Brian Wilson: The Essential Album Guide

SURFIN' USA (1963)
Key Tracks: "Surfin' USA," "Stoked"
Quick Take: Though there are some excellent surf instrumentals on it (including Brian Wilson's thrilling "Stoked"), Surfin' USA exists mostly as a conduit for the title track, which gave the Beach Boys their first big pop hit. No song mapped Wilson's vision better than "Surfin' USA," which combined Chuck Berry's rock & roll guitar with the intricate vocal harmonies of the Four Freshman for a buzzing, infectious rush of pop perfection.