How Beach Boys hit ‘God Only Knows’ was banned from the radio | Music | Entertainment | EUROtoday

When the Beach Boys launched Pet Sounds in 1966, it marked a turning level of their profession – shifting away from the surf and solar themes that had outlined their early work, the group embraced a extra experimental and emotional sound.

But regardless of its crucial acclaim and affect, certainly one of its standout tracks confronted surprising resistance from US radio.

‘God Only Knows’ is now extensively thought to be one of many band’s most well-known songs. It was co-written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, with lyrics that intentionally pushed the boundaries of what was typical for a Sixties love tune. Asher later defined to Goldmine journal: “We were taking some real chances with it. First of all, the lyric opens by saying, ‘I may not always love you,’ which is a very unusual way to start a love song.”

However, it wasn’t the lyrical content material that led to the tune being banned on some American radio stations – it was the title.

At the time, using non secular language in mainstream pop was nonetheless thought of controversial in some components of the United States. The phrase “God” within the title – regardless of being utilized in a non-religious context – was sufficient for some broadcasters to drag the monitor from airplay.

The subject was significantly pronounced in additional conservative areas of the nation, the place non secular sensitivities held better weight over programming choices.

In distinction, stations in additional liberal states continued to play the tune with out subject, and the monitor carried out properly in lots of markets.

Brian Wilson had anticipated that the title would possibly trigger issues. In truth, he briefly thought of altering it to one thing much less more likely to provoke a response. One concept reportedly floated was ‘Fred Only Knows’, although it by no means made it previous the dialogue stage, and, in the long run, Wilson saved the unique identify, assured within the power of the fabric.

While some radio stations did ban the tune, it didn’t cease it from gaining traction. The tune was nonetheless launched because the B-side to ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ within the US and finally earned widespread recognition.

Despite the preliminary pushback, the tune’s fame solely grew. Today, God Only Knows is taken into account a milestone in pop songwriting and a key purpose why Pet Sounds stays such a revered album, with among the most acclaimed artists on the earth praising it.

Paul McCartney has incessantly cited it ‘God Only Knows’ as a private favorite, as have John Lennon, Bono, Barry Gibb and Pete Townshend. The tune was additionally lined – by Elton John, Lorde, Chris Martin, Kylie Minogue, Stevie Wonder, Brian May, One Direction, Dave Grohl, Sam Smith and lots of extra – on a BBC particular to commemorate the launch of BBC Music in 2014.