‘Pet Sounds’ Celebrates 60 Years with Sessions Highlights Set By Beach Boys

The iconic Beach Boys album, Pet Sounds, which was released on May 16, 1966, is now celebrating its 60th anniversary. This album is considered a masterpiece and is credited with reshaping the landscape of popular music. Six decades later, Pet Sounds is still recognized as a pivotal and influential work in the music industry.

To commemorate this milestone, Capitol Records/UMe is releasing The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights. This collection offers fans an in-depth look into the creation of the album by compiling standout material from the 1997 Grammy-nominated 4-CD box set, The Pet Sounds Sessions. These recordings document the legendary 1965–66 recording sessions and provide valuable insights into the making of the album.

Scheduled for release on May 15, 2026, The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights includes 25 alternate takes, a cappellas, and tracking sessions that are being released on vinyl for the first time. The collection is available in various formats, including a 2-CD set and multiple 2-LP configurations, such as standard black vinyl and limited-edition splatter/color variants. Each format contains new liner notes by the respected Beach Boys historian Howie Edelson and a detailed sessionography. Additionally, a 90-track digital-only box set, The Pet Sounds Sessions, will also be made available for purchase.

Before the release of the collection, The Beach Boys have previewed their rendition of the classic hit “Sloop John B” in a captivating a cappella version, highlighting the vocal harmonies of Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston. The band has also shared an alternative take featuring Carl Wilson on lead vocals in place of Brian.

Pet Sounds represented a significant departure from The Beach Boys’ previous surf rock style, marking a creative evolution for the band. Influenced by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul and Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production, Brian Wilson set out to create a cohesive and innovative work that pushed the boundaries of recorded music. The album’s complex arrangements, unconventional instrumentation, and emotional depth set a new standard that inspired artists and producers for generations to come.

Despite initial challenges upon its release, Pet Sounds has endured as a timeless and influential album. It has left an indelible mark on the music industry, with its lasting impact felt across various genres and artists. Six decades later, Pet Sounds remains a definitive work that continues to captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim for its innovation and artistry.