School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Pet Sounds

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Album

Pet Sounds · Brian Wilson stopped touring in early 1965 to concentrate on writing and studio work. For this eleventh album he wrote the songs with lyricist Tony Asher and arranged and produced everything himself. He wanted to build further on Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and to surpass the Beatles' Rubber Soul. Recording ran mainly from January to April 1966. Studio musicians, among them the Wrecking Crew, largely took over the instruments from the band, while the layered vocal harmonies remained the core.

The sound combines pop with jazz, classical influences, found sounds and instruments that were unusual in rock. The lyrics are personal: You Still Believe in Me is about one's own shortcomings and I Just Wasn't Made for These Times about alienation. In the United States the reception was lukewarm, in Great Britain enthusiastic. Later Pet Sounds was called one of the most influential albums ever.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to I Just Wasn't Made for These Times and notice the contrasts between the soft, vulnerable singing and the rich arrangements around it.

Track list

  1. 1Wouldn't It Be Nice2:35Apple Music ↗
  2. 2You Still Believe In Me2:36Apple Music ↗
  3. 3That's Not Me2:31Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)2:58Apple Music ↗
  5. 5I'm Waiting for the Day3:07Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Let's Go Away for Awhile2:26Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Sloop John B3:01Apple Music ↗
  8. 8God Only Knows2:56Apple Music ↗
  9. 9I Know There's an Answer3:19Apple Music ↗
  10. 10Here Today3:09Apple Music ↗
  11. 11I Just Wasn't Made for These Times3:22Apple Music ↗
  12. 12Pet Sounds2:37Apple Music ↗
  13. 13Caroline, No2:54Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

See also

Categories: Albums and songs