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California Girls

"California Girls" is a 1965 song by the American rock band the Beach Boys.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"California Girls" is a 1965 song by the American rock band the Beach Boys. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it was released on the album *Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)* and as a single, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is one of the band's most recognizable recordings.

Background

"California Girls" was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love and recorded by the Beach Boys in 1965. The song was inspired in part by the band’s touring experiences and Brian Wilson’s songwriting approach during that period.

Release and chart performance

The song appeared on *Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)* and was also released as a single in 1965 with "Let Him Run Wild" as the B-side. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in several other countries, becoming one of the Beach Boys' most commercially successful recordings internationally.

Music and style

The recording is known for its layered vocal harmonies and distinctive orchestral introduction. It is often discussed as a defining example of the Beach Boys' mid-1960s sound.

Legacy

"California Girls" has remained one of the Beach Boys' best-known songs and is frequently included on greatest-hits collections. It has been cited by later writers and lists of influential rock songs.

Key facts

  • The song was first released on the Beach Boys' 1965 album *Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)*.
  • It was issued as a single with "Let Him Run Wild" as the B-side.
  • "California Girls" reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • The song became one of the Beach Boys' most commercially successful recordings internationally.
  • It is widely regarded as one of the Beach Boys' signature songs.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "California Girls"?
Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote the song.
When was "California Girls" released?
It was released in July 1965 on *Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)* and as a single that year.
How did "California Girls" chart?
It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Which band recorded "California Girls"?
The Beach Boys recorded and released the song.
What album is "California Girls" on?
It appears on *Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Girls
    Supports: Song authorship, album placement, release year, and Billboard Hot 100 peak position.
  2. Deezer — https://www.deezer.com/en/track/3166713
    Supports: Song title, artist, composer credits, and track length.
  3. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/song/california-girls/716001878
    Supports: Song title, artist, and release date listing.
  4. Genius — https://genius.com/The-beach-boys-california-girls-lyrics
    Supports: Song background, authorship, chart peak, and legacy notes.