"Friends" is the 14th studio album by the American rock band the Beach Boys, released on June 24, 1968, under Capitol Records. Known for its tranquil and serene atmosphere, the album deviated from contemporary music trends of the time with its short track lengths, many under two minutes. Despite its brevity, the album received critical acclaim, though it sold poorly in the United States, reaching only number 126 on the Billboard charts. However, it performed better in the UK, peaking at number 13, where it gained a favorable reception among fans.
Recorded mainly at Brian Wilson's home with a lo-fi production style, the sessions spanned from February to April 1968 amid financial struggles within the band. Although credited to "the Beach Boys" for production, Brian Wilson took a leading role, considering it his second unofficial solo effort after 1966's "Pet Sounds". Influenced by their involvement with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Transcendental Meditation, several songs on the album reflect spiritual and introspective themes, marking the first appearance of songs by Dennis Wilson.
The album spawned one single, the waltz-like title track "Friends", which achieved modest success in the US and UK. The group initially planned a tour with Maharishi, but it was canceled due to low ticket sales and the Maharishi's withdrawal. Another single, "Do It Again", released shortly after, became a hit, reaching the US top twenty and topping charts in the UK.
Despite mixed reactions to its simplicity, "Friends" garnered positive reviews, solidifying its reputation as one of the Beach Boys' finest albums among fans and critics. It also marked Dennis Wilson's emergence as a songwriter within the band, a role he would further explore in subsequent albums and his solo work. In 2018, a compilation titled "Wake the World: The Friends Sessions" was released, featuring session highlights, outtakes, and alternate takes from the album's recording sessions.
