In memory of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson, these are, in my opinion, eight of the best songs he wrote, co-wrote, or arranged:
- God Only Knows (An honest, vulnerable way of telling someone, "You complete me.")
- Good Vibrations (Among the group's many surf and fun-in-the-sun hits, I think this one holds up best. The intro grabs the listener's ears, and the vocal harmonies propel the chorus effectively.)
- Heroes And Villains (Some of the group's most imaginative harmonizing. For a lounge arrangement with a hint of Wilbert Harrison's "Kansas City" in it, check out the Geraint Watkins version.)
- In My Room (Unusually introverted lyrics for a typically extroverted band.)
- Little Deuce Coupe (Of the group's songs involving cars, this one, to my ears, has the best shelf life. It also sparks this memory for me.)
- The Man With All The Toys (The a cappella refrain grounds this fun tribute to Santa Claus compellingly, while the rest of the tune has a fun, uptempo feel. Also, at just one minute and 35 seconds, the song doesn't wear out its welcome.)
- Sail On, Sailor (Anyone who had never heard "Sail On, Sailor" before probably wouldn't peg it as a Beach Boys song. In my view, however, it's one of their best tunes. The piano sets the mood, and Blondie Chaplin launches into the lyrics about life at sea. The group's harmony on the chorus is among its most atypical--and best.)
- Sloop John B ("Sloop John B" sports another intro that draws the listener right in. The lighthearted arrangement takes the edge off of grim folk lyrics.)
