The Beach Boys | How Britain Reacted to "Pet Sounds" in 1966 [mini-documentary]

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When Pet Sounds was released in May 1966, American audiences didn’t quite know what to make of it. It peaked at #10 on the Billboard chart and quickly slipped away. Many fans and critics found it too strange, too introspective — too far removed from the Beach Boys’ early surf hits.

But in Britain, it was a different story entirely.

The album reached #2 on the UK Albums Chart, stayed in the Top 20 for over 30 weeks, and was immediately embraced by British critics, fans, and musicians. In this video, we explore how Pet Sounds was received in Britain in 1966 — from the glowing reviews in the UK music press to the surprising chart success and the wave of influence it had on British artists.

You'll also hear what major names from that era — including members of The Beatles and The Who, Eric Clapton, Scott Walker or Spencer Davis, among others, had to say about the record, both positive and not-so-positive. Their reactions help paint a fuller picture of just how disruptive and forward-thinking the album truly was.

We also look at how early British appreciation helped shape the long-term legacy of Brian Wilson and Pet Sounds, turning it from a misunderstood release into one of the most celebrated albums in music history.