Which Beach Boys single became their first U.S. chart-topping hit?

“I Get Around” became the Beach Boys’ first U.S. chart-topping single.

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song captured the group at the height of its early surf-pop and hot-rod period. Its lyrics describe newfound fame, mobility, and the desire to find exciting places and people. Brian Wilson produced the recording, which became the opening track on the 1964 album All Summer Long.

Capitol released “I Get Around” as a single on May 11, 1964. It entered the Billboard Top 40 at No. 17 on June 6, then reached No. 1 on July 4. It stayed at the top for two weeks, giving the Beach Boys their first American chart-topping hit. The record also performed strongly abroad, reaching No. 1 in Canada and the top ten in the United Kingdom.

The other choices were later or non-chart-topping Beach Boys singles. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” was an important early breakthrough, but it peaked at No. 3 on Billboard. “Help Me, Rhonda” later became the band’s second U.S. No. 1.