Tom Cruise wasn’t just a rising star in the 1980s—he was redefining Hollywood. His charm, talent, and blockbuster hits made him a household name. And one of his iconic roles would unexpectedly reignite interest in a classic band.
The Beach Boys, once riding high with timeless hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Good Vibrations,” faced dwindling popularity by the late 1970s. Their sunny harmonies and California vibes were no longer chart-topping. They needed a spark to reenter the spotlight.
That spark came in 1986, courtesy of Top Gun. Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick, serenades Kelly McGillis with the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”-infused “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Instantly, the film’s success turned the song and the band into cultural talking points again.
How “Kokomo” Brought the Beach Boys Back
By the late 1980s, the Beach Boys were known mostly for their sun-soaked hits from the ’60s. Their legacy rested on the carefree coastal vibes of classics like “Good Vibrations.” But their presence in contemporary music had faded—until Hollywood came calling.
Producers of Tom Cruise’s 1988 rom-com, Cocktail, needed a tropical hit to match the movie’s island setting. Instead of settling for an imitation, they turned to the original masters of feel-good surf rock: the Beach Boys. The band was tasked with crafting a brand-new song.
“They asked us to do the song because, in the movie, Tom Cruise was going from New York to Jamaica,” Brian Wilson later shared. The result was “Kokomo,” a breezy anthem that became their biggest hit since the ’60s—proof that the Beach Boys’ magic could still shine decades later.
A Hit That Sparked Debate and Criticisms
As predicted by director Roger Donaldson, “Kokomo” became a massive hit for the Beach Boys. It topped charts in the U.S., Australia, and even Iceland, holding its ground for weeks. The song’s success earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture, though they lost to Phil Collins’ “Two Hearts.”
Despite its triumph, “Kokomo” wasn’t without controversy. Longtime fans criticized its commercial polish and absence of Brian Wilson. Rolling Stone harshly dubbed it a “joyless ditty,” and the album it appeared on, Still Cruisin’, was labeled “the absolute pits.”
Yet, the numbers didn’t lie. “Kokomo” not only revived the Beach Boys’ chart presence but also reintroduced them to a new generation. For every critic, there was a fan who embraced its breezy island charm, cementing the song’s place in pop culture history.
The Beach Boys’ Haunting Turn in Vanilla Sky
While Cocktail showcased the Beach Boys’ ability to craft music on demand, Vanilla Sky highlighted their timeless genius. In the 2001 psychological thriller, Tom Cruise plays David Aames, a magazine publisher grappling with distorted reality after a devastating car accident.
The film features “Good Vibrations” in a chilling moment, where the upbeat surf-pop classic contrasts starkly with the eerie, unsettling events on screen. The song’s sunny charm takes on a sinister tone, transforming it into something almost unrecognizable—showing a darker side to one of the Beach Boys’ most beloved tracks.
Choosing between “Kokomo” and “Good Vibrations” depends on the mood. While “Kokomo” exudes carefree island vibes, “Good Vibrations” in Vanilla Sky proves the Beach Boys’ music can evoke emotions far beyond its original intent, even in unsettling ways.