10 Best Covers Of Beach Boys Songs
7. God Only Knows – David Bowie
One of the greatest in a long line of Beach Boys' songs to mix melancholy with a shimmering, sunny vibe, God Only Knows is a sure fire contender for the band's greatest single achievement. Part of Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds odyssey, the song's structure is highly unusual in terms of popular music, split between keys and featuring multiple contrasting vocal parts.
Carl Wilson takes lead vocals here, and the track features a fantastic array of instruments, from the traditional to the make-shift. Sleigh bells, drums, flutes, clarinet, French horns and accordion all feature, but so do orange juice cups and manipulated piano.
Although God Only Knows has earned a place in history as among the best popular music has to offer, it did not fare too well upon initial release, hitting the top ten (but not number one) in several European countries, and peaking at 39 in the US.
David Bowie, of course, needs little introduction. No surprise that he successfully manages to put his own distinctive mark on the song.