Unlike the first two entries in this "Favorite Songs" series, where I had no doubt about what I would choose for either The Ramones or The Monkees, the minute I decided on the Beach Boys, two dozen songs rolled like movie credits before my eyes. And though I have no arbitrary rules here, I do want this to be definitive, so I'd like to avoid cheating, or simply making it easy by posting a Top 5. Therefore, as much as I'd like to confess the other four that made the list, I'm not going to.
"God Only Knows" has to be the one. It's one of the 10 greatest records ever made, so how could it not be my favorite Beach Boys song? Everything about it is perfect, from Brian's melody to Tony Asher's lyrics, to the beautifully heartbreaking lead vocal by Carl, right to the hall of fame Wilson Brothers harmonies on the coda. This is it.
20 comments:
You are correct, it's perfect in every way. Amazing song! A good time to be early with my comment for once.
Can't argue with that one. You are correct, sir.
I can't argue with this either. It's my favorite BB song of all time.
The only song that comes close? "Don't Worry Baby".
After that, there's a good size gulf between songs.
Shriner,
As long as you brought it up, this--
"The only song that comes close? "Don't Worry Baby".
After that, there's a good size gulf between songs."
--is almost exactly what I edited out of the post.
By coincidence (or mind meld?) I had "GOK" on in my office earlier this morning.
I'd put the Beach Boys on, in the hope that it would warm things up—below zero wind chill today in NYC!
No argument that "GOK" is number one, but I'd argue about the size of the "gulf." Maybe more like a "channel" or a "strait"...
I agree, this is the pinnacle.
But very close is "In My Room."
Just talking about this song last night. How COULD it not be?
Best pop song ever in my opinion.
Yes, wonderful choice! But I'd, like others, go with 'Don't Worry Baby'. 'Good Vibrations' gets an honorary mention.
And, just like that, 'God Only Knows' popped up on the ipod shuffle in the car ride home this afternoon. . .
Please Let Me Wonder, Kiss Me Baby?
Nice choice and, as per what I have read, a hard one.
I would go for Good Vibrations. My knowledge on the BB is limited and that is exactly why I think that GV has a lot of merit. I listen to it and do not find it as catchy as God Only Knows (which is undoubtedly, extremely good)...like if Strawberry Fields were a Beatles classic over Yesterday.
Roy
I have to put my two cents in and agree with Roy about GV.
California Girls is a sentimental choice also for me.
Randy
Hello all...no, please remain seated,
Agree with GOK, but, like snake boy. I consider In My Room to be a fairly close second. But, if you ask me again tomorrow I might say Vibrations.
Best....RichD
"God Only Knows" is not my favorite BB song. "Pet Sounds" isn't my favorite BB's album.
My favorite song is "Good Vibrations". After that it's "Surf's Up".
Sal, you pretty much nailed it. A perfect, gorgeous song. I also have strong feelings for "Darlin' and "Caroline, No."
And really so many more.
'God Only Knows' is definitely a perfect pop song by Brian.
If I have to pick Five songs from BB5 song list, here they are.
God Only Knows
Heroes And Villains
Please Let Me Wonder
The Warmth Of The Sun
Surf's Up
This is a tough task but I enjoyed doing it.
Brian wrote some of the best ballads ever, note the wonderful suggestions above! My contributions are 2 I always thought Sonny Rollins should play: Girls On The Beach (another beautiful melody, killer harmonies, sounds like the Beach Boys, right?), and the instrumental Summer Means New Love (I wonder if down in the vault there is a version of this gem with lyrics). I think my personal favourite is Kiss Me Baby, if only because it was the flip of the Canadian single release of Do You Wanna Dance, maybe my first 45 purchase lo those many years ago.
I do agree that "God Only Knows" is one of the greatest songs/records ever to grace our ears. My personal favorite BB song/record is "The Warmth of the Sun".
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