The Beach Boys Pet Sounds Album Review

[@christopher9152]

Stands shoulder to shoulder with any of the Beatles' best. An incredible album.

[@charlesbronson4282]

Hahahahahahaha..... Again.... Hahahahahahahaha....

[@jackoconnell6268]

@@charlesbronson4282 No doubt. I love Pet Sounds but it wasn't even the best album that year- Revolver way better. Blonde on Blonde too.

[@jamesphillips2609]

‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, ‘Don’t Talk’, ‘I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times’, the ‘Sloop John B’ cover and ‘God Only Knows’ are among the greatest songs ever written/produced. Stellar review John!

[@jmadratz]

If McCartney didn't say this album pushed the Beatles to write Sgt Pepper, it would have never been as popular. Only a few tracks on it that I can listen to.

[@Beatgeneration2010]

I totally agree.

[@tyrannosauruszeppelin2205]

I agree. The tracks are just all the same: My review: Wouldn't It Be Nice-good opener, nice vocals. You Still Believe In Me- great opening melody, but as soon as that's over it becomes horrible. B.Wilson's vocals are awful and very unnatural, with absolutely no variation at all. That's Not Me-good melody but not a good song in itself. there's just something I don't like about this song, I don't know what it is but it's just not good. Don't Talk put your head in my shoulder: heavenly beautiful chorus but terrible as a whole. Vocals are awful. I'm Waiting For The Day: pretty forgettable. listened to Pet Sounds yesterday but now already forgot about this song. Let's Go Away For Awhile: finally we got rid of the vocals and listen to some psychedelic stuff. Great sound. Sloop John B: overall the best song. good opening, vocals and melody. some energy finally comes in, which was lacking in this album until now. God Only Knows: beautiful, but at the same time quite overrated. I Know There's An Answer: good powerful chorus, but the whole song I don't like. Here Today: just the same as the track before. one fragment i like but the whole song is terrible. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times: just another sappy, quasi-sad song. Pet Sounds: another instrumental, great experience. Caroline No: discount Don't Talk Put your head on my shoulder. That song is terrible and so is this one.

[@davidgena2667]

Apart from the singles, I have never been able to wrap my arms around this album for whatever the reason. Lord knows I’ve tried on numerous occasions to do so but without success. That’s nobody’s problem but my own for sure but, there it is. Another wonderful review, John. Because of your review, I’m going to put the record back on my turntable and, once again, give it another go around. Take care, my friend.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks David, play it in the dark with headphones...that's Brian Wilson's advice :- )

[@davidgena2667]

John Heaton Sounds Good......will do.

[@timsydlowski5208]

Once I didn’t get this and now it’s my 3rd favorite album ever. It’s a solo record with The Beach Boys and at 51 I’m embarrassed it took me til the age of 30 to realize the beauty and musicianship. The vocals and words are heartbreaking at times but you need headphones to appreciate this masterpiece.

[@timsydlowski5208]

The Wrecking crew especially Hal, and carol, are Phil Spector session musicians that are the cream of the crop and Brian loved Phil’s music as producer. Other then the four freshman his favorite album was a Phil Spector Christmas album.

[@Beatgeneration2010]

I completely agree!👍

[@williamhenderson8371]

Brian once said in creating the album that he wanted the listener to feel loved. Mission accomplished IMO. Paul McCartney has called “You Still Believe in Me” the greatest song ever written. This album was ranked the 2nd best album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. And the accolades go on and on. I never cared much for The Beach Boys “Beach, Girls, and Cars” songs but this one made me a fan. IMO, this album and SMiLE (“A Teenage Symphony to God”) are two of the greatest albums ever made.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

McCartney actually said God Only Knows is the greatest song ever written.

[@dclark4422]

When I first heard Pet Sounds, I was completely blown away. A few songs, especially 'God Only Knows', really pull on the heart strings. I love Sgt. Pepper, but Pet Sounds is so astounding even after all these years.

[@nowhereman6496]

Nice review Mister Heaton of the Beach Boy's best. It can, however, be a difficult album to get into. I found it took me many listens to enjoy it. I don't play it often but it's one of those albums when I do play, it's a joy to listen to from start to finish. Even though the record company wanted hits Brian instead wanted to create and put out different and beautiful sounds he had going around and around in his head. This album, as well as(IMO) Highway 61, Revolver and Pepper is really where pop/rock music was at a crossroads where albums became much more than a collection of songs with a few hit singles attached to them. My favorites are "Here Today" ,"Wouldn't it be nice", "I'm waiting for the day" as well as "God only knows". Sound-wise Pet Sounds just flows beautifully. Just a great feel to the album. Certainly, alot of this was achieved because of those great session musicians you mentioned. About those session musicians, that's the "Wrecking Crew" that worked on so many great records from the 60's including, as you mentioned, "Bridge Over...", as well as records by Sonny and Cher, Nancy Sinatra, The Mamas and the Papas, and alot of those "wall of sound" Phil Spector hits. There's a great documentary out there about The Wrecking Crew. If you get a chance, check it out. I agree with you about lyrically a theme of loneliness or a yearning for love. I think that was pretty much Brian's Wilson's life theme. Goes right back to one of Brian's early tunes, "In My Room". I love the cover. Simple, a bit corny but it works. Again Nice Review. Your background definitely has a sort of "Rubber Soul, "Paperback Writer" video feel to it.

[@johnheaton5667]

nowhereman64 thanks a lot and for the useful information!

[@daytripper9222]

This album didn't do to well when it came out, but my sister and i played it to death back in 66. I like every song on here and always have. A few people don't care for this album and i just can't understand why. It's brilliant. So thank you john for reviewing this then. I think i already told you that in the early 60s i got to go to the wilsons house twice. Great times back then. Take Care

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Kregg. yes I remember and am envious of your meetings!

[@beatlebrad5339]

:} take care.

[@daytripper9222]

Hey beatle brad, how are you?

[@beatlebrad5339]

Hi day triper how are you doing !!! I am having a lot of fun in doing these videos . I do like talking to you and talking about the Beatles lol. so rock on and take care !!!! .

[@tyrannosauruszeppelin2205]

well I'm one of those people who dont care for the album. some overrated shit. of course you have wouldnt it be nice, god only knows and sloop john b, plus i like the two instrumental ones ( title track and another one whose title i didn't remember) but for the rest it's hot garbage.

[@CookieMusic43]

I used to be in the "what's all the fuss about" camp with this album but recently it has really hit home with me. Great album, great review!

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Richard!

[@davecostello560]

Your back garden's looking a bit Rubber Soul!

[@johnheaton5667]

Ha! yes

[@hippojuice23]

Are those huckleberry bushes behind you? No, wait you're probably in Europe...

[@ronbuss4731]

The band name of the session musicians used was called The Wrecking Crew.

[@timshearn8203]

Great review as always John. I remember watching a fascinating documentary on BBC a few years back about this album. I to was very surprised to discover during that programme that the band members hardly played on the album. It seems Brian Wilson worked on the writing whilst the other Beach Boys were on tour and they recorded it when the others returned. I also seem to remember that Tony Asher previously worked on making tv commercials, though I could be recalling that incorrectly! The album has a fascinating background and it will always be in my good books as it seems to have paved the way for Sgt Pepper!

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Tim. Yes been watching various documentaries about this album, not sure if I have seen the one you're talking about. Cheers.

[@jedikiah1541]

Your reviews are addictive viewing. Thanks!

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Great informative review John. I need to get a copy of that book. I used to share a house with a guy who owned that CD box set, so I remember it well.I have a vinyl reissue which came out over 5 years ago now. I haven't listened to it for quite a while, but last time I did it blew me away all over again with the depth and vibrancy of its sound. I've always preferred the second half of the record to the first half, it's one of those albums that gets better as it goes along, for me anyway. I think you nail it when you say that the real magic of Brian was his ability to blend instruments together into beguiling textures and soundscapes. The theme of not talking also reminds me of the Depeche Mode song 'Enjoy the Silence - 'words are very unnecessary, they can only do harm'. Speak soon, James. ps congrats on hitting 1K subs.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks James!

[@otisroseboro5613]

I love every song on this great Beach boy's classic album

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

This album is utterly sublime throughout. First time I listened to it my jaw hit the floor. I studied music theory and have taught guitar for many yrs. Having music theory in your cap makes you realise just how brilliant this album is. It was too far ahead of its time which is the reason it wasn't a huge hit at the time.

[@babyfir77]

Great review as usual, John. I love this album, too. I believe I have the CD version with the bonus tracks. Love the instrumental for Hang on to Your Ego.

[@MrSmitht04]

I’ve listened to this album at least ten times. I honestly Just don’t see why everyone thinks it’s so brilliant. I mean that with no disrespect. Musically it’s good, lyrically it’s cheesy. But to me even the music Isn’t even that amazing. Still much respect to the band. Maybe one day I will get it

[@Gardosunron]

I'm with you. Still don't get what's so great about it. Wouldn't it Be Nice and Sloop John B are the only strong tracks. The lyrics on the rest of the tunes sound like they're trying to be too clever. Lousy cover as well.

[@regaltip8A]

Yep agree 100%.

[@jmadratz]

@@Gardosunron And the Beach Boys didnt even write Sloop John B

[@markandresen1]

Well, if you can name a band who'd already recorded something similar by 1966, I'm all ears.

[@tyrannosauruszeppelin2205]

@@markandresen1 the beatles.

[@ellenolenska9141]

Carl Wilson had a beautiful voice. Beach Boys harmonies so excellent. Wonder if you had heard of Beach Boys at Knebworth concert.

[@kevinwicks007]

Glad youve done this one sir......managed to locate the dvd audio disc a few years back.......

[@stephenkater9621]

This is one of my all time favourite albums !! this one and lots of other beach boys albums like sunflower and beach boys today !! you have to hear Brian Wilsons 2004 album smile !!! The brian wilson mix , it is soooo good !!!

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Stephen!

[@tonyberardi3829]

Hello from Chicago. Very interesting review. I personally didn't come to appreciate this album until recently.

[@beatlebrad5339]

I love this lp a lot . Wow I have the same box set as well . My lp is a UK press . You did a grate review on this grate rock classic lp . Well done !!!!

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Brad!

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great album, one of my all time favorites. I used to play this so much as a young man. I have the same CD box set as you. And I think I have mono album version. Have you seen the recent movie 'Love and Mercy' about Brian Wilson (he is involved with the production) that shows him creating Pet Sounds? By the way, your audio is much approved, that mike makes you sound like a professional broadcaster. And what camera did you film this with, the picture is beautiful, like your coming through in 4K. Well done John, I really enjoyed this review. Cheers.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Ron. same camera, must have caught the light or something!

[@L.E.55472]

Good morning I’m late I know........love the backdrop so still...even though I’m an “endless summer “ person.....it is what it is.......I received a mono copy of this as VCLT....and very happy to have, good point “before it all went wrong” analogue production has released The Beach Boys I have two of them and they are fantastic and meticulously done, but of course you pay the price but well worth it I believe....thank you for this review. Take care and have a great rest of the week- Lis

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Lis!

[@whateyelike]

Another LP that was an influence on Sgt Pepper (according to Paul McCartney) is 'Freak Out' by the Mothers of Invention, which came out the same year as Pet Sounds.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks yes I heard that, not familiar with that album will check it out!

[@jimroyal475]

Great album and review! Brian is a genius!

[@reubendaube6684]

Great review John. Its one of those rare albums in which I hear a new melody or instrument each time I listen to it. Easily their best LP, even though I think maybe Friends or Holland are my favourite records of theirs, I love this album to bits. I have recently read Mike Love's book 'Good Vibrations' - a very interesting read. Although he is not the most likable character in the band, he does give an alternative, albeit controversial view on the bands 66-67 direction. I don't know how accurate his memory is, but i think he slightly unfairly gets labeled as the only bad guy, whereas I think the rest of band where just as confused and skeptical about the new direction as Love was. Maybe Love is trying to drag the rest of the band into the feud to make him appear the misunderstood one, who knows? A interesting read nonetheless and recommend it.

[@johnheaton5667]

Reuben Daubé thanks Reuben!

[@Nick-qf7vt]

John, if you want to hear the best pressings of this album, seek out the ones made by Analogue Productions. They have both stereo and mono, in 33rpm and 45rpm configurations, on 200 gram vinyl, all analogue.

[@ChrisJKing-se4dp]

Great review John on a stunning album way ahead of it's time worth a mention the brilliant Billy Strange on guitar

[@johnmc3862]

Glenn Campbell on guitar also.

[@chrischatten7475]

Glen Campbell was a major musician on the album & Brian had Glen take his place when they toured the album

[@ingsve]

Glen was more prominent on earlier Beach Boys recordings but did feature a little bit on Pet Sounds as well. But it was in 1964-65 that Glen Campbell took over for Brian Wilson on tour. By the time Pet Sounds was recorded Bruce Johnston had already joined the group as Brians replacement on tour as well as being a full fledged member.

[@kevanbrown7620]

I've listened to Pet Sounds many times and i still don't get why it would be considered 1 of the greatest albums ever made. I understand Brian Wilson was a great producer and arranger for his time, and i think the tracks Wouldn't It Be Nice, Here Today, I Know There's An Answer are really good songs and God Only Knows may be the perfect pop song. After that i don't think the songs are anything really special. For me there's many albums song for song that are much better than Pet Sounds. That's just my opinion.

[@onehandwaving9803]

John, thanks for the review. If you haven’t seen it already try to watch the documentary about the backing musicians called The Wrecking Crew. It’s available on Netflix and iTunes and I guarantee it’ll be an eye opener.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks will do!

[@onehandwaving9803]

I’m watching it now, there’s a fair amount about the Pet Sounds sessions.

[@nervo6321]

Let's go away for a while ....beautiful tune.

[@mike8383]

It's is absolutely not a Brain Wilson solo album. He wrote for The Beach Boys and had their voices in his head as he wrote.

[@TomCwimpRock]

I was hoping that you would get around to reviewing this record John, and it was an excellent video as usual.. My three favorite albums have always been Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions", "Sgt Pepper", and "Pet Sounds" (with "John Wesley Harding" close behind)... I have had conversations with people who can't see any connection musically, between "Pepper" and "Pet Sounds", but I hear it strongly in the vocals on "She's Leaving Home", especially Paul's falsetto, which has such bittersweet soulfulness - which is how I would describe "Pet Sounds" overall - it has such a beautiful emotional depth to it, unlike any other album, in my opinion - and unlike most records I don't tire of it - in fact, I feel that as time goes on, it just sounds better and better - a true classic..

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Thomas, yes I see the familiarities between the two albums!

[@MeanMrMayo]

Even Brian Wilson himself said he doesn't see the similarity between PEPPER and PET SOUNDS; he said the Beatles "must have picked up on the creativity, not the sound".

[@TomCwimpRock]

Hi Joe, yeah, I am familiar with that quote by Brian Wilson, and I don't completely disagree...overall, they are very different albums - Sgt Pepper is often, but not always, escapist, and celebratory and often flashy...Pet Sounds is generally introspective, often sad, and musically subtle and delicate...I think that is what Brian meant by how they are different overall...But both McCartney and George Martin have told how they were influenced by Pet Sounds production techniques and creativity with sound. The two records are very different in overall tone, but I stand by what I said about "She's Leaving Home"...

[@MeanMrMayo]

Thomas Calden - Yet I do like "She's Leaving Home", but yet was not likewise wooed by anything similar-sounding on PET SOUNDS. It's okay, we can't all agree or hear everything in the same way, Thomas. I'm glad that McCartney and Martin loved PS and were hugely inspired by it (fans of PS never seem to tire of reminding unimpressed Beatles fans that Paul loved it, as if all Beatles fans must, too! :) ) .

[@TomCwimpRock]

I don't think that dig is quite fair Joe - I'm just making a positive comment about "Pet Sounds" on John's review of that album. As a Beatle's fan whose favorite album by them is "Sgt Pepper", I'm fascinated by what the Beatle's were influenced by musically - and I would be the first to admit that there were many, many influences. It's OK by me that you're not impressed by "Pet Sounds" - I am a bit puzzled as to why you've made it a point to trash it on your channel multiple times though..

[@Ystadcop]

I enjoy your stuff, but what do you DO?

[@makiseythimopoulos3470]

great review,one of the best lps of pop music ever the best of them-classic-in my oppinion ,smiley smile was great too-perhaps the middle years of them 1966-1968 was the most creative years .i think they had a competition against the beatles-i remember a interview of brian wilson where someone can easy understand that he never liked the great english band

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks Makis!

[@otisroseboro5613]

A Great Review

[@jackoconnell6268]

Hendrix's assessment: "Psychedelic Barbershop Quartet" I don't think that was a compliment

[@frommetoyou1981]

A superb album, its a melodic masterpiece. "I guess i just wasn't made for these times" amazing song , "wouldnt it be nice", the title track is superb too!

[@justmadeit2]

First time I saw the album cover I thought it was old fashioned, the hype back in 90s music magazines was such that when I first heard the album i didn't get all the hype. I do like some of the songs though I'd have left off Sloop John b. I actually prefer some of their other albums such as Sunflower and Surfs up or Friends.

[@Beatgeneration2010]

John, great review as usual but instead of picking up and putting down the album cover, just get a stand and you can keep the album in view. Simple really!

[@adullday3296]

Hello Nice video Can you review Dark side of the moon from Pink Floyd?

[@johnheaton5667]

Yes, coming soon!

[@timetogo1831]

when you going to do a another beach boy or david bowie album review

[@johnheaton5667]

Not sure, soon I hope!

[@namesvoorbugvall]

I like this lp carl was a great singer

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks yes

[@otisroseboro5613]

My only favorite Album by The Beach Boy's

[@brendongriffin4164]

Theres some comments about how it wasn't received that well at first. I feel like a huge part of that was the marketing. They released Sloop Jon B as the first single which might be weakest song on the album. If there was ever a first single it's Wouldn't it be nice. Follow it up with God only knows and this album would have been gold right of the bat.

[@thermionic1234567]

So it’s really a Wrecking Crew album?

[@tomc2133]

Many do not realize that Glenn Campbell was part of the crew.

[@josephhassett6505]

I beleive these studio musicians were nicknamed the wrecking crew.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks so I hear!

[@tomc2133]

Many of them had played for Phil Spector doing Wall of Sound stuff so Brian wanted them. They were very capable, accomplished musiciains for their part and paid pretty well to do it. If you could imagine, a lot of recording must have been tedious with practice and retakes so not all fun.

[@gagedevall7645]

I love this album, but I think it would be SO much more enjoyable if the would've cut out Here Today (or That's Not Me). I personally think that Side A has one too many sad songs in a row. Is it just me who feels this way? Or am I losing it?

[@namesvoorbugvall]

Do u like mike love

[@johnheaton5667]

He was an important part of the Beach Boys story. I wouldn't like to comment either way on his personality!

[@UncannyValleyVideos]

This video made me realize how ill-conceived the cover really is. Nothing about the photo in any way hints at the beautiful music on record. It'd be like the Beatles using The Beatles '65 photo for Pepper.

[@johnsavala8202]

I consider Pet Sounds to be Brian’s first solo album. One of my favorites along with Sunflower. Great review John

[@dougreed2257]

Look, its a very good album, a little 'sainted' i feel over the years. I could name umpteen 60's albums better, love "forever changes" all the beatles albums from 'revolver' onwards, all the moody blues 60's output, the list could go on. But yes, pet sounds is very good indeed.

[@algee9646]

God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Caroline No & Sloop John B. Makes 4 a great EP. But I couldn't hum you one of those other songs. Yes the production is great. Track 4 track. "A Hard Days Night " is Stronger then this. All their lps have the same fault. Track 4 track their weak. He is a genius & I think he's great. Let's not confuse a master of production with a solid LP.

[@terrythekittieful]

Some fantastic tracks on it, but some very average (but not bad) tracks which holds it back. Not as good as 'Rubber Soul', 'Revolver' or 'Sgt. Pepper's'.

[@regaltip8A]

Gave this a few listens over the years. Couple of outstanding tracks but never connected with it.

[@Cat-vi9wz]

Give it another go, it’s truly beautiful end to end

[@sbbinahee]

I've tried hard to like this album but it still I don't get it. 'God only Knows' and 'wouldnt it be nice' are good.

[@750drums]

I'll agree about the cover : pretty lame. This is more of a Brian Wilson solo album than a Beach Boys album, as the Beach Boys hardly even play on it. Great album nonetheless.

[@swansong007]

Very disappointed to learn the Beach boys never played instruments on this album. Kills it for me now. Reminds me of the Monkees farse them not playing instruments (because they couldn't) shame on them!!!!

[@WeShouldAllDoHeroin]

I am a HUGE Beatles fan, but I think this album, in terms of musicianship, arrangements, melodies, is better than any album did Beatles ever released. And Brian Wilson is arguably more of a musical genius than all 4 Beatles put together. Really.

[@johnheaton5667]

Ha! Thanks for your opinion. One can make that argument certainly...not sure if I agree that Brian is stronger than the four Beatles together but at least on here he was rivaling The Beatles pretty much single handedly...amazing!

[@Gardosunron]

Well then you're not a HUGE Beatles fan.

[@david_verti_calman]

By rights this should be one of my all time favourite albums, but it isn't ! I absolutely love a few of the tracks, God Only Knows - wow, incredible, but overall I just can't get into it (my loss)I think the record label limited the budget for the sleeve, hence the plainness of it, I guess Brian would have loved to have had a Rubber Soul/Pepper type cover to match the music.

[@johnheaton5667]

Thanks! Yes the cover could have been more memorable for sure.

[@rubygreta1]

Very overrated. There's are reason why the Beach Boys only played Sloop John B, God Only Knows, and Wouldn't It Be Nice in concert.

[@sussexboy9214]

Sorry, I am one of those contrary buggers who just don't "get" Pet Sounds". I've had it 25 years and give it a spin every now and then. It always sounds like the kitchen sink was thrown at it... Probably the simplest track to me, God Only Knows" is the only stone cold classic. Emperor's New Clothes....

[@johnheaton5667]

Paul Gray yeah I used to be a bit like that...hearing the instrumental and vocal only masters certainly helps one's appreciation!

[@sussexboy9214]

John. Really enjoy your reviews and would be very interested to hear your opinion on Love "Forever Changes" which is probably my favorite album of all time, Revolver and Bringing It All Back Home being very close contenders.

[@johnheaton5667]

Let me get hold of a vinyl copy first!

[@Beatgeneration2010]

I am inclined to agree with your sentiments.

[@lizsharpe1031]

Thanks for your comments all. However, I do need to ask, How this is a Beach Boys album? It seems, by your own reckoning, that this is a Brian Wilson solo effort with orchestration. Did the band not have the musical ability to play on the album? This is really no better that Frank Sinatra et al. I do consider Brian Wilson one of the great songsmiths of the rock era, but this album? I read something about B. W. casting about for unique sounds/instruments in the making of this album--at one point employing a giant harmonica that was as big as a piano and could not be hand-held. Really! This is too much! Give me guitars, keyboards, drums etc. anytime! A highly over-rated album with nothing to recommend it except some nice over-produced pop songs.

[@jmadratz]

Just listened to Pet Sounds on KZbin. Its horrendous, except for Wouldn't It Be Nice, and Sloop John B (which they didn't write). Maybe you have to be on acid to appreciate it. But I challenge anyone to listen the entire album sober and come back here and praise that album.

[@brianeivanitski2907]

Jesus Christ. My friend. You don't be showing the album every 5 seconds. It's utterly ridiculous. You lift it up in the air every couple of seconds. Watch your video. It's annoying as he'll.

[@charlesbronson4282]

A whole lotta overrated-ness.....

[@jmadratz]

Pet Sounds the greatest album of the 20th century...where?... in bizarro world

[@nedd.8479]

Overrated album. I love some of the songs on it and I can appreciate the influence it had on music but I just can't get into it.