Top 10 Covers Of Beach Boy Songs

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The Beach Boys built one of rock music’s most recognizable catalogs, filled with soaring harmonies, unforgettable melodies, and songs that have inspired generations of artists. These ten covers show how musicians from Billy Joel and Paul Simon to David Bowie and David Lee Roth found their own ways into that timeless music.

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Our “Top 10 Covers of Beach Boys Songs” presents an article filled with covers of songs originally recorded by a band that stands as one of the most successful and famous groups in classic rock history. The Beach Boys first formed in 1961 on the West Coast of the United States, in Hawthorne, California. The band’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, everyone related except for Al Jardine. The group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide since it was first established in the 1960s, making The Beach Boys one of the most covered bands of all time, thanks to a catalog that is both deep and rich.

Since their debut album, Surfin’ Safari, was released in 1962, The Beach Boys have released 29 studio albums. Additionally, they have released 11 live albums, and with a band as legendary as they are, there is, of course, the addition of numerous compilation albums, close to 60. There has been much turmoil throughout the band’s career, much of it surrounding Brian Wilson, but that is a story for another time and place.

I was born the same year the band got together, in 1961, so I was not that aware of their music growing up in the 1960s, although I am sure I heard it on the radio. However, as a teenager in the 1970s, I remember going to see The Beach Boys play with Chicago all the time. Their music in the 1970s still dominated radio and continued to develop a fan base that would last forever. Today, we celebrate some of the most enjoyable covers of Beach Boys songs that we have ever heard.

# 10 – “Don’t Worry Baby” – Billy Joel (Live)

We open our top 10 covers of Beach Boys songs with a great one by Long Island’s own Billy Joel. The man has never really gotten the credit he deserves as a singer; he is one of the finest out there. Because he is such a brilliant songwriter and entertainer, his songs have long overshadowed his vocal chops, which are on full display here in this sensational cover of the classic 1964 Beach Boys song. The original Beach Boys version appeared on the album Shut Down Volume 2. The song has long been one of Brian Wilson’s favorites. Billy Joel’s cover version was recorded live and appeared on his box set My Lives.

# 9 – “Help Me, Rhonda” – Johnny Rivers

Johnny Rivers has long been one of the best at covering songs. His cover of The Beach Boys’ “Help Me, Rhonda” was released in 1975 on his album New Lovers and Old Friends. It features the typical Johnny Rivers swinging style, full of passion and soul, that makes it a real winner. The Beach Boys’ original song “Help Me, Rhonda” appeared on their album The Beach Boys Today!, which was released in 1965. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. It went all the way to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 when The Beach Boys originally released it.

Read More: Top 10 Johnny Rivers Songs

# 8 – “Fun, Fun, Fun” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

We return once again to The Beach Boys’ 1964 album Shut Down Volume 2 with a cover of their classic song “Fun, Fun, Fun.” This time, it is Joan Jett who gives it the pure rock and roll treatment with this kicking version of the classic Beach Boys song from her album Good Music. What made this one extra special was that Joan had Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, Mike Love, Billy Hinsche, and Bobby Figueroa singing backing vocals on the album. Good Music was released in 1986.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Joan Jett Songs

# 7 – “I Get Around” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

As we continue with this Beach Boys cover song article, we turn to a surprising performance by a band you might never have expected to cover a Beach Boys song, but what they did with it was outstanding. The Red Hot Chili Peppers paid tribute to The Beach Boys at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony with a funky, rocking version of one of the most famous Beach Boys songs of all time.

It is not easy to recreate the big Beach Boys sound and harmonies, but the Red Hot Chili Peppers did it in their own way. Listen to Flea’s grooving bass on this one; it works magically. John Frusciante is on backing vocals, which is really cool, and of course, Anthony Kiedis does his own thing on the lead vocals. Holding it all together is Chad Smith’s tribute to Dennis Wilson’s style of drumming. While some people may not like this one, I think it is simply fabulous.

Read More: Top 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs

# 6 – “Surfer Girl” – Paul Simon

Our list of Beach Boys cover songs showcases both live and studio versions. We did not want to stick only to studio recordings because there were some important live performances that we wanted to make sure to present here. One of them was Paul Simon’s very moving cover of The Beach Boys’ “Surfer Girl.” Paul Simon performed the song at the All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson. Here was an artist who grew up and celebrated success around the same time as The Beach Boys, although he came along a little later. Paul Simon covering Brian Wilson, two of the most brilliant songwriters of our lives. It does not get much better than that.

Read More: Top 10 Paul Simon Songs

# 5 – “In My Room” – Wilson Phillips

We thought it was very important to include at least one Wilson Phillips cover of a Beach Boys song on this list, given the relationship between the group and The Beach Boys. For those who may not be familiar, Wilson Phillips consists of Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas, and Carnie and Wendy Wilson, who are Brian Wilson’s daughters. When Wilson Phillips first emerged on the scene in 1990, they were a massive success.

Wilson Phillips was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and achieved significant chart success, with the group’s debut album going platinum around the world. The album climbed all the way to number two on the US Billboard 200, and Wilson Phillips had multiple number one singles with “Hold On,” “Release Me,” and “You’re in Love.” However, the group did not remain together for long and eventually went on hiatus.

Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 with the album California. On this wonderful album, they covered multiple Beach Boys songs, closing it with a breathtaking version of their father’s song “In My Room.” Listen to those harmonies; that is what Wilson Phillips is all about. This cover is a simple version with just piano and vocals, but the vocals are so stunning that it probably worked better this way than it would have with a full orchestra behind them because you can really take in and feel the passion and talent of these three wonderful musicians.

Read More: Top 10 Wilson Phillips Songs

# 4 – “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” – Jakob Dylan and Neil Young

This one was really special in so many ways. Brian Wilson and Tony Asher’s song “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” was originally released on the Pet Sounds album in 1966. The album and the song are among the most celebrated Beach Boys releases of all time. So many people have felt the way Brian Wilson did in this song. Being depressed and unsure of where you fit in a world that seems both lonely and challenging is something we have all been through. This song spoke to so many people.

The cover version here was recorded by Jakob Dylan, who, if you did not know, is Bob Dylan’s son, and, of course, the legendary Neil Young. Jakob Dylan takes the lead vocal all the way through, while Neil Young backs him up on the chorus. This cover version was released on the soundtrack to the Echo in the Canyon documentary. If you have ever seen that documentary, we highly recommend it. If you have never listened to Pet Sounds, I highly recommend it. Everything about this one is spectacular.

# 3 – “Good Vibrations” – Todd Rundgren

If you are a fan of rock music, then you have to be a fan of Todd Rundgren; there is just no doubt about that. Todd Rundgren is one of the most celebrated musicians in classic rock history. He is renowned not only as an artist, musician, singer, and songwriter but also as the producer of some of the greatest rock and roll albums of all time, including Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell and Grand Funk Railroad’s We’re an American Band. Todd Rundgren’s album Faithful was simply a masterpiece, and his version of The Beach Boys’ beloved song “Good Vibrations” pays stunning tribute, showcasing both the brilliance of the song and the amazing talents of good old Todd.

# 2 – “God Only Knows” – David Bowie

If we had to pick our favorite Beach Boys song of all time, it would definitely be “God Only Knows.” I do not think we are alone in that sentiment. We have listened to many different covers of this song, and while there were some really special ones, especially Elton John’s live cover of this classic, the one we chose was David Bowie’s very creative and original-sounding studio version released on the Tonight album. David Bowie was never a follower; he did things his own way, and that is exactly what he did with this one. Singing in a lower voice while still reaching all the notes, he delivered an astonishing version of this song that, if you are a Bowie fan, you will fall in love with.

# 1 – “California Girls” – David Lee Roth

One of the most exciting aspects of putting together a top 10 list is figuring out which entry will claim the number one spot. Sometimes it is easy, and other times it is a real struggle. On this list, it was not easy because there are some really great versions here, especially the last couple we have just written about. However, in the grand scheme of things, what we always look for in a cover version, at least in our opinion, is creativity and fun. We want a cover version to almost sound brand new and bring something different to the audience. That is exactly what David Lee Roth did with “California Girls.” He made the song his own; he was born to sing it. Of course, the video helps a lot; it is one of the most enjoyable videos we have ever seen. This song was one of the factors that helped catapult him into a solo career. Some people are not happy about that, of course, but that is what he did, and this song played a role in it.

Read More: Top 10 David Lee Roth Songs