A Complete Timeline of the Complicated History of The Beach Boys

In late 1966, Brian Wilson began developing Smile, an experimental album intended to surpass Pet Sounds. Working with lyricist Van Dyke Parks, he pursued abstract themes, modular recording techniques, and unconventional song structures.

Sessions were elaborate and expensive, involving dozens of musicians and fragmented takes. Brian’s perfectionism intensified as expectations grew, making progress increasingly difficult and placing immense pressure on both himself and the band.