#25: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys

In a surprising turn of events, The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows faced bans from several U.S. radio stations in 1966—not for its lyrics, but for its title. At the time, mentioning “God” in a pop song was considered controversial, with some deeming it blasphemous.

Despite Brian Wilson’s insistence that the song carried no religious intent, the backlash led certain stations to avoid playing it. However, the controversy didn’t hinder its legacy. Over time, God Only Knows became one of The Beach Boys’ most revered tracks, celebrated for its lush harmonies and emotional depth.