We know the sad history that followed—Smile collapsing, the mental health battles.

But looking strictly at the output between the debut single and Good Vibrations, Wilson’s genius is undeniable. He forced the entire industry to catch up.

The pivot point is 1965's 'The Beach Boys Today!'.

Brian quits touring and starts using the studio as an instrument. Timpani, harpsichord, French horn.

"Please Let Me Wonder" and "In the Back of My Mind" aren't surf songs; they are the blueprints for Pet Sounds.

What’s your rotation right now? I’m leaning towards the raw chaos of Lennon today, but George is the forever GOAT.

#TheBeatles #MusicTwt #Vinyl #GeorgeHarrison

And Ringo? Sentimental Journey was mocked as retrograde, but he actually predicted the "Standards Cover Album" trend decades before Rod Stewart. Even when he was looking back, he was somehow looking forward.

George Harrison wins the "Best Debut" award though. All Things Must Pass. Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. A triple LP of pent-up genius. "Wah Wah" and "What Is Life" are absolute units. He finally emptied the tank.

Paul’s McCartney is the original DIY record. He played everything himself, left the edges rough, and recorded it at home. "Junk" and "Every Night" are pure lo-fi gold. He was doing the "Bon Iver in a cabin" thing 40 years early.

John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band is terrifyingly austere. No reverb, no hiding. Just "God" and "Mother." He stripped the "Beatle" myth to the bone. It’s the sonic equivalent of a panic attack. Direct ancestor to everything from Joy Division to early emo.