I knew the Beach Boys were a classic band from California who astonished a generation with their pop hits. They helped define the whole west coast beach scene with songs such as “Surfin”, “Fun Fun Fun”, “Barbara Ann”, and other upbeat love songs.
I had no idea that they had put out an entirely different sound in their album Pet Sounds. Their eleventh studio album took a deep turn away from the pop music scene. The band did what many are terrified to do: leave the mainstream to try something new. Brian Wilson wished to create an artistic masterpiece entirely from his heart and soul.
The lyrics are as personal and confessional as they get, and the album uses a plethora of instruments - from the saxophone, bongos, violin, cello, organ, flute, and even trains, whistles and barking dogs. Pet Sounds and its psychedelic pop aims to astonish listeners. Paired with their usual heavenly vocal harmonies, the album is one for the ages. It undoubtedly changed music production and the future of music from 1966 moving forward.
"We were trying to capture spiritual love that couldn't be found anywhere else in the world," Brian Wilson opined in an interview. He wanted Pet Sounds to be his imaginative outlet, and so he configured the music’s soundscape into an orchestra of emotion for the listener’s pleasure.
I listen to A LOT of music. I usually buy a new record every few weeks until I’ve memorized it and move onto the next one. Pet Sounds has remained ingrained in my head for months, though. The album is not something one can digest in a day, or even a week. It takes months for the rhythms and harmonies collide in ethereal beauty.
And once the songs are stuck in your head, there is no turning back. Ecstatic waves of pleasure pour and crash over listeners, as the orchestra of instruments blend into symphonic perfection.
The lyrics of Pet Sounds should also be heralded as the poetic genius it is. Lead singer and writer Brian Wilson took the reigns of this album, wanting to create his own personal masterpiece. Looking introspectively, he exalted the spirit and probed all of his deepest insecurities.
He also experimented with LSD, as was common of artists at the time in the '60's. His heart is literally poured out for all to empathize with. His struggle with faith, love, and God are all laid on the table. The risk the band took was well worth it, too.
Moving through the album is a roller coaster of emotion. The lyrics cover the wide array of feelings, ranging from somber heartbreak to ecstatic enthusiasm. It is almost as if Brian Wilson has transposed his mind into yours, knowing your every fear and wish. In the song "God Only Knows", he expresses how God is the only one who sees and knows your inner-anguish post-breakup.
When the album first released, it was met with skepticism. However, it has stood the test of time by being one of the most influential albums of all time. Brian Wilson covers more than love, moving into topics on God and heartbreak. "Here Today" epitomizes love's elusiveness in an epic musical fashion -
"You've got to keep in mind love is here today
And it's gone tomorrow
It's here and gone so fast"
Overall, the album is not something to merely listen to. but something to experience, At first, the album may seem overwhelming, with too much going on at once. The orchestra of sound only settles, though - making its home in your head. You'll find yourself singing aloud before you know it and enjoying the gift that is Pet Sounds.
The album in its entirety is available (with a near-perfect rating) on Amazon for purchase, or on Youtube for a quick listen-through!
