Cuddle Up
title: "Cuddle Up" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1972-songs", "the-beach-boys-songs", "songs-written-by-dennis-wilson", "reprise-records-singles"] topic_path: "arts/music" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuddle_Up" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox song"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Cuddle Up |
| cover | Cuddle Up.jpg |
| caption | Dutch release picture sleeve |
| type | single |
| artist | The Beach Boys |
| album | Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" |
| A-side | You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone |
| released | May 15, 1972 |
| recorded | April 9, 1972 |
| studio | Beach Boys Studio, Los Angeles |
| length | 5:30 (album) |
| 5:20 (single) | |
| label | Brother/Reprise |
| writer | Dennis Wilson, Daryl Dragon |
| producer | The Beach Boys |
| prev_title | Surf's Up |
| prev_year | 1971 |
| next_title | Marcella |
| next_year | 1972 |
| :: |
| name = Cuddle Up | cover =Cuddle Up.jpg |caption=Dutch release picture sleeve | alt = | type = single | artist = The Beach Boys | album = Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" | A-side = You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone | released = May 15, 1972 | recorded = April 9, 1972 | studio = Beach Boys Studio, Los Angeles | genre = | length = 5:30 (album) 5:20 (single) | label = Brother/Reprise | writer = Dennis Wilson, Daryl Dragon | producer = The Beach Boys | prev_title = Surf's Up | prev_year = 1971 | next_title = Marcella | next_year = 1972
"Cuddle Up" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys that was written by Dennis Wilson and Daryl Dragon. It was concurrently released in two formats on May 15, 1972. One version was released on the album Carl and the Passions – "So Tough", and another as the b-side to "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone".
Recording
Following the release of the Beach Boys album Surf's Up in August 1971, Dennis Wilson collaborated with Daryl Dragon, intending to record a solo album. Cuddle Up was initially recorded for this project in late 1971 under the working title Old Movie.
After the idea for producing this solo album was abandoned, Dennis re-recorded "Cuddle Up" at his brother Brian's home studio in Bel Air, California on May 15, 1972 for the Beach Boys.
The lead vocal on Cuddle Up is performed by Dennis and production is credited to the Beach Boys.
A slightly different mix of Cuddle Up was pressed on the b-side to "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone". It features alternate mixing, additional string overdubs and backing vocals.
Reception
Matthew Greenwald of Allmusic stated ""Cuddle Up" is a somewhat top-heavy, classically influenced ballad. However, the lyrics and Dennis Wilson's excellent vocals render this an emotional masterpiece, closing the album out with style" and noted that it is essential listening for those exploring Dennis Wilson's talents.
Personnel
Credits from Craig Slowinski, John Brode, Will Crerar and Joshilyn Hoisington
The Beach Boys
- Blondie Chaplinbacking vocals
- Carl Wilsonbacking vocals, acoustic guitar
- Dennis Wilsonlead and backing vocals, Hammond organ, producer
Additional musicians
- Frank Capptimpani
- Daryl Dragongrand piano, co-arrangement, orchestra producer
- Stephens LaFeverbass guitar
- Toni Tennillebacking vocals
- Bonnie Douglas, Assa Drori, Irving Geller, Alfred Lustgarten, Leonard Malarsky, Jay Rosen, Nathan Ross, Sheldon Sanov, Leonard Selic, Spiro Stamos, Dorothy Wade, Shari Zippertviolins
- Norman Botnick, David Burk, Joseph Reilich, David Schwartzviolas
- JoAnn Johannsen, Jan Kelley, Nathan Gershman, Victor Sazercellos
- James D. Hughart, Richard F. Kelley Sr., Meyer Rubinarco double basses
Cover versions
- 1975Captain & Tennille, Love Will Keep Us Together
- 1976Bobby Goldsboro, A Butterfly For Bucky
References
References
- [[Billboard Magazine]] May 20, 1972 page 58 Vol. 84 No. 21
- Bush, John. "Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennile : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". Allmusic.
- Doe, Andrew G.. (2012). "GIGS71".
- Badman, Keith. ''The Beach Boys. The Definitive Diary of America's Greatest Band: On Stage and in the Studio'' Backbeat Books, San Francisco, California, 2004. {{ISBN. 0-87930-818-4
- Greenwald, Matthew. "Cuddle Up - The Beach Boys : Listen, Appearances, Song Review : Allmusic". Allmusic.
- "Sail On Sailor Sessionography".
- Heibutzki, Ralph. "Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennile : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". Allmusic.
- "A Butterfly For Bucky". ''Bobby Goldsboro.'' - Contributor owns album copy.
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