About this album
Where they were
Released in 2001, 'The Very Best of The Beach Boys' came at a time when the band was celebrating their enduring legacy. This compilation followed several years of sporadic activity and growing nostalgia for their classic sound, serving as a retrospective of their most beloved songs from the 1960s and early 70s. It encapsulated not only their commercial peak but also the cultural significance they held in American music history.
Why it matters
This compilation album reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and showcased The Beach Boys' immense influence on pop and rock genres. Its release reinvigorated interest in the band, leading to new generations discovering their music and cementing their status as icons of American music culture. Additionally, it has been praised for highlighting the band's intricate vocal harmonies and innovative production techniques.
Essential tracks
- "Good Vibrations" — Regarded as one of the band's most ambitious tracks, it showcases Brian Wilson's innovative production and complex structure, capturing the essence of the era.
- "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" — This song serves as an anthem for youthful optimism and romance, perfectly encapsulating the band's signature sound with lush harmonies.
- "God Only Knows" — Often cited as one of the greatest pop songs ever written, its introspective lyrics combined with intricate arrangements highlight the band's artistic depth.
- "California Girls" — This track embodies the quintessential California sound and lifestyle that The Beach Boys popularized, making it an enduring summer classic.
- "Kokomo" — Released later in their career, this hit single marked a commercial resurgence for the band in the late '80s and continues to be a fan favorite.
Release Date
January 1, 2001
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Good Vibrations 3:37
- 2 California Girls 2:43
- 3 I Get Around 2:14
- 4 Wouldn’t It Be Nice 2:25
- 5 Surfin’ Safari 2:07
- 6 Fun Fun Fun 2:20
- 7 Surfin’ USA 2:29
- 8 Help Me Rhonda 2:47
- 9 Don’t Worry Baby 2:50
- 10 When I Grow Up (To Be a Man) 2:04
- 11 Little Deuce Coupe 1:38
- 12 Dance, Dance, Dance 2:00
- 13 Little Honda 1:52
- 14 Do You Wanna Dance? 2:21
- 15 Surfer Girl 2:27
- 16 Then I Kissed Her 2:16
- 17 God Only Knows 2:50
- 18 Caroline, No 2:19
- 19 Sloop John B 2:55
- 20 Barbara Ann 2:06
- 21 Heroes and Villains 3:38
- 22 Do It Again 2:19
- 23 Darlin’ 2:13
- 24 Wild Honey 2:38
- 25 Break Away 2:56
- 26 Rock and Roll Music 2:28
- 27 I Can Hear Music 2:37
- 28 Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) 3:02
- 29 Lady Lynda 3:58
- 30 Kokomo 3:35