Rick Rubin praised Brian Wilson as an unusually gifted musician whose ability to hear and realise distinctive harmonies and arrangements set him apart. The article argues that Rubin valued emotional truth and originality over technical perfection, seeing Wilson’s work as evidence of a rare, almost unclassifiable creative instinct.

Rubin said Wilson created “beautiful” musical ideas that might initially seem illogical to others, but which became enduringly powerful when recorded. The piece cites the Beach Boys’ harmonies, Pet Sounds and songs including ‘Surf’s Up’, ‘God Only Knows’ and ‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times’, while noting that Wilson’s music connected sophisticated arrangements with widely relatable feelings.