10 Best Covers Of Beach Boys Songs
Hear some of the greatest Beach Boys' songs reimagined by a host of incredible artists.
When it comes to the Beach Boys discography, there are plenty of classic tracks to choose from. As a songwriter, founding member Brian Wilson ranks among the greatest that popular music has to offer. Crucially, Brian was no less innovative in the studio, crafting advanced compositions which pushed the boundaries of what was then possible. His revolutionary arrangements and techniques changed the musical landscape to a degree which arguably only The Beatles can rival for lasting influence.
Formed in California, 1961, The Beach Boys' original line-up consisted of brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, plus their cousin Al Jardine and close friend Mike Love. Their 1966 classic album, Pet Sounds, is routinely featured in best-of lists. Had they released that record, alone, the band would have secured themselves a lasting legacy.
Happily, the group produced plenty more material for us to enjoy. A measure of bitter-sweet sadness runs throughout their music, not least in consideration of Brian Wilson's life-long struggle with mental health. At their best, The Beach Boys produced works of surpassing wonder. It's no surprise, then, that a host of musicians who followed cite the Beach Boys as having provided considerable inspiration.
This list presents ten of the best covers of Beach Boys' songs, by some of the greatest artists from across the decades.
10. Sloop John B - Simple Minds
A quintessential Beach Boys song from their finest album, Pet Sounds - Sloop John B was adapted by Brian Wilson from an old Bahamian folk song. It was originally published as The John B. Sails, in 1916, and was included in Pullitzer Prize-winning writer Carl Sandburg's influential collection, The American Songbag (1927).
On its initial release, the Beach Boys' version hit number three in the US and number two in the UK. It's since gone on to even greater acclaim (as has the song's parent album), with Rolling Stone placing the recording at 276 on it's list of 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
Scottish band Simple Minds formed over a decade later, in 1977, and went on to enjoy a series of chart-topping singles and respected albums throughout the 80s. The group's best known hit must surely be 1985s Don't You (Forget About Me). Their version of Sloop John B, like all the best cover versions, manages to retain the spirit of the original whilst adding an entirely fresh spin.