Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Riding the Waves: Celebrating Brian Wilson's Top 12 Beach Boys Hits

Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who died this week, was the musical pioneer who provided the soundtrack to summer

Beach Boy Brian Wilson's Legacy: A Surf-Rock Pioneer's Greatest Hits

As the news of his passing spreads like ripples on a sun-kissed beach, we remember the iconic Beach Boys' mastermind, Brian Wilson. His music was the soundtrack to summer, and his innovative spirit continues to inspire generations.

From the surf rock craze of the 1960s to the experimental masterpiece that is Pet Sounds, Wilson's songwriting prowess knew no bounds. Music critic Adrian Thrills takes a journey through the Beach Boys' discography, highlighting 12 essential tracks that showcase the band's evolution and genius.

Whether singing the praises of California's sun and surf or pushing the envelope with ambitious studio experiments, he was behind some of the greatest songs ever written. Music critic Adrian Thrills picks 12 of the best.

Surfin' (1961)

This humble beginning, recorded on rented equipment, set the tone for the Beach Boys' reign as kings of California cool. Wilson and cousin Mike Love's harmonies still send shivers down our spines today.

Surfin' USA (1963)

Cashing in again on the surf craze that swept Southern California in the 1960s, Wilson took the tune of Chuck Berry's Sweet Little Sixteen and added his own lyrics (Beach Boys in 1965)

Wilson took Chuck Berry's Sweet Little Sixteen and turned it into a surf rock anthem. When we saw the Beach Boys perform this track at London's Mermaid Theatre in 2012, the waves of nostalgia washed over us like a warm summer breeze.

Fun, Fun, Fun (1964)

As Wilson traded his surfboard for hot rods, he crafted a pop gem that's equal parts sunshine and rebellious spirit. The Johnny B. Goode-inspired guitar intro is just one of many nods to the rock 'n' roll pioneers who paved the way for this musical trailblazer.

Wilson called it 'a hymn to youth.' Mike Love thought the song's 23-second orchestral prelude was worthy of a symphony ¿ and it was subsequently recorded by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Wilson seen in 2008)

Don't Worry Baby (1964)

Beneath the Beach Boys' carefree exterior, a more melancholy strain emerged. This song about a hot rod race turned into a poignant study of Wilson's insecurities, showcasing his ability to tap into universal emotions.

California Girls (1965)

Another Pet Sounds gem, and another indication of the sadness that lay behind the sunshine (Beach Boys seen in May 2024)

Wilson called this song "a hymn to youth," and Mike Love thought the 23-second orchestral prelude worthy of a symphony. It's no wonder; this iconic tune is a masterclass in pop perfection, transporting us to a sun-kissed paradise where worries fade like the setting sun.

Wouldn't It Be Nice (1966)

Pet Sounds, Wilson's magnum opus, aimed to be timeless. And it is – almost six decades later, this album remains a masterpiece that defies the ages. This opening track sets the tone for an ambitious journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.

God Only Knows (1966)

When Paul McCartney calls this song the finest pop tune ever written, you know we're dealing with something special. The woodwind and French Horn parts are worthy of a classical composer, elevating this song to an otherworldly realm.

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times (1966)

Another Pet Sounds gem, this introspective track is a poignant reflection on the songwriter's personal struggles. It's a testament to Wilson's vulnerability and humanity that he can craft songs that speak directly to our souls.

Caroline, No (1966)

Originally released as a solo single, Caroline, No became the closing track on Pet Sounds. This song about growing up and losing innocence is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on life's complexities, enhanced by harpsichord, vibraphone, and an empty water jug.

Good Vibrations (1966)

Wilson pushed the boundaries of pop with this "pocket symphony," which took six months, four studios, and an estimated 16,000 dollars to create. Its shifts in mood and tempo ushered in a new era of musical experimentation, cementing its status as a groundbreaking masterpiece.

Heroes And Villains (1967)

Wilson's next move was to produce Heroes And Villains, aiming to take the daring of Good Vibrations one step further. This Wild West-themed song is a metaphor for the music business, showcasing Wilson's willingness to take risks and challenge himself creatively.

That's Why God Made The Radio (2012)

After decades of silence, the Beach Boys' 2012 comeback album was a nostalgic return to form. This title track, their first new single in 20 years, is a salute to the joys of hearing your favorite song on the car radio – with those iconic five-part harmonies still soaring.

As we bid farewell to Brian Wilson, his music remains an integral part of our collective consciousness. From the surf rock pioneers to the experimental masterpieces, his legacy will continue to inspire and captivate us for generations to come.

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