God Only Knows - The Beach Boys, a cappella

My favorite Beach Boy...singing my favorite Beach Boy song.

[@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.

[@enigmaticx326]

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

[@scottlombardi4603]

Bruce

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@rogerscottq]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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?!

[@binklebabe4725]

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

[@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. ❤

[@Joalang51]

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

[@hectorgarcia3522]

This is how PERFECTION sounds like

[@dianemelfi2974]

Yes indeed!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@SleighJessi]

I think this is what heaven sounds like.

[@juanitadaleslusher5218]

What a fantastic comment!

[@cappystrano1]

I hope not!

[@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

[@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.

[@eddiea4]

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

[@robertcurran3273]

This was Paul McCartney favorite song

[@user-de4tc8gq5w]

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

[@danialicekingsley]

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

[@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…

[@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.

[@franksimpson5451]

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

[@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"... :-)

[@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.

[@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

[@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..💝🎈

[@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.

[@jimilundberg1367]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@patearly9492]

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

[@joannagipson12]

❤🦋🦋❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeffreycelik1018]

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

[@ShortFingeredShreder]

Behold, the human voice! No Autotune, no pitch shift, no filters whatsoever, just a little reverb.

[@David_Thompson]

Just goes to show what great vocalists they were!

[@rosedolch8637]

@@David_Thompson actually theres at least 2 or 3 tracks plus the bit of reverb to make his voice sound fuller.. if you listen closely..

[@moondawg3693]

@@rosedolch8637 That's not what he said.

[@michaelviste429]

Even Mike sounds in tune.

[@Mr_Lemon4813]

@@michaelviste429 Mike actually doesn't sing in this one. It's Brian singing the low part in the bridge.

[@BetweenTheLyons]

"How was that, was that cool?" Yeah. It was. Just give me a sec while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

[@michellegibson7449]

WHAAAAAAUUUUUUUuuuT?

[@msmithrandir561]

Good One

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@richsmith9331]

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

[@venice9405]

Dennis died right by my Marina Del Rey home in ‘83....RIP to a real sweet guy 💕✌️

[@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.

[@berrypicker5001]

Brian, Bruce, and Al Jardine on the overlapping end vocals....amazing that those guys could sound so much like one person doing all of them, but that's the beauty of the BBs. Story goes that Carl was tired after singing and double tracking the lead vocals, so Brian took over the lead vocal on the end. With the exception of Mike, who had a great voice in the lower ranges no doubt, the other guys could and did mimic one another. Dennis had a beautiful solo voice, too. Sad that we didn't get to hear it til just before his death. But he's in all those beautiful harmonies with the other brothers.

[@jeffgoblue]

No Jardine on this one. If Wikipedia is correct, Brian, Carl, and Bruce were the only voices on this recording.

[@Ron898]

Thankfully no Mike Love either.

[@d-sx560]

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

[@JoseLara-nz1yq]

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

[@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

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

At the end they ask, "how was that?" That was absolutely musical genius.

[@jefflindeman]

I know right? “How was that? Was that cool?” “Uhh, yeah Brian, that was cool.” Duh. 🤣✌️

[@JoBisbee]

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

[@GlorifiedTruth]

Man, somehow the ending of this song is 100x more beautiful when heard a cappella.

[@stefanrandall8345]

Awesome. Song!

[@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

[@midgemarsden6879]

Carl's voice was perfect for this one RIP !

[@thomasyaksich5822]

I seen the original members 4times. The first time was at the Canfield fair in 1984 and still to this day I enjoy that song. Carl is the glue that held the beach boys together.

[@ti3m]

I could listen to that last minute on a loop for days....

[@showtime951]

It's because you are genius.

[@Tony-dx3eo]

Carl had the voice of an angel...🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@sniper161718]

Arguably the most beautiful song ever

[@fredvail2066]

anyone who saw the whole group....in the 60's, or even in the 70's, and saw CW singing this song, is truly lucky....he was, and remains, one of the greatest lead singers in the history of rock and roll. RIP, CW, DW...hope you're having 'fun, fun, fun' in "Rock and Roll Heaven." Miss you each and every day...and treasure our good times together...RIP, dear 'brothers-in-spirit.'

[@t.s.gilmer8397]

Most amazing harmonies ever recorded!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@maggieanaya1114]

Beautiful! Carl is my favorite Beach Boy too!

[@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.

[@janjohnsonamarillas3386]

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

[@sniper161718]

Sounds like heaven is having choir practice. unbelievable

[@joannagipson12]

sniper161718 Beautifully said... 💜💕💝💓

[@sandragonnerman7522]

Truly beautiful. We appreciate.

[@waynejohnson6442]

No one like Carl. He could nail this song. I loved him, he was my favorite and I miss him. (Norma Johnson)

[@grunthostheflatulent9649]

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

[@dianagreen5700]

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

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

I'm stuck in this musical time warp and glad of it!!

[@htdgz]

Carl Wilson had the most beautiful voice

[@ubilo]

The friendly rivalry between the Beach Boys and the Beatles produced some great musical moments.

[@LeChaunce]

I don't know if it was a rivalry so much as recursive mutual inspiration -- each group inspired the other, which would then inspire the other and so on.

[@LeChaunce]

Bottom line -- we all benefited by being gifted some fantastic music by both groups. :)

[@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

[@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.

[@Renserin]

Music makers of today, start taking notes, because this is what true talent is. Not the synthesized, overproduced crap you keep dumping on us. The Beach Boys here had almost no tech at all beyond a microphone, and yet, they carried the entire song, just on the power of their voices alone. And it's magnificent.

[@terryofford4977]

Exactly true, no such thing as talent these days, most POP's of today are merely boring electronic noise accompanied with off key squawking.

[@73singergirl]

Goosebumps! Chills up my spine! Genius!

[@joebass517]

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

[@antovilla923]

The final harmonies must be the most beautiful thing i've ever heard :)

[@marykay1356]

Gorgeous harmonies! So technically perfect! That was cool !

[@amdompals]

this is the the most beautiful thing I've ever heard..

[@dorothysmith6126]

I've read the comments and have this to add: there is nothing like harmonies by men or women who are close relatives. Their voices blend so well. Think Allman Bros., Gladys Knight & the Pips, Aretha and her sister, The Temptations, they all sang with relatives. Plus the Beach Boys started out very young so they were able to harmonize almost instinctively. Like you, I love this song. I choke up before I start to cry. Blessed angels. A gift to us.

[@macferadaig3092]

Don and Phil Everly

[@amain325]

The Corrs - three sisters and a brother. Their voices blend like this. Listen to their first album 'Forgiven Not Forgotten'

[@barryonyett5424]

Vocal perfection!!

[@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).

[@markrein8451]

Never Again will there ever be a sound like this, R.I.P. Carl & Dennis

[@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.

[@victorrcalazans]

It is just amazing, wonderful, they sing like angels, this song touch my soul. God Only Knows what would be the world without pet sounds album.

[@maryhickey155]

Perfect harmonies. Absolutely perfect.

[@susanomelina6248]

One of my very favorite Beach Boys songs❤

[@atomicrev9123]

This song brought heaven to earth.

[@snakeguy76]

God only know where I'd be without this song.

[@christrammell5838]

Pure musical heaven

[@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.

[@kpitt1204]

Whoa!!!! Never noticed The Beach Boys until recent years. I grew up on Motown, Stax, Etc. I heard the songs, but paid them no mind, even though I have sung a few. I always liked this song, but didn't know the artists until not too long ago. It's beautiful. Time for me to catch up!!!!

[@harleypiper]

I'm now 57 and grew up in the late 60s with my brothers listening to all the beach boys songs. In 2014 me ,my son and wife seen them at one of their last unified concerts in Irvine,ca. I was sheding tears...