I’ve just finished re-listening to The Beach Boys’ discography — yes, even Summer in Paradise.

And honestly, it’s not the worst album ever.

The UK version is definitely superior. There are five remixes that soften the datedness of the ’90s production, making it far more palatable. Every remix improves the album.

I think I’ve mentioned before that I actually consider Strange Things Happen a legitimately good song — it’s the best track on the US version of the album.

However, the song I find most fascinating is the UK version of the title track, Summer in Paradise (Roger McGuinn Remixed):

A common criticism is the way the lyrics name-drop better Beach Boys songs — “Rhonda,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Barbara Ann,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” — seemingly just to trigger nostalgia for a far better era of the band. On the US version, this comes across as cringeworthy.

But what makes the UK version so interesting is Roger McGuinn’s 12-string Rickenbacker guitar. The signature jangly arpeggios recall the classic sound of The Byrds. His contribution completely transforms the song and recontextualised the lyrics. Suddenly, it feels like a sincere retro throwback — not just a bland early-‘90s pop song cashing in with nostalgic lyrics, but something with genuine spirit and intention.

This creates a genuine nostalgic atmosphere while still sounding original and idiosyncratic within The Beach Boys’ catalogue. None of their other songs feature that trademark Byrds guitar tone, so this track ends up blending Beach Boys harmonies with Byrds instrumentation and ’90s pop elements — a truly unique mix.

Even more striking is when McGuinn joins in vocally towards the end. His world-weary, rootsy singing contrasts beautifully with the pristine Beach Boys vocals. It’s not unlike Bob Dylan’s unexpected entrance in Handle With Care or We Are the World. That clash of styles is strangely effective — and really creative.

I have to say, Roger McGuinn completely saves the song. It’s a late-career minor classic.

So yes — Strange Things Happen and the UK remix of Summer in Paradise are the two legitimately good songs on the album.

I’ll also say that Forever (sung by John Stamos) gets unfairly criticised. I understand people who grew up watching Full House might be put off, but taken on its own, without that baggage — if you just listen to it as a cover of Forever — it’s honestly a decent, if slightly mediocre, version. The original is a great song, and this re-recording (the UK mix is better) doesn’t ruin it, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same heights.

I’ll also admit I have a guilty pleasure in Summer of Love. It’s objectively not a good song, but I just can’t bring myself to hate it. Part of The Beach Boys’ charm has always been their geeky, slightly lame energy — even from the very start. They’ve always walked a tightrope between the superficial and the sublime. Summer of Love takes the “Mike Love persona” to such a comical extreme that it becomes hilarious. Get a comedian to do a parody of Mike Love conception of The Beach Boys and they could not produce something funnier than that. Mike Love achieved the perfect satire of himself.

And I truly believe Mike Love is in on the joke. His tongue is clearly in his cheek, both in the writing and delivery. If the song is meant to be funny — and it is — then I don’t see any reason to hate it.

I do put the UK version of Summer In Paradise above the self titled The Beach Boys album and about the same level as Keepin The Summer Alive and Still Cruisin’