The Beach Boys' third album and second (of three) in 1963 is the first to credit Brian Wilson as sole producer, though it's often rumored he handled those duties alone on the previous releases. The shift in focus is noticeable. Brian handles the key lead vocals for the title ballad, the first song he'd ever written, and he delivers his most personal performance to date with the autobiographical masterpiece "In My Room." His high harmonies bring a sublime vulnerability to the joyful "Catch a Wave," while his songwriting collaboration with Roger Christian for "Little Deuce Coupe" gives Mike Love his best moment on the album. Even lesser-known tunes such as "The Surfer Moon" display Wilson's heavily melodic approach (and his first use of strings), which established The Beach Boys as the era's best band. While The Beach Boys were clearly rushed in the studio—Mike Love sings with a cold on several cuts—their talents were so fully blooming that nothing could curtail their energy or enthusiasm.