The two 1966 songs so good they “overwhelmed” Glenn Frey: “Inspirational”
Glenn Frey praised The Beach Boys’ 1966 album *Pet Sounds*, saying its sophistication overwhelmed him and calling it inspirational. He singled out “Caroline, No” and “God Only Knows” as his favourites, and recorded “Caroline, No” for one of his own albums.
The article argues that *Pet Sounds* shaped music well beyond its release year and influenced artists including the Beatles. Paul McCartney said the album informed his work on *Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*, which the article presents as an example of its wider impact on how musicians approached albums and songs.
In short
- Glenn Frey called *Pet Sounds* sophisticated and inspirational.
- His favourite tracks were “Caroline, No” and “God Only Knows”.
- Paul McCartney said the album influenced *Sgt Pepper*.
Explained simply
The Beach Boys were an American band whose music began with close harmonies and songs about youth and California life. In 1966, they released Pet Sounds, an album largely shaped by songwriter and producer Brian Wilson, which used layered arrangements and studio techniques to create a more elaborate sound.
Glenn Frey was a singer, songwriter and guitarist who later co-founded the Eagles. The Beatles were another British band whose albums helped change popular music in the 1960s; Paul McCartney said Pet Sounds influenced their 1967 album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The connections between these records help explain why Pet Sounds is often discussed as an influence on how musicians made albums.