Best Brian Wilson tribute might be coming from a surprising place

Following Brian Wilson‘s passing at 82 last week, there has been an outpouring of heartfelt tributes. Many of these have come from his fellow musicians of the same era, as expected. Interestingly, some tributes have also emerged from bands who never had the chance to meet him. A slightly skeptical perspective might suggest that some artists are attempting to gain attention by associating themselves with the legendary founder of the Beach Boys.

An unexpected homage to Wilson could have originated from an unanticipated source. While Howard Jones is primarily recognized as a semi-legendary figure of the 1980s for his hits “No One is to Blame” and “Things Can Only Get Better,” it’s worth noting that he is, in fact, a skillful keyboardist capable of producing strong compositions.

Although some may believe his musical career peaked in the ’80s, it’s quite the contrary. In the 21st century, he has produced music that while distinct from the pop realm, is equally captivating to listen to. His piano-centric albums often possess a somber and desolate quality, yet they remain mesmerizing in their own right.

1980s icon Howard Jones pays homage to Brian Wilson of the Beastie Boys

However, it may not surpass the brilliance he displayed when reworking “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. This song is often considered the epitome of pop music perfection. It’s undeniably beautiful, and many couples might find themselves relating to its melody, but what sets it apart is the deliberate disruption of the melody in a manner reminiscent of Richard Wagner.

Wilson’s skills as a songwriter and producer were exceptional, and his talent was such that he could have achieved success in any era, be it the 1960s or the 1760s. Had he limited himself to classical music, he would still have been exceptional. He was indeed a musical genius.

Jones acknowledges it with a heartfelt tribute, as seen in a video featuring him at the piano, serenading the song. At first glance, it might appear easy to replicate, but let me tell you, that’s far from the truth. Jones is not just an exceptional pianist, he has a voice reminiscent of the Beach Boys, a talent that could have easily placed him among them six decades ago.

Jones imbues his “ahs” with emotional intensity and reaches those lofty tones. Simply outstanding, a quality that Brian Wilson might well admire. The video’s sonic texture seems reminiscent of the initial stages when Wilson crafted the melody for the first time.

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2025-06-16 13:00