Album Spotlight: The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

Released in 1966, following California Girls, Pet Sounds is considered one of the most influential records of all time and listed #2 onRolling Stone’s Greatest Albums of all time.

Considered one of the first rock albums that was actually a concept album, Pet Sounds is a pure joy to listen to.

To call it experimental would be an understatement, and just listening to Brian Wilson’s interwoven harmonies, coupled with side effects, and their usage of unconventional instruments (including a bicycle bell, and dog whistles) as well as the usual keyboards and guitars is brilliant.

Pet Sounds pays tribute to the masterful style of Brian Wilson, not only for his innovative production but also his profound songwriting. While the music is almost a world apart from the previous fun in the sun recordings, there is no doubt about their depth.

Instead of concentrating on strong conceptual images, The Beach Boys tried their hand at soulful, thoughtful tunes such as ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ and ‘I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times’

Many who have never heard Pet Sounds would have heard more than a handful of it’s songs, such as ‘Sloop John B’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ and ‘God Only Knows’ – which is sung by Carl Wilson, and one of the sweetest love songs of all time.

Pet Sounds has been critically praised time and time over the years by some of the biggest artists of all time, including EricClapton and Paul McCartney. The reason why? Simply because it is a brilliant piece of music. It works on so many different levels-lyrically, melodically, vocally, and instrumentally.

While some fans have compared this album to The Beatles own magnum Opus, I don’t think it’s fair to either, as both equally have been revolutionary in the way musical styles have evolved.

Having said that, you can’t but be slighly awed that, according to Paul McCartney, if Pet Sounds hadn’t happened, Sgt Peppers would never have existed.

Even though the album didn’t do very well in 1966, it’s Brian Wilson who will have the last laugh, producing an album that has stood the test of time.

 

While I don’t think it’s perfect enough to give 5/5, it’s one that any decent music lover should have in their collection.