Curios: Brian Wilson Was A Foundational Influence On Modern Music

...Brian Wilson with Pet Sounds invented the concept of the auteur-driven album that attempts to break new ground while fearlessly ignoring commercial concerns. Believe it or not, there weren’t really records like that — not in a pop context, anyway — before Brian dared to do it. (When you’re considered a primary influence on Sgt. Pepper’s, you have truly achieved “elemental” status.) Even artists who aren’t directly influenced by Brian Wilson — or even people who have never knowingly listened to his music — have been shaped by Pet Sounds. When Radiohead made OK Computer, they were shaped by Pet Sounds. When Kanye West made My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, he was shaped by Pet Sounds. When Beyoncé made Lemonade, she was shaped by Pet Sounds. Which means you and I and every other music fan have also been shaped by Pet Sounds.

Steve Hyden; uproxx.com; June 11, 2025