In 1966, after riding a wave of surf music to the top of the charts, the Beach Boys threw everybody a curve. Pet Sounds swept listeners off their feet with its lush orchestrations, layered sounds, and state-of-the-art audio effects. Ultimately, songs like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" offer both a glimpse into Brian Wilson's troubled mind and a reminder that, in their prime, the Beach Boys were truly ground-breakers.

Tom Nord