By admin 
While the melody of “Then I Kissed Her” might feel like a classic Beach Boys tune, its roots dig deep outside the sunny shores of California’s iconic surf rock scene. Originally, the song was titled “Then He Kissed Me,” a timeless hit released in 1963 by The Crystals and masterfully crafted by the legendary songwriting trio Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry. This original version told an intimate story from a young woman’s perspective, capturing the intoxicating thrill of a very first kiss.
The Beach Boys, with their heart firmly set on the windswept beaches and crashing waves, held a deep admiration for girl groups like The Crystals. For their 1965 summer smash album “Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)”, they boldly decided to cover this beloved classic—but with a heartfelt twist. The genius behind this transformation was none other than Brian Wilson. He flipped the script by changing the lyrics, shifting the narrative to a male perspective, and rechristening the song as “Then I Kissed Her.” Delivered with endearing charm by vocalist Al Jardine, the Beach Boys’ rendition encapsulated the jittery excitement of a young man summoning the courage to kiss a girl for the first time.
But it wasn’t only the lyrics that made the Beach Boys’ version unforgettable. Brian Wilson’s masterful production breathed the unmistakable Beach Boys sunshine into the track. The jangly guitars intertwined with their trademark close harmonies to create a warm, sun-drenched soundscape that perfectly echoed the carefree vibes and eternal optimism of the summer. The song resonated deeply, climbing to number four on the UK charts and cementing the Beach Boys’ identity as America’s quintessential band for good times and youthful adventure.
As the opening chords wash over you, imagine yourself standing on a sunlit California beach, waves gently pounding the shore behind you. “Then I Kissed Her” is more than just a song about a kiss—it’s a thrilling tapestry of emotions: shyness, anticipation, and pure joy intertwined in the magic of young love under a radiant summer sun.
“Brian Wilson’s ability to transform a classic from a girl’s perspective to a boy’s was truly inspiring. It gave us a fresh lens to relive those first, nervous moments of love,” shared music historian Sarah Thompson.
Al Jardine, the voice behind the track, reflected, “Singing ‘Then I Kissed Her’ brought back all those butterflies. It’s a simple song, but it captures a moment that every young person remembers.”
Today, the song stands as an iconic bridge between two worlds—girl group innocence and boyish bravado—woven together by the golden threads of the Beach Boys’ unmistakable California sound.