God Only Knows - The Beach Boys, a cappella

[@archie34734]

Recorded when all the electronic enhancements didn't exist. All singers in tune and precise in the context of a complicated vocal arrangement. Most people think of the Beach Boys as a teeny bopper pop group. In fact they were serious musicians.

[@harrykemma]

are you sure?? i tought they always used studio musicians to do it

[@stevedullum6777]

@@harrykemma They used studio musicians starting around their 5th album, as Brian started writing more complex arrangements with different types of instruments. The band still had to go out on tour and perform those songs. Carl Wilson was a really good guitar player. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3LXaqhrrrlsh7M

[@YosemiteFour]

@@harrykemma Brian, Dennis, and Carl were already singing in harmony at home in Hawthorne, CA in the late fifties. Brian began overdubbing vocals using a reel-to-reel tape recorder that he got when he was 16 (1958-ish). Their harmonizing was well-established by the time Surfin' Safari was released in 1962. "409" perhaps being the best example from that album of what was to become their creative sound. According to Google, Pet Sounds was their 11th album and when studio musicians accompanied.

[@loryhorn7113]

Perfect harmony - heavenly music. Not many bands could record all vocals. Beach Boys are incredible.

[@stratovani]

I saw The Beach Boys in 1977 at the Montreal Forum, and they played God Only Knows. Towards the end of the song they all put down their instruments, went to the front of the stage to a single mic and did the a capella part of this for a full minute. That was almost 40 years ago, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. They sounded angelic, and the audience was dead quiet the whole time, with tears running down some people's cheeks. For as long as I live I'll never forget it.

[@groovymoviesmusic]

+stratovani I envy you.

[@narayanit6945]

+stratovani What a beautiful moment! Thank you for sharing :)

[@PeitouBob]

Santa Barbara Bowl around the same time. Same experience. The Music Gods directing.

[@thebatman911]

stratovani I wish that I could have seen that.

[@1994g0]

Thanks for sharing this memory my friend.Have a peaceful day.

[@janmed1207]

Brian Wilson's ability to write beautiful harmony is beyond belief. What an amazing ear he has.

[@davidlang1125]

Indeed he only had hearing in one ear. He feared losing hearing in that good ear if he got it infected by swimming.

[@Lovin_It]

Don't forget Tony Asher, he wrote the lyrics; and plenty more on Pet Sounds. I could repeat this throughout the comments, but I won't.

[@luvbasses5487]

No pro tools, auto tune or computers. Just talented musicians exercising their vocal craft. Truly remarkable to listen to.

[@paulkielty3800]

The beach boys don’t get the credit they deserve they are amazing.

[@bigal1863]

Kinda sad what the music business has become, I still prefer music art like this.

[@luvbasses5487]

Agree w u. Gimme Gordon Lightfoot any day of the week over new so-called artists.

[@michaelharrington75]

@@paulkielty3800 The Beach Boys get all the credit they deserve, and have always been considered great. Not sure why you would say they don't get the credit they deserve?

[@charlesm7589]

@@paulkielty3800 The Beach Boys are music icons. They are not underappreciated.

[@rogerscottq]

Brian Wilson is our greatest American genius of music. No doubt about it. His mind is beyond our kin in so many ways.

[@Lovin_It]

Tony wrote the lyrics to at least 8 songs so don't forget him, I commented above that they should at least have posted an image of him in the video, out of respect.

[@tedecker3792]

I’ve made arrangements with my employer to take the day off when Brian passes. Headphones. And a gummie.

[@JeannineHarris-wc5rn]

Priceless.The Heavens Blessed Us

[@spikemorelli9471]

As a singer, I can tell you that there is no bigger joy than being able to sing in harmony with other voices sans music. There are many good and great vocalists who aren't harmony singers...they have the lead vocal down, but can't blend, follow, or lock, with other singers. I love vocal harmonies. Brian Wilson ,and his music, was a gift to music.

[@stefanrandall8345]

You are so correct my friend!

[@terrigramofgirls3565]

All I have to do is play this for my friends and they understand my appreciation for a good a Capella

[@JeffFaulknerCD]

Yes! Harmony is the hardest kind of singing for most of us but it’s one of life’s great joys when you hit it with someone.

[@flamencoprof]

As not a singer, but a guitarist, I can tell you that I have fond memories of the Baptist church music of my youth. They didn't believe in dancing, but they were surely into harmony.

[@ReginaldForman]

Facts and the ways the beach boys did it is so unique both then and today

[@enigmaticx326]

I like the casual “how was that? Was that cool?” at the end. After they absolutely crushed it.

[@scottlombardi4603]

Bruce

[@BPattB]

What about "watch me on this part"

[@TheDacapo1]

Man, I have actually met some so called musicians that say they don’t think Brian and Carl weren’t all that. Just listen to this and it was the mid 60’s, just brilliant. Thank you boys so much.

[@SnoW-wc2rw]

Fuck those guys honestly they can’t make music like these guys

[@Jordan-gz8yi]

Can't be very good musicians if they believe that. I get it opinions are just opinions but really?!

[@benmcdonough9903]

There's opinions and then there's certified facts, the beach boys were an amazing group and Brian Wilson is a genius​@@Jordan-gz8yi

[@CMC6996]

The harmonies at the end of the song are one of the finest melodic moments in history. Brian Wilson truly was and forever shall be a true artist.

[@Stuckinthe6Ts]

And the wonderful part is - that's only three voices. Only Carl, Bruce and Brian sing on this track. Even at the end, thanks to Brian's clever vocal arrangements and range.

[@Lmclean89]

truly was a true artist? Is that english?

[@Tillermiller868]

@@Lmclean89 Yes, it actually is, professor smartass

[@Actingskint]

the ultimate maymay Ah the much needed actually 😂😂😂😂

[@richardcerbini3257]

@@Stuckinthe6Ts In this recording the end is Carl Brian and Bruce but on the album and single version Brian re-recorded over Carls part of the round at the end so it's just Bruce and Brian.

[@shlbycindy1]

My highschool boyfriend took me to see The Beach Boys when they came to Charlotte, NC. They were magical. I married the boyfriend and 3 children, plus 40 years later, we're still together.

[@zzcalvado]

I envy with you. God bless your family!

[@laurieb2296]

That’s wonderful!

[@mielish_official]

Wow....Amazing..Beautiful..

[@kritzkraftz1]

Nice...

[@arricammarques1955]

Good vibrations, indeed.

[@Joalang51]

Such a beautiful voice Carl had. This song brings tears to my eyes.

[@Mr.MikeBarksdale]

It's so rare to have such an upbeat and positive song that can bring so many people to tears of joy/awe/wonderment.

[@jimilundberg1367]

One of the most beautiful love songs EVER written and WELL PRODUCED!

[@ThePsychedelicCinema]

What a selfless act, giving maybe the greatest song ever written to your brother to sing, and Carl absolutely delivered in every way....pure bliss, my god.

[@ThePsychedelicCinema]

So true, I think that's how Brian felt also....I've heard Brian sing it and it's obviously still incredible but Carl made it immortal

[@RobertLane78]

Righteous comment.

[@maryhickey155]

They must have practiced for hours and hours. Accapella perfection.

[@thebatman911]

I believe it absolutely is the greatest song ever! I've never heard anything that comes near to the simplicity and intricacy of it, topped off with Carl's beautiful voice. It makes you want to go back in time and hear it for the first time again!

[@mrsmacca126]

ThePsychedelicCinema part of Brian's genius- knowing Carl's voice is the only human sound that could do it justice

[@brianinglis3805]

Brian said his brother Carl had the voice of any angel.

[@66impala71]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️

[@hinkelman]

Carl was an angel. And Carl is an angel.

[@maxalvarez5223]

He really does have the voice of an angel it’s almost too beautiful to handle

[@jeffvolimas5819]

This song continues to take me places emotionally, and I thank Brian Wilson and the Wreaking Crew for always taking me to a place that brings profound joy to my life.

[@Timliu92]

The harmonies from 0:55 to 1:11 and 1:43 till the end are just so, so spine-chillingly beautiful. Until this day, I still listen to them with a child-like curiosity, awe and wonder.

[@netopir3804]

These are examples of three voiced counterpoints, that is, three different melodies based on the same harmony. A technique JS Bach was a master in. And Brian Wilson.

[@netopir3804]

Listen to Mozarts counterpoint in the Coda of the Finale of the Jupiter Symphony. You might like it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIOldYiBosepgKMsi=WPS4pC8pCFM_5Dp1

[@nickp4961]

Pure talent….love this beautiful song.

[@binklebabe4725]

Carl's vocals are sublime, so smooth up and down.

[@jamieminsky9436]

Gorgeous…and no truer words have been written. *For all those that I loved and loved me…God only knows what and where I would have be without them…

[@schnauzrrmom]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. And one of the few Beach Boys songs where Carl sang lead melody. Cannot imagine it any other way - his voice has maintained that angelic lyrical quality that male vocalists sometimes lose with their youth. Brian Wilson knew he was composing this for Carl. He is truly a genius and musical pioneer. ❤

[@orbit319]

One of the most purist pop songs ever recorded. This gave me chills.

[@murcer88]

gets played a lot on the local oldies station here in NJ---wasn't even a big hit---flipside of "Wouldn't it be Nice"--God Only peaked at #39---not a bad double side smash for the Boys.....

[@AudreyLayneAudlayne714]

still does!!!!

[@franksimpson5451]

This song is a work of pure genius. Its hauntingly beautiful and takes you to another place. I am forever a fan.

[@timothybruneau4173]

Hands down my favorite pop song of all time. The lyrics, the arrangement, the instrumentation, perfection. Brian Wilson's masterpiece.

[@jackmoore6977]

This and. Something by the Beatles

[@steveskouson9620]

Carl Dean's voice! Another masterpiece. steve

[@anonymoussources8803]

Paul McCartney said this is the most beautiful song ever written. Who am I to argue with the Beattles

[@AudreyLayneAudlayne714]

indeed!!!!!

[@rman52]

Coming from the writer of Let it be , Mother Nature's Son, The Long and Winding Road, Maybe I'm Amazed, and a few other tid bits, not an empty compliment.

[@heywilbur]

Mutual respect... 'a nice touch we need more of.

[@NJtoTX]

@Ramadan Steve - Show us on the doll where they hurt you.

[@robertlongwill8856]

@@NJtoTX it would probably be in his head the hurt of his LOL

[@nextphase1752]

What a treat, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. So simply put yet so deeply meaningful. The harmonizing in their voices sounds like you’re going through a maze that goes on and on. ❤

[@theartyyvonnemixedmediaart7259]

This song always makes me cry in its other original formatting. Such beautiful harmonies and lyrics. The music itself is based around such fantastic arrangements. This accapella version is incredible. Takes me back to seventies and playing their music in my room on a cassette player cranking up the volume.

[@danicaschmanica2284]

I'm only 32 but the Beach Boys were played frequently by my parents growing up. I was only about 4 when I decided they were my favourite band. I could still listen to them all day. My 5 year old loves them too 💗

[@SunSeekerHawk]

When my kid was 5 his favorite band was LMFAO, and their song "Party Rock Anthem." Wear did I go wrong,?

[@danicaschmanica2284]

@@SunSeekerHawk hahaha that made me laugh - don’t worry my daughter is 8 now and likes songs that I don’t. I’ve officially become the “old mum with weird taste in music” haha

[@jacqueapplegate5137]

I was so lucky to see them so many times. Love Love Love.....

[@SmileAmerica-th7ye]

saw them at jones beach w chicago in 1987

[@Cyndithia68]

Me too, they came to Canada a few times.

[@DaisyLee1963]

It brings tears to my eyes to see them so young in some of the photos. What a. Lovely song.

[@stevelackovic124]

Yeah... Now sadly, try to compare them to "same age" modern kids of today.... we got problems in this Country for sure. Let's get back to what made America Great again.... "Let's Do it Again"... :-)

[@patearly9492]

Absolutely one of the best songs ever from one of the best groups ever. God bless everyone

[@JoannaCubana]

❤🦋🦋❤

[@stephenironmonger348]

I saw them in 79 is h it was one of the very best Concerts I ever been too

[@jimtonimarin]

Amazing that Brian Wilson had all these songs swirling in his mind well before he became a teenager. In a pretty short time they came to be heard and became legend. Severely abused by his envious father who was not the musical genius that his son Brian obviously was, Brian focused his mind to bring his internal voices and sounds out to the world. I've said that he is among the top musical geniuses in world history.

[@hectorgarcia3522]

This is how PERFECTION sounds like

[@dianemelfi2974]

Yes indeed!

[@jeffreycelik1018]

Been listening for 50 years... like a fine wine it just gets better with age... amazing!!

[@jonzfriend]

No matter how many hundreds of times I have heard this song since the first time, on its release, it's always beautiful and new.

[@dean3434]

Man. I just did not fully appreciate the Beach Boys enough way back in the days of the 60's. At 74 I sure do now! I know I fully recalled all that harmony back then, more appreciated now. Older and wiser... Dean Seattle

[@martincarman1725]

I saw them during a demonstration in 1971 @ Washington, DC. and again at the Garden State Art Center in the early 80"s.

[@lesleyadams4279]

Carl Wilson had the voice of an angel. Matt Jardine also sings this song beautifully.

[@markprovance8995]

On the actual recording, there were only three vocalists: Carl, Brian and Bruce Johnston. Brian arranged the harmonies in such a way that it sounded like there were five singers, including Mike.

[@d.l.3168]

Al jardine?

[@lesleyadams4279]

@@d.l.3168 Al's son Matt.

[@paulgambino5144]

@@markprovance8995 correct Sir. The final vocal 'round' end of the song is just Brian and Bruce

[@hello11197]

@@markprovance8995 He's saying Al's son Matt also does a great version of this song, not that he's on the song.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Amazing. The stereo separation is fantastic, esp at the repeating ending, such that you can clearly hear each singer's voice placed at various locations in the mix. You absolutely MUST wear headphones to appreciate this effect. Brilliant.

[@jonclare9807]

In Corfu on hol's,listening to it now with 'phones on,absolutely spine chilling,fantastic.

[@LizFromDecencyUnited]

My uncles and father were very tight with the Beach Boys, pretty much from the beginning. As a little girl, they were like 'extended uncles' and it wasn't until I was older that I became 'aware' of 'who' the Beach Boys were. I'll always have a fondness in my heart for them, and for their 'regular surfer guy' ways.

[@maryhickey155]

Perfect harmonies. Absolutely perfect.

[@stevenkessler8655]

It is most definitely the group’s best song and one of the best melodies ever. Good bless Carl’s great voice for making these achievements possible.

[@maggieanaya1114]

Beautiful! Carl is my favorite Beach Boy too!

[@voicegirl555]

i love the way Carl Wilson sings this song. His voice is perfect for it. He has been gone 20 years now. February 6, 1998. Still when I hear this song he is still here.

[@bridgetm4711]

The bch. boys are an absolute staple in our culture. Every member has his unique talent. Carl's contribution to this song is absolutely unforgettable.

[@LVVocalTraining]

I used to come home from high school,, lay on the floor, and listen to this over and over again,,Mind Blowing and just as great now!

[@Greenockianx]

Oh my goodness. Beautiful doesn't describe this.

[@englishincontext4025]

Beautiful. Natural voices; no attempt to impose an artificial sound or a false vibrato; just pure, natural production of the voice. And NO AUTOTUNE.

[@niemand3774]

Musicality pure!

[@SleighJessi]

I think this is what heaven sounds like.

[@juanitadaleslusher5218]

What a fantastic comment!

[@cappystrano1]

I hope not!

[@donkurtz4069]

Saw them on graduation night, Bakersfield, CA 1963 and many more times always the BEST!

[@showtime951]

At 9:25pm, this day has become unforgettable. This song is so important to me. This version, I have only dreamed about for 30 years. I never knew it existed. Harmonies. Multi-layered harmonies. Absolute beauty. Heaven. Whenever anyone uses the word "talent" or "talented", measure it against this remarkable yardstick. Thank you for this post.

[@rolfejones7445]

So truly beautiful and angelic, now and always

[@davespeed45]

Harmonies out of this world. Brian Wilson’s best song but Carl’s vocals send it to a different planet. Love the bit when Bruce joins in with Carl at the end. The best song of all time full stop.

[@tomdeering2806]

So beautiful. Perfect pitch at its best

[@JoseLara-nz1yq]

So much power in the voices. I get chills listening to this.

[@LagrangePoint901]

Good example of how a song is put together, ....vocals, ...instrumentals, ....chorus over vocals .... Pretty!

[@penallt1]

A million trillion people must have & respect their BB memories. I won't live forever but for as long as I do, the BBoys & especially God only Knows will keep me going

[@ibernalq]

Angels singing... amazing!!!

[@eddiea4]

I am a huge Beatles fan BUT THIS IS THE FINEST POP SONG EVER WRITTEN.

[@robertcurran3273]

This was Paul McCartney favorite song

[@PatrickQuilty-r4m]

Yep, my first thought was, Paul McCartney agrees with you

[@richardcollacchi351]

i played for years with a group of guys that were great at harmony and loved this kind of music beach boys all the way some are gone and a couple of us are still here great music and great times

[@klecoxs2]

Brian Wilson & Tony Asher we’re in their mid twenties when they wrote that song , whenever I hear it the deepness of the lyrics always blows me away for two guys so young , amazing song.

[@t.s.gilmer8397]

Most amazing harmonies ever recorded!!!

[@Tbirdgrrl64]

Wow this is just beautiful. The harmonizing just floors you. Nice to see the Beach Boys are influencing music in video games now. Sad that sometimes that's the only way a younger generation will ever find out about music that had true talent and heart from a generation past.

[@beatletech1]

Brian recorded this and other songs on Pet Sounds with The Wrecking Crew . An elite group of top notch studio musicians in LA. Glen Campbell was a member and played guitar on Good Vibrations. The "boys" were on tour (with Glen Campbell on bass ) when this was recorded and when they got back they did the vocal overdubs. It took weeks before Wilson was happy with the vocal takes.Wilson was a studio taskmaster that did stuff over and over till it was perfect.

[@richsmith9331]

There is music...and there is this. It is on a whole nother level. Absolute perfection.

[@barryonyett5424]

Vocal perfection!!

[@grownjohnboy]

When I went through my most difficult times, wife in jail, had to leave the house to protect the kids, every kind of scary thing happening at once The Beach Boys were my emotional Savior. This song reminded me that leaving it all, giving up was never going to be an option.

[@atomicrev9123]

Going through a similar crisis right now. "This song reminded me that leaving it all, giving up was never going to be an option." Thank you John.

[@margomazzeo1680]

God bless you guys..💝🎈

[@marsbruno2380]

Love that Brian Wilson genius. A truly genuine nice guy with a god given talent for all of us to enjoy

[@msmithrandir561]

Brian is pretty much thought to be a musical genius by Musicians that are sucessful, and all the others. He wrote this for his brother Carl

[@jimsmethurst6113]

If I could only have one song to listen to, I would pick this one. I have loved it ever since I was a kid when it first came out.

[@terrryc]

The entire core of the Beach Boys sound was the beautiful job they did as vocalists. It was like a Champion (think Four Freshmen) quartet with a gentle Rock and Roll rhythm section. Brian got there first, so he can rightfully be called a Genius. The sad part is that we will never hear anything like this again, or at least not done as well...

[@danialicekingsley]

The ending though. I'm only 17 and have an undying love for these men.

[@womanwonder10]

What beautiful voices! Love their harmony sooo much!!

[@banjomoeagle]

Just awesome! "The greatest song every written" -- Paul McCartney

[@arricammarques1955]

One of many.

[@pandaphonic_425]

Listen to the harmonies on Silly Love Song... It is a tribute to God Only Knows.

[@alexandertarbet2553]

Doesn’t sound like a Macca quote. Citation please. (Meaning, where and when it was published.)

[@paulinehannon4514]

I thought Tony Asher wrote the lyrics....he was not a beach boy though

[@michaelharrington75]

@@paulinehannon4514 What does Tony Asher not being a Beach Boy have to do with the original comment? Someone who writes songs doesn't have to join the band in order for them to get their song recorded.

[@melanierichard2415]

The voices a cappella are so crystal clear and beautiful. Thank you!

[@JoBisbee]

Their voices were so amazing. Clear as a bell. This is my favorite Beach Boys song. Music of my childhood. AM radio baby!

[@deniseyluiloveu]

I saw them in 1980 at Knebworth, Hertfordshire. Such beautiful music, beautiful harmonies. Love this acapella arrangement. Could listen all day long. 🤩

[@marykay1356]

Gorgeous harmonies! So technically perfect! That was cool !

[@ericbeaulieu4843]

This is heavenly divine.What a beautiful,timeless and inspirational message,I'm sure God was pleased.

[@skyprop]

The Best Harmonies of any group hands down!!!! In all their work!

[@alunsmith5705]

Except SandG and the Beatles....

[@jamilgotcher5456]

The Carpenters Harmonies are really nice, so are Ann and Nancy Wilsons (Heart).

[@jahnaroth669]

How very beautiful. John Mcain would be proud to have you on his radio. It's his funeral today. I know your music helped him survive. Thank you Beach Boys ♥️

[@73singergirl]

Goosebumps! Chills up my spine! Genius!

[@roellassche1403]

From another space and time,no words...

[@timothylunn6462]

Although I was born in 1968, my first memories were of the Beach Boys, which led to a life-long fascination and admiration for these guys, and I played music live for many years, always performing at least one Beach Boys song. The greatest band of all time.

[@deec269]

Heaven sent voices and the looks to go with them. Love those Beach Boys!!!

[@janjohnsonamarillas3386]

So beautiful amazing harmony back when you really needed a good voice to sing no auto tune, RIP Dennis and Carl !

[@douglusk1627]

beautiful song,, perhaps the most beautiful of all-time , thank you Brian and the rest of the boys...

[@TheTransatlanticExchange]

Wow! What an unbelievable and humbling discovery - thanks so much for sharing this. With the music backing this, "God Only Knows" is an incredible enough blend of harmonies, but without it's impeccably pitch perfect. Such talent did exist and we can only hope it will someday return to the pop mainstream.

[@betterbuytickets7493]

Bring back those good old days. Look at the group shot of the guys in suits. Youth is wasted on the young. Dennis was gone too young and we almost lost the genius of Brian forever. As I said, these were our carefree days.... I miss them.... do you??

[@1401minstrel]

Carl was gone too young, too. 51 is young.

[@dianagreen5700]

All they needed was their harmony of voices together, soo beautiful!!

[@joebass517]

Beach boys grew up down the block from me!!!! Was an amazing time in california, the beach & waves were Life 👍🏄🏄☀️☀️

[@grunthostheflatulent9649]

I often listen to the Beach Boys on long road trips. It makes the journey no chore at all, distances just melt away.

[@d-sx560]

This group should keep it up - they might make it big one day.

[@luciopoli1902]

True greatness. Majestically Beautiful.

[@susanhess8396]

There are 200 deaf people.........that didn't hear this song. This song is an anthem................the melding of the voices together is so, so special. Hearing it makes me think of my husband. God only knows what I'd be without him.

[@sniper161718]

Arguably the most beautiful song ever

[@kmjsmith]

Just imagine....a 24 year kid sat down and came up with that vocal arrangement. 1:50 onwards... the word genius doesn't do it justice.

[@SciFiGirl007]

Amen. Mr. Wilson’s talent and contribution to the music industry AND to our lives cannot be overestimated. Thank you Brian.

[@crys313]

If you study music, this is normal.

[@kmjsmith]

@@crys313 Is it? How many number ones have you written? I've studied music.... never wrote a Pet Sounds! Stupid comment.

[@barringtongilbert9230]

Sooo glad you mentioned that. I always mention Brian's age and ask people to imagine just what a genius he is. Beyond words.

[@gordonpepper1400]

JS Bach did this x 4 many years ago