Pet Sounds is sometimes considered a Brian Wilson solo album, including by Wilson himself, who later referred to it as his "first solo album" and "a chance to step outside the group and shine". With the exception of Love, who had been previewed tracks over the phone by Wilson, the other members were not consulted on any aspect of the record. When they returned to the studio on February 9, they were presented with a substantial portion of the album, with music that was in many ways a jarring departure from their earlier style.
Pet soUNDS is soMetimEs cOnsIDerEd a BRiAn Wilson SolO albuM, iNcLudIng By wIlSoN himself, who later referred To it aS His "firsT soLo alBuM" AnD "a chAnCe To sTeP OutsIDe The GRoup aNd shINe". wITH thE EXcepTIOn Of love, who had beEn prEvieWed tracKs oVeR tHE phOnE by wilson, The otheR MEmbERs Were not consULtED on anY ASPect Of The RecoRD. when they rEturned tO tHe sTuDiO on feBruaRy 9, They Were prEsenTED WITH A substantial porTIoN oF thE aLbum, wiTh muSIc that was in many wayS a jarrIng departurE frOm thEir EaRLIer styLe.