Meta Description: Discover how Paul McCartney’s musical influence, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, played a crucial role in shaping his songwriting and inspiring The Beatles’ legendary albums.
Paul McCartney’s Musical Influence: The Impact of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds
Paul McCartney is renowned as one of the most prolific and successful songwriters of all time, with a legacy that includes selling over 100 million records worldwide both as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist. His songwriting partnership with John Lennon revolutionized Rock and Roll and left an indelible mark on music history. But when it comes to his musical influence, McCartney often cites The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds as a pivotal record in his creative development.
How Pet Sounds Became Paul McCartney’s Musical Influence
While The Beatles’ albums are essential listening for anyone interested in Rock and Roll, McCartney chose a different record to educate his children musically. In a 1990 interview with David Leaf, McCartney revealed that he bought each of his kids a copy of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
“The early surf records… I was aware of them as a musical act, and I used to like all that, but I didn’t get deeply interested in it—it was just a real nice sound. We used to admire the singing, the high falsetto really and the very sort of ‘California’ lyrics,” McCartney said.
However, it was Pet Sounds that truly captivated McCartney, becoming a significant musical influence on him. He described the album as a masterpiece of songwriting and production, so much so that he considered it essential listening for his children. “I figure no one is educated musically ’til they’ve heard that album,” McCartney stated, highlighting how Brian Wilson’s innovative bass lines and non-traditional chord progressions inspired his own work.
The Influence of Pet Sounds on The Beatles’ Music
Paul McCartney has always credited Brian Wilson as one of his biggest musical influences. He admitted that hearing Pet Sounds led The Beatles to experiment more in the studio, ultimately resulting in the creation of their groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967.
In a 2018 interview with Reverb, McCartney emphasized Wilson’s influence on his approach to songwriting and bass playing. “Brian went to very unusual places,” McCartney said, explaining how Wilson’s techniques inspired him to explore new possibilities within The Beatles’ music.
Paul McCartney’s Admiration for “God Only Knows”
McCartney’s admiration for The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson culminates in his love for the song “God Only Knows,” which he has often praised as the best song ever written. During the 1990 interview with David Leaf, McCartney ranked “God Only Knows” at the top of his list of favorite songs. “It’s a really, really great song, it’s a big favorite of mine… It’s very deep, very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one,” he said.
Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, “God Only Knows” is one of the standout tracks on Pet Sounds and remains a testament to the profound musical influence that Wilson has had on McCartney throughout his career.
Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson: A Mutual Respect
The mutual respect between Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson has spanned decades, with both musicians acknowledging the impact they’ve had on each other’s work. Wilson even cited The Beatles’ Rubber Soul as a major inspiration for Pet Sounds. Over the years, the two legends have had the opportunity to perform together, notably sharing the stage for renditions of “God Only Knows.”
In a 2013 interview with Ronnie Wood, McCartney reflected on the emotional experience of singing “God Only Knows” with Wilson, describing it as a powerful moment in his career. “It’s only little vibrations, little words and little things. There is this powerful effect, you know,” McCartney remarked.
