Complete List Of The Beach Boys Albums And Songs

The Beach Boys were formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. Originally comprised of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, the band gained fame for their vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting Southern California’s youth culture of cars, surfing, and romance. Over the decades, they have released a total of 30 studio albums, 8 live albums, and numerous compilations. Their discography includes seminal albums such as Pet Sounds (1966) and Smiley Smile (1967), which have left a profound impact on the music industry.

The Beach Boys’ commercial success includes over a dozen Top 40 hits in the U.S., with songs like “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” and “Good Vibrations” defining the 1960s surf rock era. Their album Pet Sounds is frequently cited among the greatest albums ever, influencing countless artists and featuring in many “best of” lists. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200, while The Beach Boys Today! and Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) both reached the top 10. That’s Why God Made the Radio (2012), their 29th studio album, impressively peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200, underscoring their enduring appeal.

The band’s accolades include an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Despite personal struggles and changes in lineup, The Beach Boys have remained a quintessential part of American music legacy, continually touring with Mike Love and Bruce Johnston.

THE BEACH BOYS STUDIO ALBUMS

Surfin’ Safari

Released: October 1, 1962

Surfin’ Safari is The Beach Boys’ debut studio album, notable for laying the groundwork for the surf music trend. This album marked their entry into the music scene with its youthful energy and catchy melodies, capturing the essence of California surf culture. Produced by Nik Venet and engineered by Chuck Britz at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, the album reached number 32 on the Billboard 200. The musicians on this album include Brian Wilson on bass and keyboards, Dennis Wilson on drums, Carl Wilson on guitar, Mike Love on lead vocals, and David Marks on guitar.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Surfin’ Safari” – 2:05
2. “County Fair” – 2:15
3. “Ten Little Indians” – 1:26
4. “Chug-A-Lug” – 2:00
5. “Little Girl (You’re My Miss America)” – 2:05
6. “409” – 1:58
7. “Surfin’” – 2:10
8. “Heads You Win—Tails I Lose” – 2:18
9. “Summertime Blues” – 2:10
10. “Cuckoo Clock” – 2:08
11. “Moon Dawg” – 2:00
12. “The Shift” – 1:54

Surfin’ U.S.A.

Released: March 25, 1963

The Beach Boys’ second album, Surfin’ U.S.A., solidified their status as a major act in the music industry. This album features a blend of surf-themed covers and originals that showcase their evolving musical style. Notably, the title track “Surfin’ U.S.A.” became a major hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard singles chart, with the album itself climbing to number 2 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Nik Venet and engineered by Chuck Britz at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California, this album includes performances by Brian Wilson on bass and keyboards, Dennis Wilson on drums, Carl Wilson on guitar, Mike Love on lead vocals, and David Marks on guitar.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” – 2:27
2. “Farmer’s Daughter” – 1:49
3. “Miserlou” – 2:03
4. “Stoked” – 1:59
5. “Lonely Sea” – 2:21
6. “Shut Down” – 1:49
7. “Noble Surfer” – 1:51
8. “Honky Tonk” – 2:01
9. “Lana” – 1:39
10. “Surf Jam” – 2:10
11. “Let’s Go Trippin’” – 1:56
12. “Finders Keepers” – 1:38

Surfer Girl

Released: September 16, 1963

Surfer Girl is the third studio album by The Beach Boys and includes the hit title track, which was the first song Brian Wilson ever wrote and one of the first he produced. This album represents a significant development in the band’s harmony arrangements and production techniques. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. The recording sessions, managed by Brian Wilson and engineered by Chuck Britz, took place at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Surfer Girl” – 2:26
2. “Catch a Wave” – 2:07
3. “The Surfer Moon” – 2:11
4. “South Bay Surfer” – 1:45
5. “The Rocking Surfer” – 2:00
6. “Little Deuce Coupe” – 1:38
7. “In My Room” – 2:11
8. “Hawaii” – 1:59
9. “Surfer’s Rule” – 1:54
10. “Our Car Club” – 2:22
11. “Your Summer Dream” – 2:27
12. “Boogie Woodie” – 1:56

Little Deuce Coupe

Released: October 7, 1963

Little Deuce Coupe is a concept album centered around cars, reflecting the hot rod culture of Southern California alongside surf themes. This was The Beach Boys’ fourth studio album, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Brian Wilson and recorded at Western Recorders, the album features the band’s typical tight harmonies and Brian’s increasingly sophisticated production.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Little Deuce Coupe” – 1:38
2. “Ballad of Ole’ Betsy” – 2:15
3. “Be True to Your School” – 2:05
4. “Car Crazy Cutie” – 2:47
5. “Cherry, Cherry Coupe” – 1:47
6. “409” – 1:59
7. “Shut Down” – 1:48
8. “Spirit of America” – 2:23
9. “Our Car Club” – 2:22
10. “No-Go Showboat” – 1:54
11. “A Young Man Is Gone” – 2:15
12. “Custom Machine” – 1:38

Shut Down Volume 2

Released: March 2, 1964

Shut Down Volume 2 further explores car culture themes but with a broader musical approach. Peaking at number 13 on the Billboard 200, this album includes both car-themed tunes and love songs, showcasing the band’s versatility. It was produced by Brian Wilson with recording sessions held at Western Recorders and CBS Columbia Square in Hollywood, California.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Fun, Fun, Fun” – 2:03
2. “Don’t Worry Baby” – 2:47
3. “In the Parkin’ Lot” – 1:59
4. “Cassius” Love vs. “Sonny” Wilson – 3:30
5. “The Warmth of the Sun” – 2:51
6. “This Car of Mine” – 1:35
7. “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” – 2:07
8. “Pom Pom Play Girl” – 1:30
9. “Keep an Eye on Summer” – 2:21
10. “Shut Down, Part II” – 2:07
11. “Louie, Louie” – 2:17
12. “Denny’s Drums” – 1:56

All Summer Long

Released: July 13, 1964

All Summer Long epitomizes the summer vibes and youthful exuberance of mid-60s America, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200. It features the classic hits “I Get Around” and the nostalgic “All Summer Long.” The album was produced by Brian Wilson and recorded at Western Recorders and United Western Recorders in Hollywood, California.

CD Track Listings:

1. “I Get Around” – 2:12
2. “All Summer Long” – 2:05
3. “Hushabye” – 2:41
4. “Little Honda” – 1:50
5. “We’ll Run Away” – 2:00
6. “Carl’s Big Chance” – 2:25
7. “Wendy” – 2:16
8. “Do You Remember?” – 1:37
9. “Girls on the Beach” – 2:24
10. “Drive-In” – 1:50
11. “Our Favorite Recording Sessions” – 1:59
12. “Don’t Back Down” – 1:50

The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album

Released: November 9, 1964

The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album features a mix of classic Christmas standards and original holiday songs by the band. It reached number 6 on the Billboard 200, showcasing a festive expansion of their musical repertoire. Produced by Brian Wilson, the album was recorded at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Little Saint Nick” – 1:58
2. “The Man with All the Toys” – 1:32
3. “Santa’s Beard” – 2:00
4. “Merry Christmas, Baby” – 2:19
5. “Christmas Day” – 1:35
6. “Frosty the Snowman” – 1:54
7. “We Three Kings of Orient Are” – 4:03
8. “Blue Christmas” – 3:09
9. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – 2:20
10. “White Christmas” – 2:29
11. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – 2:44
12. “Auld Lang Syne” – 1:19

Read More: Top 10 Beach Boys Songs

The Beach Boys Today!

Released: March 8, 1965

The Beach Boys Today! marks a significant evolution in the band’s music, blending mature thematic elements with their traditional sound. It reached number 4 on the Billboard 200. This album features a combination of upbeat songs and ballads that reflect deeper emotional undercurrents. Produced by Brian Wilson, it was recorded at Western Recorders and Gold Star Studios in Hollywood, California.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Do You Wanna Dance?” – 2:19
2. “Good to My Baby” – 2:16
3. “Don’t Hurt My Little Sister” – 2:07
4. “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)” – 2:01
5. “Help Me, Ronda” – 3:08
6. “Dance, Dance, Dance” – 1:59
7. “Please Let Me Wonder” – 2:45
8. “I’m So Young” – 2:30
9. “Kiss Me, Baby” – 2:35
10. “She Knows Me Too Well” – 2:28
11. “In the Back of My Mind” – 2:07
12. “Bull Session with the ‘Big Daddy’” – 2:10

Complete List Of The Beach Boys Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024