Good Vibrations

My Life as a Beach Boy

By: Mike Love, James S. Hirsch

Narrated by: Mike Love

The New York Times Bestseller

Mike Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous, and ultimately triumphant five-decade career as the front man of The Beach Boys, the most popular American band in history -- timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of "Good Vibrations."

As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary fifty-five years, and counting, as the group's lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. The Beach Boys, from their California roots to their international fame, are a unique American story -- one of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal, and forgiveness -- and Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His own story has never been fully told, of how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential front man for America's most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries.

Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," "Surfin' USA," and "Kokomo," while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. His partnership with Brian has few equals in American pop music, though Mike has carved out a legacy of his own -- he co-wrote the lyrics to eleven of the twelve original Beach Boy songs that were top 10 hits while providing the lead vocals on ten of them. The band's unprecedented durability also provides a glimpse into America's changing cultural mores over the past half century, while Love himself has experienced both the diabolical and the divine -- from Charles Manson's "family" threatening his life to Maharishi instilling it with peace. A husband, a father, and an avid environmentalist, Love has written a book that is as rich and layered as the Beach Boy harmonies themselves.

Critic reviews

“More than a half-century’s worth of inside information about the Beach Boys.” —The New York Times

“[Good Vibrations] is rich with Beach Boys info . . . some meaty insights, new stories even the most diehard Beach Boys fan has never heard, and Love’s own take on much-told tales . . . a crucial addition to the library shelf.”—Bob Ruggerio, Houston Press

“Riveting...fascinating...how the music transcended the story and spread California sunshine around the globe.... Love is able to articulate the depth of his feelings for the music in a way that will send fans back to their stereos to crank up ‘Surfin’ U.S.A.’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ and ‘The Warmth of the Sun’ whether they have an ocean handy or not.” —Sarah Rodman, Los Angeles Times

“If it’s the jumbo popcorn bag of Beach Boys lore you saltily crave, then Love’s Good Vibrations should hold you the length of the circus. In the battle of the Beach Boys memoirs, it’s the better read: lively, informative, thumbtacked with crazy specifics... It’s all here and then some.” —James Wolcott, Vanity Fair

“Love transfixes readers with his stories of the rise and fall of the band, his own work as a songwriter, and his deep engagement with spirituality and the ways that it has influenced his music.... [a] sobering look at the ups and downs of a rock and roll band...ends on a note of hope that music can provide harmony in word and spirit for a struggling world.” —Publishers Weekly

Beach Boys Believer

This book was amazing. There were no filters and no hiding the history about the ups and downs of the Beach Boys. Having Mike Love read the story himself gave you a sense he was telling it to you personally. You could hear the emotions in his voice during the sad and happy times. I even cried a couple of times after hearing the sadness in his words. This was a great book that I will definitely listen to again, and again.

Amazingly Great

Mike Love is not a professional “ narrator “ but does a great down to earth and earnest reading of his life . This is a phenomenal story of a phenomenal band and it captures many insights into The Beach Boys. It shows the good, bad and the ugly aspects of the band and at times the exhausting legal and personal struggles they endured. Mike Love does a very thoughtful presentation. A great audible experience that reminds us that The Beach Boys are a tremendous part of music to this day.

Awesome, insightful, fun

I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook. It was insightful, deeply personal and great fun. Like the Beach Boys music.

So good to hear Mike’s side of the BB story!

I have a whole new respect for Mike Love and a wider and deeper appreciation for the music of The Beach Boys.

I’ll always love The Beach Boys

Interesting synopsis of the band and its history. Might have been better off with a trained professional narration but I could appreciate Mike’s emotion at certain parts. A shame there were so many lawsuits and wasted funds on lawyers from all parties. I hate the fact that Mike and Al Jardine remain so estranged. Money and power do amazing things to people, there was enough good to give to everyone and it’s too bad there were so many bad and bitter feelings that will likely go to their graves. At times, the book felt very defensive from Mike’s position, as though he was the only “pure” player in all the bitter disputes. That’s hard to believe, but I would agree that he was due far more credit for the success of The Beach Boys catalog than he was given at the time. The last time I saw The Beach Boys in concert was 2019 in Sarasota. I saw Bruce J before the show and joked that they’d have to rename the band The Beach Geezers pretty soon and that their first song would be “Get off my lawn”. They could still deliver though and put on a great great show. They’re music will be part of the playlist for generations to come.