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Most Iconic Uses of Beach Boys Songs in Film and TV
It was really sad to hear that Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys died today. While we don't cover music here that often, the Beach Boys are a legendary band whose work has been used by lots of filmmakers to set the mood of a scene or just as part of an all-time great soundtrack. Today, I wanted to look at the best uses of Beach Boys songs across film and TV. Let's dive in. "God Only Knows" (from Pet Sounds)In Boogie Nights (1997), this incredibly poignant and beautiful song is used with powerful emotional impact, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of the characters who found themselves stuck in adult entertainment. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (from Pet Sounds)Michael Moore's powerful doc, Roger & Me (1989), uses this song ironically against a backdrop of economic devastation in Flint, Michigan."Good Vibrations" (Single, 1966)Cameron Crowe is the king of soundtracks, and he makes this song eerie in Vanilla Sky (2001), as it has effective placement that enhances the dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere."Kokomo" (from Cocktail soundtrack, 1988)A song literally written for the movie, Cocktail (1988), takes the island vibes to the bar. This song became a massive hit, almost synonymous with the movie itself."California Girls" (from Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), 1965)I love it when characters sing along to the radio, and this running bit in Rush Hour 2 (2001), with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, famously sings this song in the car, became a running gag across the trilogy. "Sail On, Sailor" (from Holland, 1973)I know Scorsese prefers the Rolling Stones, but I love the use of this song underneath the despicable acts of Jack Nicholson's character in The Departed (2006). "I Get Around" (from All Summer Long, 1964)A lively song for a lively story beat, Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) features this track, adding to its quirky and stylized aesthetic."Feel Flows" (from Surf's Up, 1971)Almost Famous (2000) uses this song twice in the film, including during the end credits, solidifying its place as a favorite among fans of the movie and the band."Forever" (from Sunflower, 1970)The Beach Boys themselves made many appearances on Full House. And in the conic wedding episode, their tunes are how Uncle Jesse professed his love. "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" (from Pet Sounds)In Mad Men, this perfect soundtrack adds to Roger Sterling's existential and morbid trip in the episode "Far Away Places."Summing It All Up Hopefully, these iconic Beach Boys songs made you appreciate their use in these classic films and TV shows all the more. They're one of the quintessential American bands, and it's cool to see how their music has blended so well with filmmakers. Let me know what you think in the comments.
It was really sad to hear that Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys died today. While we don't cover music here that often, the Beach Boys are a legendary band whose work has been used by lots of filmmakers to set the mood of a scene or just as part of an all-time great soundtrack.
Today, I wanted to look at the best uses of Beach Boys songs across film and TV.
Let's dive in.
"God Only Knows" (from Pet Sounds)
In Boogie Nights (1997), this incredibly poignant and beautiful song is used with powerful emotional impact, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of the characters who found themselves stuck in adult entertainment.
"Wouldn't It Be Nice" (from Pet Sounds)
Michael Moore's powerful doc, Roger & Me (1989), uses this song ironically against a backdrop of economic devastation in Flint, Michigan.
"Good Vibrations" (Single, 1966)
Cameron Crowe is the king of soundtracks, and he makes this song eerie in Vanilla Sky (2001), as it has effective placement that enhances the dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere.
"Kokomo" (from Cocktail soundtrack, 1988)
A song literally written for the movie, Cocktail (1988), takes the island vibes to the bar. This song became a massive hit, almost synonymous with the movie itself.
"California Girls" (from Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), 1965)
I love it when characters sing along to the radio, and this running bit in Rush Hour 2 (2001), with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, famously sings this song in the car, became a running gag across the trilogy.
"Sail On, Sailor" (from Holland, 1973)
I know Scorsese prefers the Rolling Stones, but I love the use of this song underneath the despicable acts of Jack Nicholson's character in The Departed (2006).
"I Get Around" (from All Summer Long, 1964)
A lively song for a lively story beat, Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) features this track, adding to its quirky and stylized aesthetic.
"Feel Flows" (from Surf's Up, 1971)
Almost Famous (2000) uses this song twice in the film, including during the end credits, solidifying its place as a favorite among fans of the movie and the band.
"Forever" (from Sunflower, 1970)
The Beach Boys themselves made many appearances on Full House. And in the conic wedding episode, their tunes are how Uncle Jesse professed his love.
"I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" (from Pet Sounds)
In Mad Men, this perfect soundtrack adds to Roger Sterling's existential and morbid trip in the episode "Far Away Places."
Summing It All Up
Hopefully, these iconic Beach Boys songs made you appreciate their use in these classic films and TV shows all the more. They're one of the quintessential American bands, and it's cool to see how their music has blended so well with filmmakers.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
