Pet Sounds

I do love this album. It took a couple listens to get it, and it should be listend to on a nice sound system. It's famous for the unconventional recording methods they used at the time. Changing the way people thought about capturing sounds for a studio album.

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.

Listened in the truck via YouTube music. It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to Pet Sounds all the way through. Lots of great songs which is why it’s a classic. You can really hear where Panda Bear and Grizzly Bear get a lot of their influences. I chose the 40th anniversary version and the dynamics were great. Can’t imagine what it was like to listen to this back when it came out. The drumming sounds are a standout. Interesting timing for this to be generated since Brian Wilson just passed a few days ago.

uno de los mejores discos que se crearon

I don't think this is a perfect album, but it is an incredibly important one that justifies my decision to give 5 stars. I am not a Beach Boys fan, but I appreciate this album as a golden moment where they truly touched greatness. There are two classic songs on Pet Sounds and they are classics for a reason. God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice are better than the rest of this album. They are what I think of when I think of the Beach Boys. God Only Knows was introduced to me in a university music history class and it blew me away at the time. I have listened to it enough since then to feel a bit blasé about it, but after really listening to it again for this exercise I felt that awe return. I think it is one of the best songs ever made.

sorta just fine tbh

RIP Brian Wilson

A few bangers but otherwise a bit boring

Classic. Excellent. RIP Mr. Wilson

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

Very old, very good

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.

I just can’t get into this record. I recognize Brian Wilson’s achievement but I find it a little boring. It might be different if the lyrics weren’t about Middle America. Maybe. As a listener I’m also frustrated by the wall of sound effect.

Getting this album as my selection the day that Brian Wilson died is likely to make my review a bit more friendly. That said, objectively, this is an excellent album and I loved listening to this today. There’s a lot more depth to these songs than I would have expected. I’m so used to hearing their huge hits on the radio and they are good songs, but they all have a consistent high energy, positive vibe to them. This album shows how much more versatile as a band they were vs. what I had thought. Sure, there are the hits like Sloop John B, God Only Knows, and Wouldn't It Be Nice (all good songs), but this album hits higher notes for me on these lesser known songs, predominantly because of their depth. Songs like I Just Wasn't Made for These Times and That's Not Me are thematically and tonally a departure from the Beach Boys I am used to, which is a lot of fun to discover. The title track is like something an orchestra would conduct for a movie, which makes it a strange but pretty cool part of this album. The vocals on You Still Believe In Me are excellent, especially the way they layer at the end. All in all, an excellent record, way better than I would have anticipated.

don't overthink it God Only Knows and Wouldn't it be Nice are literally all-time great tracks, and the rest of the album doesn't slack off either.

I fitting tribute to a legendary composer and songwriter. Some classics on this one and a revolutionary album, although not appreciated at the time. 5 stars in respect to Brian Wilson.

timeless. amazing.

Had to listen more than once to pay more attention. This album was kinda sad- it’s funny because most of the actual sounds and the beat and their voices sounds more sing songy and light. Wouldn’t it be nice is a strong opening track and the contrast with the theming of the rest of the album was too good.

I get it it now

Cool

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

Thanks for the beautiful music, Brian

Truly the perfect album!

a masterpiece.... "Sloop John B" huge hit... "Wouldn't It Be Nice"... a classic... "God Only Knows" divine... "Caroline No" another all timer... such a great sound... the only thing is the Beach Boys didn't hardly play a note on it... they all SANG on it for sure... other than one song were Dennis plays drums, and Carl playing guitar on two cuts... so, the session guys sounded great... the boys sang perfectly... and that it influenced Paul McCartney and The Beatles is in full evidence... Five Stars.

The birth of Sunshine Pop

Just an absolute classic with so many bangers

Perfect album. RIP Brian.

Sublime

Rest In Peace Brian Wilson. If you've forgotten where the narrative of Brian Wilson as a genius comes from, this album should remind you of everything you need to know. It's funny, for one of the most acclaimed albums of all time, Pet Sounds is still kind of an underdog, largely because it seems to be compared to Sergeant Pepper, possibly more than any other single album (not by the Beatles). It kind of makes sense, both are ambitious, intricate and daring pop albums, but honestly, at the end of the day I may prefer Pet Sounds. One of the biggest things Pet Sounds has over Sergeant Pepper for me is the incredibly unique tone. Pepper oozed flower power optimism, but Pet Sounds was different. The production and instrumental palette has a bittersweet, dreamlike quality: the songs expanded with accordion, violin, toms, and vibrant flashes of psychedelia. And the lyrics here are, honestly, deeply sad. These songs are about alienation, longing, regret, and anxiety. The result is a very complex, yet understated emotional palette. And, of course, none of this would work if not for the fantastic songs. The Beach Boys' distinct, beautiful harmonies sit atop songs which pioneered techniques like complex chord progressions, moment-to-moment flourishes, dense arranging and more for the world of popular music. These songs are all pretty much, in one way or another, perfect '60s pop tunes, but I can list some stand-outs. Wouldn't it be nice is a mega hit and exemplifies everything great about this album. The song is built around an unbelievably catchy accordion line, the vocal melodies are perfect pop music, and the jubilance of the song's aesthetics are counter-balanced by the subtle sadness of the lyrics. Don't Talk is one of the album's sweetest moments. God Only Knows makes the genius move of starting, as a love song, with "I may not always love you", which as was bold and frank and subversive as any of this album's other greatest moments. I'd also like to shout out Sloop John B, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, and Caroline, No for bringing some *incredibly* honest, vulnerable sadness. This has its reputation as a beautiful, intricate, and boundary-pushing pop album for a reason, and it has aged with remarkable grace. In light of Wilson's passing, I may be feeling a tad generous, but I think I do stand by this as a 5.

sounds weirdly christmas-y

Wasn’t sure if it was a nod by the developer to get this today as Brian Wilson died yesterday. Hard to put my finger on what appeals but there is something flows so nicely throughout and great lyrics too. Felt resonant and connected to it.

I love you.

Unfortunately I'm not in on the joke here. Everyone raves about this, describing it as iconic and groundbreaking. I don't get it.

The Beach Boys is probably the first band I was ever aware of, and they were my first concert as a very young child. In spite of this early history, I have developed an association with them and the song "Kokomo", which is something that is hard to forgive. But this album, served up today in light of Brian Wilson's passing, is full of bangers. I really enjoyed listening to this and would definitely come back to this album again. Pet Sounds, FTW!

Fav: Wouldn't It Be Nice; I know There's An Answer; Here Today.

why does pet sounds sound so christmassy

Oikein hyvä ja kuunneltava levy. RIP Brian Wilson…

A perfect record! Completely beautiful. Brian Wilson was truly one of the greatest composers of the modern era.

Brilliant!!

One of the greatest albums ever recorded by humans. I'm positive I got served this today because it's the day after Brian Wilson died. RIP king. There will never be another one like him. 5/5. Obviously.

5/5. 10/10. Perfect. No notes.

I would struggle to find music as beautiful as what Brian created here. It is so rich and luxurious and those aren't really words I would use to describe anything else. One of the things I noticed while listening again tonight is that I found myself anticipating certain moments in the songs that I particularly love and there are just so many of them here. Little nuggets of extra brilliance spread throughout that make it even more special. Listening to Pet Sounds is like eating a comfort food, it is the grilled cheese sandwich of albums. Many albums are said to be classic and influential and there should be no dissenting discussion as to the worthiness of Pet Sounds on either count.

I've listened to this before and it didn't resonate, but this time I found it enchanting.

It’s been a while

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.

I liked it, some classic songs on the album. Would listen to it again

R.I.P. Brian Wilson... his true masterpiece is this album.

top 5

I already listened to this album once today, even before the Generator told me to.

5/5 can’t believe this random - listened to it twice yesterday #albumsky #musicsky #musicsky

Oh fuck off 1001. No sooner does one of them die, then this comes up the very next day. Anyone else get this. Sweet sugary shit.

Genius.

Not a random generator. RIP Brian Wilson. I think it takes a few runs through this album to appreciate the writing, creativity and production levels that went into this record. I get why it is considered one of the greatest pieces of musical art in history.

A masterpiece that redefined music. Brian Wilson's lush orchestration, innovative studio techniques, and the intricate harmonies create a soundscape that broke all kinds of ground at the time, yet still feels timeless today.

Harmless and pleasant but I only really liked a few songs

Two songs and the rest is pretty not inspiring. I get it but I don't "GET IT" like some people tell me I'm supposed to.

A classic. Sounds like a warm hug. Vocals are quite drawn out and dream-like.

Okay so Brian Wilson just died so it’s quite hard to be subjective about Pet Sounds, but it was a perfect album before all this. Perfectly crafted pop songs by one of the best groups to exist. Pure magic was captured during these recording sessions. God Only Known may be the most perfect song put to tape, but then you’ve got the likes of Sloop John B and That’s Not Me and basically the rest of this album as well. No one group has ever harmonised vocals better. I listened to this album when I heard that he’d died yesterday, and I gladly listened to it all over again today. A masterpiece.

Wonderful album.

I got this the day after Brian Wilsons passing. 😢 Cant have been a coincidence. Amazing album however. Havent we all thought we werent made for these times?

"This is the worst trip I've ever been on." -Sloop John B This album sounds like a Scooby Doo episode.

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

Timely, with Brian Wilson’s death. Great album, simples.

point9.

An album so perfectly crafted that you can visualise movements and colour when you close your eyes and really listen. Each sound was created with purpose, using experimental, innovative methods, like plucking piano strings with a bobby pin. The vocals were layered in what can only be described as a spiritual awakening, with backing vocals lighting up sections of songs. It is quite simply the greatest album ever made. RIP Brian

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.

Obviously a great album. Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows are two of my favorites.

The Beach Boys – eine US-amerikanische Rock‑Band aus Kalifornien – nahmen Pet Sounds zwischen Juli 1965 und April 1966 in mehreren Studios in Hollywood auf, darunter Western, Gold Star, Columbia und Sunset Sound. Brian Wilson setzte bewusst unterschiedliche Studios ein, um klanglich variantenreiche Instrumental‑Spuren zu erzielen, während Vocals oft im Columbia‑Studio ergänzt wurden. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Album im Bereich des Progressive Pop mit Elementen aus Chamber Pop, Psychedelic Pop und Art Rock. Es enthält mit „Wouldn’t It Be Nice“, „God Only Knows“, „Sloop John B“, „Caroline, No“, „I Know There’s an Answer“ und den Instrumentals „Let’s Go Away for Awhile“ und dem Titelstück klangprägende Songs, die bis heute als stilbildend gelten. Einige Höhepunkte: „Wouldn’t It Be Nice“: Öffnet das Album mit üppiger Mehrstimmigkeit und gilt als Schlüsselsong des Progressive Pop. „God Only Knows“: Ein barock angehauchter Liebessong mit ungewöhnlicher Harmonieführung, geprägt von Kontrapunkten und orchestraler Begleitung. „Caroline, No“: Schließt das Album emotional ab – introspektiv und melancholisch, vielfach als eine der persönlichsten Balladen Wilsons bewertet. Instrumentals wie „Let’s Go Away for Awhile“ unterstreichen den filmischen Charakter dieses Konzeptalbums. Die Produktion steht für ein visionäres Arbeiten im Studio: Wilson nutzte nicht nur die Mitglieder der Band, sondern auch Studio‑Musiker (das „Wrecking Crew“) und ungewöhnliche Instrumente – von French Horn bis Électro‑Theremin – wodurch Popmusik eine neue klangliche Tiefe erhielt. Bewertung: Pet Sounds demonstriert, wie Studioarbeit zur eigenständigen musikalischen Schöpfung werden kann. Das Album wirkt trotz seiner direkten Verbindung zur Jugendkultur der 60er Jahre überraschend reflektiert und emotional vielschichtig. Es hinterließ bei mir einen bleibenden Eindruck – ein Album, das musikalische Ambition mit persönlicher Tiefe ausbalanciert.

I don't know if it is coincidental that Pet Sounds popped up today or whether the algorithm is following current events because Brian Wilson died yesterday and I was going to listen to this today in any case. Quite simply, Pet Sounds is a masterpiece, a milestone in pop music, and Brian Wilson was a genius on a Mozart or Beethoven level (as is, in my opinion, Paul McCartney who was Wilson's primary rival in the Beatles/Beach Boys spiral of inspiration). We will never really know, despite the re-recordings and attempts to recompile the original, whether Smile would have surpassed this so Pet Sounds stands as Wilson's zenith. The sounds of the album, the careful orchestrations, are the ultimate realisation of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound which inspired Wilson so much. Every note on this album is close to perfect, whether that is in the angelic vocal harmonies, or in the twin basses, the multi-layered guitars, the pianos, the accordion, the horns, the strings, the bicycle bell, the organ, the harpsichord, and so on - that Wilson wrestles all of these elements into such a stunningly beautiful whole is one of the greatest achievements in 20th century music. I can only imagine the impact this must have had in 1966. The songs are excellent, even the cover of "Sloop John B", and the lyrics of Tony Asher need to be recognised too, seeming capturing the introspection, doubt, and longing that Wilson was feeling at the time - "I Know There's An Answer", "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times", "Wouldn't It Be Nice". In "God Only Knows" they came up with one of the greatest love songs ever written. Pet Sounds has stood the test of time. Brian Wilson, and The Beach Boys, never equalled it, but then who did. Now that he has gone, the album stands as a testament to his genius, and the toll that genius took on him, and it will continue to inspire in the centuries to come.

'I could try to be big in the eyes of the world.' Brian Wilson didn't need to try to be big in our eyes, having put together what can only be judged to be a perfect record. I know people cite it as perhaps the most influential 'pop' album of all time, but this seems to me besides the point. W/ a record this monumental, labels such as 'pop' surely fall flat. It's hard to put into words what's achieved in less than forty minutes, but it has something to do w/ manifesting a confident warmth enhanced by a sweet and all-too-human solemnity: 'Sometimes I feel very sad.' Paul McCartney famously said that when he first heard Pet Sounds, it made him cry. When you cry when you aren't sure why, it's not only cathartic, it sensitizes you to crying again, if that's how it oughta be.

3.5

Somehow my first time hearing this all the way through and it was amazing. There’s pretty much no skips on this, a few were a bit weaker in my opinion (you still believe in me and don’t talk) but not by much. I really liked the instrumental ones on here aswell (pet sounds and let’s go away for a while.) Both sides of the album kick off with an awesome single as well, I went into this assuming my favourites would be those very singles but sloop John B took me by surprise and is probably my favourite song on here. Iconic album as well and doesn’t deserve anything less than a 5 in my opinion although not quite a 10 for me, mostly due to a bit of personal preference and also a bit of over use of fading out tracks rather than bringing them to a close. Overall 9/10.

RIP Brian, only this album would have a song named " I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" with such an atmosphere that is both bright and melancholic all the same. Detailed and pretty album all around

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.

Overall: 10/10 Way to make a guy bawl his eyes out first thing in the morning! Brian Wilson passed away yesterday, and the world is worse because of it. He was such a towering presence in the world of music. He literally sacrificed so much in his pursuit of music and it worked out best for him on this masterpiece. There are so many songs on this album that make me teary eyed. The instrumentation is so genius but it's the vocals and lyrics that get me, especially on songs like Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows. These songs have been talked about to death, and for good reason. I also love Sloop John B, which is the most "fun" song on the album. RIP Brian. Thank you so much for your contribution to all our lives. Fav Song: Wouldn't It Be Nice Least Fav Song: Let's Go Away for Awhile

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.

RIP Brian Wilson. It’s a masterpiece.

Pet Sounds is an easy 5-star album — and honestly, it earns that just off the strength of “God Only Knows,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Sloop John B.” alone. Those tracks are timeless, emotional, and beautifully arranged. But the whole album is packed with layers that still feel fresh today. It’s wild to think this was Brian Wilson’s response to Rubber Soul and a little experimentation with psychedelics. Whatever sparked it, the result was a game-changer in pop music. The harmonies, the production, the emotional depth — it’s all top tier. Just more proof that LSD should probably be legal. RIP to a true genius, Brian Wilson. Favorite song: God Only Knows

Only heard a few of these tracks before, I really wish I'd have heard more much sooner. This is brilliant. So many songs I enjoyed. Highlights: Wouldn't It Be Nice Sloop John B God Only Knows

-damn RIP Brian Wilson. i listened to this for the first time the previous day after hearing the news and i’m endlessly fascinated by it. absolutely beautiful use of vocals and instrumentals, obviously -i think the lyrics are my favorite part honestly. some of the themes resonate very deeply with me, and it’s quite comforting. will be bumping this -Favorites are Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Sloop John B, and I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times

3eme album proposé après 'surf’s up' et 'The Beach Boys Today!' qui ne m'avaient pas convaincus (notés 2/5). Dans ce 3eme album j'ai reconnu 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' (que le n'associais pas à ce groupe), assez dynamique et pas mal. Mais la plupart des autres morceaux sont plutôt lents, ce qui les rend ... plutôt ennuyeux. Comme pour les 2 autres albums, je n'ai pas vraiment envie de l'écouter une seconde fois. =>2/5

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.

Brian Wilson just died and this album pops up, how fitting. A phenomenal listen and a landmark album for pop music

Maso

This reminds me of my 3rd grade teacher, that geezer loved The Beach Boys. I understand, I think the beauty of music is its ability to evoke emotion out you with an arrangement of cords and lyrics. The Beach Boys do that masterfully on this project and it wasn’t always the same emotion. I enjoyed this listen!

Рипуля Брайану Уилсону

As a kid I always found The beach Boys fun to listen to, and I listened to one of their greatest hits albums all the time. I also wore the ever living hell out of Kokomo. It was cool to go back and listen to a full album, because I definitely have not done that enough with this group. 4.25 / 5

Such a cool thing the developer of this site did. I like this album a lot but I don't worship it as some do even though I can understand why people do. I feel like the sheer weight of ideas bursting out of its creaking bounced upon bounced upon 4 tracks communicates Brian Wilson's anxiety too well. I almost find it an uncomfortable listen. When Syd Barrett communicates his mental health through his music it feels like an invitation to a trip with some dark wells of melancholy along the way. With poor Brian I feel like I'm stuck on a fairground ride with someone suppressing a terrified scream.

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

It felt almost poetic to receive Pet Sounds the day after Brian Wilson passed away. This album is his masterpiece — a timeless showcase of his genius and emotional depth. From the opening notes of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the album sets a hopeful, wistful tone that carries through the entire tracklist. Pet Sounds is filled with beautifully crafted pop songs — fun and romantic lyrics layered over rich, innovative arrangements. There’s a mix of well-loved classics like “God Only Knows” and deeper cuts like “Here Today” and “Sloop John B,” which together create a cohesive, emotionally resonant listening experience. Favourite songs: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” are undeniable all-time classics, but I have a soft spot for “Sloop John B” — it’s endlessly replayable. Least favourite: “Let’s Go Away for Awhile” didn’t quite land for me. It felt like an unnecessary instrumental interlude between two standout tracks. Album artwork: Iconic — simple, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable.

A pleasant deluge Of full, satiating sound And sweet harmonies

Highlights: God Only Knows, Let's Go Away for Awhile, Sloop John B, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Pet Sounds. In a nutshell: the definitive Beach Boys. "It's been said that, although hardly anyone bought the Velvet Underground's records, those who did ended up being inspired to start their own bands. In the case of the Beach Boys' 1966 opus Pet Sounds, it's likely that each of its 13 songs inspired its own subset of pop offspring [...]" Jeff Straton, Broward Palm Beach New Times, October 26th 2000 "Bandwidth- Pet Sounds". Asking The Wrecking Crew and the Sid Sharp Strings to be the backing band = genius. Ethereal and spine tingling harmonies. Brian and Mike with Carl and Bruce writing the songs. Apart from the clown bicycle horn on You Still Believe In Me (unnecessary and childish inclusion), this album is close to perfect. Overall: 9/10

1. nice - 1.5 2. believe - 1.5 3. me - 1.5 4. talk - 1.5 5. day - 1 6. auuay - 2 7. zloop - 1.5 8. god - 2 9. anzuuer - 1.5 10. today - 1.5 11. timez - 1.5 12. pet - 1 13. caroline - 2 14. ego - 1.5 15. nice - 1.5 16. believe - 1 17. me - 1.5 18. talk - 1.5 19. day - 1 20. auuay - 1 21. john - 1.5 22. god - 2 23. anzuuer - 1 24. today - 1.5 25. timez - 1.5 26. pet - 1 27. caroline - 2

I think "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" are two of the best songs ever.

RIP Brian Wilson. 4.5/5

Now that I'm well into the 800's for albums I've reviewed, I've been taking mental bets with myself about what my last album would wind up being. Something in my mind was telling me it would be Rumors, Dark Side of the Moon, or Pet Sounds. All are highly rated, and albums that I've listened to before, so I was wondering if the universe was saving one of those until the end for me. However, yesterday, after learning that Brian Wilson had passed, I knew that I would be getting my last Beach Boys album today. Many years ago, I asked for Pet Sounds on CD. I'd never listened to it before, but I asked for a copy since it was so highly regarded by music aficionados. I grew up hearing plenty of Beach Boys songs like "Help Me, Rhonda," "Barabara Ann," and "Kokomo," but Pet Sounds was like nothing I'd ever heard, and it blew me away ("Kokomo" holds a special place in my heart. We had the Cocktail soundtrack on cassette when I was a kid, and I will always love that song). I haven't listened to Pet Sounds in a while, so I think I'll write a few blurbs as I listen to it. Man I love those harmonies on "Wouldn't It Be Nice." The big bass drum hits are just superb. I can't imagine what it was like to hear this when it first came out. This song should sound like a complete cacophony, but it's just beautiful to listen to. I love how there's an ebb and flow to the music as well. What an amazing leadoff track. "You Still Believe in Me" and "That's Not Me" aren't as great as "Wouldn't It Be Nice," but they still have that same rich sound, complete with some great harmonies. I don't remember "I'm Waiting For The Day," but what a great song. That percussion and those strings are fantastic. It's amazing that the sound isn't overwhelming, just a rich sound to be enveloped in. The segue into the instrumental "Let's Go Away For A While" is fantastic. I don't even mind that there's an instrumental track. "Sloop John B" is insanely beautiful. Those tinkling sounds, the woodwinds, the harmonies... man, this song is just such a blast. What a fantastic closing track for the first side of the album. Everything is so meticulously put together on this album, but it never feels like you're listening to something carefully assembled. "God Only Knows" is perfect too. That harpsichord, the French horn, the strings, the lead vocals, the harmonies... It's an insanely beautiful song, completely awash in amazing sounds. The lyrics are fantastic too. There's just so much to take in with your ears on every song, and I love it. "I Know There's An Answer" is amazing. I love the bass drum, the horns, and of course the vocals are great too. Okay, I'm done with notes on individual songs, because I'm just tired of writing, and I'm sure if you're reading this, you're tired too. I just think this is a perfect album, and I wish I could experience it for the first time again. It's so rich with sound, and the lyrics are great too. Brian Wilson set out to make an incredible pop album, and he succeeded on every front. RIP to a an absolute genius of an artist.

4.75

Wonderful album with one of my all time favourite songs (God Only Knows). RIP Brian Wilson

The Seinfeld of pop music. Incredibly influential, yet not very obviously timeless (on the surface), and thus easily dissmissable as "boring" or "basic". Earnest, sure, with perhaps somewhat simplistic lyrics - but also undeniably masterful in layered harmony and dense, experimental instrumentation. There's no Sgt. Pepper without Pet Sounds. It may not be my favorite record, which is reflected by the overall score I'm giving it, but it is nevertheless an incredible record.

God only knows is a beautiful song. I just dont really get the rest.

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

Even putting aside its legacy and the groundbreaking nature of Pet Sounds, iylt remains a sensational listen from top to bottom in 2025. God Only Knows is one of my all time favourite songs, and every other song on the album stands up. RIP Brian Wilson 10/10

STEDMANS FLASHBACKS (sorry brian)

if album called pet sounds why I hear no meow??

rip

10/10, always. RIP BW

RIP

Banger.

Seriously? Today? A masterpiece.

cool

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

Good classics, right up there with Thin Lizzy and The Beatles!

Didn’t know any of these songs but it was alright. Interesting to listen to

Brian Wilson takes the Beach Boys to the next level with brilliant production. An incredible effort

RIP Brian Wilson

Wonderful album! Very nostalgic

I’ve got recommended this album the day Brian Wilson has passed away. Rest In Piece I think I prefer the stereo versions to the mono ones. For some reason mono version overwhelms me. If I am not in the right mood sometimes the layering in this album gets a little too much. If I am in the right mood though, I definitely enjoy the album a lot.

god i love the beach noys

The best ever.

RIP Brian Wilson. J'ai eu la chance de le voir a Albany NY au Palladium avec Al Jardeen ou ils ont joué Pet Sounds. Quel album.

Classique

🐑🐏🐖🐇

On pouvait s'y attendre. J'ai déjà dit que j'adorais les harmonies de voix? Juste pour sa place dans l'histoire du rock ça mérite un ........... 5 étoiles!

Quel bijou! Et si c'est arrangé avec le gars des vues pour se synchroniser avec la mort de Wilson, je ne m'en plains pas! Cet album me rend toujours très ému, personne ne peut toucher simultanément aussi bien à la joie et à la mélancolie. Il y a sur beaucoup de pièces une joie débordante et un pressentiment que c'est trop et que ça va péter ou encore qu'il y a peut-être mieux/un longing (Sloop John B, Wouldn't it be nice). Mes deux prefs: Sloop John B et I just wasn't made for these times. La seconde est une magnifique méditation d'un Wilson (on pourrait généraliser en utilisant le buzzword "neurodivergent" now-a-days) qui vient à la paix intérieure et à la résignation douce-amère qu'il ne sera jamais "one of the boys". Sometimes I feel very saaaad! Sometimes I feel very saaaad! Sometimes I feel very saaaad! Mention spéciale aussi à la révélation mystico-hallucinogène sur I know there's an answer

Clairement c’était pas aléatoire hier! 5 instantané. Juste des tubes. Un album qui était révolutionnaire pour son temps et qui est encore terriblement bon. Les harmonies et les mélodies sont incroyables. God only knows, put your head on my shoulders, Sloop John B. Repose en paix, Brian!

Compositionally fantastic and lyrically haunting. I appreciate getting this the day after Brian Wilson's passing.

It’s everything they say it is. But, as inventive and melodic as it is, it still lacks those songs that are ear worms. I’m sorry, if rubber soul is a 5, this is not a 5. I will give it 4.4.

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.

Just a great album

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

Pet Sounds is such a sincere and meaningful record. The Beach Boys hit you with excellent song after excellent song. A relentless onslaught of harmonies, neat song concepts and above all - pep! They are in peerless unison as continually one up themselves to deliver another peak of emotion.

RIP Brian Wilson

Tidløs og nostalgisk 60-tallspop

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

A obra-prima dos Beach Boys. Uma das pedras angulares que influenciaram o rock progressivo e suas vertentes. Belas composições, arranjadas e executadas com extremo cuidado e rara beleza. Indispensável!

"Pet Sounds" é um ótimo disco de pop. Não mais do que isso. Um dos álbuns mais superestimados da história. Mas isso não tira o mérito da obra, claro, e dessas canções, dos arranjos e harmonias vocais e da influência que esse trabalho teve nesse período e em grandes clássicos que surgiram depois dele.

R.I.P. Brian Wilson

I know there's an answer!

RIP BRIAN WILSON THE LEGEND 🫶 They were able to capture this unique, nostalgic sound that has influenced so much modern day pop music. Such a special band. Fave song: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times

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.

You know what Brian, it would be nice, wouldn’t it… Lots of fun, but I am not astute enough to understand the deeper melodies, apparently. FS: I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times.

Maybe it's tricky to write an unbiased review in the circumstances. From my side, other than the hits, I'd never listened to this album through before, but had already seen it called the greatest of all time in popular media. Verdict: definitely up there. Revolutionary, genre-creating, and melodicallly, lyrically and instrumentally novel, complex... and fun! Has stood the test of time for a reason - there will truly never be another Brian Wilson. RIP to a legend and thank you for the music 🫡⛱️

good, but the songs blend together a bit

Album slaps! I love the green. 7/10

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

It's a great and genre-defining album but I really just am not a Beach Boys person. I understand that Brian Wilson was a genius and RIP but for me a 5 is an album I want to listen to at least once a year and I probably won't listen to this all the way through ever again. I Just Wasn't Made These Times is an incredible song though that I truly adore.

ANOTHER BANGER

Fendi es huere guets Albom. Einersiits tönts sehr iladend. Es esch rächt zuegänglech ond sehr Glöcklech, wasi natürlech fühle. Trozdem heds e rächti tüüfi wels oft so velschechtig esch. Wemmer gnau änelost geds meischtens ergend es welds Instromänt im Hendergrond wo chli e andere Beat spelt. Das machts rhytmisch sehr starch. Au t ändis wos meischtens imne Kanon ändet wo alles nomol vorchond wommer im Lied ghört hed fühli.

Brian Wilson died yesterday. What a coincidence to get this Album the day after. I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of this album. However, my interest did diminish after a few tracks... this one is tough. I think Brian Wilson's composition style is so unique and recognisable though, and I really appreciate that. But I also did get tired of the endless love songs. No, it gets a 4. I don't think I've ever heard something quite like this, and I appreciate that

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

gotta love the beach boys

4.5/5 Fun, sunshiny, and sweet. This album is lemonade in a summer day

Very close to a 5, but not memorable enough other than the first song

Very creative and groundbreaking for their time

To make something original from the Beach Boys sound takes a genius.

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

Perfectly produced. Some of the Brian Wilson-isms are a tad annoying, but overall it’s genius. Standout tracks are: “You Still Believe in Me” and “God Only Knows”.

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.

хорошо. (здорово что альбом попался в день смерти вокалиста, скорее всего это не случайность)

Solid sound, but a lot of songs are afraid to end, fading out instead. I personally dislike when they do that. Overall enjoyable, but some tracks come off a bit samey. Still a couple of hard hitters in here. 'God Only Knows' was my fave.

I’ve listened to Pet Sounds quite a few times over the past…10 years or so? Keep trying to find what other people find special/masterpiece-worthy about it, and coming up short. A few classics, an influence, sure, but alone? It’s fine. 3.75

How apt for today. A superabundance of beautiful vignettes.

i think i gave this a 4 earlier but i’m gonna bump it to 5, yeah its good whatever

Pre-listening thoughts: 😔🙏 rip Brian Wilson. Thought we got insanely lucky today but the generator was rigged so Post/during listening thoughts: every time I hear The Beach Boys I start to understand my friend who I studied abroad with a little more. She was OBSESSED with them. I know she’s hurting today. Anyways the Wilson brothers (and Al Jardine, but fuck you Mike Love) had harmonies that are smoother than silk. Their blend is insane. Brian Wilson’s brain was just so incredible to be able to picture music like this. God Only Knows is a masterpiece and Sloop John B is still a fav of mine. There is no world where this isn’t a 10/10. DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes Fav tracks: no skips but Wouldn’t It Be Nice, I’m Waiting for the Day, Sloop John B, God Only Knows, and I Know There’s an Answer are toooo good. Least fav tracks: n/a

The ultimate tv jingle album

Very uplifting

Been listening to a lot of Beach Boys in the last few days, and I mean... of course this is a damn masterpiece. It's so sad, so beautiful, some of the best tracks of all time are on this thing!! I Just Wasn't Made For These Times 💔

Honestly preposterous

the kinda album that just makes you wanna break down and sob... so achingly beautiful... wilson really taps into the sorrow that love brings with it... "... to resist love and inoculate yourself against heartbreak is to reject life itself, for to love is your primary human function." - nick cave

I was a bit disappointed not gonna lie. I was expecting it to be a bit more upbeat? God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice - A+++ absolute bangers! But some of the songs sounded a bit like filler sadly I was lucky enough to see The Beach Boys for free years back. A very good band, but just not this album for me sadly. I'll stick to the greatest hits RIP Brian Wilson 4 ⭐️

Nice homage to Brian Wilson by making this the day’s choice. God Only Knows would be enough to elevate this album to greatness. The lesser tracks are fine, Sentimental 5-star.

Timely album RIP Brian Wilson Classic Beach Boys, great summer songs

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.

Fitting that this was the album of the day upon Wilson’s passing: the rest of the group was on tour while he was perfecting it. Much more complex than the innocent songs ought to be. Rounding up because of the album it directly, and competitively, influenced.

Pleasant enough. Always liked Sloop John B. Nice harmonies. 3.5* and rounding up because of the influence and wide-ranging, timeless appeal.

RIP Brian. I've listened to this album a lot over the years. To be honest I have never really got it as an album. There are a few absolute classic slices of pop perfection (in particular Sloop John B and Wouldn't it be Nice) but a lot of it sort of washes over me.

Pet Sounds I’ve listened to this so many times but apart from Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows and Sloop John B it’s always seems to be an effort to recall any other songs or tunes from it. And although I do like it when I listen, I often find myself drifting off, and it doesn’t seem to stick in my memory like Surf’s Up and Holland do. As I heard it after Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt Pepper I think I expected it to be as good as those, or at least as good in a similar way, considering the mutual admiration. And while I think you can hear some stylistic crossover and shared ambition, I don’t think the comparison is that helpful, even though I find it hard not to. John, Paul and George were all fantastic songwriters and combined introspection with a wider interest in the worlds around them, so there was an inbuilt eclecticism, where Brian as the sole songwriter with an inward looking personality makes for a more monolithic album - one person’s vision versus the push and pull and dynamic tension of the group. I presume that's why if you are tuned into Brian’s sensibility then you really love this album. I don’t think I’ve ever really fallen in love with it, although I think I have learned to admire it greatly and appreciate the intricacies and complexity, the skill, craft and the thematic conception and imagination, it really is an incredible piece of work, even if, apart from God Only Knows, it doesn’t make me feel how say Revolver makes me feel. Perhaps it’s the density of the instrumental arrangements and the amount going on that makes it hard for me to really get to grips with. Listening closely to it, again I admire it hugely and I do marvel at one person conceiving of it all and managing to translate that into actual music, it really is incredible, with moments of genuinely transcendent beauty, but as a whole it doesn’t quite move me the way some of my favourite albums do, even if it does have some truly excellent songs. I’ve listened to it a lot over the last few days, as well as listening closely, listening multiple times has made me like it more, with more songs becoming more fixed in my memory, although I still seem to have a disconnect when I see the song titles written down - listening to say I’m Waiting for the Day I really like the tune, but seeing it written when not listening to it I have no idea what it sounds like. Obviously his death last week does cast a different light over it though, the tenderness and sadness that underlies much of it feels heightened, and That’s Not Me, Don’t Talk, God Only Knows , I Know There’s an Answer and I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times all feel particularly redolent. There’s also a distinct emotional tone to it that I hadn’t really picked up on before that I do find very fascinating, a sort of sense of an introspective and naive psyche - that might be back projection in the light of last week’s news, but it’s certainly there for me. I’ve been thinking a lot about what to score it. It would be convenient to say that in listening to it on repeat I’ve discovered an affection for it I didn't see before, but that’s not really the case. My appreciation of, and wonder at, it, however, have grown hugely, and there is something about its thematic tone that I never noticed before. I may not always love it, but God only knows I do think it is an incredible album in conception and execution, and removing its veneration and comparisons to my favourite albums (and looking at what I’ve given 4s and 5s to), it has to be a 5. 🐕🐈🐇🐐🐏 Playlist submission: Obvious, but God Only Knows, a truly sublime song

An album always ranked amongst the classics, cited by everyone from Macca (and only today I saw Macca was talking about Pet Sounds again) to Thom Yorke. There's some Phil Sector about it ('Here'); and some Burt Bacharach about it. But the slower numbers rarely reach those heights. the classics, which are truly that. 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' is the perfect showcase for their harmonies, and an amazing rock n roll bassline. 'Sloop John B' a classic for the ages, magnificently crafted and harmonies on turbocharge. A proper singalong. And 'God Only Knows'. Actually a song I've also thought was slightly dreary until listening this time around. This is where the stars align and the Pet Sounds brand of slightly saccharine meets slightly leftfield is absolutely nailed. The canon at the end is amazing.Enough to get to a 4.

Brian Wilson died yesterday. As I'm writing this, it's June 12th, and it's only been a little over 24 hours since the news made its way to me. All I can remember feeling is, just... Disbelief. Completely and utterly shocked and stunned that this man has been taken from us. I didn't know what to do; I just started listening to his 2004 version of SMiLE and The Beach Boys albums he had the biggest influence on — namely, THE BEACH BOYS LOVE YOU and, well, PET SOUNDS. I only stopped listening to them to quickly consider the day's Randomizer pick. And then, some hours later, I found out that today's album is PET SOUNDS. And simply put: this Randomizer could not have landed on a harder day for me to write this review. The only day that would've been worse was the day he died, and, goodness me, I don't know if I would've even **tried** that day. Because now, to me, I'm not just considering this album's legacy and Brian Wilson's legacies — I'm considering this album's legacy **and** what Wilson's is now that he's passed. I'm just... Not sure exactly what I wanna say about this thing. As I'm writing, I've played this album four times back-to-back, and in all that time, I wasn't able to think of a single specific, concrete thing I'd wanna write down. At least nothing that would speak to these legacies as I see them. 'Coz I deeply love this album, and I have nothing but the most immense respect for Brian Wilson and his work. It's only because of the negative connotations surrounding calling Brian a "genius" that I don't refer to him as such myself. It's one of those "deeply entrenched in my soul" albums, to put it in words I've used before. But since I've made it this far into the review, I suppose I may as well try to articulate why I like this thing as much as I do. If you've made it this far, you deserve as much. So... There's this term I have for albums. It's not one I use very often because of how specific it is, but I would have at least two nickels. "Beautiful melancholy." In spite, anything you can find as uniquely beautiful despite the sadness underlining it. Y'know, imagine a lonely street lamp on a snowy winter's night. It's close to midnight, and you're watching the show dance in the light, only briefly existing before passing out of your vision again into the darkness. That's beautiful melancholy, and that's this album — and I don't think it's a coincidence that the only other one I'd tag with such a phrase (THE SOFT BULLETIN by The Flaming Lips) has been described as "the PET SOUNDS of the 90's." This is just a very sad album. No matter how happy any of these songs might sound, there's always this under current that things... Well, could be better, to put it mildly. Just take the opener, "Wouldn't It Be Nice". It's the happiest sounding song besides "Sloop John B", and its central theme is "I wish we were older so we could be in a relationship with each other." There's an impatience in there. Plus, "Sloop John B": literally a song about a shipwreck. You might think it's a little out of place next to all of these other songs about young love, but damn it don't fit the mood anyway. Beyond that... Well, you know the lines: "I'm waiting for the day when you can love again." "How can it be [that] you still believe in me?" "I just wasn't made for these times." "Love is here today and gone tomorrow." Hell, there's the whole of "Caroline, No", and just the fact that "God Only Knows" starts with the line "I may not always love you." It's a real hitter. And when it's not sad lyrically, it is **instrumentally**. Which, y'know, it's an amazingly arranged album, and I have nothing but the highest praises for The Wrecking Crew for pulling all this off. But seriously, just as an example, "That's Not Me" has always come across to me as a sad song. It just has the tone of it in so many parts, y'know? But, no, it's actively a positive song, about the narrator realizing he's better together with his love than off alone. But again, the underlying beautiful melancholy runs just **that strongly** throughout the album, that even the **happy** songs come across as sad. It's nuts. So it's all just a pretty-sounding bummer, then, huh? That's this album's appeal. There's another element to beautiful melancholy I've held off on talking about yet. It's that no matter how sad a work may come across, there's always an element of hope to it. THE SOFT BULLETIN is largely about death and realizing that you **will** die, but I never get the impression that its message is to just give up. Much the same, PET SOUNDS ends with "Caroline, No", without a doubt the saddest song on the whole album... But it's not a total downer. "I know there's an answer," "I came back much more sure than I'm ready," "You never need to doubt it; I'll make you so sure about it..." "Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)" is a comfort — maybe not that things will be alright, but a comfort nonetheless. Even if hope is sparse, it's still there and it matters, y'know? And it's that hope that's so large a part of this album's appeal, without a doubt. (Also, as an aside to this point, we can't forget stuff like the bike horn squeaking on that one song, the bits of studio chatter left in, or the random decision to end the album with a train passing and dogs barking. It's got levity, and it's got stuff that makes this album feel **alive**, y'know?) But besides the mood, the themes, the instrumentation, and the composition (seriously, a good chunk of this album has to land in the top 20 best composed Beach Boys songs), there's one more element I wanna focus on, and that's the vocals. Y'know, the one thing the rest of the band actually gets to do on the album. It's like, y'know, you could debate if PET SOUNDS is a Beach Boys album or not for how littl they contribute besides the vocals — Mike Love certainly wouldn't say so, for that and how it "fucks with the formula." And maybe, maybe. But, y'know, let's not act like Brian wasn't the heart of the band besides their vocals and harmonies, and believe you me, their vocals are strong as **hell** on this thing. Not a bad performance in the lot, from Brian, Carl, or, yes, even Mike. I'd say only two, maybe of their other songs maybe outdo this album in terms of harmonies ("Our Prayer", "I Get Around" and "Don't Worry Baby"), but that's comparing songs to albums, and on the album front... Nothing comes close. Hell, PET SOUNDS is probably the most cohesive album the band ever made. All of their surf albums, you could shuffle those things in any order and they wouldn't matter. THE BEACH BOYS TODAY! still has that interview snippet stinking up the back half, so that just falls short; and Mike Love just hadda leave his stink on SURF'S UP with "Student Demonstration Time". Even SMiLE, the album that was supposed to follow up PET SOUNDS, probably would've been a mess, whatever it would've actually been. I could go on and on. Believe me, I very much could. But I think you get the point by now. PET SOUNDS has been consistently ranked as the second greatest album of all time by ROLLING STONE's "500" lists, and it's very much hard to disagree with them. Even with my thought that I like ABBEY ROAD just that tiny bit more, or the fact that (before today) I've listened to FRIENDS way more frequently... This is just one of the absolute best albums ever made. And I believe that so strongly that I honestly find it kind of hard to look at negative reviews and believe that they're real. I honestly sort of can't imagine anyone hating this thing, even a little. It's too magical for me to consider it like that. Too magical, too incredible, too... Well, I said I'd hold back on using the "genius" word. But don't think I'm not thinking it, y'know? It's the greatest treasure Brian Wilson ever gave to us. And consider everything else he has his name to... That is **saying something**, believe me. And I will find it so hard not to miss him. To not feel just that tiniest bit sadder listening to this album again. But I can't be sad forever, y'know? I'd rather be happy celebrating his life than be sad he's gone. And I'll make you sure about this: I'll celebrate this album the rest of my life. God only knows what we'd be without it.

Thank you, Brian. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 5. Obviously, I suspect that the randomizer was just a tad bit rigged in light of Brian Wilson’s death, but even a few days ago, when I was looking back at the bands we had gotten so far, it struck me as a surprise we’d only gotten the Beach Boys once so far, especially knowing that this album would be coming down the pipeline eventually. “Surf’s Up” clicked with me really nicely, so I figured if this one was the one with the massive acclaim, it would also hit like that. Yeah… yeah, it did. It’s not at a 10 level for me, which feels a little disappointing, but there’s not a single bad track here – it is every bit as good as it’s been advertised & more. I reserve the big 10 for whenever something just hits me at the deeper levels, or when my brain especially clicks to the point of pure disbelief. I never got there with this one on a first listen, but I’ll be damned if I don’t get there someday, because this is immediately entering the rotation. It’s my first time listening to this album in full; it’s my first time hearing a lot of these tracks, really. Obviously, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is the monster commercial hit, but past that, the rest of the album was a mystery to me. Generally, when my brain still thinks of The Beach Boys, it conjures up the poppier stuff, like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” or “Good Vibrations”, & even after listening to Surf’s Up a few times, my brain still just doesn’t connect the wires. That said, this is the perfect antithesis to that poppier stuff – not necessarily in the instrumentation, but just in the delivery & lyricism. A lot of these tracks are imbued with sadness, indicative of something deeper & more melancholy. Even for something like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, my brain only realized the slight level of sarcasm present throughout the track on this listen. Hell, apparently “God Only Knows” is one of the first pop tracks to evoke the word “God” in that sense, ignoring spirituals & whatnot. The depth that this album presents itself with is what gives this album its place in musical history – if you don’t get here, you probably don’t get to the deeper, richer stuff that would slowly emerge from both the Beach Boys, The Beatles, and several others in an “iron sharpening iron” sense. Sgt. Pepper’s is apparently pretty directly inspired by this album. Hell, you probably don’t get to something as eternal as “Songs in the Key of Life”, but we’ll get to that when it comes up. I wish I could type more in-depth here, but I just don’t think I can really type up a storm about the tracks themselves. The compositions, lyricism & delivery will leave far more of an impact than whatever I might write. It’s a damn good album, and everyone in the band deserves all the credit in the world for this one, even Mike Love, as begrudgingly as I have to give it to him. Brian Wilson, though… flowers, balloons, slices of cake, stacks of cash, piles of presents; the whole 9 yards, really. His production work on this, in addition to his writing & instrumental work, is remarkably good. Hell, even the mono mix doesn’t feel like mono at times, managing to pull off a better “wall of sound” effect than Phil Spector did on basically everything I’ve heard the guy touch. So, yes, R.I.P. to Brian Wilson, and let this album live on forever as a sort of magnum opus for the Beach Boys. It’s a very easy 5, and one day, it’ll probably click in THAT sense where I can say “easy, easy 10”. An excellent album, and a cornerstone piece of music.

Man what an album. I've always heard a ton about the Beach Boys, but even all of their top hits on apple are Kokomo, Surfin' USA, and California Girls, the super hoky stuff that never really grabbed me like the Beatles pop would. But this album is nothing like those songs, in all the right ways. Basically the whole album is remorseful, yearning for something unobtainable, whether that's the past (Wouldn't It Be Nice), saving a failing relationship (God Only Knows), home after a long trip (Sloop John B) or fitting into the world (I Just Wasn't Made for These Times). It's incredibly introspective and the music is calm, reflective, and complex. Even the intrumentals (Let's Go Away for Awhile, Pet Sounds) are great. Outstanding album, one I will be back to eventually. I don't know if there is a single best song, as at 37 mins you should just listen to the whole thing, but I'll shout out Here Today and I Just Wasn't Made for These Times.

Love you Brian

I really want to like it. The beach boys just don’t do it that much for me. I tune out. Its good i guess

It’s Pet Sounds, it’s a classic.

peak Beach Boys! Great harmonies and wonderful song writing. Its long but maintains quality through the whole run. Easy 5.

One of my favorite albums of all time. Just an incredibly creative pop album. A fascinating evolution of the Beach Boy sound. Weird that Good Vibrations is on Smiley Smile when I always associate it with this album but it doesn’t even need it! 5 stars for “I know there’s an answer” alone

It's a classic for a reason.

I can’t tell if this website gave me this album today because of Brian Wilson’s death, but either way, this is the greatest album ever made. I love it to death. Long live the absolute goat (not the one he’s feeding)

Ok, là je suis convaincu que le générateur m’espionne pour me générer les prochains albums. Il y a une couple de mois, j’ai trouvé Liscenced to Ill dans les disques de mon père; le lendemain, on me génère ledit album. Brian Wilson, leader des Beach Boys et génie musical nous a quitté hier, lançant un dernier charme sur le générateur en ma direction, générant son magnum opus. Merci, Mr Wilson, de me générer votre turbo banger qui slap sa mère en cet journée de deuil, vous êtes un vrai.

Since you already know everyone’s opinion on this album, I’ll try and say something unique. A warning, maybe? If things your first time hearing it, there’s a good chance you may not care too much for Pet Sounds. At least, I didn’t. For years, I always like Beach Boys well enough. God Only Knows was always a great song, even if it wasn’t for me. But after years and years of catching bits here and there of this album, I finally sat down and listened to the whole thing, and really listened. And I’ll say this… I don’t know if anyone has ever written a pop song with 12 modulations, and the song still be listenable, let alone one of the best songs ever written.

Pet Sounds pulls you into a kaleidoscopic maze of stacked harmonies and impressionistic textures, each track a different wholesome world you can't help but get lost in, leaving you pleasantly trapped in its beautiful complexity long after the needle lifts.

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

meh

One of my top ten albums? One moment for this one stands out in particular, although there have been several. One afternoon in our sun-drenched little apartment, my future wife and I laid next to each other on the ground and just listened to this album. Sublime.

I had never sat down and listened to this album before, and it is really innovative and the harmonies are great. The hits are obviously great but all the way through it's a high quality well made album. Perhaps these guys were unfairly pigeon holed.

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.

Not my vibe

True Classic

First full listen to this album, it's clear to see why this is consistently in the conversation for GOAT - and I concur. There's a sonic theme to the album, while each track standing out. The orchestration is just something else.

One of the best albums of all time

I guess I just wasn't made for these times

How can you not be romantic about the Beach Boys? And i just mean in general - not just on Pet Sounds. The Wilson brothers, though yes have had a ton of issues(including Manson ties), produced some groundbreaking music that will forever ring in my ears. Not sure if EVERYONE got this album the week BW passed, but i'm sure glad I did. I've played it a few times. Always picks me right back up. First time I ever heard of them was when I was a kid watching Full House...like who tf are these guys! When i first started golfing back in 2019 for some reason I kept playing the Beach Boys in my headphones. Their melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation made the game feel so easy and fluid. Granted, I still suck. BUT - they have and will always be an incredible outlet. RIP Brian - turly one of a kind!

So many bangers and very iconic part of my childhood. Has rocked when I was 4 and still does at 24. The songs get better as you age because of how experimental they are despite remaining catchy. I Know There's an Answer and Wouldn't it be Nice are my faves

Lovely

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

I mean its alright. Not being of the time(1966), I can't really appreciate the advancement techniques done here to orchestration and vocalization. In my head some songs sound good, others okay and drag on for a little too long. Gets a 2.5 out of me.

goty

Man, I love the Beach Boys.

old school harmonies. OK, but not very 'exciting'

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.

It's really complex and pretty.

Classic harmonious

I'm listening to this on June 12, 2025. Brian Wilson died yesterday and will be sorely missed. Aside from my emotions associated Wilson's very recent death, I'm overcome by much of the music on this album. The dense musical layering, atypical song structures, incredible harmonies and other vocal layering, and unbelievable production make this a very special artwork to me. Additionally, the themes of simple love, self doubt, nagging feelings of not belonging, and heartbreak all touch me more than a lot of other music that tries really hard to be profound. Thank you, Beach Boys for putting up with Brian's craziness to make this album (and all the others, really), and thank you Brian for being exactly who you were. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seminal. Shaped the way I listen. Personal yet universal. Brian Wilson is the goat. Rest in peace.

Very good. I can see why people in the 60’s loved it. God Only Knows is an amazing song.

Masterpeice

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

they got a thing

I can't say anything about this that hasn't already been said except that my husband is currently obsessed with the song "Sloop John B."

One of the, if not the, best albums ever produced. An iconic masterpiece. RIP Brian!

Hey! The Beach Boys! I've never listened to this band, though I know about them because of the Weezer song. This review was brought to you by the Pacific Daydream army Pacific Daydream nation. Pacific Daydream - available 8 years ago. It's been 10 or so albums since the last groundbreaking, landmark album and way longer in the time before then, so I'm glad to finally be getting another one of these under my belt. I imagine everything that can be said about this album has already been discussed in great detail, but I am both writing this on a computer and speaking from the perspective of someone who has heard next to nothing about this band, so the following review is the most original, sage and profound expression of wisdom known to man. Yeah, it's pretty alright. I've listened to this album twice and wasn't sold on either occasion, though I'm open to giving it a third opinion somewhere down the line. It is Pet Sounds, after all. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is a very good opener. I've heard it before as I imagine everyone else has, though giving it a real, proper listen was very gratifying. There are a lot of effective choices in the instrumental and songwriting that I wouldn't have picked up on from hearing it passively. Just a rock solid track from beginning to end. "Don't Talk" takes the album in an interesting and strong direction. Very delicate with quite possibly the strongest vocal performance on the album. The strings are pretty immaculate, too. "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" has a strong melody and a pleasing, if cacophonous, instrumental. The title track is another good tune, though it is heavily outshined by "Caroline No", which is fantastic. One of the very best songs I have listened to through this list. I've actually heard the song before, though I didn't know where for the longest time. I first heard it through a cover of the song by Doopees. I both didn't like the album that song came from and had completely checked out by the time I got to it, so I didn't know I was sleeping on auditory gold till this very moment. Okay, maybe I do like this album. It's definitely on my radar. 4/5 is a bit pre-emptive for me in this moment, but I am confident that this album will grow on me with time, so I'm fine taking the risk.

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

4/5 Great album, very even level, a lot of ”must play” songs for a somewhat short album.

Interesting switches between vibes across the songs.

Same as the other Beach Boys albums really, nothing offensive in there, but boring as fuck. I made it all the way through, so 2 stars.

I know the order of these albums are randomly-generated, but it’s quite serendipitous that this record came up for me the day after Brian Wilson passed. This record includes so many hits that I remember from my childhood and they still hold to this day. This album is one of those one-of-a-kind releases, with its own unique sound that really made The Beach Boys who they are. The emotions sway and flow seamlessly throughout the entire duration, and Brian really brings it home with his excitable, yet sometimes somber, voice. Really great album. RIP Brian Wilson.

Great album, RIP Brian Wilson.

Sloop John B. Mike Love walked so Spike Slawson could run.

Crazy that this showed up the week Brian Wilson died. An act of musical genius.

Brian Wilson was a genius. RIP king.

5/5, no notes

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.

Excellent Un classique

Pet Sounds is one of those gems that's passed around by hipsters, connoisseurs, and everyday Joes. A pop masterpiece with cultural weight mostly achieved through undeniably great songwriting. It's got moments that catch you off guard and hit you right in the heart. But if you're not down with layered vocal harmonies, then you're likely to tire of things quickly. This might sound dismissive, but it's actually a sign of this album's greatness. Love it or hate it, this is all you need to hear when it comes to the Beach Boys.

Obviously classic

Some me easy, listened to it on a hot summer day… would have given 6 stars if I could for that vibe

Great vocal harmonies, gentle instrumentation

This is obviously a classic. There are a couple of my favorites here and overall it's a good one.

Not what i dig too much, but nice

can't believe I'm almost done with this project and I haven't had Pet Sounds yet, so one good thing came from Brian Wilson's passing. I'm not a wordsmith like him, just know - this album took the longest time to get its due recognition. Luckily Brian was alive to see it. 5/5

A great album for sure

RIP Brian Wilson. It took a while to fully appreciate this album, but it's considered a critically acclaimed masterpiece for good reasons, all of which have been covered by countless other white dudes, so I'll just say thank you to the 1001 Albums Generator for the beautiful pick for today.

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.

THIS IS SO MUCH MY STYLE THANKS

r.i.p brian wilson :(

Love it

It was aight not my vibe but it’s very clear it’s an old album which I enjoyed

Really lovely. Musically engaging and just very very pretty. You can bathe in the soundscape of this thing.

Great album. Loved it

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

Outstanding. Already own

It’s pet sounds. need i say more?? RIP to Brian

no me gusto, sonidos demasiado saturados, simplemente no me gusto

0/10. Hated it. One of the worst albums I’ve ever heard

Classic beach boys album loved it and awesome they had it on the day Brian Wilson died

Very bright and joyful album. The vocals and harmonies are beautiful and the instruments are varied. Favourite song: I Know There's an Answer

Who knew The Beach Boys were so melancholic behind those sugary and sunny guitar riffs! My favorite kind of album is one with sad, reflective lyrics and happy tunes.

Cool album. 4/5

Amazing listening to it again and of course poignant given the timing

Rip Brian I love you

A strange, but important album, what else can be said about it? In light of Brian Wilson's death this week, I will paraphrase things I heard him say about this album: - It was to be his crazy experimental album in response to what the Beatles had been doing, and when he heard Sgt. Pepper's come out a few months later, he felt his attempt had been a massive failure that didn't compare. The Beatles later said that they basically felt the same sense of failure for Sgt. Peppers when they heard Pet Sounds. - Insane recording experience with Brian that basically broke him mentally (along with the drugs and whatever else) - God Only Knows - one of the greatest songs EVER written......change my mind - Wouldn't it be nice - one of the few rock songs that talks about how great it would be to be older and married with a family instead of how great it is/would be to be young and crazy Maybe the best album from one of the most American bands in history. 'nuff said

Was alright but not really my thing

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

RIP Brian Wilson. This album gets better everytime I listen to it. I always imagine this album keeping Paul McCartney awake at night knowing there was another band capable of his magic.

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

Good good

My initial not hot hot take was that God Only Knows is a singular track, standing head and shoulders above the others. Vocal wall of sounds. Beautiful song. I didn't find myself as easily drawn to non-God-Only-Knows Pet Sounds as other classics from around that time (VU Nico/VU, Revolver/Abbey Road). As an example, the first 10 seconds of I Know There's an Answer. So I had moments like that, yet I actually like that song and how it develops. I Just Wasn't Made for these times is another one I really came to like. Part of me wants to extend that Outro like 5 minutes (does Panda Bear do stuff like that?). I guess God Only Knows going forever wouldn't be bad either. I like the let's go away for awhile instrumental. Don't talk is another good one. When I was more on the fence about Pet Sounds I read on reddit you had to listen to all the music that came before this album to appreciate it. Kind of made me roll my eyes...like it somehow reminds me of when someone has to try really hard to convince themselves (or you) to like something, and that feels wrong. Anyway, regarding the production stuff, which I am not educated enough to appreciate, I imagine there is truth there. That gets me thinking though about how hard it is to judge art that is already so heavily commented on, displayed, parodied, etc. I haven't commented on Wouldn't It Be Nice - it's hard to imagine the song without thinking of Homer Simpson (or somebody/something) in a parody. I have a somewhat similar experience with You Still Believe In Me. I don't think this song is nearly as popular...for some reason it reminded me of a sort of a winter holiday song. To close out some hardly comprehensible notes...I still love God Only Knows. I don't think it is surrounded by duds. I don't connect as much with some of the other songs as I do with other well regarded music from that era, but I've come to enjoy the album.

great stuff but did not move me

A top 25 album for me. I love this album so much. The melodies, the lyrics. It all just hits me the right way.

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.

Always fun to revisit this one. Perfect album from start to finish. RIP Brian Wilson

I have no doubt the Beach Boys made a huge impression on millions of teenagers around the World. That being said, I find myself moved by music from artists influenced by the Beach Boys more than the actual band. Pet Sounds is brought up as one of the landmark albums, but only two of those thirteen songs charted as hits. I enjoy "God Only Knows" better than anything else on this album. That's just me. TNJ's Albums to Sample

One of the very first records I ever owned was a 45 that my mom had given me of God Only Knows/Sloop John B. She had held onto it from high school. I played that record over and over. Pet Sounds is a fantastic album. RIP BW

It’s good but not for me

Ahead of its time. Damn good melodic weaving

Best album ever

비틀즈같은건가?

Beautiful boring schlop

Pearl clutchers get a grip… 5 stars

As a fan of Panic at the disco's Pretty Odd album, this is a masterpiece.

All timer for sure

I haven't listened to The Beach Boys before, but I upon hearing the opening track, a wave of nostalgia washed over me and I was transported to a Cadbury commercial from the early 2000s. I guess, this is my first foray into the world of surf-rock and I definitely get dreamy acapella vibes from this project but not too much ocean imagery. The lead singer's voice reminds me of The Drums tbh. My favourite was 'That's Not Me'. I do think the music sounds kind of churchy though, too much organ use. I do like the title track a lot and thought it sounded like nothing on the album and actually thought a different album had started playing.

SOBS. no but really one of the greats!!!

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.

Not today. Not today, man. This hurts a lot

Klassiker. Ujevn, men bra. Noen hiter.

2,5