The Smiley Smile Message Board

Sorry if this has been said before but why wasn’t This released as a single. I’m have no doubt this would have been a top 10 song

I agree. It was probably never going to get to Top Ten, but maybe it would have hit the top forty (which would have been a pretty good showing for a band almost 2 decades past it's prime).

I have a soft spot for "California Calling" but let's face it, it's one of the most derivative songs in their entire discography. The lyrics are pretty awful. I do agree, though, that it might've worked as a single, could've been a minor (!) radio hit I guess.

There's no way "California Calling" would have been a Top 10 single. "Getcha Back" was by far the best chance at a "hit" single, and it peaked at #26.

Lol ok maybe not top 10 but a minor hit. Getcha Back shoulda charter higher tho

It may have charted . After all Wipe Out made top 20
a coupled years later but I agree Getcha Back was the obvious lead single choice . The weakest part of it is the lead vocal . I think it would have gone higher with a better lead .

Where I Belong was by far the most single worthy track on that album.

It'd be interesting to know the reception Where I Belong or California Calling would have had if they were singles. California is catchy, but Where I Belong is pure art, 80s sound and all.

Also, we are missing the real, hidden #1 - Male Ego.

It's the best song on the album, but it doesn't have that retro BBs vibe that seemed to be necessary to get a hit.
No drums on it, either. AM radio liked songs with a beat.

Where I Belong...a real gem. Best song on it.

Always found it interesting that in JAPAN, they released their own compilation of SOUNDS OF SUMMER. It was finally pulled and the US version took it's place. But check out the last track on the CD. Kind of cool.

(https://img.discogs.com/9m54BkKAvMh9BRJ8cXlz2aJpsrU=/fit-in/600x518/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13783956-1561055136-1534.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51UnaFL07bL.jpg)

for those that don't know, it's Ringo on drums.  A good song, although the lyrics are weak (as has been stated)

in the top 5 worst Beach Boys songs for me  ;D

I usually skip it while listening the 85 album. It's not bad, it's kinda similiar with Kona Coast I guess, a little bit better though. Never a huge fan of this track, it's just so lame. I find the lyrics funny though. And I usually love Ringo's drumming but this track's drums sound like they were done with programming rather than by a Beatle...

totally rad

California Calling is a totally awesome track, dude!

Although hardly a remarkable song in and of itself, I wouldn't call it one of the band's worst songs either.  There are too many contenders for that.  The fact that Ringo plays the drums on it is pretty cool; too bad they didn't have him drum on a better song though.  🤷‍♂️

Just remembered it features in the "tag" to the twin video clips Getcha Back / It's Getting Late.

That was a cool little cameo by Brian where he picks up the sea shell and puts it to his ear. Would love to know more of the background to those clips.