Beach Boys Revisit Polarizing 'Lost Album' and Brian Wilson's Comeback

As 'We Gotta Groove' highlights a turbulent two-year period, Al Jardine reflects on the band's evolution and staying true to their sound

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fifty years after Brian Wilson rejoined the Beach Boys, the band is revisiting that polarizing period with the release of the 'We Gotta Groove' box set. Guitarist Al Jardine discusses the band's transition from a guitar-driven group to one embracing synthesizers on albums like 'Love You', as well as the mixed reactions to their 'lost album' 'Adult/Child'. Jardine also talks about the responsibility of keeping the Beach Boys' legacy alive through live performances with his 'Pet Sounds Band'.

Why it matters

The Beach Boys' mid-1970s output, including the long-shelved 'Adult/Child' album, represents a pivotal and controversial chapter in the band's history. As they moved away from their signature surf-rock sound and embraced more experimental and synth-driven styles, the group faced mixed reactions from fans and critics. This period highlights the band's constant evolution and willingness to take risks, even if it meant alienating some of their audience at the time.

The details

After a period of semi-absence, Brian Wilson rejoined the Beach Boys in 1976 and produced two albums - '15 Big Ones', which blended originals and covers, and the more experimental 'Love You'. The sessions also yielded the unreleased 'Adult/Child' album, which featured a big band-inspired, orchestrated sound that was rejected by both the band and their label. Guitarist Al Jardine says the transition was part of the band's ongoing reinvention, as they moved from a guitar-based group to one embracing synthesizers, with Jardine himself stepping up to play lead guitar on songs like 'Susie Cincinnati'.

  • In January 1976, Brian Wilson rejoined the Beach Boys and began producing for the first time since 1969.
  • The Beach Boys released '15 Big Ones' in 1976, followed by 'Love You' in 1977.
  • The unreleased 'Adult/Child' album was shelved in favor of the 1978 'M.I.U. Album'.
  • The 'We Gotta Groove' box set, featuring the remastered 'Love You' and unreleased material, is being released on February 13, 2026.
  • Jardine will perform 'Love You' in its entirety on February 27, 2026 at the United Theatre on Broadway in Los Angeles.

The players

Brian Wilson

The leader and co-founder of the Beach Boys, who rejoined the band in 1976 after a period of semi-absence and began experimenting with synthesizers on albums like 'Love You'.

Al Jardine

The long-running guitarist for the Beach Boys, who discusses the band's evolution from a guitar-driven group to one embracing synthesizers, and his role in keeping the Beach Boys' legacy alive through live performances with his 'Pet Sounds Band'.

Carl Wilson

The lead guitarist for the Beach Boys, who took guitar lessons and helped develop the band's signature sound along with David Marks.

Eugene Landy

The psychologist who was working with Brian Wilson during his comeback in the mid-1970s, but was later discredited.

Matt Jardine

Al Jardine's son, who has the vocal range to potentially keep the Beach Boys' music alive in the future.

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What they’re saying

“Brian was always a surprise. He always had a surprise for us, and that was great — something brand new that we could sing and enjoy singing and playing on and recording. That's what it was all about — evolution, growing musically.”

— Al Jardine, Guitarist (guitarplayer.com)

“As soon as we went into this disco pattern, people started to boo. It taught us you can't pander to other styles, you have to stay true to your own stuff. That's really what it boiled down to.”

— Al Jardine, Guitarist (guitarplayer.com)

“That legacy — that's why we keep going. The songs are so great. It's just fun to play them.”

— Al Jardine, Guitarist (guitarplayer.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Beach Boys' mid-1970s output, marked by their experimentation with synthesizers and divisive reactions from fans, represents the band's constant evolution and willingness to take risks, even if it meant temporarily alienating their audience. This period highlights the enduring appeal of the Beach Boys' music and the ongoing efforts to preserve their legacy through live performances.