Pet Sounds: Most Overrated Album of All Time?

It never ceases to amaze me how some of my most admired artists are so impressed by the works of far lesser artists.

I stopped being surprised and am just grateful that the artists I adore were so inspired by artists that are perhaps seminal but whose works don't stand the test of time.

Here is a list of artists whose music had an epic impact on other artists, culture, and the music scene but whose albums I find I tried but I cannot get motivated to actually listen to today. Mind you I totally respect the artists for their contribution to the art and to society and paving the road for others but just feel that their music does not stand the test of time remotely as well as other artists that have been around for awhile. I am 42 so some of it might be a generation thing but nonetheless.

the list:

chuck berry (great historical importance but the music is not that great to hear today)

buddy holly

elvis presley (huge influence but would prefer to listen to otis redding, stevie wonder, al green, marvin gaye)

roy orbison

beach boys (a few great songs on pet sounds but only a few)

I like a lot of the old giants from louis Armstrong, count Basie, duke ellington, ella Fitzgerald, billie holiday to the beatles, stones, pink floyd, led Zeppelin, miles Davis....

To me the test is whether I like the entire album and pet sounds is not consistent enuf for me to listen to....it's uneven and the vocals are not great....a few gems no doubt!

The smile record is a lifetime achievement nod by critics and it's swell that be recovered from mental illness. I saw him at an early comeback gig and he had no stage presence and sang poorly and looked like a deer stuck in the headlights but people were just thrilled he was out there. I say kudos for beating your demons but please Lennon runs circles around him as does Dylan , mccartney, Morrison van and john......

You are right that pet sounds is better than the other stuff on the charts back then....this does not make it sound better today...

You are also right that music is more sophisticated today but hey the white album or revolver or rubber soul has aged well so why has a lot of pet sounds not aged well!

You are right that pet sound was hugely influential but does that make it great to listen to today? Sure for those who remember it from the beginning but not for most of us

I think Dylan stands the test of time very well

I think classical and opera can stand the test of time too (albeit I am not a huge fan like some though)

I agree that knowledge can help in appreciation but if it's really that good and you got an open mind which I do the quality should be obvious and on per sounds some tracks are great but only a few!