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The Beach Boy Today!
I really love this album, and though there’s a song or two I’m not a super huge fan of, the majority of it is so fantastically done. Almost the entire album was written by both Brian Wilson and Mike Love, with only two covers out of the twelve songs. You can really hear a change in the Boys’ musical tone on this album, as they started to venture into the more progressive sounds. It’s not anything groundbreaking, but you start to get a taste of their more classic vibes. The album opens up with “Do You Wanna Dance?”, which wouldn’t have been my first choice for an opening track. Dennis provides the lead vocals, and his (somewhat) gruff voice is the first impression you get of a great album. It’s one of two songs that wasn’t done by Brian and Mike, but still performed really well. “Good to My Baby” and “Don’t Hurt My Little Sister” follow it, and they don’t really stand out that much, though they’re still good. They have the early 60’s sound that the Boys were known for at the time. The last half of Side A is extremely strong. “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)” is an awesome song, and it’s actually one of the first rock songs that discusses the upcoming years of adulthood. It’s followed by “Help Me, Rhonda”, but the first version of it (the second, and more popular, was released on “Summer Days (And Summer Nights)”). Al Jardine’s vocals really shine, and I seriously wish he had more solo songs. His voice is just always so spot on, and to me, he’s the best (consistent) singer in the group. Side A ends with “Dance, Dance, Dance”, probably one of the most up-beat and happy songs that they’ve released. I dare you to listen to it without tapping your foot or bobbing your head. Side B starts off with “Please Let Me Wonder”, which to me, is EASILY in the top 10 of most beautiful Beach Boys songs. It’s the first song Brian wrote while under the influence of weed, and let me say, it’s some of the best 2 minutes and 48 seconds you’ll ever experience. Not only does it contain a gorgeous and sentimental message, but the harmonies are so beautifully constructed. It’s followed by “I’m So Young” and “Kiss Me, Baby”. “Kiss Me, Baby” is also one of the best ballads written and performed by the Boys. I remember the first time I ever heard, and I think I played it on repeat for 2 or 3 days straight. I couldn’t get over how good the vocals were. The last half of Side B isn’t super strong, but still solid. You get to hear Dennis’s vocals one more time on “In the Back of My Mind”, and a lot of critics call it one the best songs written by Brian/Mike. Denny’s voice is just so raw, it really pierces you right in the heart. Overall, this album is very well structured, and definitely a must listen. I would most definitely recommend it for all you Beach Boys fans, and especially if you like 60’s rock/pop. This album is officially Berry Approved, so go listen to it now!
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