@@stevenpatricknorton458 Well, surfing certainly beats suicide. Of course if one can't swim surfing becomes suicide. Never mind me, I'm just being silly.
Paul said exactly those words to this day maintains that opinion Carl Wilson on lead vocal. Voice of an angel. Brian Wilson wrote and produced the whole album. He was inspired by Spector Wall of sound. Vocal harmonies were yet another Brian masterclass all through the Beach Boys history. Trademark sound
@@GJoeJ010841 Brian’s family listened a lot to the Four Freshmen and Cousin Mike Love used to call around and the whole family including Brian, Carl and Dennis would sing.
Carl was very humble about it. He said that Brian had written the greatest love song and he was just fortunate enough to be able to sing it. I was lucky enough to see the Beach Boys when all three Wilson brothers were in it. These songs always bring me joy.
NO Spector gets NO credit for this. He may have been the first to use the "Wall-Of-Sound" production techniques but he was certainly NOT the only one. ALL CREDIT for what you are hearing goes to Genius Brian Wilson. Specifically the credits are as follows below -cheers * Songwriter: Brian Wilson, Tony Asher * Producer: Brian Wilson
*"If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on believe me. The world could show nothing to me, so what good would living do me"....some of the most powerful lyrics EVER written for any song*
Brian Wilson produced this. He was a big fan of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. Btw, Brian was deaf in one ear (his dad hit him when a young child). Ironic because Spector preferred mono mix over stereo.
@@stephenqualtrough7322 Well Paul owed Brian a lot. People think Revolver was way ahead of its time- Pet Sounds actually came out before it. There was some friendly competition going on between The Beach Boys and The Beatles, and poor Brian had his own producers, promoters and even band members holding him back, and unfortunately went mad shortly after this album.
Rubber Soul influenced Pet Sounds not the other way around. Pet Sounds then spurred Sgt Pepper. Brian said Rubber Soul inspired him to make Pet Sounds.
Group leader and songwriter/producer Brian Wilson was certainly inspired by Phil Spector's production (listen to their "Don't Worry Baby," which Wilson wrote for Spector's Ronettes but was turned down). The gorgeous vocal is by younger brother Carl who had an angelic voice.
Yeah man, I didn't know Carl sang the lead. I thought Brian Wilson did. The instrumentation must have sounded so strange to people when all that guitar heavy rock in the 1960's was going. And you know, I flip-flop on my favorite Beach Boys song: "God Only Knows," or "Don't Worry Baby." I think Van Dyke Parks wrote or co-wrote the lyrics to "God." That first line is a killer isn't it. That'll make you stand up and listen. Beautiful, just beautiful are those two songs. The voices are angelic and the sweetest "beach" soul outside of Motown ever.
@@brianmallen8887 Tony Asher actually wrote these lyrics, along with most of those on Pet Sounds! Van Dyke didn’t come along until Smile. They’re both brilliant but Van Dyke was more intellectual whereas Asher was a bit more emotional
@@thedude8860 Yeah, Tony Asher. See, what happened was the poets and classical composers of the 19th century hooked up, melded, synthesized, hybrid ...a blend of the two and formed in the 20th century in both pop and rock n roll....They had to shorten the sound to a song cycle, but not always. "Rhapsody in Blue" you never want that to end. I'm not saying that Tony Asher is a Hal David. But on the other hand I remember tons of jingles from childhood on that were very catchy and got to the point lightening fast. Yeah he had to be inspired, and that ad agency preassure cooker experience probably helped to write the song in 45 minutes. I wonder if he thought it up sitting there with Brian Wilson. Or if it was a poem that was a third of a page long at the most. I bet the latter. You can't come up with something that profound, that controversial, that original on the spot. Can you? And that sing-song music in the background, no guitars, these ethereal cheerful sounds. The "beach soul" singing sounding so pure, blending with the music so fine. "God Only Knows" a simple but devastating message combined with very airy, almost playful melody with brisk tempo really. For a balled. Then they kill you with that "call and response" "God only knows" the Wilsons, Love and Jardine showing what world-class singing sounds like. You know, when Brian Wilson had his "breakdown" and went into seclusion they shoulda locked him in there with Tony Asher. They coulda been like the west coast Gershwin brothers, the American Tim Rice and Andrew Loyde Webber.
Having heard songs like this for more years than I care to admit, it still seems strange that some people have never heard it before. That's what's so great about channels like yours, Harri, watching younger people discover all this fantastic music from the past. Keep going!
They are definitely known for beautiful harmonies. You can choose almost any other Beach Boys song and will be dazzled with harmonies. “Kokomo” is one of my favorites. ✌️
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is the man behind the music. There are actual videos called "Behind The Sounds" that show how painstakingly he worked to create the sounds on this and other Beach Boy Classics. Check out "Good Vibrations" as well, my friend. P.S The Captain and Tenille do an excellent cover of "God Only Knows."
The BBC produced an all star version of this a couple years ago. When Brian Wilson appears at the piano with the tiger, I tear up every time. Please watch it.
Every note and every nuance supports and exists to frame the vocals. Whether it's to create an opening in the sound for the voice to fill up, or to buoy the voice up or to dramatize it. The outro vocals just soar up and up and up and up, floating on the crest of the music, as if the harmonies are chased by the music which can never quite overtake it. I think the song is proper being short, It's a quick breathless moment and belaboring it would steal the emotion. You're left marveling at it.
Absolutely inspired on the Spector's wall of sound, even pet sounds originally was released only on mono; the whole Pet Sounds álbum is fantastic, a masterpiece
This is NOT a Phil Spector production. It's 100% Brian Wilson . He was at the studio with the Wrecking Crew during the whole production. In the beginning of the B.Boys Brian was impressed by Spector's work and he learned from it. The part at the end is called a "round" (in classical music it's called a canon) like row, row, your boat . The word you were looking for is "ethereal" or heavenly . Note that at the round, there is an additional "voice" from the French horn . This is definitely the most beautiful romantic song ever written. Listen to the video "Behind the sounds, God only knows, part 2". It shows Brian producing the song and at the end theres the voices track alone. It will give you goosebumps .
Remember, this is 1966. Rock & Roll is still in its infancy. There’s a LOT of innovation and evolution taking place right now and, fortunately, I had a front row seat. I’m just glad to see you on this train-of-discovery…because, it’s going to be a wild ride!!!
One reason it sounds like Spector production is these musicians are many of the same Spector used routinely, known as “the wrecking crew.” The Beach Boys didn’t play any instruments on this song or the majority of the album. Brian Wilson wanted to make this album after hearing the Beatles - Rubber Soul. And then this album in turn inspired Sgt Pepper.
Although Brian was very inspired by Spector's production, this has more clarity and definition. Also, what indeed does make this the best song ever written (in my opinion) is the melody. The movement of it. It's perfection. The counterpoint harmonies at the end takes you to another world. The song also gains something the more you listen to it, first listen is not the time you'll appreciate it the most.
This is Brian's pure production genius and his falcetto, elegant voice right along with his brother's Beautiful, sweet voice. Dennis' fantastic drum playing in songs. Dreamy, beautifu harmoniesl...God Blessed them.
In later years Brian Wilson has done some very stripped down performances of his work. His genius as a song writer really stands out on those recordings. Always enjoy your reactions.
The Pet Sounds Album is one of the most revolutionary and creative music albums ever made. I'm pretty sure McCartney called it his favorite music album. And it's pretty much 90 percent the creation of Brian Wilson.
Very perceptive of you saying it sounds like Phil Spector.. Spector was a huge influence on Brian Wilson… If you listen to the Spector produced “ Be My Baby “ and my favorite Beach Boy song ( which I would love for you to react to ) “ Don’t Worry Baby ‘ The openings are almost identical.. Don’t worry baby is brilliant.. Shakespeare in a three minute song
Paul McCartney did say it. This song was written & produced by Brian Wilson, leader of The Beach Boys. Many of the studio musicians used by Spector (the Wall of Sound) worked on Pet Sounds and told Brian Wilson, who always doubted himself, “we’re blown away Brian, Spector ain't gotten nothing on you”.
Check out "Wouldn't It Be Nice" which was the hit side of this single in the US-one of my favorite Beach Boys song of theirs along with "The Warmth Of the Sun".
Love it Harri, THE BEACH BOYS have a goldmine of music, if you're sticking with them, my recommendation is GOOD VIBRATIONS, it's outstanding. Take care kid.
Brian Wilson was a musical genius. He and Paul McCartney had a friendly rivalry in the 1960s.The Beach Boys album "Pet Sounds" inspired The Beatles Sgt. Pepper. Both McCartney and Wilson are on a different level when it comes to writing, and arranging music. Oh, those Beach Boys Harmonies! Nothing like them.
I've seen video of Paul saying this was his favorite Beach Boys song, but I've not seen him say he considered it the best song ever. He may've called it, "the perfect song", at one point, though, if I'm not mistaken. As for me, yeah, it's great--but I much prefer their other huge ballad, "Don't Worry Baby". As for the song's producer, it was just Brian Wilson. Brian also wrote the music, inspired to do so after receiving the song's lyrics from, Tony Asher, the local DJ who wrote the lyrics for most of The Beach Boys' big hits. Asher would give the lyrics over to Wilson, and Brian would then write the music to fit the lyrics.
@Cosmo Kramer - I think you're getting mixed up with Elton John and Bernie Taupin regarding the songwriting process of Brian Wilson. The music usually came first or was produced in conjunction with the lyrics. It is Elton John who provided music for lyrics penned by Taupin - perhaps an unusual way to write songs, but it worked for that partnership. Tony Asher provided lyrics for eight of the 13 songs on Pet Sounds. He was not a DJ he was jingle writer and copywriter and he most certainly did not "write the lyrics for most of the Beach Boys' big hits". Chief among lyricists working with Brian was his cousin and fellow Beach Boy Mike Love, Gary Usher, Roger Christian, Van Dyke Parks and Brian himself of course.
@@davidcopson5800 No, Asher's lyrics always came first, then Brian would write the music around the lyrics. There's no doubt Brian wrote and produced great music, as did Elton. But neither man rises to the level of musical geniuses, like Paul McCartney and Jeff Lynne, who did all three: wrote the music, wrote the lyrics, produced the songs. And I might as well throw a fourth criterion in there, met with excellence by Paul and Jeff--both of whom could play, and did play, every instrument.
Not wall of noise but wall of sound. This record was produced by Brain Wilson himself! Paul is definitely on record to say it is the greatest song he has ever heard, in fact when rehearsing this song with Brian for a benefit, Paul broke down in tears!
Brian had a nervous Breakdown, and basically locked himself into his room for about 20 yrs. He's back and got help, and was even doing some small venue performing. I don't think he's doing that anymore. He must be in his late 70s now. So glad he was able to get help for his mental health needs. God Bless
You have missed out on a few things it would seem. Quite a few, even. Brian has been on tour several times in the last decade or more, by himself and with the Beach Boys. I was lucky enough to see the BB 50th reunion tour in August 2012 (this apparently was Brian's first tour with BB since sometime in the 80es - and they broke up in September 2012.) And then Brian, with a band that included Al Jardine and his son Matt Jardine, went on the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour in 2016, which I attended in 2017. This tour seems to have continued until 2019. Now, given his age, you could not blame him for not going on tour again, but who knows?
No, Phil Spector didn't produce this. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who wrote this song, produced it. The Beach Boys were actually on tour when this album was recorded. The Wrecking Crew performed all of the music. Then The Beach Boys came back off tour and laid down the vocals after the music was all recorded.
God Only Knows" is a song by American rock band The Beach Boys. It was composed and produced by Brian Wilson with lyrics by Tony Asher and lead vocal by Carl Wilson.
Brian Wilson was a genius despite the abuse from his father that left him a damaged soul, he would hear all the harmonies and music in his head when writing his songs. Loved the Beach Boys and this one still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
All the backing music was the The Wrecking Crew who were a loose collective of session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for thousands of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including several hundred Top 40 hits.
Paul said many times this song was his favorite Beach Boy song. On an interview with Ronnie Wood, Paul said he was asked to sing this with Brian Wilson on some award show and during a rehearsal of the song Paul broke down in tears.
Hey brother, This is a conglomeration of madness and genius. Brian Wilson had schizophrenia (which was widely misunderstood at the time). There's an excellent film called "Love and Mercy", It aptly chronicals what was going on at the time. Knowing the history of this man, this album, his brothers and how much was so misunderstood makes it that much more iconic. Some people think his album "Smile" is a modern masterpiece. 🤗🙌🥃
Hmm, the Wikipedia article on BW states: "The paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis, originally made by Landy, was later retracted." I understand that as meaning the diagnosis was wrong? I saw Brian in concert four years ago, when he toured with Pet Sounds, and while he looked like an old man who has had a tough life, which is obviously true, he gave a great performance, even if he spared his voice on several songs, which I believe was very understandable. For the last part of the concert he went all in, nobody in the audience could stay in their seat and all got up dancing, and it ended with standing ovations. I guess I am some people, as I first heard "Brian Wilson presents SMiLE" (2004) in 2007, and found it to be the best album I've ever heard (and I'm a hardcore Jeff Lynne fan), that is, until I heard Pet Sounds. Before that, I had a prejudiced idea that BB was just cheesy American commercial surf pop without much merit.
@@lhpl I hear you lhp... Watch "Love and Mercy". As a Mental Health and Wellness facility coordinator, for over 20 years, this film has been instrumental in one of the few Schizophrenia Support Groups in Los Angeles. Brian Wilson suffers from schizophrenia. He's simply learned to live with it. He's gone on to marry and have children. He's an amazing, artist and human being.
@@christopherlopez8541 I have an aquaintance (a fellow student at university back in the 90es), who hss schizophrenia. She is very intelligent, a wonderful person, and a creative and skilled artist. I have no problem with the diagnosis or people who have it, I just don't think it should be used wrongly to describe people who don't have it. The same applies to another musical genius, Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett, who as far as I can tell also did not have that diagnosis, although it is often claimed. At the concert I mentioned, I think I had brief eye contact with Brian once or twice, and he seemed to be very happy performing his music and feeling the love from the audience; it really was a magical moment. The reviews in the newspapers were unfairly harsh, which I am sure not a single person in the audience would disagree with. I have seen the movie, btw. If I remember correctly, it depicts Landy as a rather negative influence?
@@Fool3SufferingFools I definitely concur, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are not the same. Both are different and difficult to treat, as we still don't understand why they occur. We can understand the neurology but not the causation. Brian Wilson is a testament to the human spirit conquering the seemingly impossible.
Brian Wilson wrote, arranged and produced this track. He was a fan of Spector’s but, he extended Spector’s Wall of Sound. He would combine multiple different instruments playing a the same notes at the same time to create a sound that was different.
Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney's geniuses played off of each other and inspired each to create their best art. The results are The Beatles "Sgt Peppers" and The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds". Another ground breaking album from 1967 that was also ahead of its time, but not connected to these two is Days Of Future Passed by The Moody Blues.
Brian Wilson produced all of the Beach Boys' classic material himself. Phil Spector was indeed an importance influence on Brian's production sensibilities.
"I Get Around", "Sloop John B.", "Good Vibrations", "Don't Worry Baby", "Wouldn't It Be Nice", "California Girls", "Little Deuce Coup", ""Little Surfer Girl", "Kokomo", "Help Me Rhonda" "Fun, Fun, Fun", "409", "Surfin'", and "Little Saint Nick".
Songwriter/producer Brian Wilson was (is still) a huge fan of Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” effects, and emulated them here to some extent. Paul McCartney was inspired by Brian’s original harmonies and textures (and bass lines!) and I read that his musical response was “Here, there and everywhere.” I recommend Brian Wilson’s “The Warmth of the Sun,” as performed by The Beach Boys on their Shut Down 2 album, for another gorgeous song whose original harmonies just knock me out!
It's Wall of Sound. Composed, arranged, and produced by Brian Wilson - he was a major Phil Spector fan and hung out in the studio learning from Spector just a few years prior. Most of the musicians had also worked with Spector. The lyrics were by Tony Asher, who had been writing advertising jingles prior to this album - he worked with Brian to put his ideas into lyrical form.
The album 'Pet Songs' by the Beach Boys was inspired by the Beatles album 'Rubber Soul' and 'Pet Songs' itself inspired then the Beatles for 'Sgt. Pepper's'. At this time there was a friendly competition between the Beatles and the Beach Boys. I heard that after 'Sgt. Pepper's" Brian Wilson said: 'They have done what I ever wanted to do'.
Bian Wilson produced this (the whole Pet Sounds album) at 23 years old. As someone said he was deaf in one ear so always recorded in mono early on. He did use Phil Spectors' Wall of Sound musicians to produce the album.
Band Member, Brian Wilson was the Mastermind behind the studio work and recording. Probably one of the top five studio geniuses who ever lived. Brian was friends and contemporaries with Phil Spector. No doubt, they were probably influenced by each other.
Brian Wilson arranged and produced this song. Brian and Tony Asher composed God Only Knows. Brian and Sir Paul McCartney were very close in the 1960's and are closer today.
Their harmonies are the musical equivalent of sunshine.
I can’t think of a more perfect description than yours
I think they talk down suicidal jumpers by blasting this song. That's what I would do as I don't have the gift of gab.
@@stevenpatricknorton458
Well, surfing certainly beats suicide. Of course if one can't swim surfing becomes suicide.
Never mind me, I'm just being silly.
Paul said exactly those words to this day maintains that opinion
Carl Wilson on lead vocal. Voice of an angel. Brian Wilson wrote and produced the whole album. He was inspired by Spector Wall of sound. Vocal harmonies were yet another Brian masterclass all through the Beach Boys history. Trademark sound
I recall reading that the Beach Boys' harmonies came from one of their fave groups: the Four Freshmen. They listened to them a lot. Positive results!
@@GJoeJ010841
Brian’s family listened a lot to the Four Freshmen and Cousin Mike Love used to call around and the whole family including Brian, Carl and Dennis would sing.
Carl was very humble about it. He said that Brian had written the greatest love song and he was just fortunate enough to be able to sing it.
I was lucky enough to see the Beach Boys when all three Wilson brothers were in it. These songs always bring me joy.
as far as i know brian didn't write the lyrics himself
I believe Brian is the lead vocal here.
NO Spector gets NO credit for this. He may have been the first to use the "Wall-Of-Sound" production techniques but he was certainly NOT the only one. ALL CREDIT for what you are hearing goes to Genius Brian Wilson. Specifically the credits are as follows below
-cheers
* Songwriter: Brian Wilson, Tony Asher
* Producer: Brian Wilson
A gorgeous song! Brian Wilson was a musical genius. Nuff said.
Still is. He just celebrated his 79th birthday.
Agree 100%
Absolutely!
Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson, two musical geniuses born only 2 days apart.
In between, Juneteenth!
Just another reason to
celebrate. They are both
Geminis, as I am. 4 June,
1958.
steve
NOOOO...I didn't know that???
@@steveskouson9620 The hell with juneteenth!
They both play bass and their band’s names start with BEA…
@@v-town1980 Sorry, bu
“Don’t Worry Baby” gets me every time! Beach Boys are literally the sound of summer. Peace
Me too. Love it.
Definitely one of their very best songs.
Don't Worry Baby is also Brian Wilson's favorite song.
*"If you should ever leave me, though life would still go on believe me. The world could show nothing to me, so what good would living do me"....some of the most powerful lyrics EVER written for any song*
Brian Wilson produced this. He was a big fan of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. Btw, Brian was deaf in one ear (his dad hit him when a young child). Ironic because Spector preferred mono mix over stereo.
Great song great reaction
Pet Sounds did better in the UK due to Paul doing a great promotion job.onit in interviews. try Good Vibrations
@@stephenqualtrough7322 Well Paul owed Brian a lot. People think Revolver was way ahead of its time- Pet Sounds actually came out before it.
There was some friendly competition going on between The Beach Boys and The Beatles, and poor Brian had his own producers, promoters and even band members holding him back, and unfortunately went mad shortly after this album.
Rubber Soul influenced Pet Sounds not the other way around. Pet Sounds then spurred Sgt Pepper. Brian said Rubber Soul inspired him to make Pet Sounds.
@@John_Chu yes you are 100% correct John, thank you for putting the record straight, you certainly know your Beatles history, mate.
@@John_Chu You are right Brian was trying to come up h something
as good as Rubber Soul with Pet Sounds and we were the lucky beneficiaries
This song is a masterpiece!
Group leader and songwriter/producer Brian Wilson was certainly inspired by Phil Spector's production (listen to their "Don't Worry Baby," which Wilson wrote for Spector's Ronettes but was turned down). The gorgeous vocal is by younger brother Carl who had an angelic voice.
Yeah man, I didn't know Carl sang the lead. I thought Brian Wilson did. The instrumentation must have sounded so strange to people when all that guitar heavy rock in the 1960's was going. And you know, I flip-flop on my favorite Beach Boys song: "God Only Knows," or "Don't Worry Baby." I think Van Dyke Parks wrote or co-wrote the lyrics to "God." That first line is a killer isn't it. That'll make you stand up and listen. Beautiful, just beautiful are those two songs. The voices are angelic and the sweetest "beach" soul outside of Motown ever.
@@brianmallen8887 Tony Asher actually wrote these lyrics, along with most of those on Pet Sounds! Van Dyke didn’t come along until Smile. They’re both brilliant but Van Dyke was more intellectual whereas Asher was a bit more emotional
@@thedude8860 Yeah, Tony Asher. See, what happened was the poets and classical composers of the 19th century hooked up, melded, synthesized, hybrid ...a blend of the two and formed in the 20th century in both pop and rock n roll....They had to shorten the sound to a song cycle, but not always. "Rhapsody in Blue" you never want that to end. I'm not saying that Tony Asher is a Hal David. But on the other hand I remember tons of jingles from childhood on that were very catchy and got to the point lightening fast. Yeah he had to be inspired, and that ad agency preassure cooker experience probably helped to write the song in 45 minutes. I wonder if he thought it up sitting there with Brian Wilson. Or if it was a poem that was a third of a page long at the most. I bet the latter. You can't come up with something that profound, that controversial, that original on the spot. Can you? And that sing-song music in the background, no guitars, these ethereal cheerful sounds. The "beach soul" singing sounding so pure, blending with the music so fine. "God Only Knows" a simple but devastating message combined with very airy, almost playful melody with brisk tempo really. For a balled. Then they kill you with that "call and response" "God only knows" the Wilsons, Love and Jardine showing what world-class singing sounds like. You know, when Brian Wilson had his "breakdown" and went into seclusion they shoulda locked him in there with Tony Asher. They coulda been like the west coast Gershwin brothers, the American Tim Rice and Andrew Loyde Webber.
So glad the Ronnettes turned it down; The Beach Boys couldn't be beat!
One of the most beautiful songs ever written with the most beautiful voice of Carl Wilson. Perfection!
This is all you need to know about Brian Wilson. He is a genius.
This entire album is amazing.
Having heard songs like this for more years than I care to admit, it still seems strange that some people have never heard it before. That's what's so great about channels like yours, Harri, watching younger people discover all this fantastic music from the past. Keep going!
They are definitely known for beautiful harmonies. You can choose almost any other Beach Boys song and will be dazzled with harmonies. “Kokomo” is one of my favorites. ✌️
Great song & last hit. They had to fight to put it out as it has been awhile since they'd had a hit.
Kokomo is the worst it gets skipped every time it comes on
I don’t know what you mean🤷🏻♀️
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is the man behind the music. There are actual videos called "Behind The Sounds" that show how painstakingly he worked to create the sounds on this and other Beach Boy Classics. Check out "Good Vibrations" as well, my friend. P.S The Captain and Tenille do an excellent cover of "God Only Knows."
The BBC produced an all star version of this a couple years ago.
When Brian Wilson appears at the piano with the tiger, I tear up every time.
Please watch it.
Every note and every nuance supports and exists to frame the vocals. Whether it's to create an opening in the sound for the voice to fill up, or to buoy the voice up or to dramatize it. The outro vocals just soar up and up and up and up, floating on the crest of the music, as if the harmonies are chased by the music which can never quite overtake it. I think the song is proper being short, It's a quick breathless moment and belaboring it would steal the emotion. You're left marveling at it.
Absolutely inspired on the Spector's wall of sound, even pet sounds originally was released only on mono; the whole Pet Sounds álbum is fantastic, a masterpiece
It’s the same musicians, so naturally it will sound like Spector production
One of the Beach Boys best and their vocals always a treat.
That vocal outro is regal and is just pure, golden perfection.
When he listened to this song, Paul wrote Here,there, and everywhere.
This is NOT a Phil Spector production. It's 100% Brian Wilson . He was at the studio with the Wrecking Crew during the whole production. In the beginning of the B.Boys Brian was impressed by Spector's work and he learned from it.
The part at the end is called a "round" (in classical music it's called a canon) like row, row, your boat .
The word you were looking for is "ethereal" or heavenly . Note that at the round, there is an additional "voice" from the French horn . This is definitely the most beautiful romantic song ever written.
Listen to the video "Behind the sounds, God only knows, part 2". It shows Brian producing the song and at the end theres the voices track alone. It will give you goosebumps .
I've had a lot of pets in my life, none of them ever sounded anything like this.
Hahahaha clever humor
This IS the best love song ever. The vocal rounds at the end cut me in half.
This song and album inspired Sgt. Pepper's. Brian Wilson wrote and produced this album.
Brian Wilson said this album was also inspired by Rubber Soul.
Remember, this is 1966. Rock & Roll is still in its infancy. There’s a LOT of innovation and evolution taking place right now and, fortunately, I had a front row seat. I’m just glad to see you on this train-of-discovery…because, it’s going to be a wild ride!!!
This group and this song have provided many great memories!
One of the best Beach Boys songs.
One reason it sounds like Spector production is these musicians are many of the same Spector used routinely, known as “the wrecking crew.” The Beach Boys didn’t play any instruments on this song or the majority of the album. Brian Wilson wanted to make this album after hearing the Beatles - Rubber Soul. And then this album in turn inspired Sgt Pepper.
Produced by the great Brian Wilson.
'In My Room', another BB classic.
Although Brian was very inspired by Spector's production, this has more clarity and definition. Also, what indeed does make this the best song ever written (in my opinion) is the melody. The movement of it. It's perfection. The counterpoint harmonies at the end takes you to another world. The song also gains something the more you listen to it, first listen is not the time you'll appreciate it the most.
Brian wrote this album while the band was touring and singing "surf songs". Hed had enough...he stayed behind and made this masterpiece.
Brian Wilson is a pure musical genius.
Sung beautifully by Carl Wilson!❤️
A stunningly beautiful song.
Throughout the 1960s The Beach Boys were America's pre-eminent band and I think McCartney respected that quite a bit and their music.
BW is national treasure. Saw him last Jan. Was brilliant.
Tony Asher wrote lyrics to genius Brian Wilson's music. Carl Wilson's beautiful voice was gifted to him by Brian.
Grew up listening to them
As a kid this album shook me
This is Brian's pure production genius and his falcetto, elegant voice right along with his brother's Beautiful, sweet voice. Dennis' fantastic drum playing in songs. Dreamy, beautifu harmoniesl...God Blessed them.
In later years Brian Wilson has done some very stripped down performances of his work. His genius as a song writer really stands out on those recordings. Always enjoy your reactions.
The Pet Sounds Album is one of the most revolutionary and creative music albums ever made. I'm pretty sure McCartney called it his favorite music album. And it's pretty much 90 percent the creation of Brian Wilson.
He had a lot of help from Owsley
I was never a big beach boys fan, but some of their songs like this one, I do really like.
a special song indeed. definitely always look forward to seeing your reactions. long time lurker. perhaps you check out Bread - "if" have a great day.
Thank you ✌🏾
Let me Guess. You are also a romantic from fiftis 😅
I love it, I bought it in my early teens❤️
I’ve heard this song a thousand times and it always gives me chills
Very perceptive of you saying it sounds like Phil Spector.. Spector was a huge influence on Brian Wilson… If you listen to the Spector produced “ Be My Baby “ and my favorite Beach Boy song ( which I would love for you to react to ) “ Don’t Worry Baby ‘ The openings are almost identical.. Don’t worry baby is brilliant.. Shakespeare in a three minute song
Paul McCartney did say it. This song was written & produced by Brian Wilson, leader of The Beach Boys. Many of the studio musicians used by Spector (the Wall of Sound) worked on Pet Sounds and told Brian Wilson, who always doubted himself, “we’re blown away Brian, Spector ain't gotten nothing on you”.
Brian Wilson is one of those rare geniuses who hears the music in his head, then creates it.
Produced and written by the genius that is Brian Wilson.
Check out "Wouldn't It Be Nice" which was the hit side of this single in the US-one of my favorite Beach Boys song of theirs along with "The Warmth Of the Sun".
Love it Harri, THE BEACH BOYS have a goldmine of music, if you're sticking with them, my recommendation is GOOD VIBRATIONS, it's outstanding. Take care kid.
Brian Wilson was a musical genius. He and Paul McCartney had a friendly rivalry in the 1960s.The Beach Boys album "Pet Sounds" inspired The Beatles Sgt. Pepper. Both McCartney and Wilson are on a different level when it comes to writing, and arranging music. Oh, those Beach Boys Harmonies! Nothing like them.
Beach Boys had this way of just laying their hearts totally on the line, just powerful soul-baring stuff
I've seen video of Paul saying this was his favorite Beach Boys song, but I've not seen him say he considered it the best song ever. He may've called it, "the perfect song", at one point, though, if I'm not mistaken. As for me, yeah, it's great--but I much prefer their other huge ballad, "Don't Worry Baby". As for the song's producer, it was just Brian Wilson. Brian also wrote the music, inspired to do so after receiving the song's lyrics from, Tony Asher, the local DJ who wrote the lyrics for most of The Beach Boys' big hits. Asher would give the lyrics over to Wilson, and Brian would then write the music to fit the lyrics.
@Cosmo Kramer - I think you're getting mixed up with Elton John and Bernie Taupin regarding the songwriting process of Brian Wilson. The music usually came first or was produced in conjunction with the lyrics. It is Elton John who provided music for lyrics penned by Taupin - perhaps an unusual way to write songs, but it worked for that partnership. Tony Asher provided lyrics for eight of the 13 songs on Pet Sounds. He was not a DJ he was jingle writer and copywriter and he most certainly did not "write the lyrics for most of the Beach Boys' big hits". Chief among lyricists working with Brian was his cousin and fellow Beach Boy Mike Love, Gary Usher, Roger Christian, Van Dyke Parks and Brian himself of course.
@@davidcopson5800 No, Asher's lyrics always came first, then Brian would write the music around the lyrics. There's no doubt Brian wrote and produced great music, as did Elton. But neither man rises to the level of musical geniuses, like Paul McCartney and Jeff Lynne, who did all three: wrote the music, wrote the lyrics, produced the songs. And I might as well throw a fourth criterion in there, met with excellence by Paul and Jeff--both of whom could play, and did play, every instrument.
Something both brilliant and brilliantly simple about the lyrics. And a great tune too.
Not wall of noise but wall of sound. This record was produced by Brain Wilson himself! Paul is definitely on record to say it is the greatest song he has ever heard, in fact when rehearsing this song with Brian for a benefit, Paul broke down in tears!
Brian Wilson said that when he heard Rubber Soul, he was determined to try to come up with something better, pet sounds was the result.
The sound of angels on earth! No other group even came close. Loved your observations.
There was a rivalry between Paul And Brian. A friendly one.
Great reaction again harri! Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, and Sloop John B. and more Beach Boys gold!
Harri, their work from 1966 through 1972 is their best, IMO. Take a listen, you won’t regret it.
Brian had a nervous Breakdown, and basically locked himself into his room for about 20 yrs. He's back and got help, and was even doing some small venue performing. I don't think he's doing that anymore. He must be in his late 70s now. So glad he was able to get help for his mental health needs.
God Bless
You have missed out on a few things it would seem. Quite a few, even. Brian has been on tour several times in the last decade or more, by himself and with the Beach Boys. I was lucky enough to see the BB 50th reunion tour in August 2012 (this apparently was Brian's first tour with BB since sometime in the 80es - and they broke up in September 2012.) And then Brian, with a band that included Al Jardine and his son Matt Jardine, went on the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour in 2016, which I attended in 2017. This tour seems to have continued until 2019. Now, given his age, you could not blame him for not going on tour again, but who knows?
It definitely is the most beautiful song ever writtten...sung by our precious Carl, who died wayyyyyyy too soon. Love you Carl!❤❤❤
This is one of those songs that comes around once in a lifetime and it is such a masterpiece!
The crown jewel of a masterpiece of an album.
No, Phil Spector didn't produce this. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who wrote this song, produced it. The Beach Boys were actually on tour when this album was recorded. The Wrecking Crew performed all of the music. Then The Beach Boys came back off tour and laid down the vocals after the music was all recorded.
God Only Knows" is a song by American rock band The Beach Boys. It was composed and produced by Brian Wilson with lyrics by Tony Asher and lead vocal by Carl Wilson.
Whatever else is said about The Beach Boys... They ALWAYS had one of the SMOOTHEST SOUNDS in Rock... : ) : ) : )
Brian Wilson was a genius despite the abuse from his father that left him a damaged soul, he would hear all the harmonies and music in his head when writing his songs. Loved the Beach Boys and this one still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
All the backing music was the The Wrecking Crew who were a loose collective of session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for thousands of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including several hundred Top 40 hits.
Paul said many times this song was his favorite Beach Boy song. On an interview with Ronnie Wood, Paul said he was asked to sing this with Brian Wilson on some award show and during a rehearsal of the song Paul broke down in tears.
Beautiful Beach Boys Song from Genius Brian Wilson. Paul McCartney, another musical genius, said he loved this song. ♥️🎼🎶🎵🍔🇨🇦
Hey brother,
This is a conglomeration of madness and genius.
Brian Wilson had schizophrenia (which was widely misunderstood at the time). There's an excellent film called "Love and Mercy", It aptly chronicals what was going on at the time. Knowing the history of this man, this album, his brothers and how much was so misunderstood makes it that much more iconic. Some people think his album "Smile" is a modern masterpiece. 🤗🙌🥃
Hmm, the Wikipedia article on BW states: "The paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis, originally made by Landy, was later retracted." I understand that as meaning the diagnosis was wrong? I saw Brian in concert four years ago, when he toured with Pet Sounds, and while he looked like an old man who has had a tough life, which is obviously true, he gave a great performance, even if he spared his voice on several songs, which I believe was very understandable. For the last part of the concert he went all in, nobody in the audience could stay in their seat and all got up dancing, and it ended with standing ovations.
I guess I am some people, as I first heard "Brian Wilson presents SMiLE" (2004) in 2007, and found it to be the best album I've ever heard (and I'm a hardcore Jeff Lynne fan), that is, until I heard Pet Sounds. Before that, I had a prejudiced idea that BB was just cheesy American commercial surf pop without much merit.
@@lhpl
I hear you lhp...
Watch "Love and Mercy".
As a Mental Health and Wellness facility coordinator, for over 20 years, this film has been instrumental in one of the few Schizophrenia Support Groups in Los Angeles. Brian Wilson suffers from schizophrenia. He's simply learned to live with it. He's gone on to marry and have children. He's an amazing, artist and human being.
The corrected diagnosis for Brian Wilson is schizoaffective disorder, not the same as schizophrenia.
@@christopherlopez8541 I have an aquaintance (a fellow student at university back in the 90es), who hss schizophrenia. She is very intelligent, a wonderful person, and a creative and skilled artist. I have no problem with the diagnosis or people who have it, I just don't think it should be used wrongly to describe people who don't have it. The same applies to another musical genius, Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett, who as far as I can tell also did not have that diagnosis, although it is often claimed.
At the concert I mentioned, I think I had brief eye contact with Brian once or twice, and he seemed to be very happy performing his music and feeling the love from the audience; it really was a magical moment. The reviews in the newspapers were unfairly harsh, which I am sure not a single person in the audience would disagree with.
I have seen the movie, btw. If I remember correctly, it depicts Landy as a rather negative influence?
@@Fool3SufferingFools
I definitely concur, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are not the same.
Both are different and difficult to treat, as we still don't understand why they occur. We can understand the neurology but not the causation. Brian Wilson is a testament to the human spirit conquering the seemingly impossible.
Beautiful song, especially the ending.
This song makes me weep, every time, and I have no idea why.
Brian Wilson wrote, arranged and produced this track. He was a fan of Spector’s but, he extended Spector’s Wall of Sound. He would combine multiple different instruments playing a the same notes at the same time to create a sound that was different.
Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney's geniuses played off of each other and inspired each to create their best art. The results are The Beatles "Sgt Peppers" and The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds". Another ground breaking album from 1967 that was also ahead of its time, but not connected to these two is Days Of Future Passed by The Moody Blues.
This song is magical i have a hard time believing this guy had never heard this song
Its one of my 8 year old daughters favorite songs.
The voice is the ultimate instrument
Absolutely perfect song.
The answer is YES. 💝💕❤💖❤🧡💛
Brian Wilson produced all of the Beach Boys' classic material himself. Phil Spector was indeed an importance influence on Brian's production sensibilities.
"I Get Around",
"Sloop John B.",
"Good Vibrations",
"Don't Worry Baby",
"Wouldn't It Be Nice",
"California Girls",
"Little Deuce Coup",
""Little Surfer Girl",
"Kokomo",
"Help Me Rhonda"
"Fun, Fun, Fun",
"409",
"Surfin'",
and "Little Saint Nick".
Brian wrote the most amazing vocal tags in all of pop music history.
sublime vocals, harmonies n melodies- v bb!, wilson amazing muso.
God only knows and wouldn’t it be nice are my 2 fav Beach Boys songs
Songwriter/producer Brian Wilson was (is still) a huge fan of Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” effects, and emulated them here to some extent. Paul McCartney was inspired by Brian’s original harmonies and textures (and bass lines!) and I read that his musical response was “Here, there and everywhere.” I recommend Brian Wilson’s “The Warmth of the Sun,” as performed by The Beach Boys on their Shut Down 2 album, for another gorgeous song whose original harmonies just knock me out!
It's Wall of Sound.
Composed, arranged, and produced by Brian Wilson - he was a major Phil Spector fan and hung out in the studio learning from Spector just a few years prior. Most of the musicians had also worked with Spector. The lyrics were by Tony Asher, who had been writing advertising jingles prior to this album - he worked with Brian to put his ideas into lyrical form.
Their song "Darling" is also such a beautiful number. Enjoy it. 💕💕
The album 'Pet Songs' by the Beach Boys was inspired by the Beatles album 'Rubber Soul' and 'Pet Songs' itself inspired then the Beatles for 'Sgt. Pepper's'. At this time there was a friendly competition between the Beatles and the Beach Boys. I heard that after 'Sgt. Pepper's" Brian Wilson said: 'They have done what I ever wanted to do'.
Bian Wilson produced this (the whole Pet Sounds album) at 23 years old. As someone said he was deaf in one ear so always recorded in mono early on. He did use Phil Spectors' Wall of Sound musicians to produce the album.
Brings to (my) mind the show “Big Love.”
Band Member, Brian Wilson was the Mastermind behind the studio work and recording. Probably one of the top five studio geniuses who ever lived. Brian was friends and contemporaries with Phil Spector. No doubt, they were probably influenced by each other.
I always loved The Beach Boys but never got why this particular song received so much adoration above the ones I find so much more memorable.
It definitely has that Paul McCartney vibe. I would have to argue about the best song comment. LOL
1966.the greatest year for music period.
Brian wrote the songs, but baby brother, Carl sang many of them, with that angel voice. I loved him sooooo much!!❤😇❤😇
Brian Wilson arranged and produced this song. Brian and Tony Asher composed God Only Knows. Brian and Sir Paul McCartney were very close in the 1960's and are closer today.