“Pet Sounds” is the 11th studio album by the band The Beach Boys. The album came out on May 16, 1966, and next year it will be the album’s 60th anniversary.
The Beach Boys are an American band. The members who worked on this album consisted of the three Wilson brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Mike Love who was their cousin, and their good friend Al Jardine.
Even though there are five of them, one shined above the rest Brian Wilson. Brian Wilson produced the album, and was the lead vocalist on ‘“Wouldn’t it be nice”, ”Caroline, No”, and “Don’t talk (put your head on my shoulder)”, as well as secondary/co-lead vocalist on other tracks.
Even though it was released last century it still holds up to this day. “Pet Sounds” is an essential listen for everyone coming into or leaving high school.
At first I was doubtful. The album cover consisted of all members of the band feeding goats. Even though the cover is fitting for the title, it still did not draw me in. I gave it the benefit of the doubt and it was worth the while.
The opening track “Wouldn’t it be nice” which is sung by Brian Wilson, is about younger lovers who wish to skip the present and go to the future, with lines like “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older?” and “We could be married”.
As a teenager I could relate to this because all I wanted to do in middle school was skip and get right to high school, without thinking about everything that would happen in between.
The following track, “You still believe in me” is also sung by Brian Wilson. This song follows a couple, where one partner shows undying support, while the other is lacking. This is obvious with a line like “I know perfectly well I’m not where I should be. I’ve been very aware you’ve been patient with me” or just the title of the song “You Still Believe in me”.
This track spoke to me in a personal way because I have had experiences in the past where I have failed friends and families. For example, I’ve forgotten about an important project in class, and let my partners down.
Another track off this album is “That’s not me” which is sung by Mike Love, the first track where he sings. The song discusses a boy leaving home to be more independent, with lyrics like “I had to prove that I could make it alone now But that’s not me” and “I’m a little bit scared ’cause I haven’t been home in a long time”.
As I grew up I wanted to gain a sense of independence in school and my personal life. However, I still realized the importance of knowing your limits and leaning on others.
If you don’t want a song with a deeper or emotional meaning, “Sloop John B” is a great choice. It features vocals by Mike Love and Brian Wilson with a chorus of all five members. This song is about a boy going on a sailing trip with his grandfather, where the boy just wants to go home. T
This was my favorite song from the album because it provides a refreshing break from all the songs with sadder or deeper themes.
These are my top four of 13 tracks off “Pet Sounds”. I chose these because they connected with me, as well as all high schoolers.
They represent different themes, which shows how dynamic the album is. The album has lasted through time, and that is because its themes are universal to all people, in any decade.
