The term Mike Love Not War had previously been used in a variety of contexts, such as being placed on t-shirts and adopted as a title for an extended play by indie pop group Smudge.

Speaking with The Guardian in 2013, Love stated that he'd "stockpiled" a collection of songs for possible release "for decades".

However, he'd hesitated due to needing to assemble the proper "team to get my music out".

Broadly speaking, Love aimed to have the release remark upon "the hopes and aspirations of those on the planet who like to see more positivity and harmony.

All tracks composed by Mike Love and Brian Wilson except where noted.