What can I say about an album that has been so celebrated that hasn’t already been spoken or written. There are certainly no shortage of docs about this fruitful period of theirs. For me Pet Sounds is pure magic and I know I will never grow tired of it. So it is not here for obligatory reasons. Most top album lists have it within the top 5.

Richie Unterberger at AllMusic: The best Beach Boys album, and one of the best of the 1960s. The group here reached a whole new level in terms of both composition and production, layering tracks upon tracks of vocals and instruments to create a richly symphonic sound. Conventional keyboards and guitars were combined with exotic touches of orchestrated strings, bicycle bells, buzzing organs, harpsichords, flutes, Theremin, Hawaiian-sounding string instruments, Coca-Cola cans, barking dogs, and more. It wouldn't have been a classic without great songs, and this has some of the group's most stunning melodies, as well as lyrical themes which evoke both the intensity of newly born love affairs and the disappointment of failed romance (add in some general statements about loss of innocence and modern-day confusion as well). The spiritual quality of the material is enhanced by some of the most gorgeous upper-register male vocals (especially by Brian and Carl Wilson) ever heard on a rock record. "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "God Only Knows," "Caroline No," and "Sloop John B" (the last of which wasn't originally intended to go on the album) are the well-known hits, but equally worthy are such cuts as "You Still Believe in Me," "Don't Talk," "I Know There's an Answer," and "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times." It's often said that this is more of a Brian Wilson album than a Beach Boys recording (session musicians played most of the parts), but it should be noted that the harmonies are pure Beach Boys (and some of their best). Massively influential upon its release (although it was a relatively low seller compared to their previous LPs), it immediately vaulted the band into the top level of rock innovators among the intelligentsia, especially in Britain, where it was a much bigger hit.

Pet Sounds is a classic album by the American rock band The Beach Boys, and one of their most acclaimed and influential works. Released in 1966, the album showcases the band’s musical sophistication, lyrical depth, and studio perfectionism. Pet Sounds is a masterpiece of pop music, blending elements from rock, folk, jazz, classical, and avant-garde with complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and innovative production techniques.

The album consists of 13 tracks, each with its own distinctive mood and style. The opening track, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, is a cheerful and optimistic song that expresses the longing for adulthood and marriage. The second track, “You Still Believe in Me”, is a tender and melancholic ballad that reveals the insecurities and doubts of a lover. The third track, “That’s Not Me”, is a catchy and upbeat song that reflects the desire for authenticity and independence. The fourth track, “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)”, is a romantic and soothing song that conveys the power of silence and intimacy. The fifth track, “I’m Waiting for the Day”, is a hopeful and confident song that anticipates the end of a previous relationship and the start of a new one.

The sixth track, “Let’s Go Away for Awhile”, is an instrumental piece that creates a relaxing and dreamy atmosphere with various sounds and instruments. The seventh track, “Sloop John B”, is a traditional folk song that tells the story of a disastrous sea voyage. The eighth track, “God Only Knows”, is a beautiful and heartfelt song that expresses the gratitude and devotion of a lover. The ninth track, “I Know There’s an Answer”, is a lively and energetic song that explores the search for meaning and truth in life. The tenth track, “Here Today”, is a witty and sarcastic song that warns about the fragility and uncertainty of love.

The eleventh track, “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times”, is a sad and introspective song that reveals the alienation and isolation of an individual who feels out of place in society. The twelfth track, “Pet Sounds”, is another instrumental piece that features animal noises and percussion instruments. The thirteenth and final track, “Caroline, No”, is a nostalgic and mournful song that laments the loss of innocence and youth.

Pet Sounds was a commercial and critical success, reaching number two on the UK charts and number 10 on the US charts. It was also nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1967: Best Album Cover (designed by Tommy Steele) and Best Vocal Group Performance. It has appeared on many retrospective “greatest albums” lists, such as Rolling Stone , Time , Mojo , Pitchfork , NME , and The Guardian . It has also influenced many artists across genres, such as Paul McCartney, Brian Eno, Elton John, Radiohead, Animal Collective, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean.