Music
"Kokomo" is a 1988 song by the Beach Boys, written by Mike Love, Scott McKenzie, Terry Melcher, John Phillips, and David L. Morgan. It became the band's fourth and final number-one single in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1988. The song's tropical, escapist theme and its association with the film Cocktail contributed to its commercial success, though it also drew criticism from some fans and critics for its departure from the band's more complex musical legacy.
The song was conceived during a songwriting session in 1987, initiated by Mike Love, who wanted a simple, upbeat tune with a Caribbean feel. Love collaborated with Scott McKenzie, Terry Melcher, John Phillips, and David L. Morgan. The lyrics describe an idyllic Caribbean island, with references to Montego Bay, Port-au-Prince, and Bermuda. The melody is built on a simple chord progression, and the production features a prominent steel drum and a synthesized rhythm track, reflecting the late-1980s pop production style.1
Despite the song's commercial appeal, it was recorded without the participation of Brian Wilson, who was not involved in the writing or production. The lead vocals were shared by Mike Love and Carl Wilson, with Bruce Johnston providing harmonies. The track was produced by Terry Melcher and Mike Love, marking a departure from the band's earlier collaborative studio methods.2
"Kokomo" was released in July 1988 as part of the soundtrack to the film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 5, 1988, and staying there for one week. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and reached the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, where it peaked at number 25.3
The song's success was bolstered by its heavy rotation on MTV and its association with the film's tropical setting. It became the Beach Boys' first number-one single since "Good Vibrations" in 1966, and their last to date. The single was certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies in the US.4
Critical reception of "Kokomo" has been mixed. Some critics praised its catchy melody and summery vibe, while others dismissed it as formulaic and a low point in the band's catalog. In a retrospective review, AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine called it "a piece of fluff" but acknowledged its effectiveness as a pop single.5 The song has been included in several "worst songs" lists, including a 2011 Rolling Stone readers' poll that ranked it among the worst songs of the 1980s.
Despite the criticism, "Kokomo" remains one of the Beach Boys' most recognizable songs and a staple of their live performances. It has been covered by various artists, including the Muppets and the cast of Glee. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its inclusion in numerous compilation albums and its frequent use in film and television.6
One lesser-known fact is that the song's co-writer, Scott McKenzie, is best known for the 1967 hit "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)", and he was a longtime friend of John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas. The collaboration came about through Mike Love's connections in the music industry.7
Another obscure detail: the song's title and lyrics were inspired by a real place called Kokomo, Indiana, but the lyrics describe a fictional Caribbean island. The name was chosen for its exotic sound, not for any geographical accuracy. Additionally, the song's steel drum part was performed by session musician Carl Blouin, who was not a regular Beach Boys collaborator.2
The song also has a notable connection to the Beach Boys' earlier work: it was the last Beach Boys single to feature Carl Wilson, who died in 1998. Carl's vocal contributions were significant, and his presence on the track is a poignant reminder of his role in the band's later years.1
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