Brian Wilson's Revival Celebrated in 'We Gotta Groove' Box Set
In the mid-1970s, after experiencing a period of personal and professional challenges, Brian Wilson made a notable return to the music scene as a writer, singer, and producer for the iconic Beach Boys. This resurgence was so significant that their record label boldly announced, "Brian's Back!"
Now, this pivotal era in Wilson's career is being commemorated with an exciting new collection titled We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years, set to be released on February 13.
Fans can get a taste of what’s included by listening to the 2025 remix of "We Gotta Groove," available below.
Catch the Beach Boys' 'We Gotta Groove (2025 Mix)'
The box set primarily highlights the recording sessions for two key albums: the 1976 release 15 Big Ones and its follow-up, 1977's The Beach Boys Love You. It features an array of outtakes, alternate versions, and demos that give insight into this remarkable time in music history.
Additionally, the collection includes tracks from the legendary yet unreleased album Adult/Child, which adds further intrigue.
READ MORE: Check out our review of the Beach Boys' album, 'Feel Flows'.
Despite the marketing push to showcase Brian Wilson as being back at the helm of the band's creative direction, the reality during this time was somewhat tumultuous. His involvement in the sessions was inconsistent, and both his vocal performances and songwriting reflected a sense of vulnerability.
While many of the tracks on 15 Big Ones were covers, it was Wilson who produced the album. In contrast, Love You featured a majority of songs penned or co-written by him, marking a significant celebration of his artistic revival.
What Awaits in the Beach Boys' 'We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years'?
The collection boasts an impressive 73 tracks, which includes 35 previously unreleased tunes and 22 newly remixed tracks. Fans can expect a rich assortment of outtakes, alternate versions, and demo recordings that fill the three CDs.
A standout feature of this box set is the inclusion of Adult/Child, a deeply personal album crafted by Wilson that showcases his passion for big band music and vocal harmonies. Although it was ready for release at the time, the group ultimately decided against putting it out. Its presence in this collection represents the first official unveiling of one of the Beach Boys’ most coveted unreleased works.
The Beach Boys' 'We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years' Track Listing
Disc 1 — The Beach Boys Love You Album (1977 Mix)
LP1 Side 1
1. Let Us Go On This Way
2. Roller Skating Child
3. Mona
4. Johnny Carson
5. Good Time
6. Honkin’ Down The Highway
7. Ding Dang
LP1 Side 2
8. Solar System
9. The Night Was So Young
10. I’ll Bet He’s Nice
11. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together
12. I Wanna Pick You Up
13. Airplane
14. Love Is A Woman
Love You Outtakes (CD Only)
15. Ruby Baby *
16. Marilyn Rovell *
17. Sherry She Needs Me *
18. Lazy Lizzie *
19. We Gotta Groove (2025 Mix) *
20. Hey There Mama (2025 Mix) *
21. Clangin’ (2025 Mix) *
22. Love Is A Woman (Al Jardine Vocal) *
23. Johnny Carson (Alternate Mix With Intro) *
24. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling *
Disc 2 — Adult/Child Sessions
LP2 Side 1
1. Life Is For The Living *
2. Deep Purple *
3. It’s Over Now
4. Still I Dream Of It
5. Everybody Wants To Live *
6. Lines *
7. It’s Trying To Say *
LP2 Side 2
8. Shortenin’ Bread *
9. New England Waltz *
10. Life Is For The Living (Backing Track) *
11. Deep Purple (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
12. It’s Over Now (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
13. Still I Dream Of It (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
1974 – 1977 Select Outtakes (CD Only)
14. Holy Man (2025 Mix Carl Wilson Vocal) **
15. Carl’s Song 1 (It Could Be Anything) (2025 Mix) **
16. Carl’s Song 2 (Angel Come Home) (2025 Mix) **
17. String Bass Song (Rainbows) (2025 Mix) **
18. 10,000 Years Ago *
19. Gimme Some Lovin’ (2025 Mix) *
20. Honeycomb (Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford Vocal) *
21. In The Back Of My Mind (1975 Alternate Take 2025 Mix) **
Disc 3 — 15 Big Ones Outtakes and Alternate Mixes
LP3 Side 1
1. Just Once In My Life (2025 Mix) **
2. Mony, Mony (2025 Mix) *
3. Running Bear (2025 Mix) *
4. Shake, Rattle And Roll *
5. On Broadway (2025 Mix) **
6. Sea Cruise (2025 Mix) **
LP3 Side 2
7. Chapel Of Love (2025 Mix) **
8. Short Skirts (2025 Mix) **
9. TM Song (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
10. Rock And Roll Music (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
11. Had To Phone Ya (2025 Deconstructed Mix) **
12. Just Once In My Life (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
Love You Alternate Mixes (CD Only)
13. Let Us Go On This Way (Alternate Mix) *
14. Mona (2025 Deconstructed Mix) **
15. Honkin’ Down The Highway (Billy Hinsche Vocal) *
16. Ding Dang (Session Highlights and Unedited 2025 Mix) **
17. Solar System (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
18. The Night Was So Young (2025 Vocals Only Mix) **
19. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together (2025 Coda Mix) **
Love You Brian Cassette Demos (CD Only)
20. That Special Feeling (Demo) *
21. It’s Over Now (Demo) *
22. They’re Marching Along (Demo) *
23. Love Is A Woman (Demo) *
24. Mona (Demo) *
25. Airplane (Demo) *
26. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together (Demo) *
27. I’ll Bet He’s Nice (Demo) *
28. Still I Dream Of It (Demo) *
Note: Tracks marked with an asterisk are previously unreleased, while those with double asterisks have been newly mixed in 2025.
'Love You' and 29 Other Big Ones: The Beach Boys Albums Ranked
There’s so much more to this legendary band than just their well-known themes of surfing, cars, and romance.
