Beach Boys - signature song?

Probably California Girls.

 

Maybe "Barbara Ann". Maybe "Rock 'n Roll Music". I'd put "Dance, Dance, Dance" above "Darlin'".

 

And I think everyone has heard it

 

Ahhhhh, yes we do:

 

Good Vibrations

 

With apologies to Chuck Berry Fun, Fun, Fun. All night long, till Daddy takes the T-Bird away.

 

You mean Reggie Dunbar

 

probably Barbara Ann and Good Vibrations as their signature songs though my favorite songs are In My Room and Don't Worry Baby. And Sail On Sailor and 'Til I Die. And the live version of Hawaii!!!

 

"Good Vibrations" is their absolute masterpiece.

 

I'd say I Get Around or Fun, Fun, Fun are probably their most iconic, but Good Vibrations and God Only Knows are two of the greatest pop songs ever written. Not sure which factor matters more so that's really what's up for debate.

 

I would say, “California Girls”.

 

You are right!
I GET AROUND (the Beach Boys first number one single)
and FUN FUN FUN are the most iconic Beach Boys songs of them all.

 

Surfin’ USA

 

You can make a strong case for any of Good Vibrations, California Girls, Surfin' USA and God Only Knows, at the very least.

 

I don’t think god only knows is well known enough by the non beach boy fan

 

I think a lot of the notoriety of God Only Knows comes from a compliment from Paul McCartney. He said something to the effect that it was the most beautiful song he had ever heard. Macca has a couple of fans so they probably took a listen.

 

I think it is referenced yes, but the notoriety comes from the greatness of the song to begin with. I don't think your average joe or jane knows the song that well and even if they do probably has no idea it's a Beach Boy song, therefore let's all stop talking about GOK!

 

Tossup between California Girls and Good Vibrations, IMO.

 

Pretty easy pick for me, ’Til I Die:



Maybe not a ‘signature’ song for them, but this song just sends shivers down my spine. The vocal harmonies are unbelievable.

 

California Girls or Good Vibrations. California Girls is more iconic, but GV is the greater achievement. I’ll say Good Vibrations.

 

If forced to choose one "signature" song,I'd go with "California Girls" because it captures them at their "Fun in the Sun" commercial peak but also was the beginning of Brian's peak as an arranger/producer.

 

Good Vibrations or God Only Knows for me. The early surfing songs go over my head I’m afraid, although I don’t mind Californian Girls once a decade.

 

There are quite a few key songs but I guess if you had to pick a song that represented the early years and philosophy it would be Surfin' USA.