Brian Wilson revealed the best song he ever wrote with the Beach Boys

Brian Wilson, creative genius of the Beach Boys, chose "California Girls" as the best song he ever wrote. The track, released in 1965 on the album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), remains one of the band's greatest expressions of sunny pop. The revelation comes from a 2002 video interview, in which Wilson was asked about his favorite records and songs. Among the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Carole King and James Taylor, he named "California Girls" as his favorite composition within the catalogue. The origin of the song is also curious: Wilson had the idea during his first experience with LSD and then developed the arrangement and production. In a later interview, he said he was very proud of the song's introduction, which he considered to have a classical feel. The track also featured lyrics by Mike Love. Even though it seems simple and sunny, "California Girls" shows Brian Wilson's sophistication: striking harmonies, tonal changes, light atmosphere and a chorus that became a Beach Boys signature. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the greatest symbols of Wilson's ability to transform pop into lasting art.