There’s a reason why The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson is considered “a living genius of pop music.” He is the big brain behind the legendary and still-influential rock outfit, and he dished out hit after hit as if he needed to do so to stay alive. Brian Wilson’s songwriting is simply on another level… And these four songs are great examples of that talent.
1. “This Whole World”
The Beach Boys are rarely associated with the blues. However, some of Brian Wilson’s songs had a touch of blues influence, and “This Whole World” from 1970 is a solid example. This track is on the classy side of The Beach Boys’ discography, and the blues-tinged guitar track is easy to miss unless you listen closely. Wilson’s ear for melody is next-level, and this song was a real banger when performed live.
2. “The Little Girl I Once Knew”
Brian Wilson’s best songwriting came during an era when rock music was still simple and newish. Everything up until that point was very pop-tinged. Wilson wanted to do something different and penned a number of songs that flipped the script while still having a “fun” vibe. “The Little Girl I Once Knew” from 1971 famously uses vocals as instruments, and even John Lennon was a massive fan of it.
3. “Sail On, Sailor”
Brian Wilson is more than just a stellar songwriter. He is also, comparatively, much less of a diva than many of his contemporaries. He was never opposed to collaborating with others and enjoyed celebrating the artistic integrity of his fellow musicians. “Sail On, Sailor” is a collaborative effort between Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks that proved that not only was Wilson a great songwriter, but he knew how to kick off a beautiful collaboration.
4. “Sloop John B”
Brian Wilson’s excellent songwriting wasn’t always super refined, and that was part of his appeal. “Sloop John B” is a beautiful example of Wilson’s ability to put out a strong melody; one that is quite addictive and has since become a chant-friendly tune still enjoyed today. Yet again, Wilson proved that his talents translated well in multiple areas of popular culture.
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