Who produced the Beach Boys' 1966 album 'Pet Sounds'?

Brian Wilson produced the Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds.

Wilson served as the album’s producer, arranger, and principal composer, working with lyricist Tony Asher on most of the songs. Although Pet Sounds was released under the Beach Boys’ name, Wilson directed the recording process and shaped its distinctive blend of vocal harmony, orchestral color, unusual instruments, and studio experimentation.

Much of the instrumental work was performed by Los Angeles session musicians later associated with the Wrecking Crew. The Beach Boys then added their intricate vocal parts, with Wilson coaching the singers and overseeing the arrangements. This division of labor sometimes leads listeners to assume that another famous producer, such as Phil Spector or George Martin, was responsible. Neither produced Pet Sounds.

Released by Capitol Records on May 16, 1966, Pet Sounds was the Beach Boys’ eleventh studio album. It included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” and “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times.” Murry Wilson, Brian’s father and the group’s former manager, was also not the producer; his professional relationship with the band had ended years earlier.