'Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'

After dedicating the second side of The Beach Boys Today! with more mature introspective songs, Summer Days (And Summer Nights) may seem like a step backward for Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. While the lyric content returned to the themes of earlier Beach Boys albums. Musically, it is just as sophisticated as Today! was. The album opens with "The Girl From New York City" which was written as a response song to The Ad-Libs song "The Boy From New York City". The Beach Boys including new recruit Bruce Johnston on piano contribute instrumentally in addition to a few Wrecking Crew members.

"Amusement Parks USA" is a list song similar to "Surfin' USA" only instead of surf spots it lists Amusement Parks such as Palisades Park and Disneyland. The Carnival barker heard in the instrumental break is none other than Wrecking Crew Drummer, Hal Blaine. It prominently features Hammond B-3 Organ played by Leon Russell.

"Then I Kissed Her" is a gender-reversed version of The Crystals' "Then He Kissed Me" written by Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry and sung here by Al Jardine. The notable castanet parts on the track are played by new Beach Boy Bruce Johnston who also plays organ on the track.

"Salt Lake City" written by Brian and Mike Love is a tribute to the capitol city of Utah. The notable B-3 Organ is played by Leon Russell. The prominent tenor saxophones are played by Steve Douglas and Plas Johnson with Jay Migliori on baritone saxophone.

"Girl, Don't Tell Me" features Carl Wilson on lead vocals. Brian wrote the song originally for The Beatles. The Celesta on the song is played by Bruce Johnston who joins other Beach Boys including Dennis on drums and Carl on twelve string and acoustic guitars

"Help Me Rhonda" is the hit single version of a song that was featured in an underdeveloped form on the previous album. It became the Beach Boys' second number one on the billboard charts. Leon Russell performs a piano solo during the instrumental break. Bruce Johnston who became Brian Wilson's Touring replacement in the band suggested that the hit version be included on Summer Days.

"California Girls" opens with a symphonic guitar part which leads into the body of the song which Brian wrote after his first LSD trip. Mike Love wrote the lyrics. "California Girls" has been the Beach Boys' concert opener for many years

"Let Him Run Wild" was written by Brian and Mike. It was the B-side to the "California Girls" single. The song was supposedly written about Murry Wilson's extra-marital affairs. Brian has stated that he did not like his high-pitched vocals on the track claiming "I sound like a chick." Brian would later re-record the song for his 1998 Album Imagination.

"You're So Good To Me" is written by Brian and Mike in tribute to Brian's wife Marilyn. It features a steady drum beat by Dennis and guitars played by Carl Wilson and Al Jardine. Brian plays piano and sings lead on the track while Bruce Johnston adds Hammond Organ.

"Summer Means New Love" is an instrumental written by Brian which features prominent overdubbed guitar by Tommy Tedesco backed up by a string section. Frank Capp adds vibraphone, Carol Kaye adds bass and Hal Blaine plays the drums.

"I'm Bugged At My Old Man" is Brian's not so friendly ode to his Father Murry. It is limited instrumentally to Brian on piano and lead vocals with Carl , Dennis and Marilyn Wilson on backing vocals. It is the closest thing to a filler track on this album.

"And Your Dreams Come True" is an acapella song sung by the whole group that closes the album in style.

While The album did not break much new ground lyrically. Brian was nearing the height of his powers as a musician and producer. He would soon make his ultimate statement but first came another demand from the record company.