“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys: A Nostalgic Escape to a Utopian Paradise
In 1988, The Beach Boys gave the world a new kind of escapism with their song “Kokomo.” This track, written for the movie Cocktail, became a number-one hit both in the United States and Australia, marking an impressive milestone for the band. It was their first original top-20 single in two decades and their first chart-topping song in 22 years, a remarkable achievement for a band that had defined much of the sound of the 1960s. “Kokomo” is more than just a song about a tropical getaway; it’s a symbolic return to the carefree, sun-soaked vibe that made The Beach Boys famous, even if the critics didn’t quite see it that way.
Set to an irresistibly laid-back rhythm, “Kokomo” paints the picture of a fictional island paradise where worries melt away in the warm sun. The lyrics, co-written by John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, Mike Love, and Terry Melcher, take the listener on an idyllic trip to Kokomo, a dreamy destination somewhere off the coast of the Florida Keys. Real-life Caribbean locations like Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas are also mentioned, adding to the song’s sense of wanderlust and adventure.
One of the most interesting aspects of “Kokomo” is its origins. John Phillips, best known for his work with The Mamas & the Papas, had initially written the verse in a much more melancholic tone. It was Mike Love who stepped in, suggesting changes to the lyrics and helping transform the song into the breezy, feel-good anthem it became. This collaboration added a sense of timelessness to the track, making it the perfect fit for the tropical vibe of the movie Cocktail.
When it was released as a single in July 1988, “Kokomo” skyrocketed to success, capturing the imagination of listeners who yearned for a little piece of paradise. The song was also included on the Beach Boys’ album Still Cruisin’, solidifying its place in their late-career revival. However, despite its commercial success, “Kokomo” received mixed reviews from critics. Some felt it lacked the passion and innovation of the band’s earlier work. Rolling Stone referred to it as a “joyless ditty,” while other critics called it “insipid” or overly syrupy. Yet, despite this harsh reception, the song’s undeniable catchiness and its tropical imagery struck a chord with fans.
The track’s critical reception has been fascinating to observe over the years. On the one hand, it has appeared on several “worst songs of all time” lists, with some attributing its negative reception to the unpopularity of Mike Love. On the other hand, many fans still consider “Kokomo” a guilty pleasure—a simple, sunny tune that brings to mind the carefree days of summer. Even drummer Jim Keltner, who played on the track, admitted that while the critics were harsh, they couldn’t deny the song’s inherent appeal, stating that it was just “a bona fide hit record.”
In the end, “Kokomo” stands as a fascinating piece of Beach Boys history. It’s a song that divided opinion but nevertheless became a defining track of the late ’80s. Whether you see it as a nostalgic trip to an imaginary paradise or as a simple pop song that lacks depth, “Kokomo” undeniably captured the spirit of the time. It may have left some critics cold, but for listeners, it remains a sunny escape, one that reminds us all of the power of a good melody and the eternal allure of an island getaway.