I Can Hear Music

"I Can Hear Music" is a song written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector. It was first recorded by the Ronettes in 1966, and later covered by the Beach Boys in 1969.

The Beach Boys versions

"I Can Hear Music"
Single by The Beach Boys
from the album 20/20
B-side	"All I Want to Do"
Released	March 3, 1969
Format	Vinyl
Recorded	October 1, 1968
Genre	Rock
Length	2:36
Label	Capitol
Producer(s)	Carl Wilson
The Beach Boys singles chronology
"Bluebirds over the Mountain" (1968) "I Can Hear Music" (1969) "Break Away" (1969)
20/20 track listing

"I Can Hear Music" was covered by the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1969 album 20/20 with Carl Wilson on lead vocals.

With Brian Wilson increasingly losing interest in producing for the Beach Boys, his younger brother Carl took over the role of producer and lead Beach Boy. "I Can Hear Music" is considered by many to be Carl Wilson's first taste at being the "leader" of the group. Released as a single, the song peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (and #20 on the Cash Box and Record World charts) in the US. Internationally, it reached #5 in Sweden, #6 in the Netherlands and Malaysia, #7 in Poland, #10 in the UK, #13 in Germany and in Australia's Go Set chart, and #15 in Ireland. The Beach Boys' version is noted for its a cappella section of harmonies and counterpoint.

Within the US it peaked on top 10 playlists at #5 Boston, #7 New York, #7 Chicago (WCFL), San Diego, Seattle, Houston and Vancouver in order of success; #11 Chicago (WLS), #12 Los Angeles (KHJ), Columbus and Indianapolis; #14 Detroit.

In 1996, The Beach Boys re-recorded the song, with contemporary Christian singer Kathy Troccoli on lead vocals, for their country album Stars and Stripes Vol. 1. That recording was released as a single, and hit #16 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Other versions

• 1968 – Czech singer Pavel Novák (group VOX) as "Malo Ti Zbyva"
• 1973 – Larry Lurex (a pseudonym for Freddie Mercury)
• 1978 – Curt Boettcher/Bruce Johnston studio project band California
• 1983 – José Hoebee
• 2010 – She & Him, B-side of "In The Sun"
• 2012 – Wilson Phillips, Dedicated