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)
Summer of Love (Summer Means New Love)The Beach Boys
A masterpiece included on the classic album “Summer Days.” It’s one of the most popular instrumental tracks by the Beach Boys.
The piece itself is a guitar instrumental—a romantic song in which a beautiful melody unfolds over backing strings—but elements like the ending are crafted in a way that foreshadows “Pet Sounds,” which is fascinating.
Although it’s a ballad, it’s clearly different from the surfing-oriented style of “Surfer Girl” or “Girls on the Beach,” yet as a standalone work it’s an exceptionally beautiful gem.
Little HondaThe Beach Boys
This song, released by The Beach Boys in 1964, celebrates the joy of riding a small motorcycle, the Honda Super Cub.
The Super Cub remains popular in Japan, and although the song wasn’t originally made as a Honda commercial, it shows how well the Honda brand was liked overseas.
Nearly 60 years later, in 2020, it was adopted as the commercial song for Honda’s kei car, the N-ONE.
Graduation DayThe Beach Boys
If you’re in the mood for something moving and sentimental, I absolutely recommend the Beach Boys’ “Graduation Day.” It strips away unnecessary instruments so you can fully savor the vocals and harmonies.
This is exactly what a truly good song is all about.
Beach Boys Masterpieces and Popular Songs Summary [For Beginners] (81–90)
Don't Worry BabyThe Beach Boys
When you sing it with those high, bright vocals and harmonies like the Beach Boys, any song turns into a beautiful melody, doesn’t it? In this song, she encourages him by saying “Don’t worry,” and you can gently feel his happiness wrapped in her kindness.
Little BirdThe Beach Boys
This is a track included on the Beach Boys’ 1968 album “Friends,” by the legendary surf rock band from the U.
S.
West Coast.
Rather than being primarily composed by core member Brian Wilson, it was mainly written by Dennis Wilson.
With a melancholy melody intertwined with the Beach Boys’ signature harmonies, it’s a classic summer song.
Wouldn’t It Be NiseThe Beach Boys
This is the song used as the theme for the movie “The Girl in the Sun.” It’s a love song that asks how wonderful it would be to marry the one you love and live together, so I think it’s perfect for a wedding.
Make it goodThe Beach Boys
“Make It Good” is a track from the 1972 album Carl and the Passions—“So Tough.” Backed by an orchestra, it features a classical, grand arrangement and stands as a moving work that sings of supreme love.