"Brian's Back" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys that was recorded during the sessions for their 1979 album L.A. (Light Album).[1] Written by Mike Love and produced by Paul Fauerso, the song addresses the "Brian Is Back!" media campaign from 1976.[2] The players on the track included Carl Wilson, Ron Altbach, Dave Somerville, and Jerry Donahue.[2]
| "Brian's Back" | |
|---|---|
| Song by the Beach Boys | |
| from the album Endless Harmony Soundtrack | |
| Released | August 11, 1998 (1998-08-11) |
| Recorded | August 31, 1978[1] |
| Length | 4:07 |
| Label | Capitol |
| Songwriter(s) | Mike Love |
| Producer(s) | Paul Fauerso |
| Licensed audio | |
| "Brian's Back" on YouTube | |
Mike Love wrote the song as a response to the "Brian Is Back!" publicity campaign that had surrounded Brian Wilson and the release of the group's 1976 album 15 Big Ones. Love wrote in his memoir,
Brian wasn't back. [...] But there was a time, early in the campaign, that I hoped Brian really was back, and there were times in the studio or even onstage when Brian would reconnect to the music and his voice would soar and he would hit the high notes as only Brian Wilson could. I would watch in amazement and get so emotional I'd have to choke back the tears. I couldn't tell him how I felt, but I wrote this song instead, called "Brian's Back."[3]
The lyrics contain references to "Fun, Fun, Fun", "I Get Around", "Good Vibrations", and Pet Sounds.[3]
"Brian's Back" was considered for inclusion on a Mike Love solo album, First Love, which was never released.[2] Instead, the track was first released on the 1998 compilation Endless Harmony Soundtrack.[2] In 2013, an alternate mix was included on the box set Made in California.[4]