The Beach Boys are back with their latest studio album That’s Why God Made The Radio. The band’s original line up is back together and the band is 50 years old! But their music still evokes the same magic it did when they started!
Brian Wilson, who has been in and out of the band due to substance abuse and mental issues, is back doing what he does best. The title track is a classic. Like a guru blessing his students, the essence comes out in the lyrics “spreading the love and sunshine to a whole new generation”.
‘Spring Vacation’ is a song spreading good and happy vibes. Celebrating the dream of making each day new. Also talks about leaving the past behind, which is what the Beach Boys have actually done. They’ve left all pending law suits far behind them and just made their music.
As you listen to the vocal arrangements and harmonies, you realise why this band threatened The Beatles of their number one spot. The Beach Boys are known for their brilliant mix of harmonies over pure rock and roll. Pitch perfect and soulful.
‘Shelter’ is about being together and looking out for each other. Since the band has been through so much, it’s like they realise they have each other and their music under which they find shelter. ‘Daybreak over the Ocean’ is about a lover longing to get back together. Mike Love, the man who held the band together from the beginning, excels in this composition.
The songs remind you of the 1980s. A very American sound is maintained through the album, though there are some places which sound quite young. The impeccable harmonies, of course, make it timeless.
‘Summer’s Gone’ has a philosophical tinge about holding on to dreams and realising what has happened. The sign off line “we laugh, we cry, we live then die, And dream about our yesterday” leaves you mulling over your life with rain and the sound of wind chimes...
Bottomline : Still evokes the same magic
That’s Why God Made the Radio; The Beach Boys, Capitol
