4 Brian Wilson Songs That Proves He’s A Musical Genius

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There’s a reason Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys is called “a living genius of pop music.” As the mastermind behind the legendary band, Wilson churned out hit after hit like it was second nature. His songwriting is on a whole other level, blending creativity with innovation. Here are four songs that perfectly showcase his immense talent.

“This Whole World”
Blues isn’t usually connected to the Beach Boys, however Brian Wilson frequently incorporates blues elements into his compositions. The 1970 film “This Whole World” is a prime illustration. This song is one of the more elegant moments in The Beach Boys’ repertoire, with a silky, blues-tinged guitar riff that may be easy to overlook. This is a crowd-pleaser at live performances because of Wilson’s distinctive sense of melody.

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“The Little Girl I Once Knew”
When rock music was only getting started, Brian Wilson produced some of his best work. Wilson was keen to break the norm, even though the genre was primarily pop-heavy. “The Little Girl I Once Knew,” which was released in 1971, uses vocals as instruments, flipping the conventional rock sound. Wilson’s work was so avant-garde that even John Lennon hailed it as an experimental masterpiece.

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“Sail On, Sailor”
In addition to being a gifted songwriter, Brian Wilson was renowned for being amenable to teamwork. Wilson’s ability to collaborate with others while still creating outstanding music is demonstrated by the tune “Sail On, Sailor,” which he co-wrote with Van Dyke Parks. This song is a stunning illustration of how Wilson honored the creative talents of his other musicians, resulting in a tune that exemplifies collaboration.

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“Sloop John B”
Wilson’s songs were unique since they weren’t always flawlessly written. “Sloop John B” is an excellent illustration of this. Wilson’s talents had a lasting influence on pop culture, as evidenced by the song’s catchy tune, which made it a sing-along favorite. One of the reasons his music is still cherished now is his ability to write such a catchy melody.

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