In 1965, Brian Wilson wrote what he called his greatest music. Decades later, he believed it was more powerful than ever
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*.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Brian Wilson was a songwriter, singer and producer in the Beach Boys, a Californian band that became famous in the 1960s. Their early hits often drew on surf culture, cars and teenage life, while Wilson increasingly explored more elaborate sounds and arrangements.
“California Girls” combines the group’s close vocal harmonies with an orchestral-style opening influenced by classical music. Its success helped show the range of music the Beach Boys could make, and Wilson later developed that interest in richer arrangements on the album *Pet Sounds*.