For Beach Boys aficionados and casual listeners alike, the vast archives of this iconic band hold countless treasures. Among these, one song stands out as a particularly poignant and powerful example of overlooked genius: Dennis Wilson’s “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again”. This isn’t just another track; it’s a testament to Dennis Wilson’s exceptional vocal talent and songwriting capabilities, a hidden gem that finally saw the light of day after decades in the vault.
Unveiling a Lost Masterpiece: “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again”
Imagine a song so captivating that it’s hailed as a “holy grail” by Beach Boys insiders, a track whispered about in hushed tones among devoted fans. “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” carries this mystique. Before its official release, only a select few, including Mike Love and the Wilson brothers themselves, had experienced its profound beauty. Andrew G. Doe, a respected Beach Boys specialist, encapsulates its impact perfectly, describing it as “A classic Dennis Wilson composition featuring his best ever vocal – yes, better than ‘Forever’ – and stellar background vocals from his brothers. Totally majestic and it demands to be on the forthcoming box set chronicling the Beach Boys’ extensive career.” This powerful endorsement underscores the song’s exceptional quality and its rightful place within the Beach Boys’ celebrated discography.
Dennis Wilson: Vocalist and Songwriting Force
Dennis Wilson, often overshadowed by his brothers Brian and Carl, possessed a unique and deeply emotive voice. “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” serves as a definitive showcase of his vocal prowess. Jon Stebbins, in his book The Beach Boys FAQ: All That’s Left To Know About America’s Band, quotes former Beach Boys manager Jack Rieley, who claimed, “[The] others in the band voiced jealousy of the songs which Dennis sang lead, and were constantly maneuvering to exclude them.” This insight hints at the internal dynamics of the band and the potential reasons behind the initial obscurity of Dennis’s compositions. The song’s belated recognition allows listeners to fully appreciate Dennis’s contribution not just as a drummer, but as a significant creative force within the Beach Boys.
Black and white photo of The Beach Boys, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the band's classic era.
A Lost Opportunity on “Surf’s Up”
Originally intended to conclude the Beach Boys’ 1971 album Surf’s Up, “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” was ultimately left off the final tracklist. Dennis envisioned his song following Brian Wilson’s somber “Till I Die,” offering a contrasting, yet ultimately uplifting, resolution to the album. Imagine Surf’s Up, often considered their most introspective and profound work of the 1970s, ending with Dennis’s hopeful and majestic composition. It’s argued that this placement would not only have provided a more positive concluding note but also potentially positioned Dennis’s songwriting talents in a brighter spotlight, perhaps even overshadowing his bandmates at the time and becoming a defining moment of Surf’s Up.
Dennis Wilson in a thoughtful pose, emphasizing his depth and artistic sensitivity as a musician.
“Made in California” and a Song’s Resurrection
For years, “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” remained confined to the archives, a tantalizing rumor for devoted Beach Boys fans. Jon Stebbins, author of Dennis Wilson: The Real Beach Boy, astutely noted in Popmatters, “If the Beach Boys were all championing Dennis Wilson, the stuff would have been out a long time ago. But they don’t see an upside for themselves.” However, in 2013, with the release of the Made in California box set, this musical treasure was finally unearthed and given the chance to resonate with a wider audience. Decades after its creation, The Beach Boys, or those controlling their musical legacy, recognized the inherent power and beauty of Dennis Wilson’s song, allowing it to rightfully “live again.”
Carl and Dennis Wilson performing together, capturing the brotherly musical bond within The Beach Boys.
For anyone yet to fully appreciate the genius of The Beach Boys beyond their sunny pop hits, “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” serves as an compelling entry point. This song is more than just a historical curiosity; it’s a deeply moving and exquisitely crafted piece of music that showcases Dennis Wilson’s songwriting and vocal abilities at their absolute peak. As Peter Ames Carlin wrote in Catch A Wave, Dennis “could write and produce songs that all but rivaled Brian’s for emotional power and grace.” “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice) To Live Again” stands as a prime example of this, a resurrected jewel from the 1971 Surf’s Up sessions that deserves repeated listening and solidifies Dennis Wilson’s legacy as an undeniable musical force within The Beach Boys. This 1971 outtake, “(Wouldn’t It Be Nice),” truly deserves “To Live Again” in the ears of every Beach Boys fan and music lover.
