1001 Albums Summary

Naturally I know The Beach Boys big hits but had never listened to a studio album. A recent informative book on 1001 albums to listen to encouraged me to delve deeper into artists I’d never explored. This Pet Sounds starts with the heartfelt emotion of Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Those harmonies are out of this world, angelic in part. Hard to believe this album was recorded before I was born! Incidentally Frida of ABBA recorded a Swedish version of this song in her 1975 album Ensam. Her. Version is as outstanding as this! The album contains great lyrics, melancholy and stunning vocal arrangements and vocals. On first listen I like the feel of the whole album and a throw back to the style and time of the 60’s. Wilson’s writing throughout is superb. Why I waited so long to add this to my collection is mind blowing! I’m Waiting For The Day starts with a psychedelic intro, has a hippy vibe going in throughout. Love it! Hits a plenty here! I know Sloop John B, God Only Knows, Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Overall I like the vibe throughout, the vocal harmonies are superb. A new edition to my collection. 8 out of ten on a couple of full listens.

Everything about this album emits fun, and Cyndi certainly had a lot of fun recording this. It’s an unusual mix of sounds which make for an interesting listen. From the first track, Money Changes Everything, brilliant live, to the massive hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time there are also outstanding tracks in All Through The Night She Bop and When You Were Mine. You will not be disappointed in this and for a time Cyndi was on par with Madonna in terms of Commercial success. This album was a great start for Cyndi later work. She’s So Unusual is a masterpiece in eclectic pop, and way ahead of its time.