The Beach Boys Comeback of 1988

I read Andrew Hickey’s three part book series of The Beach Boys on Cd. I recommend it to every Beach Boy fan. It’s clear that he is a big fan. I also listen to Hickey’s podcast, “A History of rock in 500 songs.” Another strong recommend to music fans. 

The third part in the book series as well as other music journals that I read over the years said that “KoKoMo was this surprise hit out of nowhere. As a Beach Boys fan at the time, the story is much more obstacles and conflicts than that a traditional explanation. It could be a story of conflict and triumph itself. As an author myself, I would love to do the research and write that story. 

The Beach Boys last big musical statement was the album “15 Big Ones.” They toured, did TV specials and really promoted that album. It had two Top 20 songs and one top 10. After that the hits were sporadic for the rest of the decade. They became a big selling touring band.

Dennis Wilson died and that could’ve been the end of the band. They regrouped, refocused and tried to make another artistic statement. The band released a self-titled album in 1985. That album yielded a Top20 hit called “Getcha Back.” They got a taste of a hit. They worked with songwriters and still toured constantly to keep the name of the band out there. There was a song called, “Rock N Roll to the Rescue” that barely cracked the Hot 100. That song was a bonus on another greatest hits compilation. The other bonus song on that album was a remake of “California Dreaming.” The song didn’t do much on the pop charts but it was a Top 10 Adult Contemporary song. 

They did songs for soundtracks, appeared on television shows, and kept touring. They kept trying to stay in the public eye and reach younger audiences. It wasn’t always good like the collaboration with The Fat Boys on the song “Wipe Out.” They had at-the-time big star John Stamos play drums with them. Even though Brian Wilson, who was considered the big brain of the band was out, they still worked and marketed for that big statement. 

Then they got the song written by John Phillips called “KoKoMo.” The Beach Boys had a monster hit. 

The song wasn't a "just out of the blue" surprise. They had to practically start all over again in the 1980s after spending years with no hits. The number one song was the culmination of doing soundtrack songs, appearances, team ups with actors and younger musicians. They spent years rebuilding a following. Doing the leg work.  "KoKoMo" was the result of working and striving and doing what it takes.