Brian Wilson, who passed away at 82, remains one of music history’s most influential figures.His compositions during the Beach Boys’ peak redefined pop music. Here are five essential examples of his genius.

While The Beach Boys are frequently enough categorized as a “surf music” band, Brian Wilson’s role extended far beyond that label. As the primary composer, he became a pivotal figure in 1960s pop and subsequent decades.

Despite facing significant psychological challenges that impacted his career, Wilson’s music has endured. These five songs showcase his lasting impact.

Surfin’ USA (1963)

“If everyone had an ocean/across the United States/Well everyone would surf/as in California”. From their second album,Surfin USA,this track celebrates the West Coast surfing scene,referencing iconic spots from Redondo Beach to La Jolla.

Notably, Surfin’ USA shares similarities with Chuck Berry’s Sweet Little Sixteen, released five years prior.Berry is credited as a co-writer.

“God Only Knows is simply ‘the best song ever written’.”

I Get Around (1964)

In 1964,The Beach Boys topped the American charts for the first time with I Get Around. Featured on the album All Summer Long, the song exemplifies the group’s vocal harmonies and captures the experience of success as an artist.

Mike Love, another member of The Beach Boys, later received co-writing credit after a legal dispute. Brian Wilson has stated that Love’s contribution was primarily the “round round” vocal element.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice (1966)

Pet Sounds, often hailed as one of history’s greatest albums, was partly inspired by the rivalry between The Beach Boys and The Beatles. Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, Brian Wilson aimed to create an even more ambitious record.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice, which later appeared on the Good Morning England soundtrack, marked a turning point for Wilson and his writing partner Tony Asher. While retaining some of the band’s earlier lightness, the lyrics explore more mature themes, depicting a couple envisioning their married life.

God Only Knows (1966)

released as a single on July 18, 1966, with Wouldn’t It Be Nice as the A-side, God Only Knows showcased Brian Wilson’s instrumental complexity and melancholy.The song clocks in at under three minutes.

While only a modest hit initially,God Only Knows has gained increasing recognition,notably after Paul McCartney declared it “the best song ever written.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 11th in their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Good Vibrations (1966)

The recording of Pet Sounds solidified Brian Wilson’s legendary status. Good Vibrations, released the following year, further cemented his reputation as a perfectionist. During the rise of counter-culture and flower power, Good Vibrations emerged as a “pocket symphony,” as described by Wilson.

The Beach Boys utilized all available studio technology to create the song. It took approximately twenty sessions over seven months to complete the final version. good Vibrations became the most expensive single ever produced at the time and the last major hit for The Beach Boys with Brian Wilson.