“God Only Knows” was a baroque pop hit for the Beach Boys. The song was part of a musical transition away from surfing music by adding psychedelic and more complicated musical forms to their music. The song included a number of instruments that were seldom featured in pop music by 1966. These instruments were a French horn, cellos, violas, and accordion. The song expresses a conviction that the romantic partner is exceptional and irreplaceable. Without them, the world would go on, but the joy of living would be vanquished. “God Only Knows” was a track from the Beach Boys eleventh studio album, Pet Sounds. In November 2003, Rolling Stone Magazine listed Pet Sounds at #2 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Source: Vancouver Signature Sounds