None other than Brian Wilson, the ageless co-founder of The Beach Boys, who has for five decades enthralled listeners with his deep and impactful musical innovations. Recently, Wilson unveiled his latest song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” a poignant piece that he crafted in just an hour and a half at his Bellagio mansion. This short but powerful tune clocks in at under two minutes. It’s a testament to Wilson’s path as a creator, and his ability to put big, profound feelings into a brief, poetic practice.
The new track takes its cue from Jackie DeShannon’s 1965 version of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s standard. Wilson’s collaboration with Gary Usher led to the creation of a reflective hymn to isolation, showcasing his ability to weave personal experiences into universally relatable themes. The lyrics co-written with Tony Asher reflect the dreams and aspirations of a teenage boy yearning for a serious relationship, further illustrating Wilson’s knack for storytelling through music.
The Craft of Songwriting
And it’s made Wilson’s songwriting process just as distinct as the genre-bending music he produces. His most recent musical adventure, What the World Needs Now Is Love, came together in record time, showcasing his amazing creative spirit. When pressed for his vision of the song he said, “the entire world should be filled with love.” As the bridge says, this feeling reverberates across the entire song, capturing a universal truth that continues to ring true decade after decade.
Wilson’s earlier masterpieces speak to his artistic breadth and adventurous spirit. The signature track “Good Vibrations” is an example of the auteur’s legendary fastidiousness. Each time he recorded it in six individual movements across four studios, testing the limits of what sound could be proven with bold experimentation. This beautiful mystique contributes dense levels to the experiential listening journey, encouraging his audience to dive deeper into its elaborate figure.
Little wonder, then, that “God Only Knows” is one of the top songs of all time and Wilson’s pride and joy. He called it his “entire life in one track,” reflecting its importance even among his long, storied catalog. The creative recording process for this song was intensive, taking eight months and almost $70,000 to get just right. This dedication serves to further highlight Wilson’s mission to write music that moves its audience on a spiritual level.
A Personal Sanctuary in Sound
Brian Wilson’s gift for distilling singular, intimate feelings into universal art comes through on songs like “In My Room.” This song sonically recreates his feelings of sanctuary by blending sweet-sad harmonies with unique instrumental choices such as finger cymbals and harp glissandi. Inspired partly by the Charms’ 1956 doo-wop hit “Ivory Tower,” “In My Room” captures the essence of seeking solace amidst chaos.
Wilson often reflects on his music as a sanctuary, stating, “I had a room I thought of as my kingdom,” emphasizing the safe space he created for himself through his art. Locked in this existential crisis, his songs become each an inspiring act of creation. They give him a personal sanctum to explore his deepest thoughts and musings.
Another significant collaboration was with his brother Dennis Wilson, where they traded verses about rivalry and loss in a song characterized by quacking synths and synthetic chords. This back-and-forth dance not only makes for an interesting dynamic between the two but presents and highlights their vocal talents. Carl Wilson’s soaring vocals on the bridge evoke memories of the angelic harmonies that defined The Beach Boys’ sound.
Evolution Through Themes
As much as his music is about the vibrancy of youth, Brian Wilson has consistently addressed the issues of aging and inspiration too. One of the most visible cases is “Pacific Coast Highway.” It so wonderfully and powerfully interrogates the acceptance of old age, and maybe even the decline of creative inspiration. In this song, Wilson reflects on life’s transitions, offering listeners an introspective take on topics often considered taboo in popular music.
Wilson’s continued pursuit of these ideas is evidence of not just how he is growing as an artist but mutably transforming canary. Yet, he doesn’t abandon the fruitful formula that his audience loves. His compositions are a living legacy that still touch audiences deeply, inspiring contemplation and celebration of life’s intricate beauty.