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I know, I know, it's hard to pick your top 10 favorite Beach Boys tunes. But, that's the fun of it. Trust me, I could have picked my 50 favorites and still had a hard time. :D Just try your best and explain... even if it's just one sentence!

Pick for yourself. In other words, don't just pick Good Vibrations just because you respect the fact that it was madly produced... pick songs that make you smile, stop, and listen.

In no order:

LET THE WIND BLOW - Terrifying. Depressing. Beautiful. Even though I said "In no order," this song may be my favorite BB song of all time. Brian Wilson's heart sings with an angry/happy play on words. What a musician Brian Wilson is. I can't believe he still exists (thank God for that); He's such an enigma. 

ALL I WANNA DO - Not to be confused with 20/20's "All I Want To Do." This is Mike Love at his vocal best. Mike must have been wanting to make a psychedelic love song that sounded like a lot like The Beatles. It's a great, dreamy tune. And while we're at it, let's throw in "Meant For You" for the hell of it (besides, it's only a few seconds long). ALL I WANNA DO is easily the best album on Sunflower (relax... I like "This Whole World," too... but I listen to AIWD more).

WILD HONEY - I know, I know, BUT it's fun and has that strange "Ironside" theme song horn/string thing going. Poppy and soulful as it is, it doesn't sound like any other BB song! Also shows Carl's true vocal talent, as well.

THE WARMTH OF THE SUN - No explanation is needed. The Beatles never wrote ANYTHING as beautiful as this (and I'm just as big as a Beatles fan as I am a BB nut!).

YOU'RE SO GOOD TO ME - Another song that justifies their competition with the Beatles. It's happy. It's a love song. Harmonies are colorful and catchy. Almost sounds like Brian is singing like he's crying when he says "And I love it... love it!"

LET US GO ON THIS WAY - I was at a record store in Seattle recently and I came across a sealed copy of the LOVE YOU album. On it was a sticker, written by someone that worked there, and all it said was "the craziest sh*t we've ever heard." And that's exactly what this album is all about. There are some songs that sound so vulgar (in sound, not lyrics... wait, sometimes lyrics, too), yet it's no surprise the man behind Pet Sounds created it! As for LET US GO ON THIS WAY, what a song!!! The heavy synth plus Carl's drunken vocals... classic! I'd love to see Mike Love, on vocals, and Bruce Johnston, on moog, perform this song at a Chucky Cheese or something.

I JUST WASN'T MADE FOR THESE TIMES - I just wasn't made to write anything about this song, other than it's a sad masterpiece. Truly reflects what would happen (and was happening) to Brian Wilson during his darkest moments,

SURF'S UP - Note: The version I'm referring to is the all-Brian Wilson take (boxed set version) , NOT the "Surf's Up" album redux w/Carls' lead. Surf's Up is another song that needs no explanation. That footage of him singing/playing it on his piano is the image of a legendary musician. 

SURFER GIRL - A melodic love song with a hint of childish fantasy. Again, the Beatles never did ANYTHING as smooth as this.

CAN'T WAIT TOO LONG - A different, but awesome, song that screws with your head with its constant repetitive lyrics for very long periods of time. Then, just when you think it goes on forever, it changes in melody and tone.

My top 10 favorite Beach Boys songs:

It was really hard to limit it to 10.  Most of my choices are from the earlier material, though I love the later songs too.  When I listen to the music of the Beach Boys, I'm not only hearing notes and rhythms... I also get these amazing visuals in my mind, and sometimes even can "feel" the music through it's vibrations.  It was hard to describe each song, since my listening involves the senses and the soul and it's sometimes hard to put this experience into words.

10.  I Get Around - One of the coolest intros in the history of music.  This is a total feel-good song, and a great driving tune. Tight vocals.. love the hand-claps in there. This is one of those great songs where you have a fast accompaniment and the lead vocal is has smooth sustained notes... gives the feeling of motion, I get quite a multi-dimensional experience when hearing this one. 

9.  Baby Blue -  This song is so romantic. So smooth and flowing.  Puts me in a dreamy mood when I hear it.  Dennis and Carl's vocals are wonderful. 

8.  Wouldn't It Be Nice - This song not only sounds beautiful, but it also has beautiful, romantic lyrics.  Love the innocence in it.  Gorgeous harmonies, such interesting chord progressions, can hear some wonderful instruments in there like mandolins, timpani, harp... Simply gorgeous.  The theme reminds me of daydreams... love it.

7.  Surfer Girl - Perfection.  Beautiful, romantic ballad, with full rich harmonies and a nice chord progression. The key change at the end is a nice touch.  The lyrics are very sweet with a beautiful innocence.

6  Dance, Dance, Dance - This one is an instant energizer.  I always want to get up and dance whenever I hear it.  I love how Brian sings "I wanna da-----nce" and holds the note while the background vocals and accompaniment are going double time to his chorus.  I love when songs do that.

5.  Catch a Wave - It was the chord progression that grabbed my attention when I first heard it at the age of 8.  I instantly went nuts when I first heard it, and I everytime I listen to it, it's like the first time again.  So many things about this song are great... the chord progression in the chorus "catch a wave and you're sittin on top of the world"... but also love all the little things about it.. like the splash of the cymbals, the fluorish of the harp,  love the toms in this one too.  Love the "ooh wah ooh wah" vocals, and that funky little organ also caught my attention... lyrics are funny too  "They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon"... This one should have been a single!!!

4.  Good Vibrations - Apart from all the attention this song has gotten from it's production,  I like this song because it's one of the most interesting songs that the Beach Boys have recorded.  Awesome vocals, so much to hear in the instrumental backing too.. lots of stuff going on.  Lyrics are great too. I never get tired of this one.

3.  In My Room - Gorgeous harmony, a beautiful melody, nice chord progression. This was the first song of theirs where I really sat back and took notice of how beautiful their vocals are.  I can really identify with the lyrics too.. as I have experienced the theme of that song when I was growing up. And I can't help but sing along when there's harmonies that perfect to accompany me.

2.  Good to My Baby - This one runs a close second to CCC in how it affects me.  Its those killer vocals... fast dance tempo, and love the guitar riff in there too. Such a contrast between Brian's falsetto and MIke's bass.  Love when they alternate singing the line "Good to my baby" in an awesome vocal chord progression.  There's just so many cool things about this song it's hard to put into words. Instant good mood song.

1.  Car Crazy Cutie - This song has a profound effect on me (as I have mentioned before in other threads). Very cool intro "Run a run a doo run run", simple classic chord progression with some wild chords thrown in.  Love the bass in this one.  But most of all it's those VOICES!  When you hear this one coming out of 6 speakers surrounding you at a decent volume, it's freakin'' amazing.  I can hear them all individually.  Love Brian's lead.  I can feel the testosterone in this one (if you can believe it).. and it makes me a little crazy myself.  (I better stop there before I say something embarrassing).  ;)

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Also in no particular order:

Surf's Up- I'm with runalot here, as I greatly prefer Brian's solo piano version.  It's beauty is unparalleled in all of pop.
A Day In The Life of a Tree- probably the most poignant and sad song Brian ever wrote.  I feel his pain when I listen to this song.
Wouldn't It Be Nice- perfect lyrics, perfect vocals, perfect arrangement.  Everyone can relate to these feelings, and Brian puts them to music flawlessly.
Caroline, No- okay so technically it's Brian solo, but this song just has to be mentioned.  Wonderful melody...Brian singing "break my heart" is classic.
Kiss Me Baby- sweet romantic song that just aches like young love tends to do.
It's Over Now- this song should be a standard.  Chords are fantastic, and Carl's voice is perfect for it.
Don't Worry Baby- Brian's best vocal, in my opinion.  Classic melody, even if some of the lyrics are somewhat trite.
Good Vibrations- still blows my mind when I listen to it.  Production is top notch and its originality shines through brightly.  
Forever- Denny's best...lyrics are beautiful, and the harmonies bring it to life.
Time To Get Alone- classic Brian gem here...Carl's vocal is fantastic.  Beautiful song

1. God Only Knows
To cut a long story short: this is the best song ever made by anyone. It's absolutely perfect.

2. Time To Get Alone
An absolutely beautiful song. I think I prefer the alternate version of "Hawthorne, CA." because I love the rawer vocals and the whistle part. I do really miss the "DEEP and WIDE" in that version though.

3. Forever
I don't think the Beach Boys (or anyone else for that matter) ever came closer to making a second "God Only Knows". I think it has a very similar feel. And it's not even Brian's.

4. I Get Around
Great energetic track. Has perhaps the most powerful group vocals they ever recorded and the falsetto is my all-time favorite Brian vocal.

5. This Whole World
Amazing melodies and chord progressions. Doo wop taken to a whole new level.

6. Surf's Up
The album version, because I love the rich arrangement. Very impressive piece of music.

7. Good Timin'
One of my favorites, despite the lame and uninspired sounding backing track (especially those drums...). Vocally this is easily one of their most beautiful songs.

8. Break Away
Great, powerful song with an amazing drive and probably my favorite lyrics in any Beach Boys song.

9. Our Prayer
It just blows my mind that something this good was made with just oohs, aahs and mmms. I want this song on my funeral, very loud and right at the start before anyone has said anything. Should be very impressive.

10. Don't Worry Baby
Very touching, nice lyrics too.

1. God Only Knows
Beautiful musical inventions, every second of it. Upside down bass harmonies in optima forma. Pure magic!
2. Cool, Cool, Water
Relaxing, peaceful, a blessing for the ears!
3. Cabinessence (20/20)
Especially because of the instruments below "Over and over, the crow cries...", the climbing piano motiv, the heavy fuzz bas, the tinkling percussion, the quasi sitar sounds (on banjo), the eastern woodwind, the eastern 7(sus4) chords...etc.
4. You Still Believe In Me
One of the greatest melodies and a beautiful chorus.
5. In My Room
Pure harmony, with a modal touch (the chord on the 7th note). Simple=beauty
6. Good Vibrations
Bag of tricks in a stunning mini pop symphony!
7. I Went To Sleep
Mystical atmosphere.
8. Break Away
Jump for joy!
9. 'Til I Die (Desper mix)
It has the greatest tag, it could live forever.
10. Time To Get Alone (Hawthorne, CA version)
With that very nice smileyesque trumpet (and/or horn?) solo, and the beautiful a capella end

Al this is that! (another hint)

Ugh, this is always hard. And my list fluctuates all the time. Like, Time To Get Alone usually makes the list, but at the current moment I’m burned out on it, so it’s going to be bubbling under for now. And what about Solar System? Add Some Music? This Car of Mine? Cuckoo Clock? Wake The World? Cabinessence?

The top 5 seems to remain fairly consistent, though…..

10. Airplane – one of Mike’s best lead vocals, and Brian almost manages to sound like his old self on this touching little number.
9. Catch a Wave – Like a stick of dynamite. Just a perfect song. Great opening vocal riff, majestic harp riff, and fun surf lyrics. Brilliant. The most sophisticated surf song ever written.
8. Wouldn’t It Be Nice – How can you beat this piece of perfection? It’s the great horns that seals the deal on this one.
7. Do It Again – No matter what’s going on at the time, this song is guaranteed to make you feel great. Roll down the windows and rock out.
6. Warmth of The Sun – One of my earliest musical memories. I remember really being turned on by Brian’s voice when I listened to this cut on Endless Summer at a very young age.
5. Caroline No – Brian’s singing is so great, and the lyric is something you can really identify with. At least I can.
4.  Don’t Talk – Again, this one is great because of Brian’s wonderful voice.
3. Sloop John B – Just plain fun. When I hear it on the radio it always picks things up. One of Brian’s best productions. Great sound.
2. Wonderful (Boxset) – My favorite lyric, and sung by Brian.
1. God Only Knows- What more can be said? The greatest song ever.

Thanks for the replies, guy/gals! Many descriptive explanations that are very interesting!

This is a great thread!  :)

I will limit myself to non-PS-BWPS-songs, because then my whole list would consist of them. Anyway:

10. Dance Dance Dance
The sound of punk-music, only ten years earlier and of course more sophisticated. 2 minutes of pure energy.

9. Don´t Worry Baby
Brian´s message to Spector: I can do this too!!! Just a beautiful song that helped me through a lot of bad times.

8. When I Grew Up To Be A Man
The chord-changes are mindblowing. Beautiful coda. In some way the earliest Pet Sounds-song.

7. California Girls
Great melodie, great song, bla bla bla...BUT...that intro...THAT INTRO!!!

6. Cool Cool Water
Stunning harmonies. Great to sit back and relax to. Like "spiritual peace", dressed as sound.

5. The Little Girl I Once Knew
A very progressive pop-song. That´s when Brian started to experiment with editing, cutting sections together. The bridge is amazing.

4. In My Room
One of those songs where everyone says "this song was written about me!". I first heard it on my first BW-concert, during the unplugged-section. For some reasons, out of all the songs on that evening, "In My Room" was the one that stucked in my head after the concert.

3. All Summer Long
The ultimate sommer-song. Makes me feel good whenever I hear it. One of these songs where everything is just right.

2. Surfer Girl
That´s the first song Brian ever wrote?!?! The word "wunderkind" comes to my mind. As beautiful as anything Bach or Mozart have ever written.

1. Til I Die
You know, there are songs that go deep. Some go very deep. This one goes to the bottom. The best and most honest lyrics Brian has ever written. Emotion, put into music.

In chronological order:

1.  YOUR SUMMER DREAM -- One of the most beautiful ballads ever recorded.  An underappreciated gem.  Great chord progressions, sweet, intelligent lyrics, Brian's youthful voice is beautiful.

2.  LET HIM RUN WILD -- An absolutely incredible piece of songwriting, as well as production.  Love the vibraphone (or whatever it is) in the mix of the chorus, love the "guess you know I've waited" part.  I've always interpreted the words as being addressed to Audrey regarding Murry (a little Oedipal, I know).

3.  LET'S GO AWAY FOR A WHILE -- Magical.  Unlike any other pop music recording I've ever heard.  This is what the soundtracks of movies in heaven are like.

4.  GOD ONLY KNOWS -- The pinnacle of Brian's genius.  Macca was right when he called this the greatest song ever recorded.

5.  SURF'S UP (1966) -- A haunting, utterly original song.  I can't imagine the full production would have had any more impact than this version.

6.  BUSY DOIN' NOTHIN' -- Brian does Bossa Nova?!  Yes, he does, and makes it work perfectly for him.  Relaxed, catchy, and beautiful -- the lyrics are classic Brian.

7.  THIS WHOLE WORLD -- The vocals are breathtaking, especially the a capella tag.  The Beach Boys never sounded better than they did on this track.

8.  A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TREE -- Obviously an acquired taste, it has become one of my all-time favorites over the years.  I love the simple, yet powerful arrangement -- a precursor to Love You -- and the massed vocals at the end ("oh Lord I lay me down") blow me away.

9.  I WANNA PICK YOU UP -- An utterly perfect pop confection with classic bizarre "Love You" lyrics.  Dennis's vocals are so perfect.  I only wish the chorus was Brian and Dennis instead of just Brian double-tracked.

10.  MY DIANE -- This song is like a strangled cry of anguish in the midst of the otherwise slick "M.I.U."  Denny's vocal is pure authenticity.  Love the sweet, sweet strings deep in the mix on the second verse.

Yep. Wonderful stuff.

Roller Skating Child - a perfect song. Bouncy, joyous and creepy beyond belief. I wish all music was like this. Contains some of the best Brian lyrics ever, "We'll make sweet lovin' 'til the sun goes down / We'll even do more when your mama's not around."

Lonely Sea - utterly beautiful. The narration in the middle is a marriage of goofiness and heartbreak made in heaven. Wonderfully creepy backing vocals too.

I Get Around - a musical revolution; a deeply harmanious shot to the head; kicking your butt with great singing. Sums up all that is great about 60s music, and what drew me to it in the first place. People also forget to acknowledge the obvious relation between I Get Around and Good Vibrations, both have so crazy arrangements, they're almost not songs anymore - Brian creates moments for the listener, fragmenting the songwriting into repeated vignettes, greater with each listen, yet strong enough to change your life in a heartbeat. As such, I rate this higher than Good Vibrations since it came out earlier. A good candidate for best song ever, by anybody.

Do You Like Worms? (box set version) - for me, it's the summation of what SMiLE is about, and a big part of the reason why SMiLE is my favourite music. The lyrics go deep, and are augmented by the silly, cartoonish treatment on the first chorus and both silliness and beauty on the second. Then BANG! the bizarre Hawaiian chant coming from nowhere and everywhere, an utterly deep sound from a voice knowing no bounds; Brian is in his element, voice coming from beyond. When the tinkling theme returns, it will make you dream.

All Dressed Up For School - great rock 'n roll track, fab vocals. The wordless bridge vocals are perfect.

'Til I Die - few songs plow this deeply. Other people have discussed the greatness of this song more eloquently than I ever could.

With Me Tonight - an irresistable ditty. Carl's voice is too good for words.

Heroes and Villains - this is a great song, in any incarnation and mix. Great and funny lyrics, it rocks hard and leaves you wondering what hit you.

Surf's Up - do believe the hype, this is every bit as great as claimed.

You Still Believe In Me - the best song off Pet Sounds, automatically making it one of the greatest songs ever written.

Ian -- Glad you agree.  I have to ask -- is "Cpt. Howdy" an Exorcist reference?  And is your avatar Mark Hamill?

10. I'm So Young.. (Though it's a cover it still has some of the best vocals by the group and really fits their sound perfectly)
9. Don't Worry Baby.... (I Love It More Than "Be My Baby" Good Job Mr. Wilson)
8. God Only Knows.... (I Don't Think I Need 2 Speak On This Masterpiece, Self Explanatory)
7. That's Not Me.... (Amazing Instruments and Lovely Vocals By Mike)
6. I Do Love You... (Beach Boys + Stevie Wonder = Such a Breezy Song)
5. Surfer Girl..... (The  First Beautiful Song Brian Wrote In My Opinion)
4. Please Let Me Wonder ... ( The is one of the few songs that gives me the chills...in a great way though.)
3. The Night Was So Young ....(Gorgeous Guitar Riffs & Melody)
2. Caroline No... (My Fav. Song On Pet Sounds)
1. Wouldnt It Be Nice.... (This Song Is The Reason I Ever  Looked Into The Beach Boys Music)

10. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
09. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
08. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
07. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
06. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
05. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
04. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
03. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
02. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me
01. One of 5302 different songs depending on when you ask me

In no particular order...

Early Period/1962-1965

1. The Warmth of the Sun. I've always thought that this was the best song on Shut Down Vol. 2. Yes, even better than Don't Worry Baby.

2. Please Let Me Wonder

3. In the Back of My Mind. It was either this or Let Him Run Wild, and I think this just barely edges out over the other.

Middle Period/1966-1970

4. Wouldn't It Be Nice

5. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder). This is a really, really tough call to narrow down Pet Sounds to only two or so tracks.

6. Heroes and Villains. Duh.

7. Cabin Essence.

Late Period/1971-

8. Til' I Die.

9. Surf's Up

10. Lady (Fallin' In Love) - Better than Forever in my honest opinion.

This might change but...

All I Wanna Do - Sunflower: This song is unbelievably beautiful.  The production is just mind blowing.  Countless Indie bands today have tried to capture the essence of this song and have not succeeded.

This Whole World - Sunflower:  One of the most entrhalling compositions I have ever heard.  In less than 2 minutes it takes you on a larger journey than any prog-rock epic could.

That's Not Me - Pet Sounds: Mike's best vocal ever.  Amazing lyrics, fantastic chord progression.

Til' I Die - Surf's Up: Chilling, phenominal vocals, the best lyrics Brian ever wrote, awesome Tag

Good Vibrations - Smiley Smile: The Greatest Pop Song of All Time

Wouldn't It Be Nice - Pet Sounds: The other greatest pop song of all time.  Great arrangment touches.  The slow down at the end is just so powerful.

Surf's Up  - Various: Every version of this song has something I love.  The 71' version has the moog synth during the end which I love, and while Carl's vocal is generally not quite as wonderful as Brian's is, I prefer his "Columnated Ruins Domino"  Right Now my favorite might be the 67' version.  It's the first time I really perceived the sadness of the song. 

Anna Lee, The Healer - Friends: Love the chillness of this.  The vocals are the prettiest group vocals I've ever heard.

Please Let Me Wonder - Today!: The Best Ballad Brian ever wrote.  It's so powerful and beautiful.

Slip on Through - Sunflower: The best rockin' number the Beach Boys ever did.  Amazing chorus and bridge.  Love the backing vocals...

Though I really doubt this list would look like this tomorrow...

Funny to see my list from five years ago again. 'Good Timin'' and 'Don't Worry Baby' probably wouldn't even be in my top 50 now.

1.  Surf's Up
2.  'Til I Die
3.  Sail on Sailor
4.  Heroes and Villains
5.  God Only Knows
6.  I Get Around
7.  Don't Worry Baby
8.  All I Wanna Do
9.  Please Let Me Wonder
10.  Caroline No

Inevitably, I'll change my mind about some of these tomorrow...

I'm Waiting For The Day
(She's Not The) Little Girl I Once Knew
Kiss Me Baby
My Diane
All I Wanna Do
Little Deuce Coupe
California Girls
Salt Lake City
This Car Of Mine
Till I Die
Song that would have placed, had it been a Beach Boys record: The New Girl In School.

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times (stereo mix)
Surf's Up (in any permatation)
Be With Me (magnificent song/production)
That's Not Me (magical, the 'session highlights' on the box set rate highly on their own)
Can't Wait Too Long (Just so sad it was never quite finished, magical)
Let The Wind Blow
Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
Cabinessence (the new mono mix on the Smile Sessions box is possible definitive)
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Mrs. O'Leary's Cow

this is so hard but here goes:

Warmth of the Sun otherworldly. never fails to instantly transport me within the first few notes. how the hell did he do that?

In the Back of My Mind this one is like a trip into the back of Brian's mind. the subject matter deals with feelings that few writers if any ever attempted to convey. some of Brian's finest and most touching work. and I love Denny's vocal.

Little Girl I Once Knew cutting edge and modern even today, yet SO sixties! it's a shame this one didn't become a hit, but i'm glad it gets some love in Brian's live shows.

That's Not Me why do I love this song so much? it does some really cool modulating, but it's way more than that... I just love it SO much.

Wonderful/Look/Child/Surf's Up might be cheating here but the 2nd Movement of BWPS is one of Brian's crowning achievements, although I disagree with the key change at the end of Look and the newly written music which covers up the stark piano and horn line at the end of Child. Still, the sequencing of these 4 songs is possibly the greatest thing ever. Wonderful is so achingly beautiful and evocative. Look is so unique and so Brian... I wish it had been completed in 1966. Child is such an oddity, the opening guitar chords and harmonica line is like floating away on a musical raft. Utterly gorgeous and I wish it too had been finished back in the day. Not much to say about Surf's Up that hasn't been said already. The backing track alone blows my mind.

Wind Chimes another one that transports me to such a peaceful place.

Little Pad From the bust-up at the beginning to the glissando at the end I absolutely love it. I was just thinking how it's kind of the super-mellow fraternal twin of 'Good Vibrations'... recorded in seemingly unrelated sections, and the humming part is a lot like the '"gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations" part. Good Vibes has cellos and theremins, Little Pad has ukuleles and steel guitars.

Here Comes The Night Brian gets funky with a little help from Baldwin. This song is simple, infectious, and f*cking ROCKS. I really enjoy Brian's lyrics too.

When A Man Needs A Woman pure, honest Brian singing about the joys of marriage and becoming a dad. Puts an instant smile on my face every single time.

Busy Doin Nothin I'm a bossa nova and a Brian Wilson freak, so it's impossible not to mention this merging of the two. Brian's lyrics continue to crack me up.

Breakaway the demo version. I really prefer it to the finished product. It lost something special when the boys added all their parts. It lost Brian.

This Whole World what a song. the chord progression is crazy and complex, but you'd never really know from just listening to it. It flows so magically.

Trombone Dixie/Had To Phone Ya Trombone Dixie is quite a piece of music. I'm glad Brian did something with it eventually.

Matchpoint of Our Love that's right! this song holds a special place in my heart. Brian's voice is soft and smooth, and the tennis-themed lyrics are him at his quirky best. this song makes the entire disco era alright in my book.



what? that was way more than 10??!!! my bad.  ;D
I could go on and on...

your top 10 is the most interesting one i've seen on this message board so far :)

In no particular order, with two bonus tracks!!!:

Carl's Big Chance - The lead guitar and the rest of the track just sound so damn tight.
Here She Comes - My favorite off CATP
The Trader - I like the lyrical content and the background vocals starting second verse.
Johnny Carson - Ridiculous and awesome. The sound of Mike Love's voice. Totally doesn't want to sing it.
Let's Put Our Hearts Together - Awesome vocal performance by Brian.
Hang On To Your Ego - Doesn't have the commercial appeal of the one that made it to the album but I like them.
She's Goin' Bald - A song about Mike Love
Little Pad - I can actually visualize the little pad, u no?
Long Promised Road - Carl's best song but tempo could have been a little faster like the live versions.
Surf's Up - every version of this song is mindblowing.
Slip On Through - Dennis' best Jim Morrison impression. This song rocks hard
She Knows Me Too Well - THe melodies and harmonies and vocal performances are great.

This list doesn't seem right and my reasons are terrible,. terrible terrible reasons. But the songs are great. Probably the ones I listn to th e most

1. All Summer Long: The Beach Boys definitive statement of purpose. Great melody, great lyrics, GREAT backing track. It instantly encapsulates all that The Beach Boys and the California myth are all about. Kidnap an alien from a far of galaxy and after hearing 30 seconds of this, he'll know what's up.

2. Kiss me Baby: perhaps the most lovely and truthful love song ever written. Incredible drum part as well.

3. The Girls On The Beach: I tell ya, I grew up in Southern CA and spent me entire childhood/teenage years on the beach. And whenever I hear this song, I'm taken right back and reminded that what was once within reach is now in the distant past, but WAS in reach and reach I did and in that...... brings us to the next song.

3. The Warmth Of The Sun: translate this song's sentiment into pretty much any life situation and it will make you feel good and reassured despite the pain. Is there any greater honor one can bestow on a work of art than that?

4. God Only Knows: Need I explain?

5. Wouldn't It Be Nice: Once again, need I explain?

6. Sail On Sailor: Rockin track, great lyrics (they make little sense, but flow like butter and somehow make perfect sense .... when sung) GREAT vocal by Blondie. Just an all-time classic.

7. All I Wanna Do: THIS might be the Beach Boys real pocket symphony? A mini masterpiece and Mike's definitive proof of greatness.

8. All This Is That: Supernova Carl!

9. Surf's Up: No matter what version this one just kills. Brian simply owns the universe with this one and the lyrics are the BEST to ever grace a pop rock song IMHO.

10. California Girls: Mike's lead is one of the greatest ever committed to tape and who can argue with a single aspect of this song and it's production? One of the bright shining lights in pop music history.

Right, this reply has probably taken me an hour to write after going through every song and wondering if it's top 10!

The first is my absolute favourite, but after that, they are not in order:

1. Time To Get Alone - This is my best song ever. This is such an emotional song for me. It is also the perfect song in my opinion. I don't have a bad word to say against it other than I wish it was more well known. The rest of the world truly is missing out on a gem with this one. Perfect production, perfect lyrics, perfect vocals by the band, even more so by Carl. Perfect. Heavenly, really.

2. Till I Die - What a song. This song oozes emotion and suffering but is addictive. One of the best BB songs and up there with the best anyone has produced.

3. Our Sweet Love - A lot of people may laugh at this one, but I have only just discovered this within the past couple of years! When I got engaged this summer it was the song that made my fiance know he would propose that day, on a beach. It came on in the car and he just knew it was right! So it will be our first dance. :)

4. Forever - Dennis' talent was totally under-rated. More people should know about this one, it is such a simple but wonderful song. Dennis was in fine voice here, thankfully.

5. God Only Knows - Like others have said, I don't need to explain this choice. Carl is amazing on it.

6. All I Wanna Do - A very chilled out song. It's a regular on my car stereo as it helps to calm me down after a hard day at work! Great production and a cool feel to it.

Ah I only have 4 choices left!

7. Darlin' - After listening to the BB in my childhood then forgetting about them largely, this was the song that got me back into them after I heard it on a compilation CD. All the best things about the BBs in this song.

8. Let the Wind Blow live - The live in concert version of this is so wonderful. Carl's vocals are so powerful and meaningful and it's such a great version.

9. Tune X - It's a totally new one to me, but I am blown away by it. I am obsessed with it at the moment and to me it's the best thing to have come from TSS. I only wish there was more to it and that it had been released. I think it could easily have been up there with GOK and GV. Easily.

10. So hard to choose 10. This is so unfair! Ok.... Good Vibrations. You can't fail to be cheered up with this song. It gets everyone singing, no matter what age they are. It's a great pop song, but it's the most amazing pop song ever.

Ok, so that's my choice. The other main contenders were Add Some Music, Cool Cool Water, Don't Talk, Feel Flows, Our Prayer and Surfs Up. I know it's cheating to mention these, but it's a very hard choice! As many others have said, it depends on your mood!

1. God only knows (perhaps the best song ever written by anyone)
2. Good Vibrations (obviously)
3. Caroline, no (second best song on Pet Sounds imo)
4. Surf's Up (TSS version, the only real rival to "A day in the life")
5. In my room (beautiful song with amazing chord progression, a masterpiece)
6. Wouldn't it be nice (the intro alone is better than entire albums by other artists; "wish/hope/pray". it's life itself)
7. Heroes and Villains (the best track from the SMiLE era)
8. California Girls (a milestone in the entire career of the band, it's impossible to make a credible top 10 without it)
9. I get around (complex and commercial, one of their very best)
10. Don't worry baby (meant to be a follow-up to the classic "be my baby" and even tops the original)

heroes and villains ? the best track from the smile era? I beg to differ.

Which one is better, besides Good Vibrations (which began in the Pet Sounds-era) and Surf's Up ? (which I ranked higher, so H & V is the second best track then).

1. Darlin - The energy level throughout the song is stunning and it's their best chorus

2. Help me Rhonda (Today) - So many great hooks starting with the raw intro, the harmonization is among their best + coolest lead vocals of their career.

3. Wonderful (BWPS) - IMO it's BW's most complex composition and the chorus is his most beatiful melody of all time.

4. God only know - Enough said already

5. I'll bet he's nice - Great hooks throughout, the synth is unique and it's very sad

6. Wouldn't be nice - It's the high energy and the positive vibe that does it

7. I'd love just once to see you - Reminds me of all the great indiepop and it has a fun ironic vibe about it. The end is the best part!

8. I get around - Enough said already

9. Heroes and Villians - It's mostly the fascinating structure of it and the whole legacy. Not sure how great it is but I always listen to it.

10. Surf's up (BWPS) - Obviously it's the basic melody that's great. Have no idea what the hell the lyrics mean

God Only Knows - the greatest song of all time IMO. Nothing beats this.
Surf's Up - a beautiful melody and complex arrangement. There is so much going on in this song. To me it's like the God Only Knows of SMiLE.
Good Vibrations - no explanation needed.
Help Me Rhonda (single version) - some people say that this is one of the more mindless songs in the Beach Boys catalogue, but I disagree. The hard rocking beat, the harmonies, Mike's bass line, all really make this song a favorite of mine.
I Get Around - no explanation needed.
Darlin - I love Carl's vocals on this track. It's very energetic, which I like.
Sail On Sailor - probably the most underrated Beach Boy song IMO. I love the feel, and Blondie is terrific on this track.
Heroes and Villains - the SMiLE and Smiley Smile versions of this song are wonderful, but my favorite version of this track is the live performance by Carl featured on the Endless Harmony CD. It's a really uptempo, rocking version of this song.
Pet Sounds (the instrumental) - Don't ask me why, but this is my favorite instrumental that the Beach Boys ever did. I love the somber, reflective tone that it gives off when I listen to it on Pet Sounds.
Cabin Essence - All the little things going on in this song really make my hair stand up on its end, especially the chorus.

A special mention to Hushabye, which just barely wasn't included on my list - it's probably one of the greatest covers that the Beach Boys ever did, along with maybe "I Can Hear Music."

My top ten ( no specific order, other than chronological)

You Still Believe In Me - that basic repeating 3-chord progression (that bass!), the longing loving lyrics and they way Brian sings them.
God Only Knows - a number of reasons make this perhaps the best modern music piece.

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - the very first indie song, I'm 20 yrs old and the youthful anxiety that Brian sings of connects with very many young people.
Heroes And Villains - The most dramatic of the smile songs and wonderful arrangements, vocals, and the most creative theme of music of all time, so many sections!

Surf's Up - The first Beach Boys song I ever heard, prob at age 13-14 and the one I cherish the most, if only this was the Beach Boys song ppl heard first! VDP at his best lyrically.
Cool Cool Water - any verion of this is great, but the Smile era version with its repetitivness, the bass and the twangy single guitar notes and the organ, just perfect.

Child Is The Father Of The Man - This song I love for the dazling vocals in the chorus, the drumming in the chorus, the booming fizzling bass of Carol, the most mysterious smile track (never before released)
All I Wanna Do - this song is very similar to IJWMFTT (above) in the sense that it is modern sounding, very indie, and very heartful lyrics and vocals by Mike!

A Day In The Life Of A Tree - INDIE, so many groups have tried and failed to capture the mood of this song, how could anyone?
Til' I Die - Perhaps being next to ADITLOAT (above) on the album makes it even deeper, wow that album is so dark! but so beautiful!

1. "The Little Girl I Once Knew"

2. "Let Him Run Wild"

3. "California Girls"

I love these songs for the same reasons.  Complex arrangements with subtle touches whether it be the organ in "Little Girl", guitar in LHRW or the percussion in CG (which has the greatest intro in the history of pop music)

4. "Wouldn't It Be Nice"  - The bass at 1:43

5. "God Only Knows" - Carl Wilson

6. "Good Vibrations" -

Numbers 4, 5 and 6 are in the top 4 of all pop songs.

7. "Wonderful" - SMiLE version - I love VDP's lyrics - it cracks me up that she can only really count on her parents at a time when you shouldn't trust anyone over 30.

8. "This Whole World" - Almost a return to 1965 for Brian.  The song soars for 1:58

9. "All This Is That" - This song is just so peaceful

10. "Surf's Up" - The greatest pop song of all time.

I would also add that it is a great shame numbers 1, 2 and 10 are largely unknown outside of Beach Boy's world while "Kokomo" is. 

In no particular order:

I Get Around
Surfer Girl
California Girls
Wouldn't It Be Nice
God Only Knows
Don't Worry Baby
When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)
You're So Good To Me
Good Vibrations
Help Me, Rhonda

To me, all of these songs are perfect in every single way -- writing, performance, production, etc. I'd argue that it's impossible for anyone, whether casual fan or diehard, to not love them. Miraculously, none of them sound even the least bit dated today, and are just as fresh as they were 40 years ago. I'm a huge fan of the Wild Honey to Surf's Up era, but I can't in good conscience claim that any of those songs are better than the ones I've mentioned above. But this is also kind of like saying that Abbey Road isn't as good as Revolver or Rubber Soul, for 2 reasons: (1) It's incredibly subjective; (2) Something can still be amazing even if it's not as good as something else.

Honorable Mentions: Don't Back Down, In My Room, Sloop John B, Caroline No, Heroes and Villains, Surf's Up.

Ten???  Too many to choose from, but...

In no particular order:

1. Surf's Up
2. God Only Knows
3.  Don't Worry Baby
4.  I Get Around
5.  Caroline, No
6. 'Til I Die
7.  Good Vibrations
8.  Please Let Me Wonder
9.  All I Wanna Do
10.  Forever

I think in that Voice of the Beach Boys thread, AGD comes up with the stats and Mike comes out top, but to me, it's the high harmony and lead vocals that stick in my mind, so Brian and Carl would get my vote.

Ask me for another ten and there may well be more Mike and Al.

I guess this is as good a place as any to make my first post! I'll preface my choices by saying I haven't heard every Beach Boys song ever recorded, so my list can and probably will evolve over time. But as of now I'll go with (not ordered):

1) All I Wanna Do - There's so much going on in this one that defy categorization. But between the filter they used for Mike's vocals, to the repetitive guitar line, to the angelic "ooh's" moving slowly up and down in the background, this song is undeniably a timeless masterpiece. I fell in love with this one the first time I ever heard it, and it's still as powerful to me now as it was then.

2) Time to Get Alone - A pretty simple little 3/4 time song, but I like the vocal arrangement and Carl's voice weaving the melody. Doesn't hurt that I'm a sucker for a good waltz, regardless of whether that waltzer be Chopin, Strauss, or Wilson.

3) She Knows Me Too Well - Only Brian Wilson could open a pop song by moving from an Ab to an E natural! That incredibly eerie tritone interval underscores the darkness of the lyrics. And even though the song is kind of dark in its lyrical content, Brian's voice is so beautiful here, and by the time he gets to the chorus, he's turned a song that began somewhat dissonantly into one with a heartbreakingly sublime melody.

4) Kiss Me Baby - Oh, the falsetto! And the alternation of Brian's and Mike's vocals. The horns that appear and disappear throughout. Ah, gorgeous.

5) Surf's Up - Complex doesn't even begin to describe this one. But the genius of it is that it's own brilliance never gets in the way of it being a great, compelling song. The melody--or I suppose I should say melodies, given the incredible variation between the first and second sections--are gorgeous. How Brian got from one to the other, I'll never know. There's so many parts of this song where I can point and go "That part, that part! I love that part!"

6) Heroes and Villains - I think "SMiLE" was Brian at his zenith of arranging vocal harmonies and the whole suite approach to his songs. This song is a good example of this. So much going on with the backing vocals--I'd hate to have to transcribe it! In addition to its beautiful and complex vocal arrangement, which is pretty much par for the course among Beach Boys songs, I also love that it's a real rocking number. The "cantina" section is beautiful, and the tender a cappella section gets me every time. I really get transported to some old Western border town when I listen to this one. Love it.

7) Wouldn't It Be Nice - This song comes together perfectly. I can't believe a 23 year old wrote, performed, arranged, and produced it. Blows my mind. Yet at the same time, only someone that young could sing those lyrics and that melody like Brian did. It's filled with such a blend of contrasting emotions that it's impossible to flag it as a "happy" or a "sad" song. The lyrics are simultaneously unflaggingly optimistic yet forlorn over the rules of society that prevent the narrator from getting what his heart desires. This has always been, and always will, be one of my favorite songs by any artist. I also think it's a pretty darned good example of what to expect of "Pet Sounds": unique instrumental orchestration, coruscating lead vocals, and lush backing vocals.

8) Mona - I know, some of you are thinking, "You must be kidding!" Well, I'm not! I know this song kind of bucks the trend of my other picks, which are mostly songs containing lots of mature musicianship, whether it be key changes, backing vocals, instrumentation, etc. And "Mona" is truly the opposite of all of those. It's essentially one short melodic idea repeated over and over for two minutes. But I've listened to this song countless times, often doing so back-to-back in a sort of hypnotized state, and I have a feeling I will continue to do so. Dennis' voice is so gruff and melancholic, I can feel the pain that both he and Brian were going through. Even the lyrics are kind of sad, in their own way. To me, they're reminiscent of someone longing for a lost time in their life, when things were simpler, they're hoping to mend things with this woman Mona by appealing to her by asking her to come with them and do the things they used to do, as if the simple act of going to the movies or having dinner is going to make up for all the things that have happened to them in their time together. Perhaps this sadness was unintentional, but it comes through loud and clear to me. I really love this song, warts and all.

9) This Whole World - To paraphrase someone on Youtube, this is a masterclass on modulation. It's a great example of what I love about the Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. A really infectious, unforced melody, and a complex harmonic structure (for popular music, at least). I don't think I've ever heard a song change key so many times so naturally and easily. Wonderful song.

10) Don't Worry Baby - Another timeless classic. I know Brian wrote this one in hopes that he could come near the greatness of "Be My Baby," but in my mind, he far surpassed it. I love everything about this one, from the introduction, to Brian's falsetto flying the lyrics over the sparse, percussive guitar chords, to the Boys' backing harmonies criss-crossing Brian until they finally meet at the conclusion of the chorus. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

In no order:

God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
Surf's Up
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Heroes and Villains
I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
Time To Get Alone
Forever
Surfer Girl
All This Is That

This list changes almost everyday though!

Edit: Gotta mention 'Til I Die, Caroline No, Kiss Me Baby, Let The Wind Blow, Warmth Of The Sun, Please Let Me Wonder, Add Some Music, hell can we just make it a top 100? ;D

Slip on Through – I think Dennis was at his vocal peak here—just enough wailing and rasp.  It’s just a wonderful, exciting opener, and I think it’s aged better than Dennis’s other contributions to Sunflower (though all are wonderful).

‘Til I Die – It’s so beautiful and so gutting and so true, and it was written entirely by Brian.  Anyone who’s been depressed or felt isolated can relate to this song all too well.  The minute of chanting at the end is breathtaking.

You Still Believe in Me – I’m glad he couldn’t take the bells out.  The lyrics aren’t about childhood, but it’s still one of the most nostalgic songs I’ve ever heard, in the best way.  The kind of aching I could bathe in.

She Knows Me Too Well – If Brian’s wonderful falsetto weren’t enough, that “She knows me…she knows me…” harmony makes the song for me. 

God Only Knows – I can’t imagine I need to explain.

Feel Flows – It’s totally new-agey, but in a way that holds up beautifully today.  I love the production—the breath at the beginning, the reverse echo.

Cuddle Up - Among the most stripped down songs the Beach Boys have done, and the most romantic.  Dennis’s voice was already deteriorating, but he uses that vulnerability so effectively.

California Girls – That opening.

Add Some Music – I wouldn’t have put this on my list a week ago, but after hearing it live at the Beacon, I’m completely in love with this song.  It’s a nice message, and the harmonies are so wonderful.

Warmth of the Sun – I mean, it’s perfect.

In chronological order, but to quote the Who, I can't explain.

From Shut Down Vol 2:

Don't Worry Baby
The Warmth of the Sun

From All Summer Long:

All Summer Long

From Summer Days:

Girl Don't Tell Me

From Pet Sounds:

God Only Knows
Caroline, No

From SMiLE:

Child is Father of the Man / Surf's Up

From Friends:

Little Bird
Busy Doin Nothin

From Love You:

The Night Was So Young

Not in order of favorite. Just in order of release date, which I included because it's interesting to look at the spread of years.

1. Your Summer Dream (1963) -- The atmosphere in this tune, mostly because of the Amaj7, really makes it feel like a night time beach song.         And the middle section is so impressive. The whole song moves and swells in a very pleasant way.

2. She Knows Me Too Well (1965) -- A profound and simple tune. The Em6 into the F#7 is such a great chord change.

3. Please Let Me Wonder  (1965) -- I have loved this for so long, to the point where I rarely listen to it anymore. The sentiment is so relatable and expressed so clearly. It's perhaps one of the first ideas that made me really get what songwriting was about.

4. Be Here In the Morning (1968) -- Putting around the house, burning incense, and thinking about stuff you want. I have been there. I love the Friends album.

5. Time To Get Alone (1969) -- It's weird, it strikes me as almost artistically unfair that such a strong tune should also have an overwhelming vocal and instrumental arrangement. It would have been great even if it was just percussion and keyboard, but with everything else, and especially the strings and vocals at the end, it's almost an excess of great ideas! Almost.

6. This Whole World (1970) -- Not much new to say about it. I don't even understand how one begins concocting a creation like this. Just the rhythm of the first 13 syllables alone is unbelievable. Who can think to write that way?!

7. All I Wanna Do (1970) -- Great turns in the melody, great chord changes, great singing. We all know why it's our favorite.

8. Honkin' Down the Highway (1977) -- A hell of a lot of fun. Cool suggestive lyrics.

9. Good Timin' (1979) -- A short beauty. I love the falsetto and the harpsichord-sounding melody line.

10. Goin' On (1980) -- An awesome production. The drums kick all ass and the vocals sound great. I used to have the backing track, and I miss blasting that in my headphones.

It's weird to not include the 3 songs that made me a Beach Boys fanatic: In My Room, Long Promised Road, and Disney Girls. They are very special songs, and they may even be in my Top 10 on some other level. sh*t, even God Only Knows didn't make it, so there is definitely an alternative, differently-purposed Top 10 list somewhere out there ...

1. Good Vibrations. I've had a lot of metaphysical experiences involving this song, and I sort of use it as a mantra ("gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations a-happenin' ...").

2. That's Not Me. Just has a perfect energy and inventive changes.  Who can't relate to the self-exploration?

3. Caroline No. Just one of those universal truths ... life changes, people change, things die. Such a pure and noble expression and it always feels good to wallow in the mystery of life's inevitabilities.

4. In the Back of My Mind. The progression is so strange ... and no harmonies; very personal. spooky. another lyrical thing which I relate a little too much to.

5. Let Him Run Wild. An arresting, powerful track. Just magic, that's all.

6. Don't Back Down. Those perfect key changes and great advice for most things in life. Always sounds fresh.

7. Here Today. Like 'Let Him Run Wild', the track is just so magical. The instrumental break is probably the finest piece of music ever put to tape.

8. Country Air. Spiritual.

9. Be Still. A perfect song.

10. Do It Again. It has everything a listener could want: 'Sound Bliss' ...

Tough to just choose 10.

1. Surf's Up-Perfect song construction. Love Brian's vocal over Carl's but I really like how the 71 version ends.

2. This Whole World-This song goes all over the place chord wise and I love it. Probably the happiest song written by anyone in the band. Also love Brian's "I'm thinkin' bout-a this whole worrrrrrrrld" part near the end.

3. Surfer Girl-Their best pre-1965 song. Such beautiful harmonies

4. 'Till I Die-Another dark and beautiful Brian song. Love the wordless part that leads to the tag.

5. Wouldn't it be Nice-One of my favorite intros ever.

6. I Just Wasn't Made for these Times-Such a truthful song. Have related to this piece in my darkest hours.

7. God Only Knows-That middle eight...that is all.

8. Caroline No-The perfect ending to the album.

9. Forever-Dennis at his best. The uplifiting chorus, the tag, everything here works so well.

10. All I Wanna Do-This is a song that's great but made even better by production. Love the reverby echo.

Honrable mentions: Cabinessence, Do You Like Worms, Kiss me Baby, Please Let me Wonder, Warmth of the Sun, among others.

1. Don't Talk - This is among my favorite songs of all time, just so unbelievably romantic and lush, those strings really recall the themes from popular romance films of the period and really tear at your heart strings (if you like those movies, like I do).
2. Wouldn't It Be Nice - This song is just so warm, lyrically and musically. Just a life affirming masterpiece.
3. Vegetables (Smiley Smile version) - A very tight sounding recording, with experimental (but well arranged) and goofy lyrics that make it among the "funnest" songs in the Beach Boys discography.
4. All Summer Long - The song is just so upbeat, with its clanking celestas and rich harmonies, but the lyrics and melody are melancholic. I don't know whether to feel happy or sad when I hear this song, and I like that feeling.
5. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - I think we all turn to this song when the world's gettin' us down...
6. Surfer Girl - Gorgeous love song with childlike lyrics, really supports the whole myth of Brian as a "naive genius"
7. Hawaii - Simplistic lyrics, falsetto vocals... pretty much everything good about the early Beach Boys is fully expressed in this wonderful ditty.
8. All I Wanna Do - Dreamy atmosphere and plainly spoken, but poetic lyrics. This song is, by far, the most memorable on Sunflower.
9. In The Back Of My Mind - This is a recent discovery, but man is this song jazzy in the most emotional way possible... it could be on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack.
10. Wonderful (Smiley Smile version) - A dark song with a labyrnthian (but spellbinding) melody. The organ based arrangement on Smiley Smile really brings out of the best of this bizarre tune.

Runner Up:
Let's Put Our Hearts Together - One of the most touching (and innocent) songs Brian ever wrote. His battered duet with his wife really adds to the charm of this great tune.

I'm just gonna list 5 because when somebody asks me  what my favorite beach boys song is, it's gonna be one of these.

Wouldn't It Be Nice
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby
Heroes and Villains
A Day in the Life of a Tree

1. Girl don't tell me  -  I never get sick of hearing this song. Love it.
2. Heroes and Villains - So much going on, and all of it magnificent.
3. Darlin' -  Love belting this out in the car
4. Dance, Dance, Dance  - I can't sit still when this comes on.
5. All I want to do  - Can't sit still with this one either. Great energy and I LOVE Mike's vocal on it. The ending is... err... interesting :)
6. Here Today - I Like the lyrics, the arrangment, vocals. Everything about it in fact.
7. Johnny Carson - Sleeeeaaazzzzyyy
8. Baby Blue  - What a fantastic contract between Carl and Dennis on this song,  this song is utterly beautiful.
9. For once in m life  - Carl and Brian sound out of it,  but it works for me.  Love singing this at the top of my lungs.
10. You're so good to me - lalalalalalallallalallalalaalla you're my baby oh yeah

It's called Just Once in My Life. :)

oops.  at work at typing very fast before boss comes over and sees what I'm doing and gives me work to do ;)

The first two are definitely my top two.  I haven't put the other eight in order yet.

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice - One of the most perfect Pop songs ever, with quite possibly the best harmonies ever recorded by anyone.
2. Don't Worry Baby -  The melody and Brian's lead vocal alone, put this song above all but a very select few songs ever recorded
3. God Only Knows - One of the greatest love songs of all time.  Bruce's fantastic part and Carl's breath taking lead vocal get talked about a lot (deservedly so) but Brian's "Carl part" on the tag is one of my favorite vocal performances by him.  Swapping out Carl's voice in this part was something we (mere mortals) wouldn't have felt necessary but Brian's choice just makes the song so much better.
4. Sloop John B -  More absolutely astounding vocals (and instrumentation) that nearly go unnoticed upon casual listening.  Like a good bit of Smile and Pet Sounds, it's amazing how much is packed inside these "simple" Pop songs, without making any of them seem bombastic or showy. 
5. Surf's Up - A freakin' materpiece.  Probably my actual choice for the number three spot.  (Aside from my own Frankenstein creation) I prefer the Purple Chick mix with Brian's vocal the best but Carl's performace doesn't affect the song's magic or majesty in any way.
6. Good Vibrations - Talk about a masterpiece.  I don't think any explanation is necessary for this one.
7. Hard Times - What a great rock-n-roll song!  I know it's only "technically" a Beach Boys song but it is and I love it so that's more than enough for me.
8. Here She Comes - Another great (funky) Rock song, marred only slightly by the production.  As a drummer myself, I can say it was a bad idea to let the new drummer produce this one.  Boy, what I'd give for a remixed version.
9. I Can Hear Music - Great song (even if it was a cover), great lead vocal (one of Carl's best and we all know that's saying something!), great production, great harmonies, and oh, that tag!
10. It's About Time - Far and away, the Beach Boys at their most rockin' best!  I think it ends a little abruptly but everything that happens within its short duration is awesome and (unlike a lot of their other more Rock oriented tracks) still sounds completely like the Beach Boys

It's was really hard narrowing down.  The next so many would definitely include the following:
California Girls, Darlin', Heroes And Villains, Cottonfields, Somewhere Near Japan, Break Away, In My Room, Sail On Sailor, California Dreaming, Soulful Old Man Sunshine, Help Me Rhonda, and Fun, Fun, Fun

1. I'm Waiting For The Day (Pet Sounds)

Probably one of the more underrated songs on Pet Sounds. That Timpani, those strings! But the sincerity of the lyrics just pull at me, Brian's yearning and naive pleading with the one he loves is just transcendent (Even if he didn't like his vocals). The tag at the end is so creative and let me just mention again: That Timpani!

2. Let Him Run Wild (Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!!))

What can I say? Pop at it's finest and the chorus' are just brilliant. Just such a fun song to listen to, Brian makes you want her to leave the other guy so bad.

3. Forever (Sunflower)

Dennis at his best, his vocals are at it's peak and his writing is glorious. Special mention to Carl's falsetto in the outro. Such a sweet and thoughtful song.

4. Slip On Through (Sunflower)

Dennis again. Every time I start Sunflower up and I hear that intro, I realise Dennis' brilliance. Another great, soulful Beach Boys tune which is nailed by Dennis' peak vocals.

5. Darlin' (Wild Honey)

Carl really rips this one and it's one of the greatest vocal performances by one of the greatest and underrated singers of all time.

6. God Only Knows (Pet Sounds)

Another of Carl's fantastic vocals. Tony and Brian have honestly written the perfect song (It's not higher because it's not my favourite). It's bitter/sweet and that outro vocal tag with Brian, Bruce and Carl is one of the pivotal and most recognisable vocal pieces in music.

7. OurPrayer/Gee/]Heroes and Villains (The Smile Sessions)

Yes, I know it's three songs, but I count them as one huge, brilliant and loopy suite of fun and zany mad genius.

8. All I Want To Do (20/20)

No, not the Sunflower one, but another of Mike's fantastic vocals and another of Dennis' fantastic writing and sex (quite literally). This is a real hard rocker and the brass during the "Baby" tag always gets me.

9. Break Away

Aw yeah. Carl's brilliant verses blended with Al's ripping chorus' and matched with equally good song writing by Brian and Murry. It's a terrible shame that it never did well in the charts because, really, it's one of the greatest songs out.

10. Keep An Eye On Summer (Shut Down, Vol. 2)

I don't see why hate is directed at this song, it truly is Brian's genius bursting at the seems, even early on. With fantastic vocals and sentimental lyrics, it's only made better by that godly middle eight with Mike and then Brian's "Waiting... and Waiting".

And there you go. My top 10 Beach Boys songs.

1. Wouldn't it be Nice: This gets ranked number one solely for the fact that I would never have even given the BBs a second thought had it not been for this song. In fact I actively made it a point to avoid them because I resented my parents naming me after Dennis (side note they weren't even big Beach Boys fans but huge Fleetwood Mac fans, and this was when the stories of Dennis and Christine were just hitting the tabloids, so they mercifully didn't name me Lindsey or Mick). I was on a college camping trip about 10 years ago and the only album we had in the cabin was "Pet Sounds." My friend Grant had been trying to sell me on the BBs forever and I just wasn't having it. I agreed he could play this song because I knew it and didn't hate it. Total awakening on that trip for me after he played the rest of the album.

2. Soulful Old Man Sunshine: I love that it is kind of a throwback to their very early records but benefits from a much more sophisticated arrangement and vocal.

3. Lady Lynda: I love how any song Al sang lead on gave the band a uniquely different sound than what was typical of them, and the harmony part at the end never ceases to amaze me.

4. Love Surrounds Me: One of my favorite Dennis vocals. Its almost ethereal.

5. And Your Dream Comes True: It takes one of these acapella tracks to truly appreciate how well these guys blended their voices.

6. I'm Waiting for the Day: So many of the Beach Boys love songs are passive and wishful, I love how aggressive and assertive this one is, and the way the drums reflect it.

7. In My Room: This song just weeps in the most gorgeous way.

8. Don't Worry Baby: It's everything I love about the Spector sound but kicked up a notch. It sounds like it could be the "better" sequel to Be My Baby.

9. When I Grow Up to be a Man: I started fearing I wasn't so young anymore when I hit 30 a few years ago- I think anyone who is conscious of time feels a kinship to this song.

10. Endless Harmony: I am a sucker for songs that have an air of autobiography about them, even if they are corny. Since I couldn't pick something more substantial off TLOS since I am guessing this list should be strictly BB tracks, I went with this one.

"ALL I WANNA DO - Not to be confused with 20/20's "All I Want To Do." This is Mike Love at his vocal best. Mike must have been wanting to make a psychedelic love song that sounded like a lot like The Beatles. It's a great, dreamy tune. And while we're at it, let's throw in "Meant For You" for the hell of it (besides, it's only a few seconds long). ALL I WANNA DO is easily the best album on Sunflower (relax... I like "This Whole World," too... but I listen to AIWD more). "

Isn't the music of All I Wanna Do written by Brian with lyrics from Mike?  I'm confused.  Anyways this song is IMO the second best post 60s BB song (first T'ill I Die).  The production is supernatural in its goodness.

Yeah, and i don't hear a "psychedelic beatles love song".  definitely sounds like some shoegaze. 

1. All I Wanna Do: Simply put, the production is out of this world, the vocals are gorgeous, and the song sounds way ahead of its time.

2. Surf's Up (TSS version): Probably the most sophisticated pop song I've ever heard.  Masterfully arranged.  If you add in Child Is Father of the Man into the mix as well, hard to beat.

3. 'Til I Die: This song gave me chills on my first few listens.  One of their darker songs in terms of both subject matter and tone, and I lvoe it.  That transition to the coda is particularly sublime.

4. Wonderful (TSS version):  Perhaps one of Brian's most beautiful melodies.  As with all the Smile tracks the production is top class.

5. God Only Knows: Goes without saying why this should be here.  Perfectly realized and a fantastic Carl vocal.  I've heard this song a lot and yet it's still stands out where many other songs might seem to grow tiring.

6. Kiss Me, Baby: Brian's falsetto in top notch form and the feedback between Brian and Mike blows me away.  Maybe because of this, it's one of the rare occasions where I actually pay much attention to lyrics.

7. Break Away: As splendorous as the chorus is, the beauty of the verses drew me in on first listen and I haven't looked back.  A huge hit that never was.

8. Time to Get Alone:  This had to be here being my namesake here and all.  The verses are oh-so sweet, and how about that middle eight?

9. Don't Worry Baby:  The earliest track in my top ten, but it's deserving.  Brian puts forth an amazing vocal to a lovely melody.

10. Let the Wind Blow: Every time I hear this song I can never quite tell where the vocals are going next.  The diversity of the singing in the song fascinates because it all works so well.  Demonstrates the music can sound astonishing with a minimalist production as well.

Honourable Mentions...

Good Vibrations
When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Forever
Please Let Me Wonder
She Knows Me Too Well
Feel Flows

10. Where I Belong - Highly underrated song by Carl. This is the last great BB song IMO.

9. Johnny Carson - Quirky, synth happy, nice lyrical tribute to a great comedian.

8. Catch a Wave - This is by far the best surf song IMO. It was a giant step from a garage rock/Berry sound to a well produced new rock n roll sound.

7. Celebrate the News - My favorite Dennis song is River Song. I also love the vocals only Forever. But this is my favorite BB song by Dennis. Good enough to be a hit in 69 and should've been.

6. Wendy - This has an eeriness and beauty to it that is a precurser to 'I don't know where but she sends me there'.

5. Be Here in the Morning - Took Girls on the Beach type chord changes to a new level. Despite its complexity it sounds very simple and has a folk quality to it.

4. Til I Die (Desper) - For a long time this was my favorite BB song. I love the way it builds. And I can't help but picture a sunset over the ocean when I hear this song.

3. Wind Chimes - I love both versions for different reasons. Perhaps my favorite song on both SMiLE and Smiley Smile.

2. Surf's Up (Carl vocal) - This is the most perfect Beach Boys song and I love the lyric on the tag.

1. Let the Wind Blow - Beautiful, emotional and great lyrics!

I would like to mention that songs like God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Warmth of the Sun are well deserving, but I've listened to them soooo much that I'm almost tired of them. :) 

1. God Only Knows- As we know, Paul McCartney called it the greatest song of all time. Well, personally I can think of a ton of macca creations I love over the beach boys catalog, but I gotta agree with Paul, that this is at least the greatest composition from Brian Wilson.

2. This Whole World- I didn't know this song till the tour. I don't own Sunflower yet, and have youtubed most of it. But this song just gets me for some reason. It really does represent I'm living for right now.

3. Please Let Me Wonder- So lyrically inviting, and beautiful chord changes. Another gem from Mr. Wilson.  :bow

4. Don't Worry Baby- Read above....can ya tell I'm a real sucker for Brian's compact yet lavish tunes?

5. Darlin'- I really just love to sing this one! :lol It is the perfect range for me, and Carl gives it just enough soul but just enough pop. Till I heard it, I guess it was...more soul than I eeeeevuh haaad! :happydance

6. Our Sweet Love- Another beautiful addition to Sunflower I've recently discovered. Chord changes that are a bit typical of ballads at times, but atypical of a beach boy ballad. Thanks guys!

7. Surf's Up- Like said before, I'm referencing the solo version of Brian at the piano. That touches something so deep in me, I don't know if words can match it.

8. Hawaii- I know...most of you are probaly like, where the hell did that come from?!? But I just LOVE that vocal line from Brian, I try to sing it...and fail  :'( :lol

9. I Get Around- Same explanation as above!!! And the key change, very well...ballsy for the time!

10.Good Vibrations- First Beach Boys I can remember hearing...simple as that.

Off the top of my head, 10 songs that I really like today. (Tomorrow's list could be different!)

This Whole World -- A whirligig of Wilsonian worldview, childlike and clever at the same time, all wrapped up in a minute-fifty.

Surf's Up -- The heights of Parksian poetry, accidentally transformed into a stunning suite.

Cabin Essence -- Perhaps the most fully realized of all the Smile tracks, both a pop song and a suite, both delicate and rocking.

Help Me Rhonda -- One of the band's best rock singles, with an under-appreciated track and stunning vocals all around.

She Knows Me too Well -- Gorgeous youthful harmonies on a soaring song of over-idealized regret.

I Just Wasn't Made for These Times -- The defining Pet Sounds track for me, full of gorgeous orchestration, overlapping vocals and theremin!

Funky Pretty -- Brian Wilson disappearing into the rabbit hole of Moogs and elusive lyrics. How many disintegrating stars managed songs at this level?

The Little Girl I Once Knew -- California Girls rewritten as avant garde art pop, Brian at his most experimental yet accessible.

In My Car -- A window into a world where BW didn't go solo and his 80s-era songs were embraced by the band. Much better than people think.

Soul Searchin' -- The great lost Beach Boys reunion track, with Carl and Mike in rare form. A tremendous lost opportunity.