Wild Honey may not be the most listenable album by the Beach Boys, but it is certainly one of the most interesting. At the time of its release, it seemed as if the Beach Boys had developed a new musical vision that pointed toward the future. Wild Honey was a statement that said the Beach Boys were moving in a different direction. There was now a rhythm & blues element contained in there layered harmonies and impeccable production. Wild Honey was an album that was well thought out beforehand. Unfortunately these themes were never explored beyond this one album. Thus Wild Honey remains a unique album, thematically, within the Beach Boys catalogue.
Wild Honey is also significant for the fact it is here that Carl Wilson began to assert himself as an emerging, creative leader of the Beach Boys. The confidence gained on Smiley Smile begins to flower on Wild Honey. Carl Sings lead on “Wild Honey,” “I Was Made To Love Her,” “Darlin” and “How She Boogalooed It.” This quartet of varied songs put Carl Wilson’s hitherto underused voice at the center of the Beach Boys sound. As Brian Wilson’s input and direction gradually waned, Carl would fill some of the void.
The title song, "Wild Honey" and "I Was Made To Love Her" set the tone for the album. “Wild Honey” is a layered R & B song. Carl Wilson’s funky vocal rests on the layered harmonies of the other group members. The Stevie Wonder song, “I Was Made To Love Her,” receives a fairly straightforward treatment. The Beach Boys remain loyal to the songs structure but layer in some vocals to make it unique.
“Darlin” would become a top twenty hit for the Beach Boys and a concert staple for years. There is a subtle rhythm and blues feel but the song has more rhythm and bass than the aforementioned songs. The harmonies provide a foundation for the lead vocal to rise out of and then settle back into.
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Article comments
1 - Chris
I love this album. It's done in mostly by rather substandard production values, but there are some really good songs here. This and Sunflower are far and away the best albums the band produced after Pet Sounds.
2 - petsoundss66
David, I commend you on a very concise and dedicated review!
The elements of your so true spoken words are evidenced immediately at first glimpse of the album cover!!
Keep up the good work!!
Cheers,
Larry!