The Beach Boys are an American rock band. The group originally consisted of brothers Brian, Denis, and Carl Wilson, along with cousin Mike Love and unrelated friend Al Jardine. The band formed in California in 1961. The band was extremely popular and successful in the late 1960s, and is famous for their summer time themes. The band's music reflected the southern Californian youth culture of cars and surfing. For a period of time, the Beach Boys were considered the most predominant competitor to the Beatles. The band is listed at No. 12 on Rolling Stone's 100 greatest artists of all time, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
With summer slowly oncoming, we think there’s no better band to listen to while you get yourself into a summer mindset and start planning your outfits. In the spirit and hopes of warm weather, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Beach Boys songs.
Did your favorite not make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
[ new page = 10: “Fun Fun Fun”]
Starting off at No. 10 is “Fun Fun Fun.” The song is a quick narrative about a girl borrowing her father’s car to go out and have, you guessed it, fun. The song is one of many to emphasize the bands portrayal of California youth. The song is fun and mellow and just one of many great summer listening songs by the band.
[ new page = 9: “I Get Around”]
At No. 9 is “I Get Around.” The song has been used in numerous films, and is one of the group's more high-energy songs. Some believe the lyrics are about drag racing; others believe the song is about dating. Either way, it’s easy to agree this is a song about guys being guys.
[ new page = 8: “Don’t Worry Baby”]
Coming in at No. 8 is “Don’t Worry Baby.” The song is featured in numerous films, most notably during the ending scene of Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed. The song is very sweet and extremely catchy.
[ new page = 7: “Sloop John B”]
At No. 7 is the Beach Boys' cover of the song “Sloop John B.” The song's sad tones are unique among the bands other songs. The song has powerful and memorable lyrics, and the Beach Boys' rendition of the song helped keep the song alive.
[ new page = 6: “Little Deuce Coupe”]
At No. 6 is the song “Little Deuce Coupe.” The song is one of the band's best. The song is memorable for being one of the bands most fun and simple songs. It’s a great summer time song, whether driving around or having a day out on the beach.
[ new page = 5: “Kokomo”]
Coming in at No. 5 is “Kokomo.” The song is the source of many parodies and is used in countless films and TV series. The song is a feel-good ode to the tropical. It’s the perfect choice for a late-night summer drive or while drinking with friends.
[ new page = 4: “Help Me, Rhonda”]
At No. 4 is “Help Me, Rhonda.” The song is the classic tale of moving on. In this instance, it is with the help of a girl named Rhonda. While the song begs for help moving on, it’s a great song choice while trying to put together the perfect summer outfit before an outing.
[ new page = 3: “Wouldn’t it be Nice” ]
Breaking into the top 3 comes “Wouldn’t it be Nice.” The song is a favorite of many. It’s a very simple idea, making the world be different so two people can be together the way they want. And of course, for the younger listeners, it also represents not having to wait for the perfect moment to run away together.
[ new page = 2: “Good Vibrations”]
Coming in at No. 2 is the song “Good Vibrations.” The song was the band's third No. 1 billboard hit. The song featured prominent use of a cello and an electro-theremin, both of which were highly unusual for a pop song. The song is part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
[ new page = 1: “God Only Knows”]
Topping our list as the best Beach Boys song is “God Only Knows.” The song is the perfect balance of sweet and sorrowful. A song of loss and love, the song explores the realms of love and desperation in a pop format. The song is recognized as one of the Beach Boys most recognized songs. The song is reputed for its complexity, and the lack of direction in the music, which reflects the lack of direction within the lyrics.