This song has the kind of progression that excites active listeners and confuses passive listeners. Probably why it was not as successful. It’s a top 5 BB track for me. Brilliant.
This is another perfect example of how sometimes a completely brilliant piece of music doesn't become a big hit record. It went Top 40, but not a typically big BB hit. The song is, both musically and lyrically, eager and anticipatory. Propusive, if you will.
The Beach Boys had plummeted in popularity in late '67 and '68 after the shelving of the Smile album and pulling out of the Monterrey Pop Festival.as they were viewed after the fact, in general, as "squares", "your father's band", not hip anymore, and much more. This is a great song with the usual Brian Wilson key and chord progressions which is why all the greats have so much respect for him. Had this song come out in '64, different story.
Thanks so much for your analysis. Yes, identifying the key in this, and several Beach Boys songs, is difficult. However, once the song is completed it all falls into place. Mike Love mentioned that, with "God Only Knows," that the bass line doesn't go with the melody, the melody doesn't go with the chords, but once they are all together, they work. As for sales and chart position, remember, as you mentioned, "Break Away" was "orphaned." Not being in an album was a negative for sales. Perhaps more so, since "Break Away" was the last Beach Boys' single on Capitol Records, under their 7-year contract, there was virtually no promotion of "Break Away" by their record company. The name "Break Away," of course, can be seem as the Beach Boys' parting with Capitol.
Reached number 6 over here in the UK.During the days when there homeland ignored them,here & many other countries loved them.From pet sounds to Holland,all there albums & singles sold well.
Cheers for the great vid. I think it's easier to explain the song in terms of modes. The intro and choruses start on C Mixolydian which is where the song sounds strongest (especially reflecting the lyrical sentiment of 'breaking free'). Then the verses are purposely more free-floating and meandering reflecting the soul searching of the lyrics but generally stick close to G Dorian (which shares chords with C Mixolydian, while having more of a bittersweet melancholic feel). Wilson was always messing with tonal centers though which is why his songs are so evocative; I love the super ambiguous D7 that the chorus ends on... like the song POV is questioning whether he has actually escaped or not.
Murray had this idea for a song and Brian feeling guilty for sacking him as manager years before wrote the music from Murray’s basic melody. The giveaway is the multiple chord changes like Good Vibrations. The majestic harmonies are pure Brian
Carl’s lead vocal is precious and pure
This song has the kind of progression that excites active listeners and confuses passive listeners. Probably why it was not as successful. It’s a top 5 BB track for me. Brilliant.
This is another perfect example of how sometimes a completely brilliant piece of music doesn't become a big hit record. It went Top 40, but not a typically big BB hit. The song is, both musically and lyrically, eager and anticipatory. Propusive, if you will.
Totally agree. Such a good song
It was top 3 in the UK. And yes a brilliant Brian Wilson piece of complex yet accessible music. And oh those harmonies
The Beach Boys had plummeted in popularity in late '67 and '68 after the shelving of the Smile album and pulling out of the Monterrey Pop Festival.as they were viewed after the fact, in general, as "squares", "your father's band", not hip anymore, and much more. This is a great song with the usual Brian Wilson key and chord progressions which is why all the greats have so much respect for him. Had this song come out in '64, different story.
Bravo for another Beach Boys theory vid!!! Another great example of how Brian creates tension, in order to release it explosively.
Thanks so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!
@@bigyellowpraxis It was a good vid and I really liked the Til I Die one as well.
Brian Wilson = genius.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for your analysis. Yes, identifying the key in this, and several Beach Boys songs, is difficult. However, once the song is completed it all falls into place. Mike Love mentioned that, with "God Only Knows," that the bass line doesn't go with the melody, the melody doesn't go with the chords, but once they are all together, they work.
As for sales and chart position, remember, as you mentioned, "Break Away" was "orphaned." Not being in an album was a negative for sales. Perhaps more so, since "Break Away" was the last Beach Boys' single on Capitol Records, under their 7-year contract, there was virtually no promotion of "Break Away" by their record company. The name "Break Away," of course, can be seem as the Beach Boys' parting with Capitol.
Reached number 6 over here in the UK.During the days when there homeland ignored them,here & many other countries loved them.From pet sounds to Holland,all there albums & singles sold well.
Thank you for explaining me in a smart way why I absolutely love this song. You did a great job, good luck
Nice job. Fav BB tune of mine too!
Thanks so much - glad you liked it. Great song!
Magical song
Cheers for the great vid. I think it's easier to explain the song in terms of modes. The intro and choruses start on C Mixolydian which is where the song sounds strongest (especially reflecting the lyrical sentiment of 'breaking free'). Then the verses are purposely more free-floating and meandering reflecting the soul searching of the lyrics but generally stick close to G Dorian (which shares chords with C Mixolydian, while having more of a bittersweet melancholic feel). Wilson was always messing with tonal centers though which is why his songs are so evocative; I love the super ambiguous D7 that the chorus ends on... like the song POV is questioning whether he has actually escaped or not.
Breakaway was written heavily by murry it’s not a typical Brian piece.
Murray had this idea for a song and Brian feeling guilty for sacking him as manager years before wrote the music from Murray’s basic melody. The giveaway is the multiple chord changes like Good Vibrations. The majestic harmonies are pure Brian