Pet Sounds (1966)

Pet Sounds

• The undisputed greatest album of all time. Period. That is all that needs to be said about this album. It’s so good that it’s one of two albums that I almost listen to on a weekly basis (the other being SMiLE). Brian Wilson wanted to make the greatest album of all time, and when Pet Sounds was released, that’s exactly what happened. The reason it’s so perfect is because of the writing, the instruments, the harmonies, and the overall quality of the music. The entire album is flawless from the beginning track “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” to the very end of “Caroline, No”. The opening 8 beat introduction of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” perfectly portrays how the rest of the album will be, and the harmonies are absolutely insane. It’s then followed by “You Still Believe in Me”, “That’s Not Me”, and “I’m Waiting for the Day”. The first five songs of the album help give the listener a feel of what a heartbroken man in love might be feeling, and in a way, the tracks almost tell a story. Those are then followed by “Let’s Go Away for Awhile”, which is a phenomenal and extremely beautiful instrumental, and then onto “Sloop John B”. It confuses me just a little why “Sloop John B” was added onto this album, because it’s arranged based on a traditional folk song, while all the other tracks are about love. The next song is “God Only Knows”, which to me, is one of, if not, the most beautiful song ever written. In fact, Sir Paul McCartney even called it “the greatest song ever written” The chord progressions are really amazing, and Carl’s voice on this track is some of the best singing you’ll ever hear. That is then followed up by “I Know There’s an Answer” and “Here Today”. “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” is then given to you, and it’s a song that basically sounds like a cry for help, and it gives you a sense of abandonment and loneliness. Despite its depressing message, it’s still so preciously written, and verse 1 and 2 are so awesome to listen to. The actual song “Pet Sounds” then precedes, which is my favorite instrumental of all time. It was actually written as a James Bond theme song, but it was never used, therefore it was added onto the album. That song is so unique because of all the random and unique instruments used, which Brian was really proud of. The last song is one of the most beautiful and most sad. “Caroline, No” perfectly ends the album, because it talks about a guy who notices the drastic changes a girl has made with herself, and how he misses her and wants her back. The song ends with the barking dogs and the train going past, and it’s my favorite ending to any song. It perfectly ends the album, and really leaves you thinking about what you just listened to. Overall, the album had such a great influence on so many other artists (it even inspired the Beatles to write “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”). It’s an album that is so personal to me, and it inspires me every day. I love it so much that I own two vinyl copies and the CD. I would highly, HIGHLY recommend listening to it, even if you don’t like the Beach Boys. It’s an album that can make you sad when you are happy, or can make you happy when you’re sad. That’s how good it is. In fact, you can often find it within the top 10 on several “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists. This album is officially Berry Approved, so go listen to it now!