Behind The Sounds: God Only Knows Part 2

A video detailing the creative process behind "God Only Knows" from The Beach Boys' 1966 Album "Pet Sounds".

[@John_Hazeldene]

How the heck did Brian keep all those parts in his head? This song truly is a work of genius

[@vcoaster]

Brian's ability to direct this orchestra at age 24 is amazing. I guess that's what musical genius means.

[@jennifursun3303]

would love to have conducted them people, even to have played with them.

[@DougWittrock]

Watch The Wrecking Crew on Netflix. They all agree Brian was a dam genius. He was.

[@peternewman3487]

The things that we took for granted when we listened to Beach Boys records.

[@wayneblack990]

A year out of High School and soon on my way to Vietnam to get shot at and missed, shit on and hit. Four years later and safely back in the States, I can lite up a doobie, put the headphones on, fire up "Only God Knows" and instantly back to happier times. I'm so glad I lived through all the great music of the '60s and '70s. What a gift.

[@petercrowl9467]

Koss Pro 4's?

[@HEWHOTAWNS]

It’s crazy how all these comments are very recent. Really goes to show the beach boys are timeless

[@garysnow3526]

Koichi Litrose I've been listening to them all my life or at least that's the early 60s I'm getting a little Beetle ish with them now! LOL! Want to know everything

[@nickweiserfolz]

Yes, they are, especially Brian.

[@scottcampbell6617]

I'd watch a full-length movie about the making of this song.

[@abehjhakibuuka71]

Only one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@SamtheMan0508]

Brian knew what he wanted and would accept nothing less.

[@mrartician5250]

The way it should be for anything to be exceptional, not just music.

[@mariannesouza8326]

Michele Pohl And he didn’t act like a tyrant; such a gentle personality. 🙂

[@jimmy5634]

This is one of those pop songs that is so hauntingly and beautifully melodic it transcends 99% of even the best stuff ever written. It has it's own place in history that will always be revered.

[@skyflowers2595]

This song stands alone somehow. Like a marble statue or something. Adore it's beauty. So stunning!! Faint...

[@mariofollowerofjesus8068]

Brian Wilson had his own blend of wall ofsound He was a genius

[@nwtraveler5266]

The accapella tracks are incredible. Their harmonies are spot on. What an incredible group they were.

[@dannycrockett9878]

Absolutely genius. I remember my older sister once saying that if Brian Wilson had been a Beatle there's no telling what music the world would have. Many believe that Wilson was held back creatively at the height of his genius. First by his father, then by others. But what a beautiful song

[@peacefulbeatsforrealhumans8379]

Goddam just imagine.

[@averygordon5334]

Just flipping gorgeous. All these years, I thought that Brian did those vocal leads. No wonder he said, when Carl died, that the world had just lost the voice of an angel. Sheer Heaven, this song.

[@clints5108]

I feel sorry for people who can’t listen to this and get how beautiful it is from start to finish. A musical tapestry.

[@bruceeide4359]

At the 2:50 mark, Mr. Bill Pitman is next to Carl Wilson. A master of the guitar, and ukulele, Mr. Pitman was an integral part of the Wrecking Crew throughout hundreds of sessions. Mr. Pitman is a healthy 102 years young today. I am honored to lunch with him as often as possible.

[@RileyAndBellaShorthairs]

Sorry to hear he passed away 😢

[@mr.nobody68]

An overlooked part of Brian's genius The instrumentals sound like completed songs without room for vocals The vocals sound like completed tracks without room for instrumentation. With his infinite genius, Brian welded them together into his little masterpieces That's great arrangements and phenomenal mixing

[@molarjock]

Brian really knew what he wanted, and he demanded perfection. Genius!

[@christophernewman5027]

Gave me goosebumps in '66 when l was nine. Still gives me goosebumps now l'm 62.

[@drumman053]

One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[@Londoneye57]

Probably one of the best songs ever written - sounds as fresh today as the day it was first made - Timeless.

[@nofrackedgasinmass8820]

He was 24 when he did this. Just let THAT sink in ....

[@Brandooon95]

+NoFracked GasInMass young artist are more honest and truest

[@AndySalinger33]

Right on. It's almost too much to comprehend. This music is from God Himself. Nothing will ever touch this.

[@user-sm2ql7nq4l]

Brian Wilson was born June 20th 1942. This was March of 1966. How, do you get 21 out of that?

[@sallybrite1530]

Most artists write their best stuff in their twenties, or, to be more precise, channel it.

[@malcolml309]

Actually, Brian wouldn't turn 24 until June 20th (2 days after Paul McCartney's 24th birthday).

[@FRATZROCKET]

Pure Genius. Clearly on a very different plane then the rest of us.

[@FanOfFab4]

Every music fan should be required to watch this video!!! WOW!!!!

[@MathewWithOne_T]

This video is top-tier, man. Even crazier that it's almost 13 years old and you're still answering questions. You're a real one

[@koshersalaami]

I had no idea the orchestration was quite that detailed. Like the entrance of the flutes. Amazingly subtle. At the beginning with the French Horn, Brian lacked the vocabulary to say he wanted the two notes legato, but he demonstrated what he was looking for and got it across. And, of course, he was right. This is frighteningly good work.

[@timidtornado2869]

They should teach the language of music from grade 1. I am always impressed on how good musicians really are. Jimmy Paige showing Edge and Jack White his technique was amazing......edge and white were like 2 kids watching candy being made.

[@koshersalaami]

Brian didn’t have all the vocabulary he needed, like telling the French horn player he wanted more legato. But he’s right about every criticism. And 23? Insane. He was right to insist on those takes. This would be a classic on the vocal ending alone, and there’s so much more to it than that. I learned a lot from this video. Like I didn’t even know the flutes were there.

[@gerryschultz5974]

Alan Robinson, French horn, was my sweetheart at the time. He was fantastic on that instrument!

[@thatsmisterrobert2u]

I will never listen to this song the same way again. Thank you for this.

[@Rickson708]

God only knows gives me chills and makes me want to cry everytime i listen to it.

[@davidennis1106]

Brian Wilson is a genius. What an amazing song.

[@tylerschott5387]

Hearing Brian work in the studio like this consistently blows my mind.

[@stevemelleby146]

Watching the brilliance of Brian Wilson never gets old.

[@rickyguitarmanmusicforyou3798]

if you don´t have goosebumps listening to this you´re not human!!!

[@petercrowl9467]

I do - and I get choked up every time

[@coolcat2027]

It's so fascinating to see how a song is actually put together. People like Brian Wilson live in a different world, able to see/hear music in their mind's eye and, thankfully, share it with the rest of us mere mortals.

[@pauls5096]

Flippin' amazing. It's easy to understand why the Beatles were blown away by Pet Sounds.

[@hoodedman07]

Imagine if this was the standard for music. This album needs even more praise and recognition

[@kelpariduss6503]

Ace yep

[@shanalin4283]

Happiness is knowing people are here today loving a classic!!!!😍

[@briane5706]

The Beach Boys’ harmonies have never been matched by anyone. This song is just the best ever written and is Sir Paul McCartney’s favourite.

[@robertlerma1029]

Brian is a musical genius! His harmonies are so unique and beautiful! Pet Sounds is a masterpiece!

[@charleshendrix232]

Clearly one of the best pieces of popular music ever created

[@Wulfdane]

Pet Sounds is one of the greatest albums ever made, a rare masterpiece. If don't own it, you should.

[@nopeteys2424]

Wulfdane in my opinion It’s a record that still has yet to be topped, or even matched for that matter. It stands alone as a perfect pop rock and roll masterpiece. People talk about pet sounds and sgt pepper in the same sentence but I don’t think the Beatles ever came close to what Brian did in 1966 with this album, good vibrations and the smile sessions

[@merledoughty5787]

we will never here the likes of this type and style of music ever again, thanks for the post,

[@beachcomber4141]

Words really cannot describe the feeling this song conveys. Rapturous sublimity? Whatever it is, it is a glorious musical experience. One of the very few songs that never gets old. Having have heard this hundreds of not thousands of times, life still stands still when it comes on.

[@johntechwriter]

Brian is as meticulous about recording a track as Stanley Kubrick was directing scenes in his films. Both men used the very best performers and technical crew. Both demanded perfection and would accept nothing less. It is testament to the Wrecking Crew, who could pick and choose who they worked with, that they recognized Brian's genius for arranging and accepted his instructions without hesitation.

[@nathannordin2798]

Played pet sounds at fort hoods library before shipping out to Vietnam repeatedly. Kept my faith going

[@mfsbrz]

The final vocal tag sounds like a prayer going up to the sky round and round. It's brilliant!

[@1mataleo1]

It’s amazing to me that Brian Wilson had all this in his head; every instrument’s part, every vocal harmony. He knew exactly what he wanted the song to sound like down to the smallest detail. Amazing

[@RodCornholio]

Genius, unquestionably, yes. Not being able to easily get his ideas into reality was probably frustrating...perhaps maddening.

[@southernmonkey64]

Brian takes you to another Dimension! His Music is so Sonically,Perfect! Im sure angels sound alot like this!

[@jackieblue1091]

One of the most beautiful songs in the world. Brian Wilson is a musical genius. The Beach Boys are one of my favorite bands of all time❣

[@StanKindly]

Hal really nailed that little triplet on the snare for the final track. This sounds like an early take when he is still getting the feel of the (complex) song...not easy with no vocal and just Brian's directions. He'll always be the greatest drummer ever! RIP Hal Blaine 🥁💕

[@cowsongs]

Each individual little part isn't particularly difficult. But writing something like this, and getting 20+ people to play it precisely together with every little nuance just perfect... man, THAT is particularly difficult!

[@nini1957]

Talk about leader of the band! He knew EXACTLY what he wanted to hear....rare artist! ❤️ Love to you guys always!

[@karllieck9064]

The sheer joy of creating beauty.There's nothing better in this world.

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

wow. You said it Karl... in whatever you do...

[@williamwestren7937]

I have not read all comments, but Paul McCartney once declared "God Only Knows" best song ever in history. Carl Wilson's vocals are beyond incredible.

[@magicalmystery1964]

He was just gorgeous in this one. A lovely, almost angelic voice. Went very well with his almost cherubic cuteness. Brian and Carl are my favorite Beach Boys. Certainly the 2 most talented.

[@magicalmystery1964]

you should listen to him in 'I Can Hear Music' as well.

[@michaelwebb7977]

Well that story is always mentioned and is not quite accurate . He never said it was the best song ever in history, that is just plain wrong. He said it was one of his favorites. Here are his remarks : "It's a really, really great song---it's a big favorite of mine. I was asked recently to give my top ten favorite songs for a Japanese radio station...I didn't think long and hard on it, but I popped that ["God Only Knows"] on the top of my list. [Thinks for a moment] It's very deep. [Quotes the lyrics to "God Only Knows"] Very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one. There are certain songs that just hit home with me, and they're the strangest collection of songs...but that is high on the list, I must say." That is a far cry from saying it;'s the best song ever in history. It's simply one of his favorites.

[@williamwestren7937]

@@michaelwebb7977 Thank you for that clarification. My post probably falls into "urban myth" territory.

[@michaelwebb7977]

Most welcome William, I have heard it many times and once it hits the net we know how things spread !

[@MrSeacrest]

They don't make music like this anymore. Such a shame.

[@pastorbruce3406]

Check out The Explorer's Club, especially "Foreve,r" "California Callin Ya," and "Don't Waste Her Time." Good stuff!!!

[@tpowell453]

They would if they could. Problem is, there's only a few Brian Wilsons in this world, and they don't come along very often.

[@copheart]

This is partly true. This music was never made again because it was Brian at his creative peak, trying to bring what he heard in his mind, to life. The studio process is special because you'll find things that you didn't plan on happening and that'll inspire something else and before you know it you have something even better than you'd first imagined. That's what I believe happened in these sessions, and because of that convergence of things it'll never happen again. There is still amazing music being made today, but you have to really look for it, which is sad. Check out an album called MCII by Mikal Cronin.

[@tpowell453]

***** Occam's Razor ... if a person like that existed, we'd know about it. Simplest answer is usually correct. One would not have to look far to find him/her. That level of talent doesn't hide well. I agree that it's incredibly difficult nowadays to get heard - but still, if you're a "Brian Wilson" - you can make it happen.

[@copheart]

***** Are you his lawyer?

[@ChristopherCudworth]

It is the timing of the instrumental work that amazes me. The drum delays for accent. The harmonic horns and organ, if that’s what it is. Echoing the theme. This song could almost be played in medieval courts to suit a king, yet 100 years from now it will speak to another generation.

[@Flap999]

I sure would like to believe that in several hundred years people will still be listening to the genius of Brian Wilson

[@elainebennes2106]

I'll take Pet Sounds over Sgt. Pepper any day.

[@valvlog4665]

8:47 "How was that? Was that cool?" OMG...from 53 yrs later, Brian that was monumentally awesome.

[@johngiglio7327]

As Paul McCartney said, the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard!!

[@thomaspearson4024]

Music from the heavens

[@b3j8]

Damn, as many times over the yrs I've listened to this beautiful song, I never realized how many individual instruments were actually on this! Honestly it's like a rock symphony!

[@boogleben1]

I was just noticing the same thing.

[@anth1225]

Man that last part with Brian and Bruce just gave me goosebumps!

[@1401minstrel]

The triplets on the french horn during the intro really make it shine. Brian knew exactly what he wanted on each part, and he knows how to get it.

[@reedykat30]

From the soul of a kid with only one functioning ear. Sheer joy.

[@douglaspriore9186]

The beauty and intricacy bring tears to my eyes.

[@richardcerbini3257]

Brian said "Music is Gods voice" God has the most beautiful voice then.

[@Axgoodofdunemaul]

The philosophers, for thousands of years, have been unable to explain the pleasure that music gives us.

[@burtreynolds2969]

"How was that, was that cool?" .......Damn straight it was!

[@gibsondrummer]

A masterpiece of arrangements and harmonies nothing done today can compare

[@claudecat]

For my money the greatest pop song ever committed to (insert current recording technology here), and it's mostly the production that puts it over the top, though the song itself and the vocals are key factors. Carl's voice is just perfect for this song. A fascinating peek behind the scenes of a watershed moment in music history!

[@oscarsanchez8601]

The day lightning in a bottle was actually captured.

[@vincentm3890]

It still amazes me how one guy had all these parts in his head. Here is a guy that must have spent endless hours sitting at the piano and learning every note in a chord by ear. Not just 3 note voicings but 4 note voicings and at first applying this to vocal harmony then later to orchestration. He is not a schooled musician but with raw talent was able to do what few others could do which was to compose catchy melodic yet inventive commercial songs. Not many people can do that.

[@marcmarcello981]

Down to maybe a half second of actual music ( the french horn) which he corrected does indeed shows the level of detail he had in his mind about the entire arrangement, words cannot express the brilliance of this man.

[@kirkeipper9990]

Brian is so very detail oriented and seems to write in layers as well . Like that Mozart guy.

[@ralphsanchico2452]

It's a gift...A gift for musical details!. You can have musical talent but even talented musicians, (vocal or instrumental) require detail in order to achieve success in what they're doing. Most of them get that from an outside source in the studios.

[@ignatiusjk]

WOW !!! when I listen to this on the radio I never heard how complex this song was. So many different instruments and melodies. I arrogantly thought of the Beach Boys as a pop band and not real musicians. Brian Wilson was a genius.

[@TheAtticradio]

Well it was pop but Brian Wilson wrote beautiful music and didn’t sit just doing pop - this song is not pop - a classic - pet shop sounds is a must to show what Wilson did - !!

[@sheiladawg1664]

@@TheAtticradio Pet Sounds. Not Pet Shop Boys.

[@TheAtticradio]

True ! Sheila !!

[@thom6746]

When Pet Sounds came out, I asked my sister (who bought it) how it was. She said, "eh, it's ok. No more surfing music though!" I left it alone for years. Then one day - years later- I wondered what all the fuss was about, so I listened to it all the way through. I was so deeply moved. It was ageless! It's an album to take with you throughout life because it never becomes dated. Songs like this seem to stand outside of time. Does it sound like it was made in 1966? 76?2016? None of them! If it came out today, it would knock people's socks off.

[@rongwrong1]

when this came out I was 14 and great music was under every rock, and I took this for granted. 50 odd years later I know now that this was one of the high points of my earthy existence. God bless the boys.

[@2510katjo]

This is really cool to watch. Back then we only heard the final result, having no idea how many instruments and musicians were involved in the process. This is actually fantastic, so much to learn about their greatness.

[@jonmccall6439]

I was 10 when this was released. Here I am about to turn 60. I have followed 50 years of pop/rock music and while some has come close none has toped this for its timeless artistic brilliance! Thank you ever so much for posting. Brian will easily live on for another 50.

[@pastorbruce3406]

The harmony vocal tag at 7:55 to 8:05 is outstanding. Now I really disappointed that this never made the final cut. Brilliant!

[@jonmccall6439]

+Pastor Bruce Spot on, I couldn't agree more but who are we to second guess Brian. My son once told me he knows he likes music if it gives him chills, the flutes and french horns make the hair on my arms stand up!

[@AndrewLawsonjughead67]

Beautiful and poetic

[@davelafsr9005]

We all have the Wrecking Crew to thank. And thank them we should.

[@charlesstaats7567]

Just saw Brian and band do this in April on his "Pet Sounds" tour...did the entire album as well as a bunch of other hits...Al Jardine's son sang the high parts Brian couldn't get to any more. The band was amazing...at any given time 6 guitars and 10 vocalists...totally lush and on point. One of the best shows I've ever seen....saw them after watching "Love & Mercy"...a magic night...this 40 years after seeing them, (with Brian), the 1st time in upstate NY at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1977...

[@kukukev]

God Only Knows what I'd be without this song...

[@EwaldK]

Thanks for putting this videos on the net. When you hear the different isolated sections you start to understand how complex this song really is.

[@samadams4716]

Fascinating look at not only Brian Wilson's genius and technique but the mysterious Wrecking Crew, the greatest studio band ever assembled. Carl Wilson's voice is often underrated and here he shines. When will 5 part harmony exist so perfectly again in song? And next to Laura Nyro, no one affected musical composition innovation in pop music in the 20th century as much as Brian Wilson. All the rest followed.

[@thecatsaton2mats]

+Sam Adams After all these years I never knew it was the Wrecking Crew playing on this, no wonder those drum fills at the very end sound so good, only Hal Blaine could play them like that - all hail to the master, the greatest pop drummer of all time!

[@philliesfan1971]

There are only 3 voices in this song: Carl, Brian and Bruce.

[@alisterfolson]

Sam Adams I saw that Netflix documentary on the wrecking crew that was pretty awesome that you're

[@pandapower5902]

Kate Bush was very innovative and influential and used a lot of seamless layering of many sounds and vocals, similar to Brian Wilson. She also became a recluse and made it big as a song writer at a young age. She came later of course.

[@derby2510]

There are so many ways to enjoy this song. You can just soak in its glory. If you're into musicology, you can try to figure out what key it's actually in. You can examine how masterfully he uses 2nd and 3rd inversion chords to keep up a sense of instability that feels and sounds so good when it is finally resolved. It's magnificent and for me, anyway, the most beautiful pop song that's ever been written.

[@martygresham7901]

I've considered this to be the all time BEST SONG EVER CREATED for now 55 years. In fact I was 15 years old when Brian first produced it. There has never been a greater musical genius than Brian & never a more beautiful work of musical genius than God Only Knows.

[@joetaylor7346]

I graduated high school in '66 after putting myself through the educational process and never heard these songs, until I was in the MARINE CORPS. I caught KP during my time in Onafra (?). It was 0400hrs, when I heard GOD ONLY KNOWS from someone's radio at CAMP PENDLETON, standing in the cool darkness with five other Marines at attention. Ready to be marched to the MESS HALL. That memory is sweet.

[@1bsbsbsbs]

Semper Fi, '72-76. MCAS El Toro

[@georgeguidish7342]

No auto tune, real voices, real people, imagine that!

[@terrythekittie]

If we are going to get a new golden era of music then it's exactly that, no short cuts, harder work ethic , creative musos...etc.

[@leftybass5860]

Friggin' angelic.

[@energeticenterprizes4974]

+Jesus' Friend ...perfectly said. All I can say is....ditto !

[@paulbadoo9326]

Brian's musical genius is evident. Also evident, the amazing talent of the musicians, possibly the best studio crew around at that time.

[@DenkyManner]

I like how forceful he is, he was a professional at work getting results.

[@iansouthward7991]

2021 - its still beautiful, still makes me tear up and is and always will be the most complete love song and composition ever. I was nine years old when they made this and I remember hearing it on holiday that year and its never had anything but that warm fuzzy effect on me. I'm 66 years old soon.

[@tpmacg60]

My favorite song of all time. It was playing on the hospital sound system when my son was born. , magical! Probably the only song I never get tired of hearing.

[@bosun1908]

That's great Tom. I love how certain songs become cemented in our mind with specific events and people; and how hearing the song, even years later, will mentally & emotionally put us right back with those people.

[@drvee1983]

When I heard years ago how McCartney said how Pet Sounds, and this tune inspired him and The Beatles for "Pepper" I didn't hear it. Duh....What was I thinking. or NOT hearing? Brian Wilson's genius, The Wrecking Crew, and Beach Boys harmonies just were just majic. God only knows indeed.

[@jackfranklin2865]

I just never understood their brilliance when I was young. I surely do now..

[@nickweiserfolz]

So it happened to me, too. I´m sixty-five now and began to understand about ten years ago, how brilliant they were. Especially Brian, of course.

[@terryparker7964]

Brian Wilson was not only ahead of his time, he was ahead of every bodies time

[@tomg2946]

Bruce:" How was that, was that cool?". It made history. Music straight from the Divine.

[@33blazer10]

Best song of all time... a true masterpiece!!

[@malcooool]

spot on,,for sure

[@jackfranklin2865]

With age I have discovered the absolute brilliance of what they did at that time.....

[@bethbockus1395]

Amen!

[@philipslimko6103]

We took such brilliance for granted back then

[@alfredlwalker9438]

No one can deny that Brian Wilson along with Richard Carpenter are the original geniuses of soft rock harmonies

[@blueticecho5690]

... and don't forget Mr. Bill Cowsill...

[@EJP286CRSKW]

RC was tone-deaf compared to BW. RC wrote nothing but 3 part harmony in parallel motion, mostly block chords, no variation of the texture, and not nearly as well recorded. BW was writing in 5 real parts in contrary motion, with a real bass line and frequent inner counterpoint, and was also composing numerous real songs as well. There is simply no comparison.

[@DarkAutumn3D]

7:55 is just pure gold.. You just don't get such vocal brilliance these days...

[@landlinesandpercolators8822]

Isolate the backing track and it's genius. Isolate the vocals and it's genius. Put them together and, well, it's the Music of the Spheres....

[@MrAMO73]

And (some of) the other Beach Boys came back off tour to hear these tracks and complained it wasn't surf music. Mind-boggling.

[@BehindTheSounds]

None of the other Beach Boys hated this song and honestly any disagreements they had in the direction taken with Pet Sounds have been overstated.

[@speedyplumb]

This is the work of a musical genius ,this and ,good vibrations, are two of the finest songs ever written👏👏👏