Question
1967 press photo of the Beach Boys

Which Beach Boys album does "God Only Knows" appear on?

Last updated: May 25, 2026

"God Only Knows" is the greatest pop song ever written, a ruling Paul McCartney has issued so many times it counts as settled law. Brian Wilson wrote the song and sang the demo, but handed off lead vocals to his little brother, Carl. Which Beach Boys album does "God Only Knows" appear on?

Correct Answer: Pet Sounds

(Source)

It hadn't even been a year since The Beatles released their album "Rubber Soul," but a 23-year-old Brian Wilson was determined to make something better. Sure, he might've been a little stoned when he created "God Only Knows" (and the rest of the "Pet Sounds" album), but we'll just call that divine inspiration. In the U.S., the song was tucked away as the B-side to the much poppier "Wouldn't It Be Nice," but there was no hiding a masterpiece. The Beatles responded with "Here, There and Everywhere," and McCartney can barely make it through the song without crying, so I think we can all agree Wilson achieved his goal.

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