A Ranking of The Beach Boys Songs

If you love the beach, summer and surfing, there is a high chance that you might like the Beach Boys! Formed in 1961, this quintessential American rock band created a unique sound with their blend of rock, pop surf and psychedelia. 

On August 28th, the Beach Boys will be hitting our Weill Hall stage. In honor of this I will be ranking a small selection of Beach Boys songs. In total this list encompasses 30 of their songs, but I will be giving some thoughts and options on the first 15, continuing with a number ranking without any context. 

Disclaimer: This is all for fun! Everyone has their own favorites from this and any other band. This is not an all encompassing list nor is it a reflection of everyone at the Green Music Center’s musical option.

1. Wouldn’t it be Nice

This song is the opening track from their 1966 album Pet Sounds, and is arguably one of their most popular songs. It is one of their most recognizable tunes and is a crowd favorite. The fun reminiscence of a beautiful future is something many people can relate to. For this reason it has to be number 1. The band might have songs with deeper meanings and more diverse melodies but it’s a song I think everyone can get behind. 

2. Surf’s Up

Surf’s up is the title song for their 1971 release. This melancholic tune is fraught with meaning. From the first line’s reference to Guy de Maupassant short story “The Necklace,” and the fall of Rome, this songs’ lyrics have a multitude of interpretations. It also has several different melodic phrases, creating a different listening experience within the same song. Being able to listen to a song and have a discussion about how someone can relate to it makes it all the more fun! The duality of the song makes it second on my list. 

3. Darlin’

Talk about a bop! From the 1967 album Wild Honey, this song is full of good vibes and always makes my playlist. The happy tune always brightens my day. Its relatively short but within those 2:15, we can feel the love, vibey feelings, and  simple joys. This song has to be in my top 3. 

4. Surfin USA

This title track from the 1963 Surfin’ USA album, is the quintessential Beach Boys song. There has not been a surfing centric movie that has not included it, and it is one of their most recognizable songs. Whether you surf or not, this song gets everyone in the beach mood. The tune, and feel of this song is summer, and you cannot go wrong with it, putting this song at number 4 for me. 

5. Sloop John B

From the 1968 album Stack-O-Tracks, this song really sparked my interest upon the first listen. The song is based on a Bohemian folk song that was first transcribed in 1916 by Richard Le Gallienne. The tune, despite its happy melody, is pretty sad, depicting a sailors poor experience on his ship, a sloop (which is a single masted sailboat). It is a fairly relatable song; many people have been in situations where they have left home and have wanted nothing more than to go back. This universal song is something we can all empathize with; this plus the catchy fun melody creates a great song to listen to whether or not you’re feeling homesick. 

6. California Saga’s- California  (On My Way to Sunny California) and California (Big Sur) and California Saga (Beaks of Eagles)

This ode to California came out in 1973 on the album Holland. Now, it might be cheating for me to include three songs in one slot of my list, but they are all sums of the same whole, and since I make the rules, I’m allowing it. Each of these individual songs can be listened to on their own but have fades that, when you’re listening to them, makes them feel like one whole song. This is an artistic concept that I always love to hear! It is a beautiful creative choice. Each song has its own emotion that it evokes. The difference between Beaks of Eagles and On My Way to Sunny California is great, and I have to say that it is such an enjoyable listen.

7. Barbara Ann

This hit from the 1965 album Beach Boys’s Party! is one to get you grooving on the dance floor. I like this one for the fun vibe and the light hearted sentiment of finding someone who can really allow you to let loose. It’s fun and an easy song to listen to, bringing it to my number 7. 

8. ‘Til I Die

A more somber tune from the album Surfs Up, 1971. The fairly positive melody is contrasted with lyrics of a more self-reflective and melancholy tone. The song professes the powerlessness of the individual when we look in comparison to the expansive universe. Drawing from feelings many of us can have, at least at one point in time, relate to, this song is simple but beautiful. Perfect for an existential crisis, leaving it at my number 8. 

9. Sail on, Sailor

From the 1973 album Holland, comes this fun tune. Wth an almost bluesy sound, this song is fairly positive! Perseverance through lies, struggles, with the acknowledgment of hardships makes this song, yet again, relatable to most people. I love the fun vibes with the positive message so it had to go in my top 10.

10. Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on my Shoulder) 

From the 1966 album Pet Sounds, this romantic song is one that sings about nonverbal communications between two people. I think this is such a beautiful thing to sing about, and is a very underrated part of love. Spending time with the one you love and being able to purely be together, spending time in the present moment, is a great thing. 

11. The Surfer Moon

This song is from the 1963 album Surfer Girl. A really great theme showcased in a wide range of music, includes the theme of the moon being a metaphor for the dark side we all have within us. The “surfer moon” is one of these same elements. I love seeing something that is used so constantly in other music be changed to something to fit the vibe of the band; instead of just the moon, or the dark side of the moon, like we would normally hear, it is referred to as the surfer moon, to fit their surfer vibe. 

12. Lonely Sea

Thematically similar to “‘Til i Die”, “Lonely Sea” questions our place in the universe. The song from the 1963 album Surfin’ USA, brings us some existentialism and fear for the future and universe. The feeling of being small and alone is depicted beautifully in this ballad. 

13. She’s Got Rhythm

The only song on my list from the album M.I.U., put out in 1978, this song is fun and dancey. We all got rhythm and wanted to find someone to dance with, even when the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for. 

14. In The Parking Lot

Another song about spending time with your loved one, this song from the 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2, this song can remind us all about the third-space a parking lot provides. This song about spending time with your partner before school is fun and easy to listen and relate to.

15. All Summer Long

From the album American Graffiti, 1964, this song about summer sings about the carefree nature of youth. It’s fun, it’s relatable, and it’s a Beach Boys sign with classic Beach Boys themes. What’s not to love? 

That is it for my top 15, but I will continue with the rest of the ranking below, with no explanation.

16. The Warmth of the Sun

17. Kokomo

18. In My Room

19. Don’t Worry Baby

20. I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times

21. All I Wanna Do

22. Let Him Run Wild

23. Feel Flows

24. Caroline, No

25. I Get Around

26. Keep an Eye on Summer

27. Good Vibrations

28. God Only Knows

29. Please Let Me Wonder

30. Heroes and Villains 

If you’re a long time listener or a newer fan, I hope this ranking provides some insights, new information or makes you think a little about your favorite songs. Don’t forget that The Beach Boys will be surfing the Weill Hall stage Wednesday, August 28th at 7:30 p.m!

Written by Liza Schoen

Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.