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.
- The Beach Boys Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- Iconic and popular songs by the Beastie Boys
- Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
- The Beatles’ famous and popular songs
- Hidden gems of Western music. Lesser-known songs.
- The lineage of garage rock: the footprints left by the mavericks from abroad
- If fans were to name works that best capture the appeal of The Beatles, what would they be?
- Famous and Popular Songs by the Bee Gees
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Classic Motown Songs That Resonate with the Heart
- The Brilliance of Youth: A collection of the Carpenters’ signature and popular songs
- [50s–60s] A Collection of Rock ’n’ Roll Classics
- Signature and popular hit songs by the American group Backstreet Boys
Beach Boys Masterpieces and Popular Songs Summary [Beginner-Friendly] (41–50)
Barbara AnnThe Beach Boys
A wonderful track that lets you fully savor the beautiful harmonies synonymous with The Beach Boys.
With a simple instrumental setup and handclaps, the rough, almost face-to-face feel of the recording is also a highlight.
You can hear talking and chatter, and even someone bursting into laughter mid-song because they can’t hold it in, making it a fun, upbeat number that feels like you’re right there at a party.
Beach Boys Greatest and Most Popular Songs Summary [For Beginners] (51–60)
Pet SoundsThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys’ landmark work Pet Sounds continues to shine as an album that stands tall in music history.
Released in 1966, the album was crafted under the leadership of Brian Wilson and blends innovative musicality with deep emotion.
Employing complex instrumentation and groundbreaking recording techniques, its pioneering sound—incorporating elements of baroque rock and psychedelic rock—upended the conventions of pop music at the time.
Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and highly praised by many music critics, this album is a historic work that opened up new possibilities for rock music.
It’s a must-listen for anyone eager to explore the deeper allure of music.
How she boogalooed itThe Beach Boys
“How She Boogalooed It” is a track from the 1967 album Wild Honey.
The album was completed under the leadership of Carl Wilson, who took charge in place of Brian Wilson, who was in a neurotic state at the time.
It’s a fast, upbeat 8-beat number, but because the vocals aren’t chorus-heavy, it doesn’t feel very characteristic of the Beach Boys.
Keep An Eye On SummerThe Beach Boys
“Keep An Eye On Summer” is a track from the 1964 album “Shut Down Volume 2.” It’s a beautifully crafted ballad.
Under the summer sun, memories of falling in love, the blue sea and sky, and the Beach Boys all come rushing back.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to forget about time.
Love Is a WomanThe Beach Boys
“Love Is a Woman” is a track from the 1977 album “Love You.” It’s a bold and unique rock ballad.
Sung with a tipsy, drunken-like delivery, the song celebrates female beauty while revealing a man’s ulterior motives.
All I Wanna DoThe Beach Boys
“All I Wanna Do” is a collaboration between Brian Wilson and Mike Love, included on the 1970 album Sunflower.
The repeating guitar phrase is striking, giving the track a dreamy pop feel.
In the demo, this phrase was played on sitar, but the final recording ultimately used guitar.
Noble SurferThe Beach Boys
“Noble Surfer” is a track from the 1963 album Surfin’ USA.
It’s an early Beach Boys upbeat surf number, featuring fast-tempo rock and roll and a distinctive interplay between low and high vocal harmonies.