Reviews (page 3 of 12)
I am already a fan of The Kinks, but I had only heard on or two of the songs on this album. But I really enjoyed all the new-to-me songs - they’re a band that’s just a lot of fun!
Such a splendid, perfectly realized album. I've listened to this album a lot, but never read about the concept until today. But no matter, Ray Davies crafted this album with such clarity and care that you get a strong feel for the story even knowing nothing about it. That's incredibly difficult to achieve on a concept album without sounding overwrought, and the band handles it masterfully. The subject matter is bread and butter for the Kinks - a sardonic view of England through the lens of nostalgia; the broad sweep of history viewed through the life of one man and his family. All of this is presented with humor, pathos and irony. Musically, the album swings deftly from grandiose baroque pop to a folksy skiffle with everything in between, but it all flows together flawlessly. It's melodic, quirky , sharply satirical, and surprisingly moving at times. A truly satisfying listen. Fave songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Victoria; Shangri-La; Brainwashed; Drivin'; Mr. Churchill Says; Arthur; Yes Sir, No Sir; Some Mother's Son; Australia; Nothing to Say; She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina; Young and Innocent Days
I like it love it I want some more of it!
I’m pretty sure I’ve liked everything I’ve heard by The Kinks so far, so it’s quite straightforward in saying that I’m hopeful for today’s album. I don’t recognise any song titles here, so everything could feel new to me. Still hard to believe they are a 60s band. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Yes Sir No Sir, She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina I’m a real sucker for a concept album, seemingly especially ones where things start bright and get sad. This album reminds me a fair bit of one of my favourites: S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things. It’s truly hard to fault any of this album. Perhaps some songs might not stand out so much on their own, but listening as a full album is such a delight. It’s so interesting to me that this is the same band that did You Really Got Me - still a very good song in its own right, but so very different to this album.
The kinks are turning into one of my favourite bands due to this site! Every other album seems more greater than the one before. This one is no exception. From the exceptional opener Victoria to Shangri-La to Arthur and everything in between! Fantastic album by an amazing band! 9 out of 10
surprising album
Top ten for me I have this one on vinyl and I treasure it
An immediate and effective concept album. Beginning with Victoria, the juxtapose the Victorian British Empire ideals with the reality of day to day life in modern (for the time) Britain, in a funny anecdotal style that epitomises The Kinks. Maybe my favourite Rock Opera Album that I have listened to. The story and lyrics are as evocative today as they were in the 60's.
5/5
In the past few days, there weren't albums that drew my attention that much, but this album was pretty great. I like the "Drivin’" and "Shangri-La". I was surprised that there ain't many listeners of this album. Thank god that I could encounter this album.
This isn't my favorite Kinks album but they're always underrated.
I'm really fucking with the Kinks. They're like the beatles if the beatles didn't take so much LSD lmao
Excellent
Topical
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did, but I loved it. A win for this project.
The kinks are great. Never heard this album. Before but I very much enjoyed it. Felt reminiscent of listening to the oldies radio station
Teniendo una canción que se llame Arthur, cómo no voy a darle un 5.
Fun album!
Awesome
I like the Kinks but I’ve never heard these songs. The album starts really well and Brainwashed is a real high. The production and arrangements are really satisfying and the drums really pack a punch. The album keeps you hooked throughout with unexpected movements in the songs. Considering how it was really fresh and enjoyable for me having not heard it before, it’s earned a 5/5.
Dare I say it? I think this may be The Kinks’ best work. Hadn’t listened to it in years and loved rediscovering this masterpiece. So good!
Another fantastic album by The Kinks after their brilliant their Village Green...LP. They were at the peak of their careers at this time. This rock musical has great storytelling, music, production. It really has it all.
I was disappointed by the last Kinks album I listened to, so didn’t have high expectations for this one. But it was a masterpiece.
christ these guys leveled up since Something Else
So fine
Me: I want to listen to some great music to drown out my thoughts. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire): NOPE! And it’s from 1969! Misleadingly fun instrumentals, gut-wrenching overall.
Haven’t heard this album before, let’s see how it is. Love it, catchy songs
Like the Beatles
Really liked this album.
Though the TV special it was intended to soundtrack never materialized, Arthur still stands on its own as a fully formed and beautifully realized story. Exploring the trepidation of moving to a new country, the devastation of war, and the sneaking suspicion that life isn’t as happy as it seems, Ray Davies pens some of his most aching and revealing songs.
Yes!
Another great Kinks album, and not only the hit singles but also tracks like Yes Sir, No Sir. A timeless classic.
My favourite Kinks album so far. Cheered me right up.
Fantastic album! Much better than I expected. Before this, I only knew 4-5 of their songs. Almost every song is great. I especially loved the drum work. "Some Mother's Son" brought the album down a bit with the gruesome subject matter, but the rest more than made up for it. 5/5 Hard to choose a favorite, maybe "Shangri-La"?
I love the Kinks, and this album falls directly in (towards the end of, really) their greatest period of work. The concept album kings, this one here loosely follows a carpet-layer, a proxy for the Davies brothers' own brother-in-law. The album features some of the band's most fun singles, like "Victoria" and "Drivin'". It blows me away that this album is from the '60s. The Kinks should be spoken about in the same breath as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones; they were really that good.
Classic record from the Kinks. The Kinks were known in their early days for their hit singles, but by the mid-60's they strung together some great albums. Except for maybe, Victoria, songs from Arthur weren't on greatest hit albums, instead the album was consistently excellent with well crafted and intelligent songs written by the Davies brothers. This is peak Kinks, one of my all-time favourite albums and it holds up today as one of their finest achievements of their career. Must hear, essential!
I'm generally a fan of concept albums and this is one of the best. "Village Green" usually gets most of the attention in this regard, perhaps because it came first, but I think "Arthur" is much more focused and holds together more consistently as an album. Some of the songs are almost mini-operas or song suites on their own, particularly "Shangri-La" and "Mr. Churchill Says." The former being my favorite track on the album by far. But the entire album flows effortlessly. Only weak spot might be that the jam at the end of "Australia" goes a bit too long.
Holy **** I just love this album to death. Definitely my most listened to album of the 60s (and I really like the 60s). It's just so perfect, each track makes me feel happy or pumped up (except the one or two sad ones). Each track is just perfect, criminally underrated on this website. Glad it’s rated way higher on RYM
Oh no, a rock-opera, the album generator has become sentient and is targeting me now. I love this period of messing with stereo recording, the isolated instruments on each side makes it feel immersive. Very catchy, and I love albums that have a narrative.
Victoooooooria! Victoooooooria! Victoria. Victoria. I love the Kinks. I've always loved their songs, but their back-catalogue was always a bit intimidating, so I never really ventured into it beyond the (admittedly still quite large selection of) greatest hits. So thank you 1001 albums generator for making me do just that! There's lots of really good songs in here, with tons of personality and charm. Everything is top class - songwriting, musicality, instrumentation, the sheer variation on display. I am loving the brass on here! I'm loving how upbeat it is! I am loving the extended instrumental moments! I'm loving the boldness, the chucking lots of different ideas at it, the range of instrumentation! The different styles! The lyrical content! They're just an all-round class act.
Victoria is a banger. The album is great as a whole, very cohesive
All new kinks songs for me.
Great album. The Kinks had an incredibly consistent (and prolific) output for nearly a decade. 18 albums from 1965 to 1975. A couple duds in there, but from Face to Face (1966) through Muswell Hillbillies (1971), they were unstoppable. Every album is fantastic (excluding the soundtrack to Percy in 1971). This is arguably their best and gives any of the Beatles' albums a run for their money. Victoria and Shangri-La are the standouts, but all of the tracks are great. 9/10.
Ray Davies and The Kinks gets overshadowed in the rock opera discussions. This quintessentially British story is great from stary to finish. Ray Davies observations on everyday life are nuanced and insightful. The story, like many rock operas, is thin, but it fuels a superb song cycle. While many artists would get snarky with material like this, The Kinks are sympathetic. While there were no hit songs, Victoria, Australia and Shangri-La are stand outs.
This might be another 5. I mean it's the most beatles sounding kinks album but it's very sharp fresh, with some great jams and tunes
What an album! 4.5/5
Always assumed ‘Victoria’ was by The Fall, didn’t realise it was a cover. Anyway, couldnt be bothered with this. Mondays are always really busy for me, but I’m glad I made the time. This is class. How’s it like 50 year old? Can hear so many bands in this record. Much prefer this to previous Kinks. Another concept album that’s way better than it sounds on paper.
This is a real gem of an album - so English, so much of its time, and yet still very relevant.
Ray Davies is my favorite lyricist. He tells beautiful and sad tales of everyday Britons with such empathy, compassion, and love. That alone would endear him to me, but these songs aren't just pretty tunes or great rockers; they're also powered by Davies' scathing wit, which is fueled by rage and contempt towards the powers that be who stomp his protagonists into the ground, killing their sons in war, and crushing their spirits, leaving them with only dreams of owning a house with no outdoor loo or buying a nice hat, which they can wear while scrubbing the stairs. Plus, the songs are bangers. This album contains some of the best Kinks songs of all time (Victoria, Shangri-La, Arthur, and Some Mother's Son, which is the best anti-war song ever). And the fact that this ambitious project is just ONE of the contenders for the Best Kinks Album is a testament to how damned great these guys were at this time. Their run of Face to Face, Something Else, Village Green Preservation Society, Arthur, Lola, and Muswell Hillbillies rivals the best run of any band or artist. As a die-hard Kinks fan, I now have to sign off with the obligatory "God Save the Kinks."
Great album with smart lyrics and great sound. Saved tracks: Victoria, Shangri-La, Mr Churchill Says, Plastic Man, Mindless Child of Motherhood
Brilliant
Here's the deal - this album get five stars on the basis of Shangri-La alone. It is one of my favourite songs, ever. As a songwriting commentator on a specific type of small, suburban British life I don't think Ray Davies has a peer. Take Shangri-La - is it a celebration of those creature comforts that welcome us after our day's toil? Is it a critique of this lifestyle? Or is it, as I suspect, both? It walks the line beautifully in terms of both tone and execution, from its gentle fingerpicked intro to the brass-driven midsection. There's more juice in this one track than some artists manage over the course of a whole album. And then there's Victoria, and the breezy pastoral of Drivin'...and everything else. So, so good.
On par with sgt pepper or pet sounds, if maybe to influenced by it, but also influencing like the beach boys or Beatles but not with the same credit. Vitoria and Arthur bookend the album perfectly that is maybe hurt by its Britishness in North America
I wrote something about "their brand" of psych last time I listened to The Kinks and this album has me regretting it. There is a progression here more suitable for an album twice as long, but only in density and never in drag. The weirdness and soft noodlings peak in the middle (and in Australia) with what sound like British beginnings and American ends, more simply. It's an album that covers much of life and a lot of the time between 1969 and now. All in a way that sounds great and is still fun. Village Green charmed me and this adds just enough edge while staying full Kinks.
I love them
beautiful
Light but rich rock'n'roll tunes. The lyrics center around social and political commentary, yet they are not bitter.
This was pretty great. The Kinks were very ahead of their time.
Oi - bloody brilliant, innit it? Good 60s British Invasion rock/pop.
Concept album alert!!!! Bit it's theme is incredibly prescient for a 55 year old album - we're still debating the failure of empire and colonialism 55 years later. Ray Davies' knack for storytelling is brutal here. He takes a 'square' character, makes you empathise with him despite his flaws and let's the (then) modern world tear his life apart. The fact it also has some great Kinks classic songs in there is almost a bonus! The music is a solid 4, but delivering a story this good with such resonant themes on top of that easily pushes it into the upper echelons.
Amazing -never heard it before but like Floyd and Groundhogs a preoccupation with the futility of war is as poignant as ever.
I know the kinks hits, but first time listening to this album. This is a masterpiece brilliant musical story telling through out the album, up there with the best concept albums.
Teniendo una canción que se llame Arthur, cómo no voy a darle un 5
GENIE Prefs: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina, Arthur Moins pref: Mr. Churchill Says (quand même incroyable)
I really liked that way more imaginative and diverse than most hard rock albums I’ve heard definitely a 10/10 for me, really fun album
fun so far. like a less overplayed beatles. is it a 5? time will tell.
Yup. This'll do.
had a great sound and story, looking forward to revisiting this again. Seems like something i really could get lost in.
good album. Unexpected surprise.
An absolute classic rock album in the vein of The Beatles. Dig the lyricism and the instrumentation. '69 was such a great year for music.
I truly enjoyed this album.
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Yes sir, no sir, Drivin’, Brainwashed, Arthur
I can't believe how good this album is. Total pioneers. I'm a kinks fan; but, never gave this albumn a go before. I'm so glad this is on the list.
Super læææækkkeeeerrt Kan super godt lide det, og kan godt finde på at lytte til det igen. Elsker det mere og mere
just as good as i remember. I love how most of the tracks have a mad jam out ending when the drummer gets to shine. the drumming on this whole album is immense, i can't think of many albums pre 70s that had drumming like this. would have been excellent if they'd have made the film this was written for.
4
Absolutely delicious clasic.
Aquí está la magia de las bandas inglesas. Capaces de tomar el R&B, soul, country y rockandroll gringo y darle una vuelta y volverlo nativo. Es extraño pero funciona increíble. Este disco está lleno de grandes canciones, no lo había escuchado completo. Y lo mejor de todo, es que, en su mayoría son cortas. Ser concreto, que gran virtud. Las letras son increíbles, muy interesantes y hay riffs increíbles ahí. El disco es conceptual, al menos parece. Lleno de nostalgia por tiempos pre-Segunda Guerra Mundial. Nostalgia decimonónica. En 2021 se lee remal eso, los tiempos del Imperio británico pero aquí lo entendemos. La neta, me vale verga esa lectura. Espero que este juego nos ponga más discos de Kinks.
day behind again, listened on very cold morn (-10). its like bizarro world WHO with some beatles trip mixed in. I will listen again!
La verdad sí me gustó el disco en general. La batería en especial me prendió. Tiene un sonido fresco y movidon. Brainwashed creo que fue la que más me gustó pero en la mayoría estuvo haciendo mi bailecito que consiste en solo mover la parte superior dec cuerpo desde mi escritorio finjiendo que toco una batería en el teclado. Mood: retro english sexy time.
I really like the Kinks but hadn’t listened to this album prior so it was a good choice. I really loved this album! Stand out tracks: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir and Brainwashed.
Great album through and through. May not have all the “hits” but the album gels together nicely
Very Nice
Great concept album, each song feels like a sonic short story
Excellent
Of its time but timeless. Huge fun.
What a lovely album this was as a previous person‘s head. This is songwriting on Paul McCartney after 1000 albums. It’s still lovely to find an album like this.
Solid album and band that deserves more recognition they get. The Kinks are something that everyone should hear sometime in their life
Loved brainwashed, nothing to say Didn't care for Australia Overall good album by a surprisingly fun band
3.5
DELÍCIA de album, gostei demais!!! músicas cativantes, interessantes e letras muito boas.
Kinky!
Kinky
Son los Kinks, uno de los grandes. A mi parecer no terminan de redondear sus canciones, pero siempre tienen algo interesante.
We only have to jump a couple of weeks ahead to get to this one. I connected with this album significantly more than their other record we heard. I want to spend more time diving into the story because I enjoyed the sound quite a bit. This was zany and entertaining throughout with far more memorable moments. Maybe I’ve just gained an appreciation for The Kinks and would enjoy their previous work more now but at first glance this feels like a real development in their sound and direction. Some of these tracks were a real journey. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Victoria, Australia, Shangri-La
Loved this album, the lyrics and of course songs are just neat. Easy 4/5
This s a cool album. I only knew one song from before, but this was surprisingly refreshing. When I get more time I will have another listen. It is actually close to a 5*. Favourites: Victoria, Nothing to Say, Arthur
ye i liked it. didnt save any songs but it was enjoyable. i like the medieval influenced sound
81/100. Time has a way of sanding off the rough edges. Understanding often begins when we put them back. The Kinks use the story of one ordinary man to explore much bigger ideas. On the surface, the album centers on working-class British life during the first half of the twentieth century, but beneath that it becomes a reflection on national identity, class, war and the gradual decline of Britain's imperial power. Many of the songs deal with war and its human cost. Rather than focusing on politicians or historical events, the album is interested in how those forces affect ordinary people and families. The songs work perfectly well as individual tracks, but the deeper you pay attention, the more connections you notice. The writing is strong because it avoids simple nostalgia. The past is neither romanticized or completely dismissed. The Kinks looked at the fall of the British Empire and decided it needed fewer politicians and a lot more driving guitar riffs.
A lot of good songs on here
Vamos hoy jueves con The Kinks, banda que escuché completa hace un tiempo. Disco amable, muy Beatle de a momentos (o muy inglés), lleno de hits y de un sonido sólido, particular de ellos, donde incluyen la experimentación, el juego, lo circense si se quiere. Gracias y hasta mañana viernes.
I too do not like the British Empire. ‘Nuff said. (8/10) Favorite Tracks: “Victoria”, “Some Mother’s Son”, “Brainwashed”, “Nothing to Say”
Really nice pop rock. It aged prety well compared to other album of its time. If you like the Beatles your gona like it too. Really liked the guitar solos and the more prog element. Some time very political in its lyrics. Favorite songs in any order: Australia, Victoria, Drivin', Shangri-la
Funky
Not bad! Don’t think I’ve ever listened to a full kinks album
4/5
These Kinks albums are worth going back to. Known as a singles band really, there is a run of three or four of which this is one, that are outstanding.
sigh. this was great but probably gets washed away in my hazy memories of a couple hundred other albums
I'm not much of a Kinks fan but enjoyed this well enough. And indeed, the fall of the British Empire went down pretty much as they describe it.
It's like my favorite part of the Beatles, but the whole time!
OpportunitiesAreAvailableInAllWalksOfLifeInAustraliaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Really Good
It's good. Very good. But I think the issue I have with The Kinks is that they're too clever for single listens. I need to listen more, but conversely I'm not sure their plinky plonky style will have lasting power for me.
I really like the kinks, it's very approachable.
the kinks!
I love "Victoria", but maybe that's because I love the Fall version so much. Great kickoff to an album that, although it has its moments of Kinks tweeness, is generally better than the other Kinks albums I had on the list.
Reading the synopsis and reviews for this album and realizing its a rock opera that was heavily compared with Tommy was very interesting. Tommy is one of my favourite albums of all time so I won't compare it because i love that album too much. This album is super enjoyable and I love this kind of classic rock so much. It's nostalgic and easy and you don't need to know the plot to enjoy listening! It's just vibes. I don't know lyrics until i really get into an album, so they aren't so important to me on the initial reaction. It's just pseudo-beatles and better in certain ways and I really enjoyed it! I know I would have more to say with a more intense and repetitive listen but I just really enjoyed it and found it very charming.
Pretty unexpected. Needed a second listen to get into it, but I really like it. Never heard them before but I have a feeling they’ll be popping up on this list again.
I really enjoyed the variety of lyrical topicals and all songs felt really fun.
Like the clash but more like the Beatles
nice
Ray Davies is a great songwriter. The output of the Kinks was off the charts in terms of overall quality for the time, probably only matched by the Beatles. That said, I don't think history has been particularly kind to the Kinks. The one tune most people would recognize is "Lola" which is more of a gimmick than anything else... a novelty tune.
Mildly eccentric fun with some great tracks (Victoria) - just not enough truly great songs to justify more than a 4. Astonishing how much sone of this sounds like the Beatles (and the Monkees).
It is really interesting lyrically and is fun to "actively" listen to but not the style of music i am 100% vibing to
Good stuff from the 60-70s
I really enjoyed Drivin'. Plastic Man was also rather catchy! I enjoyed the harpsicord in She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina.
interessting album, lots of interessting tracks that showed that the kinks are more then just a typical 60s british rock band
Somehow I never consciously listened to The Kinks before and I think that needs to change.
no kinkshaming here
Ik kende de naam maar op enkele nummers na niet echt de muziek. Bij het horen van het album hoor je dat het leuker, slimmer en scherper is dan de grote tijdsgenoten. Ik las dat dit album was bedoelt voor een tv show die uiteindelijk gecanceld werd maar de muziek toch hebben uitgebracht. Dit hoor je wel een beetje doordat wel een paar fillers op zitten wat iets minder uitgesmeerd had gekund. Ik snap wel dat mensen zeggen dat de kinks onverdiend wat minder aandacht krijgen dan hun tijdgenoten. Er staat nog wat andere albums van de kinks in deze lijst en dat is wel iets om naar uit te kijken. Voor nu een 4 maar misschien word ik wel een fan later.
Minder bekend dan de Beatles of de Beach Boys, maar dit album heeft wel een beetje die Sgt. Pepper-vibe. Niet dat ik The Kinks met hen wil vergelijken, want ze hebben echt een eigen sound. Tijdens het luisteren voelt het alsof je naar een band luistert die enorm underrated is. Mijn persoonlijke favoriet is Shangri ei-La, een echt geweldig nummer. Er staan echter ook wat mindere nummers op, zoals Australia en Arthur die soms een beetje irritant kunnen zijn. Ondanks die mindere punten heb ik er echt van genoten. 4 sterren!
I knew the song Victoria very well, but almost nothing of the rest of it. Really enjoyed this. Its predecessor The Village Green Preservation Society is also great. The best of the Kinks’ music is like a public service channel: documenting an era in English life, including all the nostalgia that imbued and informed that period.
I think this is my favorite Kinks album to date. Strong message and very cohesive. As usual, super whimsical melodies which provides a balance to it ’taking itself seriously’. Will listen again.
This was very very good. I particularly enjoyed the first track - Victoria. If their catalogue is as strong as this record I’m shocked they aren’t more ubiquitous.
I enjoyed this album more than I expected to. The songs were great and catchy. I really liked their harmonic vocabulary and modal chord progression, often modulating 2+ times within a song.
This albums comes on really strong. I think the first few tracks are the best on the whole thing. It slowly trails off as we go through it, but like it never gets all that bad. I expected it to keep up with itself once we got like 3 songs in, but that couldn't quite happen. I do think it sticks the landing with some good songs near the end. It's like there are 3 different sections of this album. 1st third is great, 2nd third is okay, final 3rd is good. All together it is well paced, and well arranged. I enjoyed it. 4.1/5
This is great pop, great tunes, funny/odd lyrics, it's very enjoyable and I'm surprised I haven't listened to it before.
whereas Village Green Preservation Society was a pastiche of British music, society and culture, Arthur is a surreal, damning commentary on British politics, particularly the ways in which the UK's imperialist history has impacted its citizenry. the album tells the story of Arthur Morgan, a man whose life is radically altered by war (losing both a brother and son to it) and economic strife (with Arthur's other son seeking to emigrate with his family to Australia in search of a better life than could be found at home). "Victoria" sets the stage with a satirical portrayal of The Way Things Used To Be in the British Empire, akin to many moments on Village Green; the difference with this song, and much of Arthur as an album, is the ever-expanding scope of the Kinks' ambitions as songwriters and arrangers. their music remains upbeat, wistful and nostalgic, but the twists and turns they take their songs through are something to behold. given this is a rock opera, the entire thing comes off as a through-composed suite. the songs might not be as immediately memorable to me as they were on Village Green, but I kind of like the feeling of novelty that Arthur gives me with every listen; as in, every time I spin it, trying to put the words together to describe it, I always find something new. maybe when I've given it that fiftieth spin, I'll have the whole picture put together. strong 8/10.
yo creo que de fijo tengo un tipo, y ese tipo es rock psicodélico y discos conceptuales de bandas inglesas de los 60 y 70. me recordó demasiado a odgens' nut gone flake. de fijo lo voy a estar reescuchando.
乱糟糟的，但又挺好听的3.5/5
Best album but these gents. The kookiness and the melody come together in harmony. Favorite track: Victoria
Найс
4,5
Overall Rating - 3.54/5 (7.08/10). Absolutely the kind of music I expect from The Kinks. My kind of fun.
Very British. Reminded me a lot of the parts of the good parts of the Beatles. Favorite Songs: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir, Shangri-La
This was an enjoyable album, it was really giving me Sgt Pepper vibes. There were great lyrics, commentary that still resonates today, and some zany noises that actually worked. This was classic British Invasion, and I found a new side of The Kinks that I didn't really know existed.
At first I found it a bit boring, then it felt like another version of Sargent Pepper’s - and then I started to really like it. Solid 4.
This album is so good. It’s incredibly atmospheric, deeply emotional, and so beautifully British it almost hurts. While listening I felt a whole rollercoaster of emotions — nostalgia, sadness, warmth, anger, pride, and quiet reflection all mixed together. It’s a proper concept album that tells the story of a working-class man named Arthur and his family through the changing face of Britain in the 20th century — from the end of the Empire to postwar life, suburban dreams, and quiet disappointments. Ray Davies’ songwriting is at its peak here, with sharp, observant lyrics about everyday routines, class, family, and national identity. The instrumentals are fantastic too — tight, melodic, and full of character. So many iconic songs: “Victoria,” “Shangri-La,” “Some Mother’s Son,” “Australia,” “Drivin’,” and the title track… they all hit hard. The whole record just breathes with that classic Kinks charm — witty, heartfelt, and strangely comforting even when it’s sad. One of The Kinks’ absolute best. If you want smart, emotional, and very British rock with real storytelling, this is essential listening.
I liked this vibe!!
Lunes it but not a lot
Excelente banda y disco. Pop rock clásico. Victoria es un tema genial. Mucha narrativa, muy elegante todo.
This might be my favourite Kinks album so far only just listening to it twice this morning while gardening. At least 4 stars for sure
Et pourquoi pas Parfois j'avais la sensation d'écouter des variations de Maxwell silver hammer C'est entraînant parfois, j'ai du l'écouter 1,5 fois afin d'être sûr que ça ne se répétait pas vraiment tout en se répétant On sent qu'on est en 1969 (led zeppelin ct 1969 aussi mais ça se sentait moins) Donc bon, c'est pas le Beatles mais ça reste sympa 4
1969 deuxième jour ! Album concept centré autour du personnage d'un charpentier nommé d'Arthur Morgan (?) donc déjà ils gagnent des points pour avoir fait RDR2 en avance. Et ensuite c'est quand même extrêmement bien composé, avec une vraie critique de l'Angleterre par le groupe le plus anglais qui soit. Certes, on a pas de riff emblématique à la 'You Really Got Me', mais on passe un bon moment si on écoute réellement les chansons. A partir d'aujourd'hui j'indique la chanson de chaque album que j'ajouterai à la playlist des 1001, donc playlist pick du jour : Yes Sir, No Sir
gets a 4 for victoria
Chill, me gustó
This is a good album, but face to face is better.
Don't really know much about The Kinks besides Your Really Got Me and Lola. Interested to hear an album of theirs. This is a weird little album but I dig it. It's pretty good, feels very British late 60's in a good way. Nothing that really stood out for me but I would give it a 3.5.
Great album
Surprisingly good fun!
es la primera vez que escucho algo de the kinks con la intención de, y me arrepiento tanto de no haberlo hecho antes!!!!
8/10
Pretty good, nice variation and good music throughout the album
I’m ambivalent about the Kinks but this one spoke to me with its witty observations of the mundane and whimsical instrumentation.
I've always loved the kinks, but never bothered to listen to this album. What a doofus, they are such a good band. A slice of England and a slice in time.
some bangers
Good stuff
Un inicio Increíble, muy buenas canciones. No le doy 5 por que las últimas canciones me parecieron repetitivas o ya no me gustaban tanto. Pero la verdad un álbum muy completo y uno de los mejores que he escuchado.
Enjoyable songs. Starts and ends strong, middle gets a bit slow. No real earworms, but I liked it.
7.8
Fun tunes with Beatles feeling, but mature.
A sunny cold day in March kinda vibe
Somehow never listened, don’t know why. Brilliant!
Idk how ive never really heard of these guys before. They sound so so similar to the Beatles in a lot of ways. But I guess they also got overshadowed by the Beetles in a lot of ways.
A true classic, only surpassed by Lola.
The most British thing ever. Then again I do like a lot of British Music and so far this does kind of hit the spot. 'Yes sir, No sir' is pretty good. 'Some Mother's son' is very good. Really enjoyed this one. 'Shangri La' is my fave thus far
The Kinks' most solid and fun listen is their 1969 concept album? The Who could never.
me gusto mucho la verdad, muy linda musica.
fav tracks: "Shangri-La", "Nothing to Say", "Mr Churchill Says"
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) 1. Slay love 2. Middle was meh but loved rest 3. Good 4. Okay 5. beh 6. Okay too but eh 7. Luv 8. Great 9. AMAZING 10. Good 11. Meh 12. Pretty good
Enjoyed greatly. Brilliant production, loved the lead guitar, quirky in (mostly) the right way.
I love a good concept album that tells a fairly clear narrative with a poignent message. Sure the "war is pointless" messaging isn't exactly revolutionary, but I think for an English band it has a critique about the nonesense pride over the concept of having an "empire" when that same empire is just an arm of repression over the world still hits today. I still here the addage "The sun used to never set over the empire" as if the fall of the British Empire was some great loss for the common public of England. There are elements that have aged, the critique of the rush of immigration by English people to Australia as a false kind of promised-land was very astute then, with the Ten Pound Pom scheme reaching its height the year the album came out, now its a kinda funny antiquated criticism. I'm not the biggest on the singing on a fair amount of this track, but everything else here is great. It's less similar to Tommy and more of a proto-The Wall in terms of the way it goes about its concept. Shangri-la is the very clear standout song of this album, its great. If all of the album reached that height it would be a high 5 and one of the best albums of the 60s, but I just don't think its quite there.
Favorite songs: Drivin Brainwashed Shangri la I’ve only listened to the kinks early 60s music but this was great I love ray something’s voice
4.5?
This album is funky I lowk love it!
I like this album, but not enough to listen to it every day
This is a side of the Kinks that I haven't heard as I've only heard their bigger hits like Lola and You Really Got Me. This might be a bit of a hidden gem for me. Opens up strong with Victoria, Shangri-La was a great midpoint, and the album has a lot of the fun ups and downs of a good concept album.
Was this a lot like the Beatles? Absolutely, but was it a fun listen? Sure was!
Fun instrumentation, great vocals, and a deeper subject manner I can't fully appreciate because I'm not British. However, America can also agree that war sucks and mothers shouldn't be losing their sons like that. Favorite Track: Australia
I honestly had way too high of expectations for this album. I don’t think it’s great, but it is pretty good. The highlights were probably: Victoria, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, and Arthur. Overall, I’d give it a 3.9/5!
Music has a kinetic-ness about it. Lyrical content could be political abd some some songs aloof. I really like
A more musical, and melodic Kinks
Considering I only really knew The Kinks for "Lola," this was a pleasant surprise. Significant social commentary in a digestable package.
Love the Kinks and this album....they always mix sincere nostalgia with a sort of cynical detachment. This album is a critical look at what British history actually is....ahead of its time in that way.
Ging gut klar das Album
I dig it
Fun!!
A classic, and I seem to have been in the mood for late 60s' British humor today, so I had more fun than I was expecting! (Princess Marina almost lost me)
This is a solid, above average album, but not something that would probably approach a top 1000 list for me, personally. There may be some 'it was great at the time' bias here, but I'm not sure. It kind of sounds like a lot of psychedelic stuff out around that time - it basically sounds like the Kinks version of Sgt. Peppers..
4 A bit inconsistent but the highs are high and the lows not that low
a fun time machine back into the sixties; surprisingly great musicianship and vocals; can really feel the Beatles influence
A fun and quirky album that will take you on take you on a breezy ride. I was far more familiar with their second album, so this was a treat and a fun album to wake up to.
I quite enjoyed it
Good. 3.7
Had a great fun sound, even if it was a bit of a drag at a few points. Trim a few songs and it's perfect!
The Kinks are just always catchy and fun. They never disappoint.
There were a lot of fun songs on this album, with a few favorites including "Victoria" and "Australia". The musical stylings were interesting because they had variety but with particular notes of Beatles influences as well as some softer, more modern sounds like Wilco.
This is one I need to listen to more. I listened through once, and I like it, but I think I want to get to understand what the 5 star reviewers are saying. I mean they have hits for sure, but Ive never really delved into their albums as a whole. I will have to come back and update it.
i listened to the first few prb 3.5/5 rounding up 4/5
Wowowowow! Favorites were: Victoria, Some Mother’s Son, Young and Innocent Days; Least favorite was Australia probably. I liked it a lot!
This album is so close to being a 5. But I just barely feel like it doesn’t reach it. Around half of the album is straight masterpiece level. Insanely good stuff, that does so many things so right. Songs like Some Mother’s Son, Brainwashed, Shangri-La, Young and Innocent Days; these songs are on par with some of my favorite music. But the album just doesn’t come together in the way a 5 star album would. It’s missing something that I can’t really put my finger on. But it’s still really good and I’ll listen to it many more times in the future.
A Kinks classic. Not one of my absolute personal favorites of theirs, but it's pretty great just the same.
Crazy lovely art!
'60s KInks is always a good listen. This is no different. Nothing that blows my mind here but solid pop-influenced rock that is very listenable.
Never listened to much Kinks, maybe they're significant, let's see. Check Wikipedia: concept album, okay. Track 1, Victoria: I know this! Covered by Jesus Jones on their WONDERFUL album Doubt :-) Songs roll on, they're actually pretty catchy! Vocals are not high in the mix, so lyrics are not impinging on my mind, so be it. Wait, there is a song called 'Australia'? Read the lyrics - it's actually not a bad take on the image of Australia promoted in the UK (from Victorian era until time of the album, when the Davies' brother-in-law Arthur actually came to Australia as a "ten pound Pom"). Overall, I'd say it's well-made and entertaining, not compelling to listen again but if someone (miraculously) suggested putting it on I wouldn't mind at all, so I'll (generously) call it Good, 7/10.
Pretty good! Never heard early Kinks!
Good album :)
Сподобався альбом, є дійсно хороші та цікаві пісні. Концепція "веселі пісні про серйозне" мені імпонує
Sprawling, big sounding, and a pleasant surprise from a band I only thought to be known as the "You Really Got Me band"
Great album, especially the middle. Standout songs: Yes sir, no sir Brainwashed Shangri-La
Gillade väldigt mycket!!
I have to deduct points because this album sounds very beatles-esque but I love the kinks and this is such a good frickin album with 0 skips
Top Songs: Victoria Brainwashed Shangri-La Arthur
From Village Green to this album, they really developed that Kinks sound that I like. This is another no skip album, there are a couple low moments but not worth skipping. Not fond of the Beatles sound they try to emulate on a couple songs. Then there are just some killer 60's rock pop songs. A great opener with Victoria then close the first side with Australia! The second side is just as good, I give a little edge to side 1 though.
Quite fun
Pretty solid album!
I liked it. This came out in ‘69? Wow. The artist’s work was elevated through the remaster on this one for sure.
This album was pretty great!
This is a pretty solid album
Another great entry in what may end up being the best single week of this project ever? Nothing less than a 3.75 for me!! And this one is great fun! The middle sequence of Brainwashed-Australia-Shangrila is so strong it really makes this album for me! But the rest is really fun! The Kinks are great!
This is nice. Lukewarm. It's "fine." It's just sort of... there. I feel like I would be super dismissive of this album for stuff like In the Court of the Crimson King, Abbey Road, Zeppelin, CCR, and Zappa. Really like the drummer and how much you can hear him. Heavy production, very large garage band sound. Not sure if I would revisit. I’m enjoying the themes in the second half of the album more than the first half. Overall, I like the album, it doesn’t scratch my itch. It’s a very consistent sound throughout and not off putting per say, it’s dynamic and I appreciated all of the different instruments and their usage. Also It's a concept album, and I LOVE myself a good concept album. But in 1969 there were a good number of better concept albums by King Crimson or The Who or Genesis, and I'd have been too obsessed over those to give this a real chance. I have the hindsight of historical value, so I'm gonna bump it up to a lukewarm 3. Did I need to hear this before I die? Probably
The Kinks will always be more enjoyable to me than the Stones and Beatles. I don't rate this as one of their best, but Arthur is still a banger. The textures of this album and the 'vibes' are unmatched
The day after Sgt Pepper! A cool concept served by some great Kinks tunes.
very summery i liked
Fico pensando como que essa galera decide capa de álbum, se é no modo foda-se, se é muito pensado, tem umas capas que são muito aleatória, e me chama atenção. Pior que gostei da Yes Sir, mais do que a mais famosa. Acabei gostando do álbum conforme ele foi avançando, me lembra um dos melhores álbuns de todos os tempos (Tommy), muita coisa similar ao jeito do The Who tocar. Vou dar 4* só de brabo.
Good vibe, love the kinks now
I began to feel I was inconsistent listening to this. After discovering I had a slight bias against anything I felt sounded American, did I have the bias against anything excessively British? Turns out not really. I have this a few listens and will be coming back. The Kinks are a great singles band but I've rarely listened to albums. This has it's kooky British moments but is solid, varied and enjoyable. With surprisingly rocking lead (as well as rhythm) work. Shangri-La stands out among what I didn't know. Very enjoyable.
Listening to this album somehow makes me think that this is the sound I imagine when I think of the UK 60s. Like this is the epitome of the term the swinging 60s or something. More songs than the Beatles or the stones. It's so English, the tone of it all, lyricwise and musically. I love it. I know the kink's greatest hits and comparably I'm not sure the songs here really stack up (beyond victoria, which was on it), but I suspect they'd bed in more after more listens.
Wow that was an unexpectedly good ramblin' time. "guys let's lay down a track about how great australia is" *everyone jams for 7 minutes*
Thoroughly enjoyable traipse through an album criticising the British, by possibly one of the most British coded bands out there. I had no idea of this album’s existence, but I feel it will grow on me even more. Loved some of the guitar hooks, the lyrics were genius in places, and I found I liked all of the songs. Highlights include ‘Australia’, ‘Victoria’, and ‘Mr. Churchill says’. 7.5/10
I’m not sure yet what vibe this album gives off but I like it! Victoria has so much going for it as a track even though it’s mostly a singular lyric. Yes sir no sir had such a cool orchestral section! It reminded me of a marching band, but then the guitar came in behind it and it honestly was awesome! I don’t know if this is sacrilegious to say, but No Mothers Son reminded me of The Beatles, actually a lot of this album did. Drivin’ was a good track. It was almost trancelike if that makes sense. Going into Brainwashed after that was slightly like whiplash, but I totally felt I could dance to it. Australia commented on another country in a way that only the British really do. It was positive, but in a way that felt like it was about to racially profile you. Shangri-La was great! I loved it. Mr Churchill says was cool as I chose to write an essay on the Churchill speech in grade 12 English, not that I’ve given it much thought since, but it was fun to hear it again in this way. She’s bought a hat was so much fun. I can’t say I’ve heard a kazoo in a track for a while and I love when you can hear that the band had a fun time making a track. Young and innocent days and Nothing to Say were great! To close, Arthur was a good track. 4/5 ⭐️! Enjoyed this one! 41/1089
Im loving this, giving me like beatles vibes
Um álbum muito britânico por definição, mas recheado de sarcasmo e critica.
Solid rock band. Solid rock album.
Pretty enjoyable, but it would be much better in the summer.
Couple good songs but couple skips
I enjoyed this one. Not sure id listen to it again but definitely hit the mood today
I liked this more than I thought. Kinda Beatles-ish, but different. The only problem is some of the songs went on too long.
Great album, the kinks are sick
Very underrated band and album
I the different sounds it’s weird and fun
The Kinks are never bad, but their albums never hit the full on highs of some of their peers.
This was great. Really nice narrative. Some of the standout tracks for me was Some Mother's Son, Nothing to Say, and Shangri-La.
Actually really enjoyed the songs on here. None of which I’ve heard before (that i know of). Great classic pop/rock that had me listening in the car, at work, while cooking, while cleaning, all over the place.
Great stuff
This one's been on my list for quite some time now, glad to finally check it out. I personally believe that albums like Tommy perfected (or as close as you can get to it, I suppose) the early rock opera form, but this is nothing to sneeze at either. Side A in particular feels weirdly influential on the Elephant 6 music collective, which it very well may be. There is a gigantic bombast to this that I didn't expect from the Kinks, only really having heard their biggest hits from 64-66 and then "Lola". Exciting stuff.
Despite thinking Ray Davies is a songwriting genius I was less impressed with this one. Perhaps because there were a lot of songs and so some of them felt like fillers. Despite that it was an interesting mix of styles.
The Kinks sit firmly in a 'its awesome' or 'its dreadful' camp. Listen to a Greatest Hits and you'll see what I mean (or hear what I mean). But I still remember the day I first heard 'Victoria'. This song is great in every way. Still one of my favourite songs to this day. And I was very excited when I bought a copy of this album. Oh, hey! Track one: Victoria! I was excited! But then it went into the rest. This album, no; most songs on this album are VERY inconsistent! Take 'Australia' for example, mundane lyrics, but a cool melody and then an absolutely killer outro. 'ShangriLa' is in the same vain. Great parts within a song, but then pulled down by others. 4 Stars. And I really mean it.
Tremendo album. Primero que escucho de los Kinks. Me encantó. 7/10
Best: Austrailia Actually quite shocked by what this album achieves. So deep with social commentary and very well arranged. I think a lot of later Brit Pop is a poor attempt by comparison and you can see how this would influence Blur etc. It feels wrong to give it a 4 but I feel like it just doesn't quite make me feel so much and that is a requirement for 5
Enjoyed this, suprised by the genre, was expecting a more rocky sound but that's my mistake
I really enjoy The Kinks. Their musicianship is very underrated and they have an iconic sound. Great album overall
Álbum interessante. Boas músicas e bem executadas. TRN Conch.
Good
++: Drivin', Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina, Nothing to Say, Arthur +: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Brainwashed +-: Young and Innocent Days 7,9/10
Surprised I've never heard any of these. Solid 4.4/5
For a long time, The Kinks have flummoxed me. They’re often heralded as one of the big 4 British Invasion bands, alongside The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. But they never seemed to fit in that lineup neatly, always seemed a bit too ragtag or dated compared to the others. As I listened to this album through the first time, I didn’t really get it, and was trying to understand WHY they’re considered so great. Once I got to the end, I didn’t feel like I’d given it the proper attention to rate properly, though I was pretty sure I’d give it a 2 or 3. I started from the top, preparing myself to really listen, and as “Victoria” crescendoed to its climactic chorus, I got it. I suddenly saw the appeal. It was actually great, there was actually something there! I listened to the album through again, and enjoyed it so much more than the first time. I’m not sure what changed, or even how to articulate what is good, but it IS good, and that’s enough.
- Me gusta el sonido y es bastante accesible, fácil de escuchar. - Se les nota la influencia de los beatles - Me gustan las voces dobladas - Me gustan los cambios de ritmo, como en australia al rededor del 1:30
Kinda like the Beatles, not my vibe
What a great classic album. Timeless, super fun and groovy, makes me want to dance! Easy to listen to as I work.
positive surprise, so remarkable!
Fun album. I’m familiar with the Kinks, but not with most of the songs on this album.
purely for HIMYM
Mycket 60-tal förutom Beatles förstås låter daterat. Men inte Kinks. Kanske inte lika uppfinningsrika som the fan four. Men solid tidlös pop. Stark fyra
porra bom pra caralho hein tava esperando lixo veio ouro
eh bem legal, até. rockzim bão e variado, nada cansativo e divertido!!! curti bastante, até!!
Solid rock concept album. Don't totally love the vocals on this one, but it's fine in general. The music is nice. "Brainwashed" and "Arthur" stand out in particular.
Very delightful and pleasant listen. I think there could’ve been a bit more variation but the production’s solid. Great listen.
This music is so much fun. Its like the Beatles never came over to America and just got more weird and English as time went on
I put on this album to try to get in some steps today and it was pleasantly dancy. There were a couple of tunes ('Australia' is a great example) where it started and I wasn't sure I was going to like it but after about 15 seconds I was all in. I'd put this one on again for a long headphone walk or a road trip.
I liked this one, and I mess with the cover art.
my first listen and i just can't believe the kinks have flown under my radar for 34 years, i really enjoyed it. super interesting and layered, not what i was expecting at all. has a band influenced 00s indie music more than the kinks??? my ears don't believe so!
Brilliant
Muy bueno
That was intriguing - I intend to go back and listen again and establish the story
3.5
Monty Python ass music (good) 4/5
Heil
Great stuff from The Kinks. Starts with a bang with Victoria (one of my favourite tunes of theirs), and carries on with the theme of everything that is wrong with Britain in the 60s.
The Kinks have a lot of Opinions About British Things. I, as a simple American, largely do not, other than the standard "I just think they're neat!" So while I'm not the target audience for the social commentary, that doesn't mean I didn't like this. Because, after all, I think they're neat. Good times with this one.
I lurvvv the kinks
Lovely stuff
It's okay. It started to get better as it went.
A
I loved this album. I think the concept was riveting and very well explored through most of the tracks. There were a couple of tracks where I feel the concept was looser and lost a little but still enjoyable. The standout tracks for me were Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mothers Son, Brainwashed, Mr Churchill Says, and the title track. It feels like something I would like to revisit every now and then.
victoria 1969 united kingdom rock
In making an album about Britain that is actually good, The Kinks once again accomplish something that was previously thought to be impossible. Yes I'm a sucker for concept albums but for damn good reason, Arthur is quick to immerse you in this satirical yet close-to-home world that captures the sentiment of many people at the time. The album manages to stay interesting both musically and in narrative throughout its runtime. It takes the best parts of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society and applies them to a much more immersive album that has some absolutely amazing peaks, namely Victoria and Shangri-La. There really isn't a weak point on the album, with each track standing on its own quite well even without any context. The catchy pop framework of the album pair surprisingly well with the satirical narrative of a pretty grim subject matter. It did take me a few listens to be able to process everything on the record, but it has quickly grown into my favorite Kinks album.
𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘳 showcases Ray Davies at his most sharply observant, turning history, class and national identity into vivid, human-scale storytelling. It’s hard to tell where these lyrics even come from — they feel effortlessly detailed, full of empathy and irony, as if Davies is channeling entire lives into a few lines. Compared to 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯, the album is noticeably more forceful and rock-driven: heavier guitars, more urgency, and a stronger sense of narrative momentum. While still unmistakably British and character-focused, 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘳 sounds outward-looking and restless, using rock music to examine ambition, disillusionment and social change. A remarkably intelligent album that balances conceptual ambition with raw energy.
Like these - a band I know and a record I never heard of with songs I don’t recognize any of the titles. More jam sections than I expected. Cool stuff. Kinks are interesting to me. Around forever and so varied in their music. Gals to listen to this. 4 stars.
Outstanding songwriting