Happy 60th Birthday, ‘Pet Sounds’: Beach Boys Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston Recall the Making and Aftermath of One of Rock’s Greatest Albums

May 17, 2026 9:19am PT Happy 60th Birthday, ‘Pet Sounds’: Beach Boys Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston Recall the Making and Aftermath of One of Rock’s Greatest Albums

By Chris Willman

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Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

ChrisWillman

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Once upon a time, “Pet Sounds” seemed like the runt of the Beach Boys‘ litter, at least on the record company ledger, if hardly by artistic reputation. But as the album turns 60 years old this weekend, it’s thought of less of a cult record, as it was considered for years or even decades after its release, than it is as a landmark work with virtual household-name recognition. Who doesn’t revisit this virtually symphonic song cycle about lonely adolescence without considering it one of the 10 best records ever made? Or, if you don’t, would you dare admit that in polite company?

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