Good Vibrations

It's kind of hard to exaggerate how big a deal "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys is - when it was released in October 1966, it was the most ambitious single ever released by a pop group or rock band, and arguably among the most ambitious singles ever released. It then topped multiple charts - including both the UK and US charts - and went Top 5 or Top 10 in many other countries. Unlike most art music, it was actually heard by millions of people, making it among the most impactful works of art pop ever made. Though other bands had released psychedelic singles earlier in 1966, and hits with them, none of those songs were as complicated, as ambitious or as expensive as "Good Vibrations". It's a landmark in popular music.

Personnel

The Beach Boys

• Mike Love – co-lead vocals
• Brian Wilson – vocals,Template:Sfn production, mixing, tambourine during chorus
• Carl Wilson – lead vocals,Template:Sfn rhythm guitar during fadeout, shaker during 2:13–2:56, possible bass
• Dennis Wilson – Hammond organ during 2:13–2:56Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Additional musicians and production staff

• Hal Blaine – drums,Template:Sfn timpani, other percussion
• Al De Lory – piano, harpsichord
• Jesse Ehrlich – cello
• Larry Knechtel – organ in verses and chorusesTemplate:Sfn
• Tommy Morgan – harmonicaTemplate:Sfn
• Al Casey – guitar
• Ray Pohlman – electric bassTemplate:Sfn
• Lyle Ritz – double bass
• Jim Horn – piccolo
• Paul Tanner – Electro-ThereminTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Bassist Carol Kaye played on several of the "Good Vibrations" sessions, and has been identified as a prominent contributor to the track. However, analysis by Beach Boys archivist Craig Slowinski indicates that none of those recordings made the final edit as released on the single.