5 Brian Wilson masterpiece songs every music lover must hear

As a devoted admirer of Brian Wilson‘s musical genius, I must admit that choosing just five of his masterpieces is quite a challenge! Without a doubt, I can rattle off a few favorites, but to ensure accuracy, I might need to delve into his extensive discography. With over a dozen songs in mind, I’ll trim the list down to an impressive fifteen for a thorough review. After careful consideration and reflection, I’ll whittle it down to my top five Brian Wilson songs – though narrowing it down will be no easy task!

Initially, I thought I had around 18 songs. Upon checking the discography, I found eight additional ones. Some tunes were only faintly remembered, so I revisited a few of them. This re-listening triggered playing through the first 12 albums by The Beach Boys consecutively, resulting in discovering more songs and ending up with 37 tracks in total.

After that, I began contemplating Wilson’s individual projects. Oh dear, it seems choosing the top five could take more time than anticipated.

Brian Wilson’s five greatest songs

Wilson’s music, whether it was composed for the Beach Boys or individually, is interesting because your personal feelings will determine which tunes resonate with you the most. Despite his signature harmonies and intricate soundscapes, he had an extraordinary ability to evoke diverse emotions within just three minutes of a pop song.

Are you all set for a Friday night hangout with the guys? Groove to “Little Deuce Coupe.” Did the evening disappoint because someone didn’t show up? Let your emotions out with “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times.” These songs may not have made it onto my favorite list, but numerous musicians would have been thrilled to compose and perform either one.

Ultimately, I chose my top five selections, and let me assure you, each one is a standout track. Typically, I’d include an obscure gem or two in such lists, but given Brian Wilson’s exceptional work, I couldn’t resist including all of the best tracks.

He performed all those songs with the Beach Boys, and while I appreciate much of his solo output, I find it difficult to assert, truthfully, that a standout solo piece such as “Lucky Old Sun” surpasses a classic Beach Boys hit like “California Girls” in terms of accomplishment.

Spoiler alert, neither of those exceptional pop tunes is on my list either.

As a gaming enthusiast, I made my picks for some underrated tunes, a mix of six tracks – three hailing from The Beach Boys’ legendary era and another trio from his incredible solo projects. To offer a fresh viewpoint, most of these selections are considered deeper cuts.

Honorable mentions

W/the Beach Boys

I Roam About” – A rephrased version from “All Summer Long”, 1964. Not exactly an obscure choice – it was the Beach Boys’ first chart-topper, but interestingly, their friends Jan & Dean had reached number one a year prior with Brian’s composition titled “Surf Town.

Originally appearing on ‘Pet Sounds’ in 1966, later relegated to the B-side of ‘Darlin” in 1967 – this is one of my all-time favorite songs by The Beach Boys, entitled ‘Present in Today.’

The song ‘Wild Honey’ hails from the less celebrated 1967 album of the same name. This album marked a departure for the band, as they moved away from their complexly produced sound to deliver some fantastic rock ‘n’ roll tunes. In this track, Carl Wilson, Brian’s brother, takes center stage with his impressive guitar playing and lead vocals.

As a solo artist

Originally penned by Wilson in 1971 and titled “My Solution,” this song didn’t see the light of day until half a century later. However, for his third solo album, Brian gave new life to the tune as “Happy Days.” This revamped rendition carries a more mature and serious tone with an impressive jazz-infused saxophone segment.

Heroes and Villains”

Originating from Brian Wilson’s work for the album “Smile” in 1967, this piece was part of the intricate compositions that eventually led him to put the project aside. The Beach Boys introduced their abridged album “Smiley Smile” with this very song in 1967.

Brian completed the complete version of this work over 25 years later, and it contains a section known as “In the Cantina.” Personally, I don’t believe it enhances the initial melody, but I enjoy listening to Wilson’s original idea being brought to life.

Perhaps Only Those Present Could Truly Appreciate It, but That Duet with Kacey Musgraves in ‘No Pier Pressure’ Demonstrated Beyond Doubt that Brian Wilson’s Talent for Crafting Magnificent Pop Remained Intact.

Brian Wilson’s Five Best Songs – in chronological order

“Surfin’ Safari” from Surfin’ Safari, 1962

On June 4, 1962, The Beach Boys released their second single following “Surfin'”. The song began with a powerful harmony: “Let’s go surfing now, everyone’s learning – Join me on this adventure.” The harmonies in the chorus were inspired by the Four Freshmen.

It’s known that Carl took his guitar solo style from Chuck Berry. In an instant, a fresh, complete sound was introduced into the music scene.

“Fun Fun Fun” from Shut Down, Volume 2, 1964.

1964 saw “Fun Fun Fun” by The Beach Boys not reaching the top spot on the Billboard pop chart; instead, it peaked at number five. However, later that year, they would secure their first number one with “I Get Around.” I found it difficult to choose between these two songs for this list. In the end, I opted for “Fun Fun Fun” due to its catchy Chuck Berry guitar riff and because it introduces an independent teen girl who enjoys having fun amidst a sea of typical teenage boy fantasies.

Up until now, when Brian Wilson or most pop songwriters penned songs about a girl, it was typically from a male perspective. However, with this track, I sense that the girl won’t be sticking around with Mike Love once she retrieves her T-Bird. To add to that, I find Brian’s organ part quite captivating in this song.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” from Pet Sounds, 1966

Pet Sounds represented Brian Wilson’s reaction to the groundbreaking pop music emerging during mid-century. He initiated it with one of his sweetest love songs, taking Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” concept to its most romantic extreme. Here, Brian takes the lead vocal, while the entire group contributes uplifting harmonies.

He had an all-star team of session players from the Wrecking Crew build the remarkable sound.

“God Only Knows” from Pet Sounds, 1966

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how he transitions to the other side of “Pet Sounds,” starting with the B-side of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” While “God Only Knows” is equally enchanting, its style is remarkably distinct. This time around, Wilson orchestrates a masterpiece worthy of classical standards, incorporating a string quartet, harpsichord, and an array of horns and woodwinds. Remarkably, this grandiose production remains a breathtaking pop song, with Carl delivering the melody, and Brian adding his catchy vocal harmonies.

“Good Vibrations” non-album single, 1966 subsequently released on Smiley Smile, 1967

The movie Love & Mercy, Hollywood’s portrayal of Brian Wilson’s mental health struggles, dedicates a significant portion of its storyline to the creation of “Good Vibrations.” This was his elusive masterpiece, the one he finally conquered. It strained his relationship with Mike Love and, to some degree, his brothers. The process took a heavy toll on him.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you in a more relaxed and conversational tone: However, the outcome was simply amazing. It was his most daring composition yet – truth be told, one of the boldest ever produced by any pop music artist. It turned out to be the Beach Boys’ third (and it seemed like their last) number one single. The only other time they reached the top spot came much later, when Brian wasn’t part of the band anymore.

Just as well. It was Brian Wilson’s towering achievement in a career of landmark hits.

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2025-06-13 13:00