Lasting just one minute, this wordless 1969 vocal piece managed to capture the sweeping emotional ambition and intricate harmony work that defined Brian Wilson’s most visionary era.
“Our Prayer” by the Beach Boys was originally recorded for their unreleased 1966–1967 SMiLE project. However, the song wasn’t officially released on their 1969 album 20/20.
In a Variety list of Brian Wilson’s 20 Best Songs, “Our Prayer” takes the No. 19 spot. The outlet writes, “Don’t bother looking up the lyrics for this one — there aren’t any — just a murdererers’ row of top-flank singers bringing their A-game to what was intended to be the a cappella prelude to ‘Smile.’”
It continues, “It’s a short but impossibly sweet example of how the group could turn itself into a full choir, not needing no stinking lyrics to bore into your soul.”
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In a 2004 interview with Magnet Magazine, Wilson recalled the feelings “Our Prayer” evoked. “Man, this is great!” he said.
He added, “That’s got to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever written. Beautiful harmonies.”
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The website Don’t Forget the Songs shared an undated quote from Wilson about writing the song. He explained, “I was sitting at my piano thinking about holy music. I poked around for some simple but moving chords.”
“Later, I sat down and wrote ‘Our Prayer’ in sections. The boys were overtaken by the arrangement. I taught it to them in sections, the way I usually do. The purity of the blending of the voices made the listeners feel spiritual. I was definitely into rock church music.”
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Wilson performed the song live on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 2001.
Wilson Phillips, comprised of Carnie and Wendy Wilson, as well as Chynna Phillips, famously covered “Our Prayer,” releasing their version on their 2010 Christmas album.
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