SPILL RETRO REVIEW: THE BEACH BOYS – PET SOUNDS

THE BEACH BOYS
PET SOUNDS
UME/CAPITOL RECORDS

ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: MAY 16, 1966

It’s challenging to identify unspoken aspects, a fact that has never been more apparent in this context. After all, it is only a pet sound. The timeless and unwavering boldness of Pet Sounds, its remarkable scope and consistency in every aspect, and its sheer audacity for its time of release, make it a cohesive masterpiece that has rightfully endured time.

The opening track, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is a carefree and lovely song that has sadly lost its lovable value in public perception due to its overuse in nearly every aspect of media. Though, this doesn’t take away from the immense quality of this track, which is truly incredible. This song excels not only as a track but also in its role within the album. The album begins here, perfectly articulating the more youthful hope and romance that will tragically take a turn for the worse as it unfolds. Like the rest of this album, it is a necessary element to make the masterpiece that is Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds is possibly the best instance that demonstrates the essential role of each track in creating an album, since here every song fits.

Even better, Pet Sounds is a work of sheer, unlimited versatility. This record has minor production issues, but these are not issues for the album as a whole; rather, they are purposeful acts of sheer genius that purposefully defy the album’s seemingly flawless production. Pet Sounds asserts that art should embrace imperfections, a quality that enhances the record’s effectiveness in narrating this story of growing up. Even better are the little stories each song tells. “Here Today” is a lovely, captivating song about having an affair; “God Only Knows” is a sorrowful yet beautiful look at loving someone; “That’s Not Me” is an emotional plea about realising oneself as they age; and “You Still Believe In Me” explores the struggle of not feeling good enough for others’ expectations. The cohesiveness of these songs further enhances their quality. It unfolds like a narrative of a person experiencing love and its eventual disintegration, transitioning from a youthful, enchanting bond to a bittersweet romance and affairs. It is a growing-of-age work, if there ever was one. It is also quite heartwarming and emotional. Even better, every song here is a masterpiece in its own right.

Regardless of the passage of time, Pet Sounds remains a cohesive classic. Every single song is so powerfully cohesive that it is simply impossible to even describe. It is the immaculate precision of the genius Brian Wilson, who has so much precision and control yet is explosive when the song calls for it. Even better is each member’s vocal ability, which is so dynamic, neat, and full of variation that it’s likely someone is giving lectures about it right now.

Overall, Pet Sounds is a masterpiece that words do a disservice to for its sheer magnitude, cohesiveness, and yet pure quality in every single track and layer of this opus.

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