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25 Essential Brian Wilson Songs

From summertimes rock classics to complex meditations on adult longing, the Beach Boys genius changed music forever

Listening to Brian Wilson’s music was like growing up with him. Beginning with songs about teenage kicks like surfing, driving, and chasing girls, he matured into thoughtful and introspective meditations on young adulthood and the eternal quests for “Good Vibrations” and “Love and Mercy.” As a songwriter, he blended the sensibilities of Fifties vocal pop, Wall of Sound girl groups, and a love of Chuck Berry’s lyrical joie de vivre into the Beach Boys’ unique sound, thanks in no small part to his ear for complex harmonies and unforgettable melodies. The Beach Boys were America’s first great rock group and their influence — and Brian Wilson’s songwriting — has been reverberating ever since. Here are 25 of his greatest songs.

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