About the song
“I Can Hear Music” by The Beach Boys is a beautifully crafted pop song that stands out as one of the band’s later, more reflective works. Released in 1969, it was part of their album 20/20, which marked a transitional period for the band. By this time, The Beach Boys had evolved from their early surf rock days into more complex and sophisticated sounds, influenced by the psychedelic movement and the experimental approach of their late 1960s albums. Written by Jeff Barry, Ellen Greenfield, and Phil Spector, the song was a departure from their familiar California-based imagery, focusing instead on a more universal theme: the power of music itself.
The song opens with an airy, dream-like melody that is immediately uplifting, accompanied by lush vocal harmonies, which The Beach Boys were famous for. Brian Wilson, the band’s primary creative force, was still very much involved in the production, and his signature style—blending intricate vocal arrangements with a rich, layered sound—is evident throughout the track. “I Can Hear Music” is a song about the transcendental power of music, and its lyrics convey how music can uplift and transform a person, providing a sense of solace and joy in difficult times. The message is simple but powerful: music has the ability to touch the soul and bring people together.
In terms of its musical composition, “I Can Hear Music” features lush orchestration, with the beautiful use of strings and a steady, pulsing rhythm that gives the track a dreamy, ethereal quality. The lush instrumental arrangement complements the vocal harmonies, which are crisp and harmonious, as The Beach Boys were known to deliver. The orchestral elements, particularly the string section, give the song a feeling of grandeur and elevate the simple theme of the song, making it feel both intimate and expansive.
Upon its release, “I Can Hear Music” was met with positive critical reception, though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of some of The Beach Boys’ earlier hits. Nevertheless, it became a beloved track among fans, especially those who appreciated the band’s more introspective and sophisticated approach during this period. The song was also notable for its blending of pop and orchestral elements, reflecting the influence of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production style, which had a significant impact on the band during the late 1960s.
Socially and culturally, “I Can Hear Music” stands as a testament to The Beach Boys’ ability to evolve and adapt as artists. At a time when the music world was undergoing significant change with the rise of psychedelia and experimental rock, The Beach Boys managed to retain their signature sound while also embracing new musical influences. The track reflects a broader societal movement toward embracing art that was not just entertaining, but also introspective and emotionally resonant. Music, in the context of this song, becomes a metaphor for both personal expression and collective experience—a sentiment that resonated strongly with the counterculture of the 1960s.
In conclusion, “I Can Hear Music” is a shining example of The Beach Boys’ late-career brilliance. With its lush vocal harmonies, sophisticated orchestration, and uplifting message about the transformative power of music, the song has remained a timeless favorite among their fans. While it might not have been a chart-topping hit, its emotional depth and beautiful production continue to captivate listeners, proving the enduring legacy of The Beach Boys as one of the most influential bands in pop history.
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Lyrics
This is the wayI always dreamed it would beThe way that it isOh, when you are holding meI never had a love of my ownMaybe that’s why when we’re all aloneI can hear musicI can hear musicThe sound of the city, babySeems to disappearOh, well, I can hear musicSweet, sweet musicWhenever you touch me, babyWhenever you’re nearLovin’ you, it keeps me satisfiedAnd I can’t explain, oh, noThe way I’m feeling insideYou look at meWe kiss and thenI close my eyes and here it comes againI can hear musicI can hear musicThe sound of the city, babySeems to disappearOh, well, I can hear musicSweet, sweet musicWhenever you touch me, babyWhenever you’re nearI hear the music, hold me tight, yeahI hear the music, hold me tight, now, babyI hear the music, hold me tightI hear the musicI hear the music (music, baby)Ah, I can hear musicI can hear musicThe sound of the city, babySeems to disappearOh, well, I can hear musicSweet, sweet music