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Mon 13 October 2025 19:18, UK
It’s the sound of summer, it’s the sound of love, and many would say it’s also the sound of the greatest song ever written. The Beach Boys’ classic ‘God Only Knows’ is a watermark in pop music. There is a before ‘God Only Knows’ and there is an after ‘God Only Knows,’ with the masterpiece representing the moment that pop went baroque, standing firmly on the shoulders of all that had gone before, gazing ahead and forecasting the sonic-surfing future.
Its beauty alone would have secured its place in music history, but beyond the majesty lies a deeper narrative: the moment pop culture truly usurped traditional art forms—novels, classical music, and beyond—as the cultural comfort blanket that humans crave and proudly acknowledge. This pivotal moment was even heralded by Leonard Bernstein, a figure who was simultaneously being overshadowed by pop while praising its emergence.
“For a long time now I’ve been fascinated by this strange and compelling scene called pop music,” Bernstein remarked on CBS’ Inside Pop program. “I say strange because it is unlike any scene I can think of in the history of all music.” His words hinted at the modern renaissance that pop music represented, a shift that would redefine the cultural landscape.
Bernstein elaborated, “This new music is much more primitive in its harmonic language. It relies more on the simple triad, the basic harmony of folk music. Never forget that this music employs a highly limited musical vocabulary; limited harmonically, rhythmically, and melodically. But within that restricted language, all these new adventures are simply extraordinary.”
With ‘God Only Knows,’ Brian Wilson and his band seemed to transcend these perceived limitations, pushing pop to unprecedented heights. Wilson himself noted the song’s unique structure: “It’s not really in any one key. It’s a strange song. That’s just the way it was written. … It’s the only song I’ve ever written that’s not in a definite key, and I’ve written hundreds of songs.” This innovative approach was further enhanced by the layering of elements through technology, creating a three-dimensional sound that practically rendered mono recording obsolete.
Upon its release, ‘God Only Knows’ sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving musicians of that era in awe. It was a flawless piece of music—an extraordinary blend of innovation and beauty, where each element elevated the other. In essence, ‘God Only Knows’ is a song that shaped the second half of the 20th century and beyond, embodying a beautiful utopia where unmatched prettiness revels in progress and stirs us all with the same simple loveliness as a sunny day.
But you shouldn’t just take our word for it; countless musicians have echoed its greatness, asserting its position as perhaps the paramount pop song in music history. Below, we’ve compiled glowing views from some of the most iconic names in music, each adding their unique perspective on the song’s enduring impact.
Musicians on ‘God Only Knows’ greatness:
Many artists have cited ‘God Only Knows’ as a transformative work. Paul McCartney of The Beatles famously declared it one of his favorite songs, praising its intricate harmonies and emotional depth. He noted how it influenced his own songwriting, particularly in the way it blended complex musical ideas with accessible melodies.
Radiohead’s Thom Yorke has also expressed admiration for the track, highlighting its ethereal quality and the way it captures a sense of longing and beauty. He remarked on how the song’s arrangement creates an almost cinematic experience, transporting listeners to another realm.
Even contemporary artists like Adele have acknowledged the song’s brilliance, citing it as a benchmark for emotional songwriting. She has mentioned how its themes of love and vulnerability resonate deeply with her own work, inspiring her to explore similar depths in her music.
These reflections from musicians across generations underscore the timelessness of ‘God Only Knows.’ It is not merely a song; it is a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and influence artists, proving that its legacy is as enduring as the emotions it evokes.
