10 Greatest Vocal Performances In Classic Rock

There may have been bigger stars than the Beach Boys in the 60's, but there was no other artist who could blend their harmonies as perfectly as these guys from California. Though Brian Wilson had already shown his ability to write perfect pop tunes, it wasn't until Pet Sounds that the rock world realized what a genius he really was.

The entire album is a parade of Wilson's musical mind, from the lush arrangements to the meticulous way that every instrument was put in its right place. Though each of the members contribute their signature talents to each song, "God Only Knows" could very well be the reason why we are still talking about the Beach Boys as a cultural pop force. The lead vocal by Carl Wilson could be good enough on its own, with its subdued delivery and impressive use of falsetto, but Wilson doesn't stop there.

Towards the end of the tune, each of the vocals are layered one on top of each other, almost creating a Gregorian chant out of a typical baroque pop arrangement. In the ultimate compliment back, Paul McCartney was so taken aback by this song in particular that he set out to top it with Sgt. Pepper's. When you've influenced a Beatle to change their musical direction, you know you're on another level of greatness.