Analysing The Beach Boys' greatest song

[@rubix187]

Never considered how reverb can be used to mask a cut in takes. That’s some serious artistry right there.

[@santojorge]

Brian Wilson in the span of 2 years arranged and recorded tracks such as Wouldn't It Be Nice, Caroline No, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Good Vibrations, Heroes And Villains, Surf's Up and Cabinessence, any of which can be considered The Beach Boys' greatest song. Pieces of music so beautifully crafted they could be called the best pop songs ever recorded. Pet Sounds and Smile are albums everyone that considers themselves serious about music should listen to and be familiar with.

[@lordgnippoc2278]

@@elevatormaniacgames Heroes And Villains is arguably the greatest achievement in raw music production

[@matthewvaughan8192]

You can make a case for many songs but obviously the problem is that’s all subjective. You have to go on numbers & good vibrations is their most successful song by far

[@lordgnippoc2278]

@@matthewvaughan8192 I didn't say Heroes And Villains is their best or their most successful, I'm just saying there is a solid argument for it being the most impressive achievement in raw tape production in music

[@dj71162]

@@elevatormaniacgames Try listening to a song called Mrs. O'Leary's Cow. I cant.

[@matthewvaughan8192]

@@lordgnippoc2278 I was talking to OP

[@GeorgeCollier]

This is my favourite Beach Boys song. I just love the bass sound, especially in the chorus.

[@dj71162]

To quote a great man, "Id like to see the Mop Tops match that!"

[@Em4gdn1m]

Pft. You would 😉 (p.s. Mine too)

[@nobodyhome3753]

Well at least we know you're not a hipster

[@Orincaby]

The theremin also adds a great eerie vibe to the choruses.

[@rman52]

Then you can can thank the one who wrote and played it. Carol kaye of the wrecking crew. She is one great musician, and women who broke through the gender glass ceiling of her day.

[@highwind1991]

This is still my favorite pop song of all time. The fact that Rolling Stone didn't put it on their new top 500 songs list is a crime

[@vedere2]

Blatantly political omission.

[@randomjunkohyeah1]

I don’t think that’s true. I think it did get bounced out of the top 50, maybe even the top 100, after being #6 in previous iterations of the list. But navigating their long lists on their website is a complete nightmare, so I’m not gonna comb through it to check lmao

[@thomaskwiatkowskiesq.328]

All of the Rolling Stones recent lists are nothing more than woke crimes...

[@Allbr3x]

Rolling Stone 2021 is as irrelevant as 2021 Billboard. Useless drivel.

[@empresaglova1268]

It's because of the politics. They are so lefty. They should call themself as Rolling Stone Magazine Politics Left. Awful and a crime to the legendary songs. They are not objective anymore like the old days. It must be because of the new people, new generation of bad taste and politics mixted.

[@thinkfloyd1973]

The Beach Boys really were the American answer to the Beatles. Would love to see more analysis of their songs!

[@denisruskin348]

While the quality is there, the quantity of quality material really can’t compete. The Beach Boys made one masterpiece of an album and some of the best singles, The Beatles made several masterpieces IMO (Rubber Soul, Revolver, Pepper, Abbey Road). Still though, Pet Sounds might be the greatest album out there.

[@danieldeburgh8437]

@Ibraam they’re not masterpieces though. Still absolutely amazing.

[@rockingbirdey]

Beach Boys were actually around a bit before the Beatles, actually. They were the top band in America until the Beatles swept in, forcing them to readjust course and move away from surf/car music. I'd say the Byrds were the first real American response to the Beatles.

[@jim2lane]

Well 😉 it's not really a fair comparison. The Beatles had three musical composers and one of the world's best producers. The Beach Boys were basically just Brian Wilson when in the studio.

[@dj71162]

@@denisruskin348 Im a big BB fan, but if I had to be completely honest, I would say they have 3, what you would call, "masterpieces". I would say they are Today! (1965), Pet Sounds (1966) and Smile (1967). Of course the latter technically wasnt finished and obviously it depends on what youre definition of masterpiece is.

[@SnoW-wc2rw]

Pet sounds album saved me and helps me get through when the day is new Brian Wilson instantly became a huge influence on me especially when I heard You still believe in me that whole album is something I never been so related to that album was there when I needed it the most

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

Mike Love co-wrote ”Good Vibrations” and several other BB tracks.

[@lifeisdead01]

Brian's music from this period strangely reminds me of Christmas, which induces a feeling of contentedness usually associated with the holiday. His use of jingle bells at times probably helps with this. It's fantastic

[@SurferJoe1]

Yep, sleigh bells everywhere during this period. Someone somewhere, right now, as sure as I'm typing, is imitating Brian and adding sleigh bells so there's no mistaking it!

[@HelsinkiFINketeli_berlin_com]

Their Christmas Album is also great.

[@1oolabob]

I spent nearly a year analyzing Good Vibrations, learning parts, constructing a multi-track version of it on my own, just to see if I could. I knew nothing about music theory at the time. It led me to studying theory, practicing my keyboard playing (I don't have an electrotheremin or a cello) and my bass playing. I'm an amateur musician. This is a song that made me want to learn to play better. The thing is though, it's a song made of rock music elements. Definitely a master work and a pocket symphony, but done in the musical language of rock and roll. Just very articulate rock and roll.

[@tweettweetjones1262]

1oolabob- Your text resonates well with me. As I too have no formal training in music, but will randomly pick out a song to figure out. Because I have many instruments and a good ear, I have succeeded at some, but have failed others. I believe I learn something either way. I look at it like this now- you lay a piano and a guitar down at your feet, then you say, every song I've ever heard since I was a little child IS somewhere on those instruments right now, but where are they?!... So it's very fun trying to put one of these beautiful audible puzzles together! Depression can get a man down though, as I haven't been trying lately. But I'm gonna get back into it soon. Your story inspires me, and I don't feel so alone in this universe no more. Thanx, good luck, and happy song-hunting brother.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

@@tweettweetjones1262 Brian Wilson famously suffers from depression so you're in good company. Just trying is the reward.

[@tweettweetjones1262]

@@deborahcurtis1385Thanx. I think the key is to never give up.

[@TooleyPeter]

Great video. The seamless 'close my eyes' transition floored me even as a kid. Truly one of the most inspired moments in pop music history.

[@VinceWhitacre]

Thanks for noting that the iconic "theremin" riff is an electrotheremin. It's a pretty minor thing, but a lot of people get it wrong. That line would be super hard to replicate consistently on Lev Termen's original instrument, even by Clara Rockmore herself. There would be slight variations in pitch, vibrato, volume.... Come to think of it, I wouldn't be surprised if I heard Brian tried one first, and wanted more consistency, so he looked up Tanner. 😆

[@niemann3942]

Thanks for noting that before I did. I knew there was a more pitch-accurate version of the theramin, but didn't know what it was called, or what it looks like (or that it was used on this song). I especially appreciated the mention here of Paul Tanner. Paul Tanner was a friend of an elderly friend of mine, and I knew he played it on this song, but didn't know he had invented the instrument. Just by way of giving more background credit where due, Paul Tanner was a trombone player with Glenn Miller's band -- seen here wearing a gaudy sweater, from SUN VALLEY SERENADE ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIuwaaBvjb6NosU ) -- and later became a music professor at USC or UCLA (I forget which). It makes sense why he would be good on theramin, because trombones, like theramins, also don't have keys, but rely on sliding and an ear and feel for accurate pitch.

[@RubyBandUSA]

to both Vince Whitacre and Niemann - you are both super-esoteric!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@itsgoubie]

🎶 i wooouldnt be surprised (rofl)

[@TimothyReeves]

Carolina Eyck could have pulled it off but I think she wasn’t born yet!

[@joemaffei]

aka "Tannerin".

[@lostlatinlover]

"Don't Worry Baby" is my all time favorite. Even now at age 67, hearing Brian Wilson's "Falsetto" sends me back to 1964 (yes I was only 9). Seeing 'The Beach Boys' perform on TV was like a light bulb going off in my love for music (being a Hispanic kid growing up on Latin Music).

[@KASPA-KEY]

God Only Knows is the Beach Boys best song but ok. 😁

[@jaapvandertuuk3785]

Thank you!!This is also my favourite song from Brian and as always much more complex than the ears initially hear.66 years ,Beatles and Beach Boys from the very start.

[@jaapvandertuuk3785]

To be sure: I'm refering to Don't worry baby.

[@ricomajestic]

@@KASPA-KEY Not even close!

[@KASPA-KEY]

@@ricomajestic 😃👍. Personal preference. Rolling Stone voted God Only Knows as the Best. 🍻 All good. 😁 Cheers

[@joermnyc]

There’s a technique called “Tic-tac bass”: an electric bass line (or a Fender Bass VI after those were introduced) would have a double bass “augmenting” it (either as used here, or just straight double-tracking) as many record producers thought the electric bass was not strong enough to hold down the low end of a song.

[@Blend42]

I just got myself the Squier replica of the Fender Bass VI and its a treat! muted bassl ines sound very Beach Boys on it!

[@brianmi40]

@@Blend42 You should watch all the interviews with Carol Kaye if you haven't.

[@SurferJoe1]

John Lennon called it the "Bert Kaempfert sound", I think- is that right?

[@deanroddey2881]

And of course there's maybe the most famous example of the two being used together, "Walk on the Wildside."

[@AndyCutright]

@@brianmi40 Kaye launched this tune into the stratosphere. Just an amazing artist.

[@rockingbirdey]

As a kid, I was always fascinated by this song and how weird it was, but it's only in my early 20s I've really grown to appreciate it. I guess that's the beauty of Brian Wilson (and the Beatles). They experimented but they kept it accessible and within the realm of pop.

[@graydeotto2820]

My fav Beach Boys song is Surfs Up (the smile sessions version)!

[@alexchristian6964]

The solo piano demo?

[@zachmerrill]

@@alexchristian6964 Either way it's unbelievable

[@gandalfandferg280]

Same

[@YDAh88]

me too !!!

[@thomash7252]

The Smile Sessions version of Good Vibrations has that added part in the bridge. It's amazing & they should have left it in. Now I can't go back to the standard 3:35 length version of GV. Also, the audio is clearer and more vibrant in the Smile Sessions.

[@klaatu9936]

As much as I like The Beach Boys, I don’t consider Good Vibrations to be their greatest song. I think Wouldn’t It Be Nice or God Only Knows are their greatest work. (Aside from The Beach Boys Love You as that’s essentially a Brian Wilson solo album) Though music is subjective so it doesn’t really matter and I’m someone who thinks that Love Is All Around by Sonny Curtis is the best song in the world so I really don’t have the greatest musical taste.

[@lynottlives]

I agree. Definitely something off pet sounds. Every song in it is a masterpiece.

[@sanzen1234]

God only knows first time I heard that song It instantly became one of my favorite songs

[@ricomajestic]

Good Vibrations is a great song! I love the counter melodies, ,harmonies, key changes, tempo changes and orchestral arrangements! The cellos and theremin of course! The song is all over the place with each section weaving in and out seamlessly while staying melodically interesting. Yet all these parts fit perfectly and beautifully like pieces of a puzzle! As great as God only knows is and melodically beautiful as well, it is not as interesting as Good Vibrations!

[@WAZOOMA]

I agree, God Only Knows is the most beautiful and masterful of their songs I think

[@joanneolive7128]

@@sanzen1234 such a great song.

[@davidnissim589]

And to think, Brian wrote all this great music before age 25. He wrote and arranged Pet Sounds when he was just 22 years old!

[@jamesythetrue]

"Before A Day in the Life...Good Vibrations." Literally 7 months before. Two timeless classics.

[@miathermopolis3021]

what’s so exceptional about The Beach Boys-and Pet Sounds/SMiLE in particular-is that it was JUST Brian Wilson. He was the creative mastermind behind it. Whereas with the Beatles, they had four incredible talents and a masterful producer in George Martin. So yeah, the Beatles are undoubtedly the greatest group in history but the competition Brian Wilson was to them on HIS OWN during that time is incredibly under-appreciated.

[@scootergeorge9576]

Brian Wilson was the undisputed leader of the Beach Boys, he was a genius in the studio putting the Beach Boys sound together. But the harmonies by him and the rest AND the lyrics, many written by cousin Mike Love (and others) along with studio musicians, "The Wrecking Crew" all played a part.

[@brianmi40]

In fairness, Brian did work with a number of lyricists. For example, Mike Love wrote the lyrics to Good Vibrations, Tony Asher the lyrics to Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows... "Wilson called Asher around December 1965, and within ten days they started to write the songs that formed the bulk of Pet Sounds" But I would never contest Brian's musical genius which I do see as a Lennon/McCartney level of musicianship.

[@TheMACnator]

I hate that the beatles are usually compared to the rolling stones when in reality they should rather be compared to the beach boys

[@scootergeorge9576]

@@TheMACnator Beatles and Stones are English groups. That's why. By the way, Beatles wrote the Stones first hit song, I want to be your man.

[@TheMACnator]

@@scootergeorge9576 I know that but the beatles and the stones made very different music, while the beach boys had the same progression of going from a boy band to doing experimental pop like the beatles

[@retiredarchitect3462]

I love the bass in Good Vibrations, but my favorite Beach Boys' song is Don't Worry Baby because of the syncopated melody line of the vocal intro.

[@bobsbigboy_]

soooooooo good

[@amiibozone1127]

Could you do any of ELO's songs analysis. They put classical instruments into a rock environment too.

[@subtleam01]

I know from what I read that Brian Wilson finally gave up when he heard Strawberry Fields Forever on the radio and said they beat me to it first... I think it's the other way round, Good Vibrations is Strawberry Fields before Strawberry Fields was released with it's complex arrangement and total genius of a record.

[@umbertoyltp]

My musical soul gets so many good vibes from this song. The harmonies are epic, just as Sloop John B and God Only Knows. I'm a guitarist, still I learn so much of your in depth videos!

[@Halbed_Lemons]

So you’re saying this song is giving you…. *Good Vibrations*?

[@umbertoyltp]

@@Halbed_Lemons reading it back it sounds so silly, but yeah!

[@scammin4pigham150]

“ a day in the life and the tree” and “wind chimes” and “I know there’s an answer” are beach boys’ best song

[@kylem.9525]

Really speaks to the quality of the Beach Boys’ music that this could easily be called the greatest song ever written and yet I would say they still have a few that are even better.

[@OuryLN]

The sheer complexity hidden its apparent simplicity is its genius

[@rowenlampe7426]

You know, I think this song is a perfect example of music written in someones head, not nessicarily with an instrument. The modulations and intrumentaiton in this song are so unordinary (especiallly for the 60's), i think itd be somewhat impossible to come up with something like this by noodleing on a guitar or piano. This is straight out of Brians noggen.

[@christianwouters6764]

Very probably. This is the only pop song that I know that is in the key of e flat minor, sth a guitar strumming type would never use.

[@richardrichard5409]

@@christianwouters6764 Space Oddity, Superstition, Maniac, I Feel For You....

[@zackerycooper1206]

@@richardrichard5409 I think Space Oddity is C major

[@mate.feed.kill.repeat]

@@richardrichard5409 E flat minor is the same key as C major, just used in different contexts

[@mrs.featherbottom5901]

@@mate.feed.kill.repeat noo it isn’t I’m fairly certain 🤔

[@KingoftheJuice18]

"God Only Knows" is the best Beach Boys song! 😊But great video as always, David.

[@swanson_]

Agreed

[@Jake_Godsil_Music]

What a banger

[@Nerkin610]

Let’s not forget “Surf’s Up”!

[@KingoftheJuice18]

@@Nerkin610 Lol. I honestly had never heard that before....

[@DiegoAlrahim]

Agree

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks to Bellroy for sponsoring this video. To get 10% off their range use this link: bellroy.com/promotions/2021/youtube?promotional-campaign=david-bennett-mzeji-qcvwx 📌 *MINOR CORRECTION* : at 0:54 there is a typo where it says “IV”… it should say “VI”. Sorry for any confusion.

[@Penguin-Goat]

How did you comment 4 days ago on a video uploaded just a few seconds ago?!

[@jaapsch2]

@@Penguin-Goat It was uploaded 4 days ago, kept private or unlisted, and only became public an hour ago.

[@Penguin-Goat]

@@jaapsch2 Ohhhh that makes sense! Thank you Jaap 🥳🥳 My overnight confusion is now over:))

[@buddyneher9359]

@@jaapsch2 I prefer a time-travel theory/explanation. Or a localized distortion of the space/time continuum ;-)

[@deegegaming7911]

Omg omg kmg I've wanted this so badly for these past two weeks, honestly everyday I've thought how good it would be for you to do beach boys

[@DavidBennettPiano]

😎😎😎

[@DonG-1949]

@@DavidBennettPiano You should do heroes and villains or just SMiLE in general!

[@Blend42]

@@DavidBennettPiano Yeah I'd be quite impressed if you had a go at Smile (lets say the Smile Sessions version from 2011)

[@privatename123]

The whole song is fantastic, of course, but for me the most attractive single element is that heavy driving bass line-cello? Such sound became a main component of rock, and it still is to this day, unlike a lot of the other elements of this song.

[@gtrzen8952]

Fantastic breakdown! Thank you. I'm now subscribed.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you 😊

[@kevinhennedy5799]

Great video. This song is possibly one of the greatest pieces of modern pop music and is relatively underrated. I think Brian Wilson was ahead of his time in the 60s and had to fight to get this music on record. Definitely a high point in pop culture. When I hear it played on radio and its faded early it really grates. I could listen to this all day....

[@dstmars1]

If you like this video you got to watch the Beach Boys movie "Love & Mercy" (2014). It was fascinating to watch Brian struggle with psychosis and his obsession in the studio getting the perfect sound from his base players on Good Vibrations.

[@justintroyka8855]

What a great video! You're really just scratching the surface of this song, too - I feel like it could have been three times as long! Here are some other fascinating musical features of the song that I love: - the melisma at the end of every vocal phrase in the verse ("clothes she we-e-ears" etc.), a hallmark of Brian Wilson's vocal arrangement of this period - the progressively layered counterpoint in the vocals in the chorus and in the "lalalalala" part at the end (seriously, how could you not talk about the vocals in a Beach Boys song???) - the creative, idiosyncratic drums and percussion, with a lot of unexpected syncopation - the part at the very end where everything drops out for two measures except the cello and theremin

[@ricomajestic]

I am still in awe of this song decades after I heard it. So many melodic layers and grooves, unique ways of playing the various instruments, unique harmonies and changing tempos, keys and meters!

[@vickielawson3114]

Brian Wilson is a musical genius. The Beatles were the result of 4 brilliant minds working together (Paul, John, George, and producer George Martin) but The Beach Boys had Brian doing it all by himself.

[@brendancronin3796]

I think the song 'till I die ' is with a look at cos it's beautiful

[@miathermopolis3021]

a fav

[@chielwouterscw]

For people interested: This wasn't just a fluke, the Beach Boys had many amazing songs. Many people think that their most creative period was the Pet Sounds/Good Vibrations period, but they've (mostly Brian Wilson) had more outstanding creative peaks. If you'd like to learn more about how creative they were I suggest listening to these albums by the Beach Boys: - Today! (1965) - Wild Honey (1967, seen by many as first DIY music) - Friends (1968, very creative music which also sounds very nice) - Sunflower (1970) - Surf's Up (1971) - Love You (1977, bit of a strange album to some, but might be the first synthpop album) - SMiLE Sessions (recorded in 1966/67, released 2011, probably their most interesting creative peak) Want to dive even deeper? Listen to their session albums: "1967 - Sunshine Tomorrow" "Sunshine Tomorrow 2 - The Studio Sessions" "1968 - Wake The World" "Feel Flows - The Sunflower and Surf's Up Sessions 1969 - 1971" I suggest anyone to give their music a listen. They made music like nobody else.

[@serotoninsyndrome]

Surf's Up is a fantastic album

[@chielwouterscw]

@@serotoninsyndrome it definitely is. It's crazy how Surf's Up is - except for Student Demonstration Time (IYKYK) - great song after great song, and ends with 3 insanely great songs.

[@davidnissim589]

Today! and Summer Days were like the proto-Pet Sounds. They still had traces of the surf rock/rock n' roll sound, but they also heavily utilized the Wrecking Crew and had more diverse arrangements than the surf albums

[@didierchapelot5671]

Your videos are really a treasure for amateurs of music. This one about one of the greatest song in history is particularly precious and still enhance our admiration for the Brian Wilson work.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Love the Beach Boys and would consider the very short and simple "Til I Die" to be their understated masterpiece.

[@thomaswidmer2169]

Yes! Love that song, however A Day in the Life of a Tree is my vote for their most understated masterpiece, off that same album

[@Symphonicrockfran]

My favorite song is "Surf's Up" Beach Boys perfection

[@zachmerrill]

That song is absolute heaven

[@sloopfan3706]

I love that song!!

[@edwardarata6995]

Love hearing your explanations about pop music and it’s relationship to classical music

[@peterkelley6344]

I have always had high respect for Good Vibrations. Between its complexity of its mixing, and its 'simplicity' of its musical movement I will never again think the same of Good Vibrations.

[@martijnbalink637]

I would love to see/hear a more thorough analysis of the vocals, especially in the chorus. Every time I hear the song I try to figure out the different harmonies, but I always fail. I cannot even determine how many different melodies are sung there.

[@J.a.c.o.b]

Absolutely loved it man. Favorite creator rn, and your vids have a massive impact on how I approach and think about arrangements now. Can't wait to see what else you put out there.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot!

[@sloopfan3706]

It makes my day every time David mentions the Beach Boys in a video. Making a whole video about Good Vibrations is making my entire week!! Thanks so much for this David. I’d love to see Beach Boys videos become a common thing!

[@scottmatznick3140]

I feel such a connection with Brian Wilson. He has helped shape my musical tastes and talents, and the stuff he went through I can identify with quite well. If I could have five minutes with the man, I would tell him that he has had a more profound effect on me than any other musician. He made music that people (me) pray to, and that was his life's goal.

[@randomjunkohyeah1]

Have you seen Love & Mercy?

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Great job of analysis, David! I like your style! Good vibrations is truly one of the most iconic Beach Boy tunes.

[@johnfrancis2404]

Great analysis, thanks for the video. It's really amazing to listen to session tapes from these recordings. Listening to Brian communicate his ideas and the sounds in his head to musicians is enlightening, and you can just feel that his true home was in the studio, and his passion was getting the music from his head to tape. As much as I love Brian, he can often sound confused and desperately uncomfortable when trying to communicate in words with non-musicians, but it was a totally different world when he stepped into the studio, and we are all richer for it.

[@surfohio]

His rapport with the Wrecking Crew was pure magic. So much mutual respect going on!

[@danwall6662]

Love the way it comes out of first chorus into verse. It's got a magical quality, I guess it's a tape cut, but sounds fascinating.

[@krikortersakian7139]

Totally agree that Good Vibrations is the absolute best song of the Beach Boys, their Opus Magnum.

[@misterflibble6601]

Magnum opus, goofball

[@KASPA-KEY]

God Only Knows is the Beach Boys best song but ok. 😀 👍

[@krikortersakian7139]

@@KASPA-KEY I somehow disagree with you and Paul McCartney on this one.

[@KASPA-KEY]

@@krikortersakian7139 It's all good. Check out Beach Boys. Our Prayer (Remastered 2001) Cheers,

[@Peaceful_Rayne]

Listening to you analyze songs can often be very relaxing. And I'm not having a good day, so thank you very much! Love from Canada.

[@pepperco100]

"Surf's Up" is surely Brian Wilson's greatest song.

[@alittleguy8114]

On his top 10 for sure, but the greatest is kinda hard to choose

[@jon02002]

I'm always impressed by the "simplistic complexities" of Mr. Wilson's compositions. This is a prime example of that. Many thanks!

[@clementreid907]

You did a really good analysis of the Beach Boy song. It's very refreshing to hear an educated musician listen analytically to this great piece. You probably have a time limitation, but maybe on another occasion you could go into the fabulous vocal parts that Brian Wilson put together, that is to say, the harmonies and vocal counterpoint. Great to hear about the alternate theramin and bass parts!

[@Me97202]

_Good Vibrations_ has been in my personal top ten since I first heard it. It’s a masterpiece in under 4 minutes. For most the songs life, it could only be heard in mono. It recent years we finally could hear it in stereo. Masterpiece ++

[@cliffhughes6010]

Thanks for this, David. I enjoyed your analysis. I've always loved Good Vibrations. When I first heard it in 1966 it was mind-blowing and it just hasn't aged. It's timeless.

[@mark-adams]

This song is madness.

[@eancurtis9333]

Way ahead of their time

[@DavidBennettPiano]

100% 😃😃

[@antebellumstage]

Please make more beach boys analysis videos

[@lordsleepyhead]

It's so asinine that KZbin automatically flags snippets of a song as copyright violations even though in these kind of videos KZbin creators are actually adding to the longevity of the song and extending its commercial viability...

[@DavidBennettPiano]

I know right 😫

[@brianmi40]

@@DavidBennettPiano It's a necessity of algorithms. KZbin has 500 hours of new video uploaded every MINUTE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Think about that for a bit... Our ONLY way out is an improved algorithm that can better detect fair use.

[@DrBe-zn5fv]

v happy to see Wilson's genius applauded by one from the reggaeton, rap and cyrus generation. great vid. Good vibrations drove me crazy as a kid --- the adrenalin mixed with the psychedelic and perfection of the voices and their harmonies. Theramin was the cream on top. Wilson suffered badly for his art. beautiful guy

[@benc.s.1393]

Love how you read the user name "David Bennett is hawt!" just as you would any other sponsor at 10:54.

[@davidbrandt848]

Thank you, that was enlightening. When I was first introduced to the Beach Boys I young and just thought, "Ooh, that sounds so cool!" I never understood how much went into it or that "Good Vibrations" employed anything more than any other pop song. Then when I was older and actually studied music, I never looked at it deeply enough to consider it beyond my first impression. It's wonderful to see the veil lifted now and gain a new appreciation for it. Thank you!

[@bexyPTX]

This is such a fun song. I took a class on the history of rock music this semester (still trying to finish the final paper, it's been a time) and the professor definitely made a big deal of just how important this song was in the development of the genre. It's super interesting to hear your take on it. My music theory knowledge doesn't go that far but I can still see through what you're saying that this song is really complicated and has a lot of elements that make it great.

[@SantiagoSanchez-hb4js]

Thank you so much for doing this breakdown on good vibrations! Please consider doing one on god only knows or surfs up as well!! I recently listened to pet sounds and I can confidently say it’s a masterpiece and proud to call it my favorite album. This is coming from a die hard Beatles fan! Please keep the Brian Wilson/ beach boys videos/ awareness coming!

[@pcno2832]

You might consider doing a followup to this video on the track "The Little Girl I Once Knew", a minor, 1965 Beach Boys hit that foreshadowed much of what they did on "Pet Sounds" and, in my opinion, exceeded the brilliance of their most praised album, even that of "Good Vibrations". "The Little Girl I Once Knew" was praised by other artists, particularly John Lennon, but remained fairly obscure because its "pocket symphony" structure included too many quiet passages to make most radio stations' play lists.

[@jaapvandertuuk3785]

Agree,a great and underrated song.

[@geoffreyflint9039]

One of my favourite songs and now one of my favourite analysis videos of yours, gentleman's nod David.

[@skakirask]

It's strange how Good Vibrations has not enjoyed the same status as A Day in the Life, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc, when it comes to classic rock radio staples.

[@RockandrollNegro]

Being in mono only until 1997 kept if off FM radio for the most part. FM stations are mostly stereo, operating on high bandwith. When an FM station broadcasts a song in mono, the bandwith drops. On standard receivers, this makes the material sound muffled or distorted. (High end FM receivers have components which compensate for bandwith drop). It's more accurate to say that _Good Vibrations_ was an AM radio staple, but FM ignored it more or less out of necessity. Hell, the _Pet Sounds_ album went out of print in 1972, because nobody wanted to buy mono. There's been a resurgence in recent years of FM play, since several stereo remixes have been done which allow it to sound decent on FM.

[@filosurfer]

@@RockandrollNegroGood info - really puts it context.

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

It’s certainly a great and complex song, but it’s lighthearted and ”fun” in a very mid-60’s way, whereas the other two are more serious in tone and lyrical content. I think that’s what makes them more appealing to modern audiences.

[@Epicwarthebest]

I have always thought that Good Vibrations is Brian Wilson's masterpiece. Heroes and Villains (Cantina version) ranks second, Surf's Up third and God Only Knows fourth. Let us remind that 3 out of 4 were supposed to be in the same album, which was never released in its completeness. Brian used to steal jewels of perfection from God, his mental breakdown let some gems remain hidden in the sky and no one will ever discover them. Think about the "element suite" or the incomplete Wonderful/Song For children/...

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Well done. Your understanding of theory-very impressive.

[@parachuteman4]

That was just an excellent breakdown. So well done. Thank you

[@SuperAtlantis1]

Masterpiece

[@glenbreed5351]

As always, your analysis is articulate, precise and easy to understand. I never had a particularly good ear. When this song came out, I liked it, but I just considered it to be another one of those peppy Beach Boy tunes. Of course, real musicians recognized it's genius. It was only after I took formal music theory classes in college that I began to appreciate what Brian Wilson was doing. In a documentary, I learned that nothing was ever written down. Brian walked around and sung each part to the studio musicians. I can't imagine walking around with 15-20 different musical lines playing simultaneously in my brain, and all so clearly, that I could sing each one of them. That's a musical genius.

[@JohnHBeats]

Loved this video! 😁😁 I love The Beach Boys and have heard a lot in various online communities and from other music analysts about how great and innovative Good Vibrations was, but it wasn't until watching this that I truly understood the genius of it! Brian Wilson really was a musical genius!

[@ronaldheron7784]

A musical genius in his prime

[@drakewheeler8698]

I would love for you to look at "Heroes and Villains", with it being post pet sounds Brian Wilson has essentially exploded in compositional mastery.

[@craigrheberling]

"girls on the beach"- just the intro alone- pure harmonic magic!

[@ohlookitscorn.]

imagine, if mercury was still alive, if him, paul mccartney, and brian wilson wrote a song together. i think that would be like a perfect description of heaven and perfection.

[@Mozart1220]

McCartney and Wilson did one together.

[@warren52nz]

Have to agree. I've always said that Good Vibrations is one of the first epic songs which goes all over the spectrum. I saw them do it live and what stuck out for me was the thundering bass in the low bits.

[@emanuelefancello2140]

I love The Beach Boys! Thank you for this video

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks for watching!

[@Sonnylfc-um6zq]

Can I just say that a day in the life actually came out before good vibrations even tho Brian Wilson started writing it a lot earlier but sgt. Peppers came out a few months before smiley smile did

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Song is a masterpiece, thank you for the technical breakdown

[@macsnafu]

I'm always amazed that this song was recorded in 1966. Growing up, it always seemed like a 70s song to me, both in style and production.

[@dallisb1047]

The is my favorite episode of all of yours that I have watched. I love Good Vibrations. You really opened it up even more for a non musician like me. You were able to show me a great deal of why it is so great! Thanks. I just watched it again and picked up more of what makes it so good!

[@ldandha]

Incredible

[@worldwidehappiness]

I'm a Beatles tragic who also likes Led Zep, Stones, Doors, etc. But I reckon Good Vibrations is the best pop song ever.

[@brianmi40]

When you get into the stratosphere of Beatles, Beach Boys, Michael Jackson (who wrote 40 songs for Thriller to be boiled down from and Quincy Jones called him the most brilliant musician he ever worked with), it just becomes personal choice. But Good Vibrations certainly is in the Top category for me...

[@simonrussell4986]

There are many brilliant songs. Good Vibrations is, to me, the best pop song ever sculpted.

[@asafoetidajones8181]

True. It best expresses their Essence, and contains in sufficient amount all the elements of the band - the experimentalist approach, summer beach vibes, the harmonies that verge on eerie, the romantic element.

[@bodanerius]

Love these song analysises. Keep em coming ❤️❤️❤️

[@marcusbradly5982]

Brian Wilson is a musical genius. Pet sounds is a masterpiece and The Beach Boys remain a criminally underrated group. Their harmonies are gorgeous.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

He sure is!

[@jamesclendon4811]

I've been waiting! I knew someone would have to throw in "underrated." Someone always does. Please explain in what possible context they're underrated. Underrated by whom? No one--NO ONE- who gives serious attention to pop music would underrate them. There might be some difference of opinion as to whether the Beach Boys (read: Brian Wilson) or the Beatles were the greater group, but no one whose opinion is worthy of respect dismisses the Beach Boys' importance. Paul McCartney himself has famously called "God Only Knows" the greatest pop song ever. People whose favorite group is ABBA or Rush or Queen might downplay the Beach Boys but who cares? The Beach Boys are never underrated by anyone who "matters," much less "criminally" underrated.

[@marcusbradly5982]

@@jamesclendon4811 Most people and even fans haven’t heard the albums they did after Pet Sounds in the late 60’s/early 70’s. It’s all fantastic and the other members begin to flourish as writers aswell. These albums are critically acclaimed but largely ignored. That’s the main reason why I said they are underrated.

[@alec4010]

@@DavidBennettPiano Hi David could you please make a video about the more advanced theory behind the blues and rock n roll genre. It seems like these rock and pop musicians play chords that are not part of any one of the four chord progressions and are not part of the twelve bar blues either

[@alec4010]

@@DavidBennettPiano David, does the four chord progressions apply all throughout these songs? If so, how do they apply? If not, what formula does apply throughout these songs? These songs seem to have chord progressions that don’t correspond to the 12 bar blues or the four chord progressions.

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

That symphonic feel always takes my breath away...I call Good Vibrations, Heaven's Song 🌌

[@markstyles5103]

GREAT analysis!!!!!!! The first 50 times I heard this I was addicted to it. It actually made the hair on my arms stand up.. (I was 19 or so)... I do consider it one of the best songs ever recorded. You had such a good video explaining things. I'm going to incorporate some of the theory explanation into my music. Thanks again.

[@Ken5244]

Excellent video, David. Your analysis is spot-on and gives great insight into what a smart and clever composer and arranger Brian Wilson was. Thanks for doing this and helping me gain an even greater appreciation for this classic song. Really well done, lad.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you!

[@specialkalberta]

I agree, so many commenters are complementing the song (which of course deserves it) but relatively few are commenting on David's erudite analysis of it which clearly adds to one's appreciation of the recording. Excellent job!

[@bartdevries8531]

If I’d had to choose between Radiohead’s There There, the Beatles’ Strawberry Fields and this for the best pop song of all time.. I’d probably vote Good Vibrations.

[@bradleythompson2644]

I love all three of those songs a great deal, but personally don’t think they are the best from each of the bands. My personal choices would be Paranoid Android, A Day In The Life and God Only Knows. But that’s just me, and how I’m feeling at this very moment 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@tony_m_km6mzp]

I would go as a Top 3 is "Strawberry Fields"," Good Vibrations", and "God Only Knows".

[@singerofsongss]

I love when people talk about the Beach Boys. I have such a high regard for Brian Wilson, especially. The stories about Brian Wilson came to me at a time in my life when my mental health was truly shitty. This isn’t twitter, so I’m not going to be all like “SMiLE cured my depression,” but watching Love and Mercy (and then watching Elliot Roberts’ video essay on it, shoutout to Elliot Roberts), and getting to hear his journey to recovery and maybe even happiness expressed on a real piece of music that I can go and listen to, were really inspirational to me at a time when inspiration was hard to come by. You can really hear how much of a visionary he was on Pet Sounds - it shows in every single track.

[@RiderSargent]

This is simply outstanding. Thank you, David.

[@FD_and_B]

You're a thoughtful guy. Thanks for making this

[@liquidsolids9415]

Well done, as usual. This was really inspiring! Thanks!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks!

[@_thomas1031]

Always appreciate a Beach Boys analysis 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks!

[@RubyBandUSA]

another great one by you David! What a great topic you picked!! Brian W. is often portrayed as somewhat crazy, deranged, permanently altered by drugs, and a musical genius. However there are many aspects about him that are perfectly normal and perhaps that is the predominant and what is really true. The very last shot you have of him exemplifies that. He's quite down to earth.

[@mattlawson714]

I met Brian Wilson about 5 years ago. It’s something I’ll tell my grandkids about one day. I met the guy who wrote “God Only Knows”, probably the best song ever. And, of course; “good vibrations”. And “don’t worry baby”. And “warmth of the sun”. The list goes on and on…. He’s probably the best American songwriter of all time up there will Paul Simon.