On This Day in 1966: The Beach Boys Begin Recording “Good Vibrations”
via Glenn W Love / YouTube
On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys began recording what would become one of the most ambitious and influential songs in rock history— Good Vibrations. Led by Brian Wilson, the band embarked on an intensive recording process that spanned months, involving multiple studios, countless overdubs, and groundbreaking techniques. The result was a song that not only topped charts worldwide but also redefined the possibilities of studio production.
A Revolutionary Approach to Recording
Unlike typical pop songs of the time, Good Vibrations was not recorded in a single session. Instead, Wilson adopted a modular approach, recording separate sections at different times and later piecing them together like a musical puzzle. Over the course of eleven sessions, spread across several months, he layered vocals, instruments, and effects, creating a rich, symphonic sound. The recording process took place in four different studios—Western Recorders, Gold Star Studios, Sunset Sound, and CBS Columbia Square—each chosen for its unique acoustics and equipment.
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The Most Expensive Single Ever Recorded
By the time Good Vibrations was completed, the recording costs had soared to an estimated $50,000 (equivalent to nearly $500,000 today). This made it the most expensive single ever recorded at the time. The intricate production involved extensive use of the Electro-Theremin, a rare instrument that gave the song its eerie, otherworldly quality. Wilson also employed unconventional sounds, from cello glissandos to reverb-drenched harmonies, all meticulously crafted to achieve his vision.
A Chart-Topping Hit and a Turning Point
When Good Vibrations was released in October 1966, it became an instant success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in the UK, Australia, and several other countries. The song sold millions of copies and solidified The Beach Boys’ reputation as innovators. However, despite its massive success, Good Vibrations would be the band’s last Top 10 hit in the U.S. for the next decade. The group’s follow-up album, Smile, which was supposed to expand on Wilson’s experimental approach, was ultimately shelved due to creative tensions and pressure from the record label.
Despite the challenges that followed, Good Vibrations remains one of the most celebrated songs in rock history. Its influence can be heard in countless artists who followed, and its legacy as a masterpiece of studio production endures to this day.
