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Brian Wilson’s Whole-Step Revolution
How a simple modulation transformed pop sound.
The accolades for Brian Wilson (1942–2025) are still rolling in since his passing on June 11th. They are well deserved. Once, when asked what his legacy to the world of music would be, Brian responded, “God Only Knows will probably still be around.” Sir Paul McCartney, for one, agrees. Yet scores of others are equally worthy.
Even non-Beach Boy fans stand in awe of Brian’s genius. A lot of attention has been given to masterpieces such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Good Vibrations,” but no less striking is a lesser hit tottering on the cusp of surf rock and avant-garde pop: “Don’t Worry Baby,” issued as the B-side of “I Get Around” in May of 1964.
The composition could not be simpler, but the key change was an absolute game changer (it begins at approximately 0.30):
It’s no secret that “Don’t Worry Baby” was inspired by the Ronettes’ 1963 single “Be My Baby”:
