How Brian Wilson Writes Songs

Brian Wilson is one of my favourite songwriters, and he LOVES ii V Is (who doesn't). This video is a look at how 2 5 1s are used in the super underrated, and frankly BRILLIANT 1968 Beach Boys single, Break Away, which was written by Brian, and his father Murry.

This is a mini follow up to a longer video I just put out about ii V Is generally in popular music, so check that one out too to learn about the chord progression generally!

#beachboys #brianwilson #musictheory

[topgazza]

Carl’s lead vocal is precious and pure

[lowenbad]

This song has the kind of progression that excites active listeners and confuses passive listeners. Probably why it was not as successful. It’s a top 5 BB track for me. Brilliant.

[migueldeleon]

This is another perfect example of how sometimes a completely brilliant piece of music doesn't become a big hit record. It went Top 40, but not a typically big BB hit. The song is, both musically and lyrically, eager and anticipatory. Propusive, if you will.

[joeswansonanator]

Bravo for another Beach Boys theory vid!!! Another great example of how Brian creates tension, in order to release it explosively.

[vicenteortegarubilar]

Thank you for explaining me in a smart way why I absolutely love this song. You did a great job, good luck

[WINKlerEnterprises]

Thanks so much for your analysis. Yes, identifying the key in this, and several Beach Boys songs, is difficult. However, once the song is completed it all falls into place. Mike Love mentioned that, with "God Only Knows, " that the bass line doesn't go with the melody, the melody doesn't go with the chords, but once they are all together, they work.
As for sales and chart position, remember, as you mentioned, "Break Away" was "orphaned." Not being in an album was a negative for sales. Perhaps more so, since "Break Away" was the last Beach Boys' single on Capitol Records, under their 7-year contract, there was virtually no promotion of "Break Away" by their record company. The name "Break Away, " of course, can be seem as the Beach Boys' parting with Capitol.

[michaeldaley]

Reached number 6 over here in the UK.During the days when there homeland ignored them, here & many other countries loved them.From pet sounds to Holland, all there albums & singles sold well.

[k-chill]

Cheers for the great vid. I think it's easier to explain the song in terms of modes. The intro and choruses start on C Mixolydian which is where the song sounds strongest (especially reflecting the lyrical sentiment of 'breaking free'). Then the verses are purposely more free-floating and meandering reflecting the soul searching of the lyrics but generally stick close to G Dorian (which shares chords with C Mixolydian, while having more of a bittersweet melancholic feel). Wilson was always messing with tonal centers though which is why his songs are so evocative; I love the super ambiguous D7 that the chorus ends on... like the song POV is questioning whether he has actually escaped or not.

[courier]

Breakaway was written heavily by murry it’s not a typical Brian piece.