Brian Wilson declared of the song, "'Forever' has to be the most harmonically beautiful thing I've ever heard. It's a rock and roll prayer."[2]AllMusic reviewer Matthew Greenwalk wrote,
Easily one of the standouts on the Sunflower album, "Forever" is sort of a capper on Dennis Wilson's unexpected burst of creativity during the 1968-1969 period. A lovely, effervescent melody frames his soulful vocal and lyrics, which are as an accurate description on everlasting love and faithfulness as one could ever want to hear. There is a timeless quality to the whole piece, which is not unlike some of the more refined Elton John/Bernie Taupin ballads that would dominate the pop charts later in the 1970s. The unfortunate timing of the Charles Manson murders during this period sadly took some air out of Dennis' creative drive, yet this is still one of the greatest examples of his artistry.[3]
Other releases
In 1972, American Spring, a duo consisting of Brian Wilson's then-wife Marilyn and her sister Diane Rovell included it on their sole album, produced by Wilson.
In 2021, session highlights, instrumental, and a cappella versions were included on the band's box set Feel Flows.[4]
John Stamos version
A newly recorded version featuring lead vocals from actor and Beach Boys sideman John Stamos, appeared on the band's 1992 album Summer in Paradise.[5] Stamos performed the song on at least three episodes of his sitcom Full House (one of them during his character's 1991 wedding).[citation needed] On the first episode of Fuller House in 2016, "Forever" was once again performed by Jesse and the Rippers with other characters from the show singing as well.[6]
Charts
Chart performance for "Forever" by the Beach Boys and John Stamos
