# In 1965, Brian Wilson wrote what he called his greatest music. Decades later, he believed it was more powerful than ever

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1965-brian-wilson-wrote-what-he-called-his-greatest-music-decades-later-he-believed-it-was-more-powerful-than-ever/
- Published: 2026-10-23T20:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T20:10:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-1965-brian-wilson-wrote-what-he-called-his-greatest-music-decades-later-he-believed-it-was-more-powerful-than-ever/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Wilson called “California Girls”’ introduction his greatest music.
- The Bach-inspired opening signalled a more ambitious sound.
- The song reached number three in the US.

## Summary

In 1965, Brian Wilson wrote the classical-style introduction to the Beach Boys’ “California Girls”, drawing on ideas he had heard in Bach. He later called it the greatest piece of music he had written, seeing it as an anthem that showed the band could move beyond its familiar surf and car themes.

The song reached number three in the US, and Wilson later said it spoke more loudly than ever. Its layered harmonies and ambitious opening reflected his growing interest in richer arrangements, a direction he would pursue further on *Pet Sounds*.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.