While it does have its moments, it's certainly not a classic or even a great album, nor is it as good as Rubber Soul. Still, it is proof of the talent of Wilson and The Beach Boys. At their best they demonstrate an ear for a beautiful melody and a catchy tune and their are a number of examples of this.
'Caroline No', for instance, which Wilson called "my favourite on this album." Added to this list are a couple of famous Beach Boys tracks- 'Wouldn't It be Nice' and 'Sloop John B'- while 'Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulders)' is one of Wilson's typically sweet love songs. 'You Still Believe in Me' and 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times' are also worthy of mention. Finally comes an even more beautiful Wilson moment, 'God Only Knows', which would have to be one of the best tracks on all the band's albums.
These songs aside, Pet Sounds begins to look a little shaky. 'Here Today' is a reasonable effort, but just appears a little strained. A similar comment applies to 'That's Not Me' which, perhaps not coincidentally, Wilson said "was so great that I couldn't get enough listens." Believe me, you can. Of the other weaker moments, a couple stand out. 'Let's Go Away for a While' is an instrumental which, without trying to be insulting, sounds exactly like elevator music. The title track is also an instrumental and only slightly more interesting.
Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys will always have a place in the history of pop music and there a quite a few examples of the talent that has made them so beloved on this album. However Pet Sounds is not nearly as good as Wilson considers it to be and it certainly was not "the beginning of a new type of sophisticated-feeling music" which he hoped. It's good, but far from great.
RATING: 6.5/10
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