Classic Pop Icons

The Beach Boys’ much loved recording “God Only Knows” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “God Only Knows” opened side two of the Beach Boys’ classic album “Pet Sounds” which was released 45 years ago today. The song was also on the B-side of the July 1966 single “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” in the US and an A-side in the UK.

“Pet Sounds” marked a turning point for the Beach Boys, with a whole new level of sophistication achieved in terms of both composition and production. Nowhere is this more evident than on “God Only Knows.” Although the track reportedly took less than half an hour to write, this doesn’t tell the full story because the multilayered instrumentation and vocal harmonies are what elevate this from a well crafted love song to one of the most critically acclaimed songs of the decade.

“I may not always love you” is an unusual sentiment to begin a love song with, but the remainder of the verse features the singer reassuring his lover of the depth of his feelings. This technique of mixing the pragmatic with the sentimental avoids the obvious and predictable lyrical route. Another example is the start of the second verse:

A lesser lyricist would have jumped straight into the “my life would be over” sentiment after the first line, but the second line provides a buffer before moving into more emotional territory:

Paul McCartney is on record as saying that “Pet Sounds” was a direct inspiration for “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and that “God Only Knows” is one of his favourite songs of all time.

The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows”

Authorship

Brian Wilson composed and produced the music for “God Only Knows.” Tony Asher wrote the lyrics. The pair wrote the majority of the “Pet Sounds” album together.

Recording date/location

The instrumentation for “God Only Knows” was recorded at Western Recorders, Hollywood, CA on March 10, 1966. The vocal track was recorded during March/April 1966 at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA.

Musicians

Brian Wilson produced the backing track first using some of LA’s finest session musicians, before the Beach Boys recorded their vocal parts, joined by Bruce Johnston who wasn’t yet a permanent member.

The following musicians featured on “God Only Knows”:

• Carl Wilson – lead vocal, guitar
• Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston – backing vocals
• Carol Kaye – electric bass
• Ray Pohlman – danelectro bass
• Lyle Ritz – string bass
• Hal Blaine – drums
• Jim Gordon – percussion
• Don Randi – piano
• Larry Knechtel – organ
• Carl Fortina and Frank Morocco – accordions
• Jesse Erlich – cello
• Leonard Hartman – clarinet, bass clarinet
• Bill Green and Jim Horn – flutes
• Alan Robinson – French horn
• Jay Migliori – baritone saxophone
• Leonard Malarsky and Sid Sharp – violins
• Darrel Terwilliger – viola.

Chart performance

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, backed with “God Only Knows,” reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.” “God Only Knows” also charted separately on the Hot 100, peaking at number 39 on September 18, 1966.

“God Only Knows” was the A-side in the UK where it reached number two.

Covers

Neil Diamond – “God Only Knows”

This is a stripped back cover, free from the complex harmonies and orchestration of the original. The lack of clutter works well, with Diamond’s subtle performance getting right to the heart of the lyrics. The cover opened Diamond’s 1977 album “I’m Glad You’re Here With Me Tonight.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr.Jr. – “God Only Knows”

Indie pop duo Dale Earnhardt Jr.Jr. included a cover of “God Only Knows” on their 2010 EP “Horsepower.” The band does a good job of recreating the feel of the original, with less resources, before veering off into psychedelic territory for a spaced out instrumental ending.

There will be a new Song of the Week on May 23.

The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” is on various editions of “Pet Sounds”, including the 2006 40th anniversary edition, which features both mono and stereo mixes.

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