the whole thing consistently strong or inspired, but it clearly feels more ambitious than their previous pop formats. Nevertheless, from them, I mostly like the surf rock hits and those pop vocal harmonies that sounded so definitive : I wanted “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”’s energy across all 13 tracks! Here, unfortunately, the attempts to intellectualize only work on a few tracks, like God Only Knows. It’s certainly an influential concept album I probably needed more time to fully absorb, but this isn’t my first attempt since childhood. To me, Pet Sounds ultimately stands as an inspiration but also a proof of the greatness of Sgt. Pepper.

How ironic that this album came to listening on the following day after death of Brian Wilson. I think Beach Boys fits perfect to following: happy, non-bothering, feel good backgroud music.

i hate being that person but i just don't GET the beach boys. like on paper i can understand the reasoning for their importance and i know they altered the trajectory of like all of music forever because of their revolutionary production techniques and i really was trying to focus on and hear that in pet sounds. but the music itself has just never resonated for me, it sounds like children's music. (maybe that's the point? the contrast between the music and the lyrical themes? okay fine...but i still don't want to listen to that.) it's pleasant enough so i'm not unhappy listening to it, but it's just not something i would ever put on.

Omg, guys, Caroline just got a haircut. Stop being so dramatic.

Damn bro. I know why this album was generated for me, but makin me critique his music when his body isn’t even cold yet is tough. This music is fun, but I was raised on parodies of it. So I have a hard time taking it seriously. Add in that the lyrics are simple as simple gets. It’s really just okay.

Is this the most overrated album ever? God, how most of the songs drag! Track 2-6 is a snoozefest beyond compare, as are the last 3. The remaining 5 songs are good good real good, though

ja, sicher auf der höhe der zeit, aber was bleibt sind die single-highlights. 11 alben in 4 jahren? da verstehe ich, wenn der künstler mal eines (dieses!) als gesamtwerk und ohne füllmaterial abliefern wollte. ob es ein erfolg war?!

I know Pet Sounds is a heavily championed album and have listened to it a few times before. I was never too impressed and still am not but after reading the synopsis, I can understand for the time it was groundbreaking. The opener sticks to the simple surfer vibe The B-Boys are known for but after that, Brian Wilson explores unknown territories for the group. I give credit for this but I was only half in throughout my listen. "God Only Knows" and "Sloop John B" take top track spots but the later is a cover so. Overall, the record is pretty good and for the trail blazing it did on the production side of musical recordings, it makes the list. Tough one to rate based purely on my overall musical enjoyment but I'm giving it a solid 3 stars.

lol

I'm aware of the phenomenal impact this album is meant to have had. Unfortunately, for me, while I like a lot of the beach boys' music, this dragged on in a slightly unsatisfying way. There's something to be said for being a pioneer, but I don't think it's unreasonable to prefer the refined, polished more modern takes; like preferring a new iphone over the original one.

I've always enjoyed The Beach Boys, and pre-highschool would have considered myself a fan of this “oldies band.” While skilfully recorded and mixed (if you don't mind that high-pitched ambience of the style and times of the 1960s-70s... which I do), this album has never been one of my favorites because many of the songs just don't do it for me. It doesn't matter how skilfully performed and recorded the album, if I don't love most of the songs I just can't find it within myself to give it the 4 or 5 star rating that everything else tells me I could. I will say it CERTAINLY belongs on this list for the precise, complex, and basically game-changing production work that Brian Wilson brought to this.

I was never going to love a pop-rock album from 1966, but points for creativity. One of the lessons learned from this project: I don't know shit about the Beach Boys. This was much more in line with expectations than "Surf's Up" but still a little surprising. 2.7

like drinking honey. or drowning in it

A classic. I like some of the Beach Boys, just heard the hits really.

Truly a classic. Musical legends at the heigh of their career. But damn, it was a such a simpler time.

Decent album, the hits definitely help it but I enjoyed it overall

Quaint and dreamy, although very much sounding of the era it was made.

I listened to the original release, which included fourteen songs. A few of these were big hits, and still can be heard often on the oldies stations. Brian Wilson gets credit for his sometimes complex harmonies and arrangements. For me, the songs generally seem old and tired.

he disfruta la vd, me ha relajado mucho de cara al examen de psicologia. volveria a escucharlo

I realize the contribution they made to music and know it's heresy to not worship the Beach Boys, but I find most of their songs a bit boring. With that said, I will admit that God Only Knows is an amazing song. But one song can't make up for the other 12 rather average tunes.

80s synth pop! honestly some of the simplest lyrics i’ve heard in a while but still good!

Solid classic

Why do so many songs have such unsatisfying fade outs? Just have a definitive end to a song!

Not bad.

It was an okay album with some major ups and downs. Wouldn't It Be Nice and I Just Wasn't Made For These Times were both 10/10 amazing songs, the rest of the album was anywhere from pretty good to rather boring.

Good

Helt ok

Iconic, but sounds like the theme tune to a not-very-good film now through overuse.

This is a nice album and it deserves its place in history. Inspired by Revolver, Brian Wilson created this which then in turn inspired Sgt Peppers so it’s an icon of rock history. It’s just not as good as the album it was inspired by nor the album it inspired. The highs of this album are great and the Beach Boys always harmonise well but I’m just always underwhelmed by this album.

Amusing, listened while working.

Gut. Bisschen angestaubt…

Besides the well known singles, it wasn’t my cup of tea

Back in the day, this must have been revolutionary. But now you hear all the vanilla flavors of pop music time and time again on the radio, so needless to say, it didn't quite grip me.

While it may have historically contributed a lot, by today's standards it really isn't all that exciting. First to feature a theremin? Great. I hope the people who praise such firsts on old albums aren't the same people dismissing every new sound that is first introduced in other genres and new music. That would be embarrassing, wouldn't it?

Cool probably earth shattering for 1966 but not the best album ever, although very solid

Mid

Love it.

super cute and summery, definitely beachy cheers beach boys. um definitely average but not bad!!

3.5

I listened to whole album again. It's good, but I don't understand why it's always in the top 10 best albums. As far as I'm concerned it's not that good

I enjoy this album but it's difficult to imagine how innovative it was at the time. Listening to the stereo mix it's hard to imagine it in mono as well. Ahead of it's time and mostly stands the test of time.

Kinda overrated it's more like a basic 60s pop album to me but I like a couple songs

I felt like every track on this album ranged from being decent to quite good stand alone songs. As a whole, there's a wide variety of sounds and instruments which keeps the album interesting and fun. However, it could be argued that it falls into "jack of all trades, master of none" area. The album is consistent when it comes to quality (which is good, but not the best I've heard from Beach Boys), but it is not as consistent when it comes to creating a cohesive album theme or narrative.

I know this is supposed to be their masterpiece, but I really didn’t like it all that much hence the “3”. I think it was the orchestral elements that make it less appealing to me. That said, it’s a good album. I should probably give it another listen given all the critical acclaim and Wilson’s apparent descent into madness.

I've tried so hard to "get" this album, I even made a video essay about it, but even though I know each and every point in this thing's favour, something about it doesn't ever quite click for me, a defeated 3*

just too whiney for me!

Too fluffy

Just the beach boys

stopped listening because I don't want to hear the same songs 2 X in a row 3/5

The "sheen" of this is oppressive.

Grandpa Del, Monday morning commute before vacation

Good vibrations is a masterpiece

forgettable music :(

Decent. I like their beach tunes, but there were a couple of tracks that sounded more like Vegas lounge jazz.

solid album, sounds just like home.

It was okay. Definitely not my favorite album of theirs

Some great tunes on here

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.

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

Wouldn’t it be nice if we never have to hear how incredible this album was again? (Random horn!)

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

Surprised by the production quality being so bad. Was this on purpose?

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.

Never realised the beach boys did so many great tunes

First album generated

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

Not what I think of as a concept album but I guess I understand how it would be viewed as such back then.

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

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

This may have been influential but did not sound particularly special to me. Like every old psychedelic rock album. Stand-out: Sloop John B

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.

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

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

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

There are some enjoyable songs here. This ultimately falls into the "influential without being all that enjoyable" bucket for me.

all beauty, no edge

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

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.

Not my jam but a classic.

Listening to this whilst crying on a boat

Not bad, solid positive vibes

instrumentals were my favorite

Someday this album will click for me.

Nothing special. Might have been back then.

essential beach boys album

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.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, God Only Knows all good, I didn’t like the rest

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.

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.

Heart Break Music - and I don't really care for the topic. Still pretty good though.

Klingt recht altmodisch

Classic but aged worse than others , not something ID sit down and listen to.

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.

It's mid.

It's a good album but I can't say I love listening to it. Gets a bit grating after a while. The classics are great but some of the filler is boring. God Only Knows is a certified banger though.

so simpatici dai

good, but it's not my thing. 3/5

Rating: 5.5/10 Besides the first two songs, I found this to be surprisingly boring. Everything sounds great, from the production to the instrumentation, but musically most of this did nothing for me.

Innegabilmente influente eh, ma non lo andrò mai a risentire. Se non mi fosse stato detto quanto è artisticamente importante non me ne sarei mai reso conto. Proprio perché ha ispirato così tanti è identico a troppi album nella lista. Comunque non spiacevole