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 Masterpieces and Popular Songs Summary [Beginner-Friendly] (41–50)
The Beach Boys: Pop Music RevolutionThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are a band that has embodied California culture—surfing and more—since the 1960s, led by hit songs like “Surfin’ U.
S.
A.” Their documentary was released exclusively on Disney+ in May 2024.
The relationship with their contemporaries and rivals, the Beatles, is also a key point of interest.
Through the story from their formation and interviews with the members, the documentary delves into the appeal of the Beach Boys, who helped shape American pop music.
Drive InThe Beach Boys
Drive-In is a track included on the 1964 release All Summer Long.
It’s up-tempo, and the crisp, snappy chorus creates a feeling of motion.
The spoken-style vocal section in the middle is very unique.
It’s a song that evokes a 1960s American vibe.
Getcha BackThe Beach Boys
The opening track from the 1985 album “The Beach Boys’ 85.” After thriving through the ’60s and ’70s, the band went about five years without releasing an album due to a member’s death and struggles with mental illness.
This song was created when they reunited after that hiatus.
With its choral arrangements, vocals, and unmistakable Beach Boys flavor transported into the 1980s, it became a hit number.
Let us go on this wayThe Beach Boys
“Let’s Put Our Hearts Together” is a track from the 1977 album “Love You.” It’s a powerful, high-energy rock number from the album that marked Brian Wilson’s full return.
StokedThe Beach Boys
“Stoked” is a track included on the 1963 album “Surfin’ USA.” Deeply influenced by Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys crafted a distinctive sound of their own.
“Stoked” is a surf instrumental, and its guitar work and rhythm have a pleasing swing—rather than today’s mechanical feel—making it especially easy on the ears.
Summer’s GoneThe Beach Boys
“Summer’s Gone” is a track included on the 2012 album “That’s Why God Made the Radio.
” Marking the Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary, it is a dreamy song that captures the bittersweet feelings of a passing summer.
Surfin’ SafariThe Beach Boys
This is a song that’s indispensable when talking about the history of surf music.
Released as the Beach Boys’ debut single in June 1962, it’s a track that can be called a quintessential work of surf rock.
With its quintessentially “surf” breezy melody, the members’ still-fresh vocals, and catchy lyrics, everything about it makes you feel fantastic listening to it on a midsummer beach.
It was also included on the album Surfin’ Safari and reached No.
14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song cemented the Beach Boys’ popularity and has been used in many films and television shows as a symbol of surfing culture.