Top 10 Covers Of Beach Boy Songs

Beach Boys Songs

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Our “Top 10 Covers of Beach Boys Songs” presents an article filled with covers originally written by a band that stands as one of the most successful and famous bands in classic rock history. The Beach Boys first formed in 1961 on the west coast of the United States, in Hawthorne, California. The band’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine—everyone related except for Al Jardine. The group has sold over 100 million albums worldwide since they were first established in the 1960s, making them one of the most covered bands of all time, thanks to a catalog that is both deep and rich.

Since their debut album, Surfing Safari, was released in 1962, The Beach Boys have released 29 studio albums. Additionally, they have released 11 live albums, and with a band as legendary as they are, there is, of course, the addition of numerous compilation albums—close to 60. There’s been much turmoil throughout the band’s career, much of it surrounding Brian Wilson, but that’s a story for another time and place.

I was born the same year the band got together, in 1961, so I wasn’t that aware of their music growing up in the 60s, although I’m sure I heard it on the radio. However, as a teenager in the 70s, I remember going to see The Beach Boys playing with Chicago all the time. Their music in the ’70s still dominated radio and continued to develop a fan base that would last forever. Today, we celebrate some of the most enjoyable cover songs of Beach Boys that we’ve ever heard.

# 10 – Don’t Worry Baby – Billy Joel (Live)

“We open up our top 10 covers of Beach Boys songs with a great one by Long Island’s own Billy Joel. The man has never really gotten the credit he deserved as a singer; he’s one of the finest out there. Because he’s such a brilliant songwriter and entertainer, his songs have long overshadowed his vocal chops, which are on full display here in this sensational cover of this classic 1964 Beach Boys song. The original Beach Boys version appeared on the album Shut Down Volume 2. The song has long been one of Brian Wilson’s favorites. Billy Joel’s cover version was recorded live and appeared on his box set My Lives.”

# 9 – Help Me Rhonda – Johnny Rivers

Johnny Rivers has long been one of the best at covering songs. His cover of the Beach Boys’ ‘Help Me, Rhonda’ was released in 1975 on his album New Lovers and Old Friends. It features the typical Johnny Rivers swinging style, full of passion and soul, that makes it a real winner. The Beach Boys’ original song ‘Help Me, Rhonda’ appeared on their album The Beach Boys Today!, which was released in 1965. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. It went all the way to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 when the Beach Boys originally released it.

Read More: Top 10 Johnny Rivers Songs

# 8 – Fun Fun Fun – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

We return once again to The Beach Boys’ 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2 with a cover of their classic song ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’ This time, it’s Joan Jett who gives it the pure rock and roll treatment when she recorded this kicking version of the classic Beach Boys song on her album Good Music. What made this one extra special was that Joan had Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, Mike Love, Billy Hinch, and Bobby Figueroa singing backing vocals on the album. Good Music was released in 1986.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Joan Jett Songs

# 7 – I Get Around – Red Hot Chili Peppers

As we continue with this Beach Boys cover song article, we return to a surprising number by a band you never would have thought would cover a Beach Boys song, but what they did with it was just outstanding. The Red Hot Chili Peppers paid tribute to the Beach Boys at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony with a funky, rocking version of one of the most famous Beach Boys songs of all time.

It’s not easy to recreate the big Beach Boys sound and harmonies, but the Red Hot Chili Peppers did it in their own way. Listen to Flea’s grooving bass on this one; it just works so magically. John Frusciante is on backing vocals, which is really cool, and of course, Anthony Kiedis does his own thing on the lead vocals. Holding it all together is Chad Smith’s tribute to Dennis Wilson’s style of drum playing. While some people may not like this one, I think it’s simply fabulous.”

Read More: Top 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs

# 6 – Surfer Girl – Paul Simon

Our list of Beach Boys cover songs is showcased across an article presenting both live and studio versions. We didn’t want to just stick to studio versions because there were some really important live performances that we wanted to make sure to present here. One of them was Paul Simon’s very moving cover performance of The Beach Boys’ “Surfer Girl.” Paul Simon presented this song at the All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson. Here was an artist who grew up and celebrated success around the same time as The Beach Boys, although he came a little bit later. Paul Simon covering Brian Wilson—two of the most brilliant songwriters of our lives. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Read More: Top 10 Paul Simon Songs

# 5 – In My Room – Wilson Phillips

We thought it was very important to include at least one Wilson Phillips cover of a Beach Boys song in this list, given the relationship between the band and the Beach Boys. For those who may not be familiar, Wilson Phillips consists of Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips from The Mamas & the Papas, and Carnie and Wendy Wilson, who are Brian Wilson’s daughters. When Wilson Phillips first emerged on the scene in 1990, they were a massive success.

Wilson Phillips was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and achieved significant chart success, with their debut album going platinum worldwide. The album climbed all the way to number two on the US Billboard Top 200 charts, and they had multiple number one singles with “Hold On,” “Release Me,” and “You’re in Love.” However, the band didn’t last for too long; they broke up after releasing three albums.

They reunited in 2004 with the album California. On this wonderful album, they covered multiple Beach Boys songs, closing out the album with a breathtaking version of their father’s song “In My Room.” Listen to those harmonies—that’s what Wilson Phillips is all about. This cover is a simple version with just piano and vocals, but the vocals are so stunning that it probably worked better this way than with a full orchestra behind them because you can really take in and feel the passion and talent of these three wonderful musicians.

Read More: Top 10 Wilson Phillips Songs

# 4 – I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times – Jakob Dylan and Neil Young

This one was really special in so many ways. Brian Wilson and Tony Asher’s song “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” was originally released on the Pet Sounds album in 1966. The album and the song are among the most celebrated Beach Boys releases of all time. So many people have felt the way Brian Wilson did in this song—being depressed, being unsure of where they fit in a world that seems both lonely and challenging is something that we’ve all been through. This song spoke to so many people.

The cover version here was done by Jakob Dylan, who, if you did not know, is Bob Dylan’s son and, of course, the legendary Neil Young. Jakob Dylan takes the lead vocal on this one all the way through, while Neil Young backs him up on the chorus. This cover version was released on the soundtrack to the Echo in the Canyon documentary. If you’ve ever seen that documentary, we highly recommend it. If you’ve never listened to Pet Sounds, I highly recommend it. Everything about this one is just spectacular.

# 3 – Good Vibrations – Todd Rundgren

If you’re a fan of rock music, then you have to be a fan of Todd Rundgren—there’s just no doubt about that. Todd Rundgren is one of the most celebrated musicians in classic rock history. He’s renowned not only as an artist, musician, singer, and songwriter but also as a producer of some of the greatest rock and roll albums of all time, like Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell and Grand Funk Railroad’s We’re an American Band. Todd Rundgren’s album Faithful was simply a masterpiece, and his version of The Beach Boys’ beloved song “Good Vibrations” pays stunning tribute, showcasing both the brilliance of the song and the amazing talents of good old Todd.

# 2 – God Only Knows – David Bowie

If we had to pick our favorite Beach Boys song of all time, it would definitely be “God Only Knows.” I don’t think we’re alone in that sentiment. We’ve listened to many different covers of this song, and while there were some really special ones—especially Elton John’s live cover of this classic—the one we chose was David Bowie’s very creative and original-sounding studio version released on the Tonight album. David Bowie has never been a follower; he did things his own way, and that’s exactly what he did with this one. Singing in a lower voice and still able to reach all the notes, he delivered simply an astonishing version of this song that, if you’re a Bowie fan, you will just fall in love with.

# 1 – California Girls – David Lee Roth

One of the most exciting aspects of putting together a top 10 list is figuring out which entry will claim the number one spot. Sometimes it’s easy, and other times it’s a real struggle. On this list, it wasn’t easy because there are some really great versions here, especially the last couple we’ve just written about. However, in the grand scheme of things, what we always look for in a cover version—at least in our opinion—is creativity and fun. We want a cover version to almost sound like it’s brand new, to bring something different to the audience. That’s exactly what David Lee Roth did with “California Girls.” He made the song his own; he was born to sing it. Of course, the video helps a lot—it’s one of the most enjoyable videos to watch that we’ve ever seen. This song was one of the factors that helped catapult him into a solo career. Some people aren’t happy about that, of course, but that’s what he did, and this song played a role in it.

Read More: Top 10 David Lee Roth Songs

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