+ 10 Questions w/ Founding Member Al Jardine

The Beach Boys, 1964 / Photo Credit: Warner Records Achieve, Getty Images

5. Don’t Worry Baby

“Don’t Worry Baby” was never supposed to be a Beach Boys classic. Lead Singer Brian Wilson had originally written the song for The Ronettes as a follow up to “Be My Baby,” but was turned down by then-music mogul Phil Spector. Although discouraged at first (The Ronettes are famously one of the Brian’s favorite artists), The Beach Boys recorded the track on January 7th, 1964 and released it later that same year. “Don’t Worry Baby” was another chart-topper, landing #1 on Canada’s RPM Adult Contemporary Charts and #17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of The Ronettes, has expressed on multiple occasions how badly she wanted to record the song in the 60s; she fulfilled this dream (and Wilsons) when she released her version of the song in 2005.

4. Good Vibrations

While this isn’t my favorite Beach Boys song, I’ll give credit where credit is due. “Good Vibrations” is considered by most die-hard music fans as one of the greatest songs ever created. I cannot even begin to fathom the stroke of genius on the part of Brian Wilson, who is often regarded as one of Top 10 songwriters of all time. Every second of this 3:35 song sends the listener into a world of psychedelic bliss; From the harsh, classic rock sound heard in the chorus, to that iconic hook, “Good Vibrations” is quite literally a well of good vibrations. Most importantly, it’s the one song that Brian wants the Beach Boys to be known for.

3. Wouldn’t It Be Nice

Arguably the most popular Beach Boys hit, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is a staple for any popular music lover. I find it so interesting that some of the melodies used, namely during the first five seconds, were taken from classical musicians; Brian often credits Bach as the creator for that particular melody. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” represents the “Golden Era” of 60s classics, one that remains untouchable according to most music historians. Songwriter Tony Asher credits Brian for the song’s inspiration, sharing that "the innocence of the situation—being too young to get married—seemed to be immensely appealing to him." The song is a cheery, summer classic that is almost guaranteed to please.

2. Surfer Girl

I know for sure that this is a wild card for many; “Surfer Girl” doesn’t even appear in the Top 10 on most of these lists. But for me, a ballad of this caliber deserves to have a much greater platform than the one it currently holds. It’s one of the only notable “slow songs” done by the boys, who took a dive into all things experimental during the latter half of the 60s. “Surfer Girl”’s harmonies are flawlessly composed, a skill that Brian acquired from the vocal quartet The Four Freshmen. In a previous interview, he actually crowned the hit, along with “California Girls,” as his two favorite Beach Boys songs. The song laid out the groundwork for many of the 60s pop ballads that would follow.

1. God Only Knows

I can think of no greater musical masterpiece than “God Only Knows.” The song is rightfully considered one of the most timeless classics in pop music history, evident in its beautifully written lyrics and melody alike. That, of course, is again due to the musical genius of Brian Wilson, lead vocalist on the original recording. Carl took the song to a whole other level when performing the song on the road, as his live vocals are some of the best I’ve heard amongst his rock and roll contemporaries. I can go on and on about the intricately crafted bridge structure, complex harmonies, or the distinct color in Brian Wilson's voice during his prime, but it takes a listen to experience the true magic of the song.

Q&A w/ The Beach Boys’

Al Jardine

WIMITLA.: How did you guys start the group?

Al Jardine: I literally bumped into Brian Wilson in a crosswalk on campus at El Camino College in 1961 and I said, “Hey Brian, let’s start a group!”

W: Describe the moment that you realized you were famous.

AJ: When Brian and I raced over to my house, my parents’ home, next to the college and we turned on the radio and heard our song “Surfin’” being played on KFWB for the very first time.

W: You’ve performed all over the world with both Brian Wilson and the rest of the Beach Boys. What are some of your favorite venues that you’ve played?

AJ: The Beacon Music Theater in New York and the Olympia in Paris where everybody has played, from Billie Holliday on to all the great artists. It’s still there and still going strong!

W: Your longevity as artists and performers is so rare in the music industry. What is the single, greatest reason for this success?

AJ: The songwriting.

W: What do you feel is the most underrated Beach Boys song and why?

AJ: “Add Some Music To Your Day” because it’s a great production, a great performance, each one of us played and sang on it and we produced a wonderful track.

If there was one song that you could play for the rest of your life, what would it be?

AJ: God Only Knows

W: What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

AJ: Brian said “always finish your songs” but a better one is “always begin your song with a hook”.

W: What advice do you have for up and coming artists today?

AJ: Be ready to perform your music because it’s more fun performing than it is recording.

My Top Five Beach Boys Classics