Pet Sounds Review: Brian Wilson's Pocket Symphony
10/10 — The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)
Pros
- Dazzling, inventive arrangements
- Some of pop's greatest melodies
- Emotionally honest lyrics
Cons
- Occasional quirks
- Slightly precious lyrics
Pet Sounds is the Beach Boys’ 1966 album, written and produced largely by Brian Wilson while the band toured. It swaps surf and cars for loneliness, doubt and love, and was Wilson’s answer to Rubber Soul.
What works
The arrangements are astonishing, layering strings, bicycle bells, harpsichord and theremin-like sounds into songs like ‘God Only Knows’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. The harmonies are as gorgeous as ever, and the emotional honesty of ‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times’ still lands.
Where it falters
Some of its production touches, such as the barking dogs on ‘Caroline, No’, feel quirky, and the lyrics, by Tony Asher, can be a little precious.
Verdict
A landmark of ambition and beauty, and a deserved number one on many all-time lists.
