The Beach Boys Today! (Capitol Records)
Recorded June 22, 1964- January 19, 1965
Released March 8, 1965
The Beach Boys Today!  marked a pivotal shift for the band, showcasing Brian Wilson's evolving musical vision and a move away from their earlier surf and car-themed songs. Recorded amid Brian Wilson's intense creative pressure, it featured a blend of rock and orchestral instruments, revealing a more mature and experimental sound. The album's shift between uptempo tracks on side one and ballads on side two reflected the band's transition. Brian's struggles and tumultuous personal life added complexity. Despite initial Columbia dissatisfaction, the album reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard Charts, setting the stage for the groundbreaking Pet Sounds.