All Summer Long

Title

All Summer Long

Trivia

The sixth Beach Boys album released
Released on Capitol on July 13, 1964
Top chart position #4 USA, spending 49 weeks on the chart

Review

This is the archetypal "fun in the sun" Beach Boys album, in which the surf and car themes of the previous albums are extended into a general summertime theme, with a generous dose of romance. I Get Around was the monster hit and rock classic, but most people should also recognise Wendy, Little Honda and the title track, used for the movie American Graffiti. Much of the rest is worthwhile, although there is some filler in the studio blooper reel Our Favorite Recording Sessions.

The album ends on the motivational pep-talk Don't Back Down, ostensibly a surf song, but also possibly pre-empting the tougher times ahead. There is something of an end-of-the-innocence-era here, with Brian's breakdown on tour occuring a few months later, and Brian soon taking a leap into more complex production and emotional lyrics. As a reminder of a more innocent era, and for some great music, this album is highly recommended.

Rating