2. music
  3. 186309-2248

The greatest Pop song yet written and recorded.

 

This thread is an offshoot and was inspired by @mahgister’s wonderful thread "Interesting videos about sounds and music." I made a couple of contributions to that thread, recommending a video recorded quite a few years ago by (I believe) a music teacher, who sits at his keyboard while explaining and demonstrating the construction of the utterly majestic "God Only Knows", written by Brian Wilson (music) and Tony Asher (lyrics), recorded by The Beach Boys (vocals) and the L.A. studio musicians who comprised the legendary Wrecking Crew (instruments), the song found on the Pet Sounds album.

In my posts, I made the case for the highly sophisticated and incredibly brilliant chord progressions, modulations (key changes), and use of inversion (playing a bass note below the tonic of the chord being played on the piano) in the song’s composition. So when the video below appeared when I just jumped onto YouTube, it’s title really caught my eye. It is entitled "Exploring The Mythical Chords Of "God Only Knows"." Brian is well known for his harmony vocal arrangements, but that’s just the icing on the cake; the song itself is in it’s chords and melody. Some of the chord sequences in "God Only Knows" bring me to tears. Add to that the vocal harmonies---many sung in counterpoint---and Carl Wilson's angelic singing of the melody, and you have an absolute masterpiece of a song.

I have long considered "God Only Knows" my favorite song, and imo the "best" song ever written. I’m not alone in that; Paul McCartney has stated he feels the same. I could have added this video to @mahgister’s thread, but I believe the song and it’s appreciation warrant it’s own thread. Watch and listen to this video (and the one I posted in mahgister’s thread), give the song a new listen, and see if you don’t agree with Paul and I. 😉

 

https://youtu.be/I2PHOt9_fGc?si=7NVfhFUBn4aw_GGo

 

 

128x128bdp24
Post removed 
rpeluso
1,016 posts
 

I understand the passion one has for a song, and for me (although I love this BB song) it might be San Francisco Mabel Joy, a Mickey Newbury song, that would top my list. It gets to me each time I hear it/play it. Very different that GOK, but as great none the less. I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reP8JNB0pQE

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,457 posts
 

Just listened to God Only Knows by the Beach Boys and can confirm that it is not the best pop song. Top of my head, these are better. 
Dancing In the Street by Martha and the Vandellas
Be My Baby by The Ronettes
California Dreamin'
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Let it snow by Ella F.
Dancing Queen by Abba

PS, it all depends on taste.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
827 posts
 

Hey Jude is the best pop song! I remember it well from its initial release in the Fall of '69. It has real ear worm catchiness!

stuartk
2,365 posts
 

Exactly -- we all have our favorites.

It’s not as though "God Only Knows" is the only well-crafted Pop song -- there are many in the top tier. It all comes down to what moves us, particularly.

Simply consider the many gems in Stevie Wonder’s catalogue, for example. His composing is as harmonically/melodically sophisticated as anyone’s. This may or may not matter, depending upon whether his music appeals to you. Songs like  "All Is Fair In Love" and "Visions" would certainly rank very highly on any list I’d compile, though.

What is the time span we’re considering? Think of all the Standards, some going back to the Twenties -- the Pop music of that era. These tunes from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s are still being both sung and utilized for instrumental Jazz improvisation.

 

More to discover