10 60s Albums That Shaped Rock
2. Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
As an answer to the British Invasion, the Beach Boys served as a slice of Americana for the kids in the States to enjoy. While their songs about surfing and cars were excellent, songwriter Brian Wilson wanted to do something more sophisticated.
After listening to the Beatles' Rubber Soul, Wilson set out to make a record that sounded just as good. With the help of fellow Beach Boys and session band the Wrecking Crew, Wilson slaved over building Pet Sounds, his magnum opus.
Before this record, the Beach Boys' songs had primarily been fun driving songs with impeccable harmony work. On this record, each love song became miniature dramas as Wilson reflected on his feelings about life. There is genuine joy on "Wouldn't It Be Nice," uncertainty on "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" and comfort on "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)." Also, the single "God Only Knows" may in fact be the greatest love song in the entire rock canon.
Over time, Pet Sounds remains one of the quintessential pop-rock records to ever be released. You can come for the melodies, but the inner workings of these songs are what will really get under your skin.