Beach Boys leader, who died at the age of 82, highlighted Beatles albums, Rolling Stones and Randy Newman among his life favorites
The world of music says goodbye today, June 11, another genius: Brian Wilsonfounder and creative soul of Beach Boysdied at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by the artist’s social networks, who had been facing health problems after being diagnosed with a cognitive neuro disorder in 2024. “We are speechless right now,” says the statement. “We realize that we are sharing our pain with the world. Love and mercy.”
Visionary behind PET SOUTHS (1966), album that redefined the directions of pop music with its bold orchestrations and emotional atmospheres, Wilson influenced generations of artists, among them, the Beatleswhich have always recognized the importance of Californian masterpiece. But who influenced Brian?
In an interview with the magazine Spin In 2021, the composer revealed the five albums that most marked his life. The selection offers a sensitive portrait of their tastes, which combine lyricism, sophistication and a tireless search for sound beauty.
1. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Wilson He did not hesitate to include his own masterpiece on the list. “PET SOUTHS It means love, ”he said. With unusual orchestral arrangements, angelic vocals and a sensitivity that challenged the 60’s rock patterns, the album was a watershed, both for the Beach Boys as for one’s own Wilson. Paul McCartney He even declared that “no one is musically educated until PET SOUTHS”.
2. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The psychedelic album released in 1967 by Beatles It was, according to Wilsona direct response to PET SOUTHS. The friendly provocation generated a virtuous cycle of creation between the two groups. “It made me strive to do better,” he confessed Brian. The mutual recognition between the two icons of music marked one of the most fruitful rivalries in pop history.
3. The Beatles – Revolver
Launched a year before Sgt. Pepper’s, Revolver enchanted Wilson especially by the vocals of Paul McCartney. “What the hell is there not to love?” He said. With tracks like “Eleanor Rigby” and “Tomorrow Never Knows”the album expanded the limits of popular music with experiments that mirrored, in many ways, the boldness that Wilson I was already trying with the Beach Boys.
4. Randy Newman – Sail Away
Among the British on the list, an American choice draws attention: the album SAIL AWAYfrom Randy Newman. Known for their sarcastic and sensitive compositions, Newman won the admiration of Wilson for your ability to tell stories in a touching and refined way. “These songs mean a lot to me,” he said.
5. The Rolling Stones – Between The Buttons
Finally, Wilson demonstrated affection for BETWEEN THE BUTTONSfrom 1967, one of the most melodic and underestimated albums of Rolling Stones. With arrangements that flirt with Baroque pop and letters that explore new emotional layers, the album shows a more introspective side of the British band, something that certainly resonated with the sensitivity of Brian.
Brian Wilson He left, but his legacy remains eternal. In the records that inspired him, as well as in the work he left to the world, he lives the beauty of an artist who dared to dream in harmony with the impossible.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
