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Setting the scene
The Beach Boys had defined California surf rock, but Brian Wilson heard The Beatles' Rubber Soul and wanted an album-as-art statement. Wilson built a home studio and worked with lyricist Tony Asher while battling anxiety and drug experimentation. Phil Spector's wall of sound was the sonic target.
What happened
Pet Sounds was released on May 16, 1966, with Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, and Caroline, No. Session musicians from the Wrecking Crew played while the band often contributed vocals only. Paul McCartney called God Only Knows the perfect song, pushing Lennon to respond with Sgt. Pepper.
Why it still matters
The album initially underperformed in the U.S. but is now among the most acclaimed ever, influencing indie pop and baroque arrangements. Wilson's smiley innocence masked deep melancholy. Memorable detail: the album title came from Wilson's friends joking about his beard and their pet sounds, not literal animal noises.
Background
Paul McCartney called God Only Knows a perfect song.