Paul McCartney praised The Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds as a record far beyond its contemporaries, describing it as “the classic of this century”. The article presents the album as a major influence on McCartney and The Beatles, particularly for its ambition, songwriting and studio innovation.

Released in 1966 and largely driven by Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds helped redefine what a pop album could achieve artistically. McCartney has repeatedly highlighted its enduring quality, suggesting it was made to outlast its era rather than simply succeed in the charts.