Reviews (page 2 of 15)
Such a good album, glad to start the list with this one!
Great album.
The perfect coming of age album from the genius mind of Brian Wilson. Iconic songs to evoke feelings in an aural world.
That's not me... Slusam 30.11.2023. u jedan ujutru posle najgoreg dana od raskida. Univerzum mi salje znake. Toliko bih zeleo da ovo podelim sa nekim jednog dana. Specijalnim nekim.
All timer. Eneste minus er at den ikke er længere
No offense men det er altså lidt grinch behavior ikke at gi den her 5 stjerner. Jeg var nødt til at høre den 2 gange.
Still an unbelievable album. Not much new to say here that hasn't been said before, but the production still shines just as brightly as it did the first time I listened to it.
really slacking this week boys sorry!! this one is easy
Well, it’s Pet Sounds. Changed the game. Opener is off the wall, and Sloop John B - God Only Knows - I Know There’s An Answer is an absolutely insane sequence. I do think it’s hilarious how obsessed this group is with getting married.
More than a few great songs on here. Fantastic production, beautiful harmonies, masterful song writing. Such a good album
This is generally considered one of the greatest albums of all time. I do think it deserves a 5 for the production quality alone. Several of the songs are truly great -- "Wouldn't it be Nice" and "Sloop John B" are my favorites. All that said, I wouldn't count this among my personal top 20 or even 100 albums. Yes, Brian Wilson's genius clearly comes through though.
Deserves its reputation as a masterpiece. Wonderful all the way though, with songs that work as their own mini masterpieces sprinkled throughout. We learned about this in my history of rock and roll class as the album where rock and roll “grew up” into a serious intellectual pursuit and I can see why. Brian Wilson and Tony Asher give us songs about love, sadness, and aging but fill them with lush arrangements. GOATED for sure.
Great album. Best Beach Boys album, Repeats: wouldn't it be nice, don't talk, sloop john b, God only knows,
😳
une écoute fort agréable
It’s just so syrupy and clean. The arrangements are so smooth and the production is spectacular. I forgot how good this is and it’s such a remarkable climb from the lame ass junk they released early. This album is beautiful. 5 stars
So many classics. Sloop John, Wouldn't it be Nice, God Only Knows, so many iconic classics. How can this not be five stars?
I love the Beach Boys!! ❤️❤️❤️
Solid album, Pet Sounds song never took off like many of the other songs on this album. The remastered stereo does sound better to me compared to the older mono. "Caroline, no" was my favorite on the album.
One of the greatest
harmonies.
Now I can see why people tell Sgt. Pepper was a lot inspired by this
Iconic. A level of sophistication rarely seen. The meticulous arrangement and orchestration, led by Brian Wilson, introduced unconventional instruments and studio techniques, raising the bar for the industry. The rich tapestry of instruments, including the groundbreaking use of those and complex vocal harmonies, demonstrated a new frontier in sound engineering. Notably, The Beatles were influenced by this sonic masterpiece, marking its enduring legacy in shaping the evolution of studio recording.
Really nice. Ahead of its time
I wish I could go back in time and experience it when it was released. No doubt the album still has some amazing music just an incredible soundscape but I feel I don't fully appreciate because it sounds, well dated. Regardless is a 5 all the way.
Pet Sounds is truly a milestone of pop music. God Only Knows is beautiful and brilliant. I can imagine it boggled Beach Boys fans because it was such a leap from their earlier music. At times it’s a bit of sensory overload for me and feels like the wall of sound is just too dense and there’s nowhere to focus. But overall, I get why this record is so important.
My parents would listen to a lot of Beach Boys on car trips when i was a kid. I sort of thought their songs were a bit simple. It's a lot different now listening to this album after seeing the documentaries and hearing bands talk about the influence this record had. It's just a great album. God Only Knows is probably my favorite Beach Boys song.
What a great pop record. Excellent recording, songs that are fun to sing along to, and just an overall good time. This is the first time I listened to this all the way though, but it won't be the last.
Whiny but exceptional
Pet Sounds was always explained to me as The Beach Boys' answer to Sgt. Pepper. You can definitely see where Brian Wilson took inspiration. Is it as good as Sgt. Pepper? Absolutely not. Not even close. But is it still a fantastic record? Absolutely yes. The songs, the production - all of it is top notch. I have no hesitation giving this 5 stars. My favorite songs are "Sloop John B," "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times," and "Caroline, No" but honestly all the songs are great. "I Know There's An Answer" is also way better as "Hold On To Your Ego." Idk what Mike Love was on about with that one.
What is there to be said about Pet Sounds that hasn't been said already? This is probably one of the most influential and important albums of all time. But does it deserve that status? Yeah, it totally does. This is a pretty solid album by today's standards, but by 1966 standards? This thing is a freakin masterpiece! This whole album is very finely crafted to make something great. The singing, both when solo and all together, is quite good. The writing and lyrics are impactful, leading to this whole album feeling very personal to Brian Wilson. The instrumentation is very diverse, and the tone ranges from very feel-good in songs like "Wouldn't It Be Nice", to quite somber pieces like "Caroline, No". Overall, while there may be a few albums I've given a 4 that I might like more than Pet Sounds, the sheer impact and impressive nature of this album warrants a very deserved 5/5.
This is the amp used on Pet Sounds. This is the keyboard used on Pet Sounds. This is the microphone used on Pet Sounds. This is the horse from Pet Sounds. This is my trauma from Pet Sounds. This is my firstborn given to Pet Sounds.
Suck it, Sgt. Pepper! Can't hold a handle to this!
It’s really good. I always skip Sloop John B though, that song gets annoying.
Perfection as they always are. Has two of the most amazing songs ever created on it. Issa 10!
A cultural reset
The Beach Boys - Pet sounds 1. Aight we all know this song. It’s hippy dippy but it’s a bop. No complaints 2. Ooo this is majestic. Like frolicking in a field hand in hand with your main squeeze. Beautiful song 3. The vocals and guitar tone are stellar. Like this shit is vibes. This makes me wanna get stoned 4. Lord this is an artistic achievement for sure. A high water mark. Like I dunno why I always ignored The Beach Boys but this shit is ascendant. 5. Dude this is NUTS. the instrumentals are astounding 6. This shit is ignorant af. I’m so mad I never listened to this before now. This song made me cry and I have no idea why 7. Masterclass. Like my mind is blown 8. Classic 9. I’m in love with this album. Love at first listen. 10. Brilliant 11. Man I feel this in my soul 12. Another banger instrumental 13. Beauty defined. This is an amazing album. Wow. No skips. This album was a masterpiece. 10/10 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾
All time classic. I've listened to this one since I was a kid and it doesn't get old. Weird cover art though.
it's pet sounds! come on!
Obviously one of the finest records ever made. Perfection every beat.
Lovely melodies and harmonies. Groundbreaking album. All songs are A+.
For the hits alone
Brian Wilson at the height of his power, proving why he just might deserve the title of America’s all-time greatest pop songwriter. Exquisitely wrought in every facet-a true masterpiece.
an absolute classic
Oooh the classic GOAT
Ah, what more can be said about this album that hasn't already been said? To call Pet Sounds a masterpiece would not only be an understatement, it would also be selling it short. Perhaps the only true document of Brian Wilson unleashing his momentum sustaining genius without any kind of setback (regardless of critique), Pet Sounds continues to provide us with sources of sonic and compositional wizardry the likes of which have tried (and failed, probably) to replicate. If the surfing, cars and girls vibe is a millstone around the neck of those who cannot possibly take The Beach Boys seriously, then Pet Sounds proved that there was a way around it and a way forward to understanding how life works. It is a monolith.
Good
Can’t beat it, truly iconic.
A classic
She’s a beaut
Such a classic, love the easy vibes and cool tones they used.
Really interesting album sonically. I have always known this album to be important to pop music, but had never heard anything other than "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows". So many instruments, so many different sounds. I feel like this really ushered pop music into an new era. Loved it.
Maravilhoso, uma obra de arte.
I mean, what can I say. I think is one of the top 5 albums ever made (Stereo Mix). The only downside is that they hadn't written "Good Vibrations," yet, as I think adding that song to his album would just make it transcend basically anything else... As much as I like a lot of intentionally dissonant anti-pop music, I do think that there is something about the way music and the human brain works that being able to make something truly artful with some experimentation that still is able to have pop elements that tingle the brain is one pinnacle of the art form, and Brian Wilson did that.
stand out track - I Know There's An Answer
Delightful. All killer, no filler. I bought this album during a trip to Kansas City to find an apartment for my first job after graduating college. This album was on a near constant loop while I drove around during that trip. This album provokes a lot of different feelings in me. I want Sloop John B played at my funeral.
Perfect record. No notes
In my home, I have a little stand that says “NOW SPINNING” on it that you put the record cover on that’s currently in the record player. Coincidentally, this is the record that was already in the stand. Am I going to listen to this again even though I just did? Yes. Am I mad about it? No. Did I see Brian Wilson perform this entire album live? Yes. I have a high school memory of listening to Sloop John B over and over again on my Walkman on the bus from a track meet.
10/10 an all time classic. Can't go wrong
Own it. Love it. Can be listened to in any setting and any mood.
God only knows is quite possibly my favourite song ever.
Very upbeat and high voices, instrumental piece was great too
bit of a genuine classic innit
- Depending on the day, I'd call this the best album of all time. It remains a glimmering marvel of pop craftsmanship, each song a miniature symphony that continue to reveal new facets of themselves with every new listen. - I've listened to Pet Sounds so many times over so many years that it's easy to take it for granted; it's the kind of album I could probably play over and over in my head if I wanted to, so embedded its become in my psyche. But when I actually pay attention to it I realize that it's still as magical as it was when I first heard it in high school. - I Just Wasn't Made For These Times / Pet Sounds / Caroline No might be the best finale to an album ever made. Three perfect songs that capture a devastatingly bittersweet sense of melancholy beauty, that also come full circle as a response to the joyous optimism of Wouldn't It Be Nice. "Sometimes I get very sad" might be the simplest, most heartbreaking chorus in pop history. - Don't Talk is just magical. - That's Not Me continues to grow more important to me as time goes on. - Fuck it, everything here is brilliant. Even Sleep John B., which I used to hold as the one throwaway, earns its slot. - Fascinating that Here Today is the song with the least streams on Spotify (I would've assumed it'd be one of the instrumentals). I choose to interpret that fact as a much-deserved "fuck you" to Mike Love.
Very good. Listened to it multiple times. Some good vibes
Masterpiece.
Great album very nostalgic
I haven't heard this from start to finish in a long while. It really works well as a whole and extremely influential.
I love the Beach Boys. It’ll be understandable, knowing this, that I was very excited to be generated this album to listen to today. I feel like I’ve listened to this album before, but I don’t recognise the names of every track. I guess there are only so many songs I can fit in my brain before it starts deleting them to make more space. Songs I already knew: Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, God Only Knows Favourites: God Only Knows, Sloop John B If you were to ask me on any average day over the past ten years what my favourite song of all time is, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll have responded with God Only Knows. As far as I’m concerned, it is a perfect song. I’m fact, this album is full of perfection from every angle. The Beach Boys have very unique vocals, and even the two instrumental track here are great which is a good testament to their songwriting. Overall, obviously, I love it.
Hey, I've listened to this album before! I was so inspired to listen to it one week that despite my knowledge that it was on the generator, I knew I had to sit down and listen to it. I was blown away then (but somehow God Only Knows didn't grab me) but it's even better now. The harmonies on here are gorgeous, and the small orchestra Brian Wilson was controlling on this album is some of the most gorgeous displays of instrumentals on any modern pop record. No wonder there's two different instrumental tracks on this. Brian Wilson really did make a masterpiece here, and it's a shame the other band members saw that and still shut him down with "Smile" eventually. I've seen the average score the realization of that album has on here, and I'm hoping it's just a case of people totally misunderstanding the story behind that album after years of mental issues from Brian, because the man at least displays his genius here. 1966 to 1969 really was a magical era for music, huh?
Obviously great
Instantly happy, perfect Sunday morning album. Funny that my spotify autoplay automatically goes to uptown girl by Billie joel
Determinante para moldar a indústria ao inserir a lógica da narrativa na experiência de se dedicar um tempo para escutar música.
What a great album!
Great. No notes. Much better than Surf's Up.
LFGGGGGGGGGGGG, I FINALLY LISTENED TO THIS ALBUM AFTER 2 YEARS OF NOT GIVING THIS ALBUM A TRY
sweet masterpiece
9.5/10 Sonne trop trop bien, la vibe est géniale "Wouldn't it be nice" marcherait bien pour les gardiens de la galaxie si la voix était plus clean tone
Absolutely phenomenal album. No other words.
I have to give it a 5, just for historical influence. Appreciate the re-up on the Boys so soon after the last album.
9.7/10
God Only Knows is a wonderful song. They have a very particular sound. Very nostalgic.
This album is strange in that it should feel more strange than it is. A pop album with harpsichord, timpany and a horn section is odd. But it all works. Even the theramin and bike bell/horn in You Still Believe in Me works. I really cant explain how it does, but it does. Couple that with the harmonies that sound like being on a beach in some idealised 50s California and you have this album. Shouldnt work but it does.
It’s quite simply an album that has influenced so much and indeed many bands that I like, and for that alone in gains an extra star. My wife picked Wouldn’t It Be Nice as our exit music for our wedding day, and God Only Knows is an all timer.
This album has a crazy reputation, and now, after finally listening to it for the first time, I think it’s mostly deserved. I will admit to expecting to be blown away a little more. But I think the effect of this album comes down to the feeling. I kind of understand why people obsess over the recording and studio setup of it because something about the way it sounds is just magical in a special way. Brian Wilson’s songwriting, the yearning vocals, plus that magic sound, just has a sort of chemical effect. But some songs were just, eh, inessential. I’m talking about “I Know There’s an Answer” and honestly “Pet Sounds.” Probably a few more. The big hits though are unimpeachable. Must-listen #166.
Music often is nostalgic to begin with and then becomes nostalgia to its listeners. So I will have trouble putting this and many Beatles records into a personal rating system. Because I don’t feel nostalgic for this. That being said I like the Wrecking Crew and the lead vocals are great. I also always like the Hang on to your ego version of I know an answer.
On one hand, this is a blessed album, overflowing with ideas and ambition and beauty. The production style influenced almost every rock band I love today. On the other hand, the ceiling on how much I could like the style of music Brian Wilson made is like a 3/5. Let's split the difference. Also, "A Mouthful of Sores" has permanently tarnished my ability to not giggle when I listen to the Beach Boys. IYKYK.
It's made very well, but too laid back for me. I can definitely understand why many people love this record. Favorite song: God only knows.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 Production (Original Mono & Stereo Mix): 🔊🔇🆗/🔊🔊👍 Music: 🏖️🌊👦👦👦👦👦🌞🎤🎶 Rating: 🐐🐐🐐(🐐)/5
I have always found the Beach Boys campy and corny. Maybe it's their high-pitched vocals that sound and feel their age, but they never seem to stand up to modern music, unlike some of their peers such as the Beatles. I appreciate them rather as a time capsule of influential history that has been passed by. Brian Wilson described this album as "Commercialized choir music," which explains why I have never really vibed with the songs as much. The Wall of Sound is almost too much sound and the lyrics are very childlike and innocent for 20-somethings. That said, I've spent the past two weeks procrastinating this review so I can read the entire Wikipedia page, watch "Love and Mercy", and both the BBC and Disney + documentaries. I have a newfound appreciation for the Beach Boys, particularly Brian and Pet Sounds. I now understand its complexity, uniqueness, and influence on future music (such as Sgt Pepper). 3/5 for actual enjoyment and 5/5 for appreciation
Short and sweet!
The Sundays of my youth were often spent in my family’s 1987 Ford Taurus station wagon, traversing the state of New Jersey from West to East and back so we could visit my grandparents in West New York, NJ (For the sake of clarification, West New York is a city in New Jersey that overlooks the Hudson River and New York City. It’s north of Hoboken and next to Union City, for the geographically inclined). The soundtrack to our car rides across the state was typically WCBS-FM, a New York based oldies station that would focus on early rock and roll/pop hits from the mid to late-1950’s through the late 60’s. While hair metal and, later, grunge ruled the airwaves, I was cutting my teeth on The Temptations, The Supremes, the Mamas and The Papas, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Monkees, The Byrds, Ray Charles, Tommy James and the Shondells, and, of course, the Beach Boys most Sunday mornings and afternoons. So when the snare drum hits seven seconds into the opening track of this record, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice?”, I’m instantly taken back to those car rides, those trips to visit my grandparents at their 12th floor efficiency apartment that overlooked New York City. It’s one single hit on a snare drum, but it’s one of the most memorable and powerful drum intros in rock history. (Well…at least for me it is, you are welcome disagree.) Then the harmonies and Brian Wilson’s falsetto…what a absolutely incredible song. It’s perfect. The WCBS-ification of my musical tastes would end around age 11 or 12 when I started finding that the grunge and alternative rock of the day spoke to me in way that the 60’s music I had grown up with could never hope to. A decade or so later, in my mid-20’s, it turned out to be a solid musical foundation, as I grew to appreciate these songs again thanks to bands like Yo La Tengo or the Avalanches who had taken the influence of some of these mid-sixties sounds and turned them into something completely new and unique. This record, now that I’m thinking about it, is one that I associate more than most with my family. One more familial anecdote and I’ll wrap it up, I swear: In the mid-2000’s, my immediate family went down to Miami to spend Christmas with my dad’s brother and his family, as we would do every few years. My uncle decided that while we were there, the men of the family needed to do something together…a bonding experience, so to speak. So he booked a charter boat and we all got up at the ass crack of dawn to go fishing in the Atlantic. My Dad, brother and I, my uncle and his two sons…we were ready catch some fish and compete for familial bragging rights. Well, not even a mile out from shore, my Dad starts getting seasick. None of us had cast a line and the boat hadn’t even reached the spot where’d we fish and he was out, spending the remainder of the three hour trip below deck trying to keep what was left of his breakfast down. An hour later, the choppy seas started getting the best of my youngest cousin. Shortly after that, my brother was out, too. Did we buy some bunk Dramamine or something? What the was fuck going on? The goal had to change at that point. It wasn’t about which side of the family could catch more fish, it was “can I be the only member of my side of that family that can make it through this fishing trip without horking?” I needed something to shoot for after my Dad and brother couldn’t hack it. I’ve never wanted to barf more in my life, the water was extraordinarily choppy that morning and I’ve got a weak stomach to being with, but I had something to prove that day, or else face the ridicule of my uncle and oldest cousin who were still standing strong. I couldn’t let them think that no one on my side of the family had the wherewithal to make it through a 3 hour fishing trip. I don’t know how I did it, but I did it and I’ve never been happier to step foot on solid ground again. When the boat docked, my father moved like a man on a mission to get off of it. A few minutes back on land and he was back in good spirits. We went to a nearby restaurant for lunch and had some seafood, beer and laughs at the expense of the three seasick travelers, but mostly my father: he wasn’t even on the boat for 15 minutes before losing it. As we ate, “Sloop John B” came on over the restaurant’s sound system and I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Dad,” I said, “this song hitting close to home for you today?” He listened as the chorus kicked in…“Let me go home, I want to go home” and we all had a good laugh. Fuck me, that was long. I gotta stop using this place as a blog. Even with those memories attached, Pet Sounds isn’t an album I love enough to give 5 stars. It is a fantastic and staggering work of absolute genius, but it’s not entirely my cup of tea. I think Hendrix may have called it “psychedelic barbershop”: There’s only half of that equation that really speaks to me and it isn’t the barbershop part. It’s possible that Hendrix thing isn’t true, but that’s kind of what Pet Sounds is, right?
아니 어떻게 돌려도 1트에 펫사가 나오냐
The good songs, the ones that everyone knows are really good. The rest of their music, I tend to find to be just ho-hum. I get that this album was a wonder at the time. However, ask me to choose between the Beach Boys, the Stones, and The Beatles from this era and it’s The Beatles every time. By the way, “Sloop John B” is a great song.
Yup, it's the Beach Boys 3.00
Liked side 2 a lot--God Only Knows to Pet Sounds is really strong. Side 1 starts great with Wouldn't It Be Nice but the rest are meh.
From today's standpoint it's hard to imagine what three impact of this album was. For me, it sounds like the Beach Boys. It's ok, I guess
If Mothers of Invention's Freak Out! Is music to chew bubblegum to (derogatory), this is music to chew bubblegum to (complementary). Problem is I'm just not a gum guy.
It's good just not my thing. I can' see myself listening to this outside of this.
I get it. Pet Sounds is one of the most innovative and influential albums of its time. I get why it needs to be on this list. But the songs just aren't that good. Yes, there are bangers (Wouldn't It Be Nice is classic Beach Boys but amped up in a great way, Sloop John B is one of the best songs of all time) but eh, the rest feel like Brian Wilson heard of this new Wall of Sound thing and thought "yeah shit I can just throw everything at it and it's going to be fucking awesome" although who knows what he was actually thinking, given he had a teenage wife (gross, they started "dating" when he was 21 and she was 15), or maybe it was the LSD that made him think it was going to be good. Long review short, influential album, couple of good songs, rest are filler. Solid 3/5.
3/5
I don't get it and I don't think I'll ever get it. I hear all the time this was a turning point in popular music. I can see there's something to it. For me it ranges from just ok to annoying. Can't imagine hearing this after Rubber Soul and thinking 'wow Brian Wilson made a pop/rock album to match the Beatles!'. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Le fameux album dont je n'ai jamais compris l'immense hype. Et bien toujours pas en fait. C'est correct, avec quelques chansons bonnes, voire excellentes pour Wouldn't It Be Nice - quand même. PS : pas de sons d'animaux dans la chanson éponyme :(
Let me start by saying I am not a fan of The Beach Boys. I've never liked their music. I am not certain exactly what my issue is, though their sound just grated on me vocally and musically. I of course knew this album would come up at some point in this project. I've never listened to it (or any of their albums). I hoped that maybe their "masterpiece" would change things for me, and I'd finally understand all of the fuss. The ironic part upon listening to this today is that the only songs I didn't mind were the ones I already knew-Wouldn't It Be Nice, Sloop John B, and God Only Knows. These aren't songs of theirs that I truly dislike which is a bonus. I really wanted to like the rest of it. For moments in some songs I thought maybe they were ok, till they just weren't. The vocals and the music just did their thing and I found it grating and annoying. I can respect this album for what it was especially at the time, but I just can't seem to actually like it.
Favorite song: That's not me Worth mentioning: The strings in Don't Talk, the two instrumental tracks Notes: I understand this album is regarded as one of the best and certainly The Beach Boy's greatest, to me it was an enjoyable listen but it won't stick with me for the rest of my life. I do think the musicality of it is beautiful, and it feels like a full concept album connecting every song in a journey. If I had to pinpoint what I didn't like about it I would say is the sound of the keys and the backup vocals. Also too much tambourine? I never thought I'd say that. Just not my style. Score: 5/10
Awful. They are just awful
I've never really liked The Beach Boys. This album is very typical of their music, so naturally I dislike it. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is the most recognizable tune on it, and all I could think was "Wouldn't it be nice if no Beach Boys albums were on this list?" 1 star.
The album is Brian Wilson in a nutshell: Disconnected and contained all at once; Insecure lyrics, mature music; Ambitious and more than a little bonkers.
One of the best LPs On this list
perfectest album ever
One of the best American albums ever recorded. Apparently this record influenced the Beatles best albums that how good it is
I’m part of a choir and we sang God Only Knows in our summer concert last night, so it was great timing to get Pet Sounds today. I’m not gonna say anything that hasn’t already been said. It’s perfect.
I first listened to this album during my freshman year of college, and I appreciate it much more now. one thing that hasn't changed about my opinion, though, is how I most prefer the songs that have some rhythm and groove, like: wouldn't it be nice, sloop John B, pet sounds, etc. Generally speaking, it's hard for me to get into music that doesn't have any kind of groove, unless the melodies and arrangements are particularly compelling. Luckily, they are in this album. I can see how Brian Williams inspired Jacob Collier with his detailed and beautiful arrangements. The diversity of instrumentation, the harmony. The melodies and vocals and everything are super dreamy. I am reviewing this several days after the fact, so I can't remember so many details, but I know this deserves a five, if maybe a light one
This is a landmark album, of course, and its influence continues to be felt. So much so that it's maybe a little difficult to hear, now, how special it was when it came out, in 1966 - including for me, in the sense that maybe half of the songs on this album don't sound to me, 60 years later, all that special. But, in 1966, orchestral pop like this was pretty much nonexistent (although, as Wikipedia notes, Phil Spector's famous "Wall of Sound" did come earlier). So, another 4 or 5 album, but here I think I have to give it a 5 nod, with a bump up for its huge and ongoing positive influence on the development of popular music. P.S. Quickly skimmed through for a 2nd listen, and feel more certain about giving this one a solid 5.
This might be as close to a perfect pop album as I know It's a great lesson in pop songwriting. In most songs, a melodic hook is introduced, and a couple more ideas might be added, mixed and matched, but not too many. The key is simplicity. A better word is concision. Even though the orchestrations are complex and multi-layered, the melodic and harmonic ideas are organized and concise. I enjoy singing every song on the album. There are no stinkers. Maybe a few oddballs, but it's a 10/10 for me. Bonus points for the cohesion. You can comprehend a beautiful whole when you listen through. On top of all of that, there is emotional weight to just about every track. A lot has been said about the record, and I won't cover it all. Primarily I want to express awe and gratitude
No notes
I mean, it's an easy five stars, isn't it? Just beautiful.
i have like 5 left i cant believe they didnt give me one of my favorite albums of all time until now. its essentially the 60s in the most perfect package you could ask for. rip brian.
Brian should’ve left I Know There’s An Answer as it’s original title, Hang On To Your Ego.
i still cry when i hear wouldn't it be nice. this album will always have a special place in my heart.
The classic album, it's just brilliant
God only knows is possibly the most romantic song of all time
10
Fua bro ¿qué pasó? ¿Por qué me siento así? Es como si el álbum hubiese dado en el clavo. Es un 5/5 sin dudarlos. Gran sonido, buena lírica que aunque parezca simple acompaña muy bien lo instrumental.
In the warm carousel of madness this endeavour represents, it is incredible to have Sgt. Peppers and Pet Sounds land within a a few days of each other. Wouldn’t it Be Nice has been my favourite Beach Boys song since I was 12 hrs old. It haunted my puberty crush fantasies, the most profound emotional crises a boy ever experiences. The surfer dude doo-wops become utterly shrouded in shadow on these tracks. And, taken as a whole, Pet Sounds is one of the best records I know. Knowing what happened to all these guys afterward makes it even more shattering.
I have listened to this album so much
Repeat listen
Just a truly wonderful record
Quiero ser un adolescente en los 70's
Day 306 Actually think it may have been my first time listening to this album weirdly. I can see why it’s so highly rated, absolutely beautiful Highlights Don’t talk Sloop John b God only knows
This one is inseparable from my core memories. I grew up on these guys and have heard some of these songs hundreds and hundreds of times.
classic!!!!!
I remember being inspired by the song Sloop John B because it reminded me of when I was younger and tried "running away" from home and consequently was warrant 302'd into a mental hospital miles away by some constable (I didn't drink or fight or anything I just resonated with it for the repeating lines "Why don't they let me go home?" and "This is the worst trip I've ever been on"). After listening to the album for the first time like 6 months ago or something, I painted like 6 small drawing/painting things on printer paper and called them all Sloop John B of course, well because I used reference images of a car ride I was in at night that I'd imagine would be how it looked outside during that terribly traumatic car ride. Anyway now actually a few words about the album itself... I love the psychedelic, foggy feel of the production, like a precursor to Animal Collective. Some of it's mall music, but none of it is ONLY mall music, because it still holds together very well in terms of the emotional value within the sort-of complex song writing for it's time. The ending of I Just Wasn't Made for These Times is the best moment on this record, sounds like a Daft Punk rhythm strangely.
Yesss
Many people name this as the best album ever. I don't know about that but it's definitely in my top 10. I had the pleasure of seeing the Beach Boys live in 1974, opening up for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in Dallas Texas. I love CSN&Y but the Beach Boys definitely stole that show. They had that entire stadium of cowboys rocking. I then had the pleasure in more recent years to see Brian Wilson live on two separate occasions. Of course, he was amazing. Rest in peace to one of the greatest songwriters of all time
love "I guess I just wasn't made for these times"
So weird. Joyful layered rainbow, weird bit sinister original has depth and strange. So pop fun strange. I’m so tired. Loved it
HARMONIOUS! What's not to love?
A unbelievable classic surf rock album! Brian Wilson is an absolute genius and deserves all the praise for this as album, as it is one of the reasons music sounds like it does today, truly a cornerstone. The backing band for the album is the Wrecking Crew and should definitely be checked out, as they have legends like Glen Campbell and Carol Kay. I’d recommend Wouldn’t it be nice, That’s not me, Don’t talk, I’m waiting for the day, Sloop John B, God only knows, I know there is an answer, Here today, I just wasn’t made for these times and Caroline, no
Lovely stuff.
I’ve been a bit apathetic about this over the years, but on close listening the production is outstanding, outweighing the at times slightly conservative lyrics
Genius record. The sleeve image fails in comparison to what is in the grooves of this record
Sloop John B being co-opted into the most tinpot, lower league football chant still remains funny to me. CRAWLEY’S A SHITHOLE, I WANT TO GO HOME! Anyway, this is one of the greatest ever, don’t try and say otherwise.
There is a lot to like on this classic album. 5/5
Yes. Rightful one of the greatest albums of all time.
É sempre surpreendente ver que uma música que você conhece está em um álbum tão conceituado, mas que você nunca ouviu. Disco excelente!
5 de 5 Considerado como uno de los disco más creativos de la música popular, compuesto y producido por Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds transformó el rock y el pop gracias a las complejas armonías vocales, los arreglos con orquesta y las finísimas técnicas de estudio muy adelantadas a su tiempo. Letras que destacan por ser íntimas, vulnerables y agridulces, que abordan sentimientos como la soledad, el anhelo juvenil, la alienación y la fragilidad del amor.
This is a perfect album
one of my favorite albums of all time. does this thing go higher than 5?
The first time I listened to Pet Sounds I only gave it a 3. Then Brian Wilson died, and I realised that it is truly one of the most important albums of all time. God Only Knows is one of the greatest songs of all time, and listening to this directly after a naff Elvis album really highlights how stupidly ahead of its time it is
Overall: 4.51 (rounded to 5) Consistency: 4.54 Originality: 4.5 Enjoyment: 5 Virtuosity: 4 1. Wouldn't It Be Nice - 5 2. You Still Believe in Me - 5 3. That's Not Me - 5 4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head on my Shoulder) - 5 5. I'm Waiting for the Day - 5 6. Let's Go Away for a While - 4 7. Sloop John B - 5 8. God Only Knows - 5 9. I Know There's An Answer - 5 10. Here Today - 5 11. I Just Wasn't Made for These Times - 5 12. Pet Sounds - 3 13. Caroline, No - 5
amazing record
Gran album Clásico y gran influencias en otras bandas que amo
I’d give this 10 stars if I could
YESSSSSSS
The greatest album ever recorded.
A truly unique album with beautiful melodies, incredible vocal harmonies and countless memorable moments throughout. It is filled with timeless classics and manages to fit almost any mood or emotion. The songwriting and arrangements remain consistently engaging from start to finish, making it an album with no real skips where every track brings something valuable to the experience. ++ : Wouldn't It Be Nice You Still Believe in Me Sloop John B I Know There's an Answer Here Today
I've just listened to Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys and... nothing prepares you for this. I cheered. I shouted. I fist pumped the air. I cried. I stood and cheered. It's absolutely everything that you hoped it was gunna be.
The experimental concept album is amazing. Yes it seems kind of all the same speed and all kind sounds the same but it’s one amazing pop album
Oooooooooooooft
I know this must not be an uncommon experience: I remember when someone first recommended I listen to Pet Sounds. I was taken aback. The Beach Boys? Really? That unserious surf pop band from oldies radio? And I listened to it once or twice and didn’t think much of it. But then it really started to dawn on me. Every time I revisit I appreciate it more. I can finally see how this album floored the Beatles when they first heard it. There’s not only more depth than you’d expect, but its influence is inescapable. Psychedelic and progressive rock as we know them just wouldn’t exist without Pet Sounds.
First of three Beach Boys album in this collection and I start it off with arguably THE Beach Boys album. The first time I listened to this album, before doing this experience, I was left underwhelmed and thought maybe the album was overhyped. Returning to it later knowing what to expect, and knowing just how innovative it was, I have a new found appreciation for this album and ended up enjoying it more this time around. Few can deny its got some absolute classic tracks on it, not just for the Beach Boys but in the grand scheme of popular music. I originally wanted to compare this album to Citizen Cain in that its a piece of media that was cutting edge for its time but when viewed through a modern lense it loses all that mystique because all the cutting edge techniques it used are common place now and the piece of media ends up just being ok if not kind of mid. The only reason this is not an apt comparisson is because I think Pet Sounds is a better album that Citizen Cain is a movie. 4.5 rounded up to a 5/5
There is no description need
life soundtrack
I have nothing new to say about this album.
8.8/10
Cried tears of joy, damn those dogs from ruining a perfect run
Not a huge Beach Boys fan, but this is certainly my favorite Beach Boys record. The two biggest songs are just so good (Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows), but the secondaries are good too (Sloop John B, Caroline No) and there isn't really a bad track on the album.
Brian Wilson is just one of the greats
Easy 5
Всё больше мне кажется что рандом на этом сайте не совсем рандомен. Сегодня этой великой работе исполнилось 60 лет. Pet Sounds — один из важнейших альбомов шестидесятых. Нет, не так. Один из важнейших альбомов в истории музыки. С этой работой от Бич Бойз я познакомился давно, ещё в свои 15 лет и влюбился моментально. Это было сочетание грустных меланхоличных баллад Брайана Уилсона, пропитанных ностальгией, где-то тревогой или меланхолией, в купе с достаточно веселыми и жизнеутверждающими песнями, навроде Sloop John B или Wouldn't Be Nice. Благодаря самым великим вещам от Битлз я понял что когда речь идёт об альбоме, мне нравится чтобы работа включала в себя самые разнообразные композиции, по аранжировкам, настроениям и т.д., и само собой, Pet Sounds в полной мере отражает эту философию. Некогда вдохновленный Rubber Soul от Битлов, Pet Sounds уже вдохновил самих Битлз на написание следующего шедевра — Sgt Pepper. За эти замечательные цепочки сотрудничеств и вдохновений я и обожаю искусство. Это прекрасно! К сожалению, в желании "догнать и перегнать" конкурентов в творческой гонке, реализоваться как музыкальному гению (что у него, бесспорно получилось) Брайану Уилсону становилось все хуже и хуже, и следующая амбициозная работа "Smile" была отложена на целых 40 лет. Потом как, когда упомянутый выше Sgt Pepper вышел, тот совсем разуверился в себе и своем творчестве. А по итогу же мы имеем, изумительный альбом с прекрасными барочными аранжировками, и несколькими шедевральными песнями о любви "God Only Knows" и "Caroline No" которым пели оды огромное количество других музыкальных мэтров, что вдохновили собой сотни других групп и песен. Вы можете не любить этот альбом, вам вполне может и не понравится его звучание/настроение, но я в полной мере понимаю почему он находится здесь и хотя бы раз ознакомиться с этим - вам точно не повредит.
In his linear notes for the album "Live At Birdland" by John Coltrane, author and controversy magnet Amiri Baraka says of John Coltrane that "... his music is one of the reasons suicide seems so boring." Besides being an intentionally button-pushing and heavy statement, I think it gets to something important about music- it takes the big, evil, question mark planet we crawl on and stuffs it away for awhile. There's a lot to be afraid of, and a lot to mull over, but why not stop and smell the roses? And maybe, if you're lucky, the album you stumble on will permantly help you think through things. Brian Wilson, using an unbeatable mixture of lover-boy anxiety, symphonic genius, and divine intervention, planted a bed of roses that manages to do more in 38 minutes than most bands can in entire discographies. Everytime you stop by, something new will stand out. You could go the cheesy route and say that this album is a look inside of the head of one of music's great geniuses, but I think that would do a severe disservice to the amount of pain that Brian Wilson faced in his life. No, this album is more beautiful than that- it's a gift to anyone that's ever loved and lost, to anyone who hasn't fit in, or who's acted unlike themselves. He was there, and he doesn't want us to get there. He planted this garden for us. May we all hang onto our egos.
Loved it!
ONly hearing portions of this record did it no justice, also doing some reading on Brian Wilson while listening really made this record stand out. Masterful song crafting from intruments to writing, simply terrific. Although it was intrumental, I am a big fan of interludes and instramental sections, 'Lets Go away For Awhile' was a favorite as well as 'I Know There's an Answer'.
"Pet Sounds" is worth the hype; I've known for a long time it's considered one of the best albums ever written but never found time to actually sit and listen to it. It is musically deep and sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released in 1966. "God Only Knows" is maybe the greatest song of all time. 5/5 if only for that.
5 stars no notes
One of my all-time favorite albums, and I truly believe one of the greatest. Some of the most inventive songwriting there has ever been, creative production, beautifully sung. When people say the The Beach Boys suck, I imagine they only have heard their surf rock era, and have never really sat down with Pet Sounds. The harmonic writing is wild. The melodic writing so distinctive and winding. "God Only Knows" is one of the most elegant pieces of pop music ever made. Every time I listen to Pet Sounds, I feel like I'm discovering it for the first time again. In fact, I can't think of a single other album that so consistently elicits this sense of wonder in me. Some things that really stood out to me this time: the bass harmonica solo on "I Know There's An Answer," the bike horn on "You Still Believe In Me," the plucky bass on "Here Today" that plays in a different key in the instrumental bridge from the rest of the band. If I had to change one thing about the album, it would be its terrible album cover. Other than that, pure perfection. Key tracks: "God Only Knows," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Caroline, No".
It still sounds absolutely amazing. 37 minutes of 60s pop perfection
Heard Many Times; 5; I never really liked this album at first. Like a lot of other albums on this list, I didn't really enjoy it or get it. I liked the singles well enough, but thought a lot of the album was boring. Now I really appreciate the harmonies and experimental nature of the songs. It's also incredible how the lush and complex the instrumentals are, and how it feels like every single moment on the album is meticulously planned. Favorite Track: God Only Knows
Finally! The album about which I've heard the most, without knowing a single song from it (well, I think "God Only Knows" is the only one that was vaguely familiar to me). Strangely, I'm rating this a 5 without really "getting" it. The music is amazing, obviously, so that's why I know this is going to get a top rating from me, but I feel like I lack the context to actually understand the impact of this album and why it is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential ever, even if taking a look at the Wikipedia article. But it's not that surprising, to be honest, with the quality of the compositions AND the production. 5/5, of course.
"Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows"are the big hits here, but the entire album is rich with the Beach Boys' amazing layered vocals and harmonies, and the vibe the whole time is pure California cool. A fabulous album!
It’s one of the greatest for good reason, the way it pushed production is undeniable. The song writing is amazing, some of the most heartbreaking songs ever written. It could just be Wouldn’t It be Nice, then brian Wilson just getting the wrecking crew just farting the wall of sound, and it would still land a high 4. Let alone songs like God Only Knows and I Just wasn’t made for these times Top album, anyone who doesn’t rate it as 5 is a tasteless, heartless swine.
GOAT
So depressing yet so happy. Easy five.
Orchestral masterpiece. It created a new sound not yet heard in pop music. This was inspired by Brian’s love of Revolver. Carl has such a powerful voice on this album. Mike Love can get fucked I hate that guy, what a useless human. Anyway this is a masterpiece and, while unfinished, the smile sessions record is much better than this if that tells you anything about that. Only saying that because I doubt it’ll be on this list.
Everybody knows this is a masterpiece, even the haters.
Such an influential album to the development of pop and rock music in the 60s and beyond. Layers of sound and harmonies. Might take a bit of getting used to the angelic voice style of singing and harmonies in today’s cynical world but totally deserving a 5 star
hell, and i cannot stress this enough, yeah.
Pet Sounds? More like glorious absurdist angel music passed down from the heavens sounds
Kind of Blue was the easiest instrumental 5, and Pet Sounds is the easiest vocal 5. The album is more than a 5 to me, as the songs have been a soundtrack to some profound lows and highs in adulthood. The simple sadness from "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" was both comforting and depressing in Undergrad, and "God Only Knows" was played on strings for my wedding recessional. It was great to see Brian Wilson perform the album a decade ago (shoutout to Brandon and Jordy for also being there), and I will still be listening to this album for more decades. RIP Brian Wilson, I hope they have Norbit (4k UHD, Criterion Collection Edition) in Heaven.
God-tier experience.
i don't even know man. when i first started this album, i didn't realize shuffle was on and i thought "this really isn't hitting the same way i remember it hitting" and i thought i'd end up disappointing those close to me with a bad score and that sent me into a spiral, but then i checked spotify and it was on shuffle. when this shit runs the course its meant to hoooowweeeeee is it a much better experience (objectively and i'll fight anyone on this albums should not be shuffled)
It's no coincidence that the cover features goats. What's even cooler is that someone snapped a picture of goats feeding other goats. I get unbelievably lost in the world that is "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" and I wish that song had no end.
I don’t know that I can do this album justice so I’m not gonna be as melodramatic as I could be but please know in advance that after a period of hiatus I am back with one of ~those reviews~. In the age old debate of Beatles vs Rolling Stones, the correct non-answer is “Beach Boys.” This will never be the conventional wisdom for a variety of reasons, mostly because if we lay out the entire canon of all three groups before us, the Beach Boys easily have the worst “killer-to-filler” ratio. But it’s always been my opinion that peak Beach Boys (Today! through Surf’s Up for those playing along at home) surpasses anything the other two groups ever put out. Brian Wilson took rock music and pushed it to this inflection point where you could draw from equal parts Chuck Berry and George Gershwin. After leaving the road to focus on the studio, he felt unbound by the constraints of having to make music that could be recreated on a stage. In doing so, he pioneered the idea that a recording could BE a work of art, rather than simply documenting a work of art. It’s all just old hat now but at the time it was such a bold move, so bold that Mike Love has spent the last 60 years trying to undo it. Fuck Mike Love. He took those mixed influences and laid them overtop some of the best tune writing of all time, acting more like a channeler than a composer. Like, he didn’t craft tunes so much as they appeared in his head fully formed and he did what he could to recreate them in the real world. Then he capped it off with lyrics that really understand being young, in that same cliche but true way that English teachers talk about JD Salinger, with a vulnerability and honesty that can only come with the innocence that most of us lost a long time ago. When I was a kid, one of the things I would daydream about was what music I would listen to first in my car when I could drive by myself. This question reached almost mythical status in my teenage mind until the day came and, without even really thinking about it, I threw on Pet Sounds, because that’s just what I do when I don’t know what to listen to. In retrospect, it could never really have been anything else. Even ignoring the production advances, it is the most quintessentially teenage album, in its raw emotion. It is at the very least the finest record of the 20th century and probably of all time. It’s full of the types of thoughts we all have but aren’t supposed to express. I can cry just thinking about some of these songs, with “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” basically feeling like a running narrative of my thoughts at certain points in my life. I don’t think that makes me special, I think it makes the song special. I’d wager that at least one of you reading this feels the same way. Let me know. Or don’t. It’s okay. There’s nuance here that is hard to find in anything prior. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” talks about the naivete of young love. “God Only Knows” is more mature. It is not a breakup song but a breakup anticipation song, about a seemingly happy relationship that still feels uncertain. “Caroline, No.” is the aftermath. I got to see Brian Wilson perform Pet Sounds in its entirety for its 50th anniversary. It was a wonderful experience but it was also kinda solemn. He looked frail and sat behind a piano that he did not play. During a standing ovation, he became visibly overwhelmed and asked the crowd to please sit down. At one point, he attempted to hit a high note and started coughing. And yet, at points, you could see him lock in and truly come to life. “God Only Knows” stood out as one of the most powerful musical performances I’ve ever witnessed. Goddamn dude.
Awww
Relisten Perfect pop album as far as I'm concerned. Songs like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" are hopelessly romantic, the kinds of love songs that you would expect from the era but polished to perfection, almost like a young, teenage love - wanting to be older and spend every waking moment together. In contrast are songs like "Caroline, no" and "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" which feel like a bit of a coming of age, a pessimistic answer to the childish longing, a shadow of creeping adulthood and the reality that maybe love isn't always so simple and happy. Not sure how Sloop John B fits into that theme but it's my favorite Beach Boys song and is endlessly catchy. It doesn't always perfectly hang onto any one theme or message, but it's always a joy to listen to regardless. Favorite Tracks: Sloop John B, Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, I Know There's An Answer Least favorite: None 5/5
wow. i now decides to wait until 20 days later so that i could listen to the album on its 60th release anniversary. also im allergic to perfectly written music and beautiful harmonies because it would makes me sad that im never able to write things like that. might be a 1/5 out of self loathing frustration but lets wait and see proper review 20 days later: a story of the love and the fear and the beauty and the terror of growing up, told through a perfectly flowing 13 track album. 5/5
Absolute classic.
Really is one of the best albums of all time Every song is a hit Favorites: god only knows ofc but my other favorite is I know there’s an answer
One of my desert island records.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get good albums every day?
Hard to believe this is from 1966, it holds up so well! Great listen, would purchase this album
Wouldn't it be Nice - 10/10. Classic open harmonies, with great musicianship underneath. Outstanding. No notes. You Still Believe in Me - 9/10. Excellent example of The Beach Boys Sound (tm). That's Not Me - 9/10. Awesome tune, great singing, virtuoso musicianship. Don't Talk - 9/10. Smooth, and distinctive in sound. Excellent. I'm Waiting for the Day - 9/10. Subtle instrumentation choices (and a different percussion sound) sit underneath the classic Beach Boys sound. Let's Go Away for a While - 8/10. Surprising instrumental. Very good. Sloop John B - 10/10. Great harmonies, great musicianship, and that a capella part at 1:45 is *chef's kiss* perfection. God Only Knows - 11/10. I can't hear the beginning of this song without getting goosebumps. Carol Kaye's bass is exactly what the rest of the song needs, the harmonies are outstanding. Everything about this song screams "perfection." This one absolutely goes to 11. I Know There's an Answer - 9/10. Excellent vocals, great musicianship, excellent arrangement. Here Today - 9/10. Excellent. I Just Wasn't Made for These Times - 8/10. Great. Pet Sounds - 8/10. A little psychadelic, but still great. Caroline, No - 8/10. Excellent. Overall Rating - 4.50/5 (9.00/10). To be fair, I've always enjoyed The Beach Boys. The harmonies and musicianship are outstanding, and The Wrecking Crew (the studio musicians on the album) are phenomenal.
Immediate 5
Favorite track(s): Wouldn't It Be Nice, That's Not Me, Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder), I'm Waiting for the Day, God Only Knows, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, Caroline No The pinnacle of a band, a decade, and a generation. Brian Wilson was a trailblazer for soulful white boys everywhere. Heard before Previous rating: 10/10
Some clever soul wrote a review on the generator site explaining how each song on the album is actually about a relationship with a pet. I don’t believe it literally but it was as good a guide to the mysteries of Pet Sounds as any. What I most liked is the idea that “God Only Knows” is about a dog instead of a deity. Why I loved that: I read somewhere that the beauty of any pet — but dogs especially — is how they allow you be alone without feeling lonely. I think that’s especially necessary for those of us who are extroverts with a heavy dose of introversion, who might need a little help settling into solitude. Dogs do that but so do a dozen Brian Wilson songs. For every “California Girls” there is an “In My Room,” but there is also a “Surfer Girl” or a “Good Vibrations” doing it more subtly. What’s so interesting about “Pet Sounds” to me is that it does it on the song level and the album level too. There’s a lot of distance between “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “You Still Believe In Me.” The teenage ennui of “Sloop John B” feels like it comes from a completely different universe from “God Only Knows.” Yet put them all together and you have this feeling of warmth amid any degree of loneliness and isolation.
It's Pet Sounds. An absolute banger album. That's Not Me is a standout on an album of great music. It changed the game at the time and still holds up.
OK, fine. It's genius.
Yeah...
Pop genius
Concept
Classic. Favourite song: God Only Knows
Hermocho, me encantó, y si, le pong 5 estrellas
its so beautiful! "you still belive in me" is somehow so christmassy i actually love it!
A true classic.
What can I say, it’s crazy that they made this
Unbelievably gorgeous album. This is the type of record that makes me want to stop whatever I am doing and absorb the music. Mind blowing that this was written and recorded in 1966! So ahead of its time. Brian Wilson is a mad genius of a songwriter. Even with a gun to my head, I could not make a single criticism of this album. The easiest five I have given out yet, and unquestionably one of the 2 or 3 greatest pop albums ever. Music like this simply exists on a different plane than most other pieces. Art in an album. Favorite track: I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
Again, a classic and brilliant from start to finish
Pert near perfect
Es ist overall nicht umbedingt eine 5 (mochte surfs up sogar insgesamt mehr) aber die vocals und production sind ein meisterwerk. 5/5
Classic, great songs. God only knows in itself deserves 5 stars
Perfect, sounds so good. Some of the most beautiful melodies and harmonies ever, and those arrangements. Happy and sad.
amazing. purely amazing 10/10
Absolute classic
I know it's unlike me to be argumentative (ha ha), but Brian Wilson wasn't the first troubled genius to create an odd concept album. That was Joe Meek with I Hear A New World a few years earlier - an album which would be battling with Throbbing Gristle for last place in popularity if it was on this list (it should be!). That aside, Pet Sounds is a terrific album! Another one that I've always meant to listen to and had never got around to doing so until today (that's two in a row this week!). I might buy this one!
the pioneer, the genius Brian Wilson - what a story and what an album !! One of the very few times I can listen to this extreeeemely dated sound for a whole album - this one.
One of the great inspirational albums of its time. Way ahead of its time. The lush harmonies, layers, textures and production quality are what make this special. Brian Wilson’ lyrics are more mature, graduated from surfer teenybopper pop songs. Some of these songs linger hauntingly in my brain long after a listen.
It may not be the greatest song ever written (or at least in the rock era) but God Only Knows is certainly a perfect pop song. Personally I prefer I Know There's an Answer as a musical experience. Either way - this is a musical experience. I will not defend this album to the naysayers and I acknowledge the hype can be overwhelming and - through a certain lens - some songs can be a little sentimental , earnest and even a little goofy. But that's really missing the true joy of this album. I feel like listening to this is like rewatching Goodfellas. It's great as whole piece but when you look at the smaller moments, individual scenes, moments within scenes, the transitions - you truly see the mastery of craft. With this album - it's great as a whole experience - certainly - but when you look at individual songs - and moments within those songs - you just have to marvel at what went into conjuring this album into being. And be grateful ot exists.
it has such a lovely vibe my favs are let’s go away for awhile and you still believe in me
A classic album which I am embarrassed to say I don’t own. It’s the equivalent of not having Sgt Pepper’s which it is often compared with. I have multiple copies of Sgt Pepper’s but have always been content that because I knew the massive Beach Boy hits contained on Pet Sounds I found no reason to buy the album. I don’t actually get the PS v SP thing as to my ears they are completely different both in the songwriting and production techniques. The thing both albums prove is that this particular period was a great and significant period of time in musical history. Anyhow listening today convinced me that I should right the wrong. So even before the last few notes of Caroline No, I was on Vinted and bought myself a bargain. 5/5 11/4/26
One of my favourite albums ever, part of falling in love with music for me as a child, 5/5 no notes love you Brian. You're gonna have to fight OK Computer at the end
What can you say about this album that hasn't been said? If you haven't heard the Beach Boys at this point, you are living under a rock. This is album is one of the best of all time for a reason and the opening notes to Wouldn't It Be Nice reel you in and do not let go. Just listen to it, thats all ill say. Biggest Hit - Wouldn't It Be Nice Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Here Today Not So Hidden Gem - God Only Knows
woowwwww this was so good. peep the feature on latenighttales. def going into my rotation and think it would be a good cd to have on hand for sureeeeeee
🥞
peak everytime
Yeah it truly is something new and fresh and a masterpiece
Прекрасный альбом, который хочется переслушать.
Pet Sounds, a classic I haven’t listened to front to back in a number of years. That baroque sound with perfect harmonies that influenced so much of the music of the late 60s and later. Starts off with one of the album’s best and most well known songs. So much depth to the sound of these songs. Between the instrumentation and harmonies. The songs are all short and to the point that there never feels like a wasted moment. Love a succinct album with defined sound like this. First side ends with a great fun Sloop John B and then side two begins with arguably one of the greatest songs of all time: God Only Knows. Starting off side 2! Just overall? There’s so many great tunes and it’s a great album. It may only have so much mileage as it’s not as “catchy” as similar sounding albums of the era. But shouldn’t use that against it. I still think it’s all great. Those harmonies are just endless. It’s such a defined sound. I think some of the slower ballads may actually be some of the stronger under appreciated songs. You Still Believe in Me and I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times are two perfect examples. This is a 5. Not going to nit pick. I’ll admit my personal preference is that it’s not as good as some of the 60s similar era/similar vibe albums of the Kinks, Beatles, and Zombies. But it’s still about as perfect an album from its era. And the best songs sound great on relisten. You Still Believe in Me just blew my mind on relisten. Just a gem of a song that I hadn’t heard in a long time.
10/10
one of those albums where you'd be justified in going "it's Pet Sounds", slapping a 5 on it, and moving on. but i gotta be honest and say that it took a good few years before i moved from finding this cloying and obnoxious to finding it heartrendingly beautiful. some incredible songs, that much is certain. even the instrumental interlude tracks fuck. the title track has a really nice loungy atmosphere. still a 5 but tbh this isn't even my favorite album of theirs. Surfs Up has it beat; Student Demonstration Time and all. deserves to be one of the 1001? yes
My childhood bedroom was a couple of miles, at least, from Interstate 10 and the freight train tracks that ran parallel to it through west Houston, TX. During the day, you couldn’t hear the trains. Not sure why- maybe too many cars? But at night, what felt like late at night to me, you could hear the horn of the freight trains clear as a bell in the distance. In the quiet and still of the night, it was a comforting and lonely sound. The train at the end of Pet Sounds always reminds me of that childhood train. It has the same sweetly aching quality, the perfect capstone for an album that articulates, musically as well as lyrically, the wonder and confusion of growing up.
Outstanding album that pushed pop music to a whole new level. Deep lyrically, complex musically, and expertly produced.
Amazing orchestration of the album. I read it was most expensive album to create worth hundreds of thousands $$. All came to a well produced album
My rating 4.7 Better then the 2 Beatles albums I have at 5 stars or Kinda Blue by Miles Davis? No. But close. Appreciate the progression from Revolver to Pet Sounds to Sgt. Peppers. Who knew the band that was going to push the Beatles was The Beach Boys?!?
1. Wouldn't It Be Nice: Classic song, heard it before, lush harmonies. Background vocals tie everything together. Hopeful longing of a desired scenario. (9/10) 2. You Still Believe In Me: Much slower than WIBN, great harmonies once again, sounds sadder as well. (8/10) 3. That's Not Me: Great instrument use, I love the drums and the organ used. Great message about self-discovery. Song is more stripped down than their usual sounds. (9/10) 4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder): Love that Brian Wilson is soloing on this song. Nice love song, and highlights that with this love there is no need to talk to profess love, just listen to the heartbeat. (10/10) 5. I'm Waiting For The Day: Also love the instrument use on this, makes it a little more funky with the flutes and timpani. Also love how the music builds and gets louder. Theme of patience and support. Narrator comforts a woman who was heartbroken by another man. (8/10) 6. Let's Go Away For A While: Instrumental track, very whimsical. Love the chord progression. (6/10) 7. Sloop John B: Upbeat song, blend of rock music and using marching band instruments like flutes and the glockenspiel, as well as the drums. (9/10) 8. God Only Knows: Carl Wilson's vocals sound perfect on this track. One of my favorite, if not my favorite, tracks on this album. Beautiful message and love song. (10/10) 9. I Know There's An Answer: Instruments on here are great as well (bass harmonica and banjo). The harmonica sounds amazing and adds a unique aspect to this song. (6/10). 10. Here Today: A cynical and upbeat warning from an ex-boyfriend about the fleeting nature of romance. Funny for it to be an upbeat song, even with this message. Love the guitar break on this! (9/10). 11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: Very deep and personal song about alienation and feeling like you were born in the wrong time. Instruments sound a little sad, and added to the mood of the song. Interesting to add a Spanish line in, highlighting the longing for searching for one's place in the world. (8/10) 12. Pet Sounds: Another awesome instrumental track, more upbeat and fun than the last. Sounds happy! (7/10). 13. Caroline No: A melancholy ending to this album. Looking back on childhood and losing innocence. Bittersweet tone. (9/10)
Absolute 5. This is a top ten pop album. These songs are just wonderful. The production and mix are tops.
Maybe the easiest 5 I will ever give
One of the greatest of all time.
capos d la vida
I have always loved this album. It hits the nostalgia button very hard!
classic goodness
when i’m in a best album ever made competition and im up against pet sounds (1966) i listened to this while cleaning the shower
Is Pet Sounds a "concept album"? That can mean a lot of different thing, so it's a bit hard to say. (Thankfully) it doesn't feature the overwrought world-building and character lore of the classic 70s concept album. Instead, it focuses on the subtle transformations and overlapping contradictions you feel when you're completely preoccupied with love and fixated on loss. At its broadest and deepest level, I do think Brian is reflecting on the general "hero's journey" he probably experienced emerging from a garage in Hawthorn, escaping the clutches of his overbearing father, finding a powerful musical voice, and then feeling his own sanity slip away -- in this tragedy, Brian can never go home again. It's all there, obliquely, and masked by puppy love and angsty torch songs. Maybe Brian is telling a "story," or maybe not, but it doesn't totally matter because he's unlocked such a deep connection between the musical and emotional contents of what he's produced that every moment of Pet Sounds feels "whole." Nothing feels out of place, even the brief flashes of ugliness and uncouthness; remember, "baroque" is a term for an irregular, misshapen pearl.
THE music
It's been nice to see this album's reputation grow over the last 30 years. Beach Boys have been a perpetually underrated group imho. So many gems even on some of their later records. Brian Wilson's sense of whimsy, skill as an arranger and singer, and positivity always make me smile. And this record speaks for itself. Any songwriter arranging their own material should take heed.
Love it
Pet Sounds
Highly regarded, and stood up to that reputation!
It’s all been said. Brilliant, Game changing. 5 stars. Fave track - god only knows
There really are no words for how perfect this record is.
Possibly my favourite album of all time.
Definition of a perfect album
Just a perfect album.
I love this album. It is incredible and it is one of my most listened to records I own. God Only Knows, Sloop John B, That's Not Me, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Put Your Head On My Shoulder. I could list the whole album because it is that good.
Love this album, what else is there to say?
Que absoluto, que pieza fundamental de la música popular de los 60, stone corner de mucho de los que vino después
This is one of my absolute favourite albums, so naturally it gets 5 stars. I love everything about it: Brian Wilson’s intricate, gorgeous instrumentals and vocal harmonies unsurprisingly draw the most attention, but Tony Asher’s lyrics are fantastic too. The songs are introspective, addressing many coming of age themes: young love/relationships, personal failings and insecurities, feelings of alienation, searching for meaning and direction. It strikes a chord with me personally far more than most albums I’ve heard, and that married to some of the most beautiful pop music ever written results in what is, for me, a genuine masterpiece.
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Influential and still holds up well. It might be a low 5 stars, but the influence makes it 5
Near pop perfection. Miles ahead of Sgt. Pepper
Wouldn't it be nice if all the albums on this list were as good as this masterpiece?
I need to listen this album more carefully to fully understand the depth of this masterpiece. Caroline, No is an amazing closer!
Love it!
One of the best albums of all time. No contest
Listening session: march 9th, while commuting back home from internship Listened to before: have listened a lot to some songs Thoughts: 5 stars for Brian Wilsons harmonies alome. My life has been changed when I first heard breakdown of all the layers Favourite tracks: God Only Knows, Wouldn’t It Be Nice & I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
My favourite album of all time, so an easy 5*
Brill harmonies. Very clever and good tunes. Shame to have lost Brian Wilson recently.
This should go higher than 5 stars. GODDDDDDD this is the best album of all time
So the thing about the Beach Boys for me is that the production is so good that even the boring songs are good. Really great sound to this one.
Three days before this, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band showed up for a listen. Growing up, I was a huge Beach Boys fan. It's nice to listen to these two albums back to back. The good news with the Beach Boys is that there isn't a "why in the world did you include that track moment" here. Is it the greatest thing ever? I'd argue no. But it is great.
A seminal 60s record, a true auteur turn from the troubled genius of Brian Wilson, a storied tome of timeless vocal group pop that is distinctly Californian
Listo
I love this album, it's perfect front to back.
Classic, easy 5
Totally a classic. Such a 60's sound too.
Duh
Pet Sounds…it’s 5 stars obvs.
beautiful!!!!
the first original members of PETA, this album is so good!
con este album se creó la musica
Masterpiece
One of my favorites ever
Classic
One of the all-time best.
Insulin required
I’ve only recently connected with this album. The sonic layers are amazing and the lyrics are so personal
Great little album
What a salve after four stinkers in a row. I know this is considered like one of the best of all time, but idk why an album has to have that pinnacle status. It’s a five star, I don’t gotta go waxing poetic like I’ve been seeing for Allman Brothers, Leonard Cohen, etc.
Obviously an incredible album, obviously.