Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
Since their formation in 1961, The Beach Boys rose to popularity with songs that embodied the bright youth culture of California in the United States.
After the release of the historic masterpiece Pet Sounds, which fully showcased the artistic talents of their central figure Brian Wilson, their musical style evolved, and the band became a towering influence on generations to come.
On June 11, 2025, news of Brian’s passing at age 82 was widely reported by media in Japan, and surely introduced many younger listeners to the extent of his impact.
In this article, especially for beginners, we’ll introduce a selection of must-hear tracks—from their early hits to songs from the 1970s and beyond, after Brian stepped back from the spotlight.
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Beach Boys Greatest and Most Popular Songs Summary [For Beginners] (71–80)
Spring VacationThe Beach Boys
A track from The Beach Boys’ 2012 album “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” by the long-standing band that began as a surf rock group in the 1960s and has continued to thrive.
It drew attention as their first album in 20 years consisting solely of original songs.
This song features captivating choral work and, true to its title, is the kind of tune you’ll want to listen to when you’re in a laid-back, vacation mood!
Surf’s UpThe Beach Boys
Considered one of the most beautiful and uniquely worded songs in The Beach Boys’ catalog, it was released in 1971.
Despite its title, the song has nothing to do with surfing and is said to be a product of the lyrical imagination of Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks.
Surfer GirlThe Beach Boys
This is a song by The Beach Boys, a representative band of the surf and hot-rod sound.
The band is known for its beautiful choral work.
Although it’s a slow-tempo song, it would be a perfect fit for a leisurely drive along the seaside.
Isn't it lovely?The Beach Boys
It’s a work that makes your heart race with its bouncy melody and choral work, and feels refreshingly pure with its platonic, simple lyrics.
The overdubbed, sparkling, cute intro guitar and accordion wonderfully capture the thrill of the heart in sound, showcasing excellent sensibility and ideas.
FriendsThe Beach Boys
It may not be flashy, but it’s a textbook example of a 3/4-time pop masterpiece! The Beach Boys, who sing this song, have been hugely popular since their formation in 1961 as a group symbolizing America’s West Coast, and after shifting to a more art-oriented approach, they released provocative works that went down in music history and influenced artists around the world.
Released in 1968, Friends—an album that also includes songs penned by members other than Brian Wilson, who had been leading the initiative—is a soft rock classic with a pastoral vibe.
The title track here features dreamy choral work and melody, along with delicate arrangements—simply wonderful.
You can really feel the unique atmosphere that only a 3/4 meter can create!
Surfin UsaThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American surf rock band that was active in the 1960s.
Their music is characterized by lively songs themed around West Coast youth culture—especially the blue ocean, bikini-clad girls, surfing, and cars.
Their first hit song was “Surfin’ U.
S.
A.”
Wouldn’t Be NiceThe Beach Boys
A track that opens the Beach Boys’ masterpiece Pet Sounds, which is often mentioned alongside the Beatles’ Sgt.
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Its dreamlike, floating sound and rich choral work shimmer—an iconic song from rock’s most radiant era—and it lets you savor Brian Wilson’s profound compositional abilities, which go far beyond the cheerful California sound.