About The Song
“California Girls” is one of The Beach Boys’ most celebrated and influential recordings, marking a turning point in the group’s creative journey. The song was recorded on April 6, 1965, and released as a single on July 12, 1965, with “Let Him Run Wild” as the B-side. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind “Help” by The Beatles and “Like A Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan, and achieved top 10 positions in several countries worldwide.
The song emerged during a transformative period for Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. Wilson conceived the idea for “California Girls” while reflecting on music, drawing inspiration from Western film scores. He composed the chorus music during a dinner party in early 1965 and later collaborated with Mike Love to complete the lyrics. During initial recording sessions at Western Studio in Los Angeles, the song was temporarily titled “We Don’t Know.”
“California Girls” represented a significant shift in The Beach Boys’ production approach. When Brian Wilson chose to stop touring with the group, he focused on using the studio as a primary creative tool. Instead of relying on band members, Wilson enlisted top Los Angeles session musicians for the recording, a method he increasingly favored. This was also the group’s first recording with touring musician Bruce Johnston, who was not yet an official member.
Musically, “California Girls” stands out for its sophisticated production elements. The song is noted for its orchestral prelude, intricately layered vocals, and unique chord progressions. The grand orchestral arrangement elevated this recording to one of The Beach Boys’ most ambitious efforts at the time. Although the group’s vocals were not added until June 4, the complex instrumental foundation set the stage for their signature sound.
Brian Wilson held “California Girls” in high regard within The Beach Boys’ catalog. He described it as a “hymn to youth,” the group’s “anthem,” and his favorite recording by the band, though he was not entirely satisfied with the vocal performance. The song’s influence extended beyond The Beach Boys, inspiring The Beatles’ “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and numerous other songs with similar themes.