Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

Test rating to see who I am

Sprinkled with a multitude of golden music nuggets. But on a whole I find it difficult to care. Maybe it’s my disdain of concept albums.

I was excited to listen to this, and Victoria was terrific...and then I got alternately bored and annoyed more often than was fun.

I love the Kinks, but this is not their best.

Holy music hall, this is the Britishest thing I've ever heard. I'd been craving a Kinks album after 5 Beatles, 4 Who, and 2 Stones, but I don't think this is the one. A couple good tunes, though.

Heard this album for the first time about a year ago and instantly fell in love. I’m not sure what it is about it but this whole thing cover to cover just works for me. My favorite track is Shangri-La, but others that have made it onto my 1001 Albums playlist are Australia, Victoria, Arthur, and Drivin’. Yes Sir, No Sir is a honorable mention. Seriously, just every track on here is solid, and is quite possibly my favorite album of the British Invasion. idk, that might be too strong of praise, but it’s definitely top three. 10/10, 5 stars.

Classic rock-ish. Nothing of particular interest on this album. Why is THIS Kinks album on the list? Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a

Goes really well with drizzle and a nice cup of tea. Brilliant album. A proper story and satire.

It was something different to hear . I would listen to it again when I want to feel old rock vibes .

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.

mehhhhhhhhhhh nao curti muito hippie poucas se destacam

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.

great moments, just not my thing

cool but not that cool

A little too 60s for me but not bad!! 3.25

Not as enjoyable as the last kinks album. Each song sounded more samey and none stood out to me.

Proto-indie rock, without which we'd probably be missing out on so much fun, twee, modern music.

Kinks is top. Met Victoria van himym en vette gitaarsounds en goeie songs

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.

okay

Outstanding songwriting

The album opened with a good sound and was an easy listen throughout, but no standouts prompting me to explore much further.

Very strong album not quite as good as village green preservation society but very close. Shangri la is an absolute classic as is the title track. A perfect skewering of the Victorian nostalgia mindset that permitted 60s Britain and to an extent still does.

Just okay

I gave Something Else By The Kinks only two stars because I didn't care for the archaic baroque pop and music hall styles of most of the songs, and I thought the production of the album was lacking. Arthur is much better in both respects. It's a "concept album" about a carpet layer that was supposed to be accompanied by a television play (that never came about), but what I hear is a wildly varied and eclectic set of music that is all punchy, melodic and well-played (this is the first album without bassist Peter Quaife. Quaife told the band he was leaving and they didn't believe him until his new band was announced). The album sounds fantastic (I listened to the Deluxe Edition) and Davies clearly has a better grasp of production than he did on Something Else. I think the song compositions here were as strong as the Kinks would ever get. Melodic, catchy with addictive rhythms and an underlying harmonic complexity, and providing different musical flavors throughout. If I have a criticism, I don't think the album finishes as strong as it starts. Not a fan of the shrill "She Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina," the cowboy jaunt "Nothing to Say" feels like a throwaway, and the closer "Arthur" is monotonous. That's okay, there's enough great music otherwise to make this a classic.

Loved. But I did know that I like the Kinks. Big Lola and Sunny afternoon fan. Feels like the wrong time for this album. I need to listen again in the summer and do a full deep dive

not bad

if music never moved on from this sound i think i would be okay. my name mentioned?? ❤️‍🩹🥀

Despite no obvious hit, this was better than the other Kinks albums we've had on the list so far. 'Victoria' and 'Shangri-la' stood out as the better tracks, and overall it sounded good for being The Kinks (being used to some of their mono recordings). Not much more to say, middle type of album - in a good way.

Every time I listen to a Kinks album, I’m struck by how good they are at coming up with tunes. It feels like meeting Frank from the movie Frank. I thought this was one of their weaker albums, though. The best-known song, “Victoria,” is obviously great. I also thought “Shangri-La” was okay, but the rest didn’t stand out that much. Mid 3.

Pretty good album. A lot of The Kinks on this list.

Really nice. Though it's an interesting choice. 4 *

So I thought I was a much bigger kinks fan but this album totally changed my opinion. I don’t hate the kinks, but I don’t I like them as much as I once did. For starters, I think the most memorable track off this album is Victoria however I’m not sure how positively I remember it, it was actually kinda grating. I will say the two songs that saved this dry album was the tracks Nothing to say (I adored this song, reminded me that I DO like them) and the most endearing song on the album AUSTRALIA!!!!!!! Yah at the end of the day this album was sort of a bummer, I was maybe too excited for this album cause I really thought I’d like it more, but there were still some gems in there.

Never made it in US which is put down to no touring after drugs bust. But this is a disappointingly flat album exposing limitations rather than strengths. Hopefully something better but if not better to listen to their brilliant singles.

Hell yea finally some Kinks! This is one of their best albums in my opinion. All of their trademark whimsy and wackiness. Favorite track: Shangri-La

The evolution of the Kinks from a blatant Stones knockoff to something psychedelic and unique is fascinating. Still not the most original album in the world (Ray Davies added Hendrix and Barrett-era Floyd into his knockoff mix), but it's enjoyable and interesting.

I had never heard this record. I found it to be very nice proto-garage rock with some well-placed studio-as-instrument elements and social criticism/commentary. I enjoyed multiple listens to Arthur today, but nothing really grabbed me. This is one of those instances where I wish we could give half stars. My guess is that there are a lot of people who love this album, and I'll be happy to listen again, but I don't think this will be one that I will revisit often. Three stars.

me lembra mto os beatles - principalmente uma música que fica repetindo “driiiiive drive drive” achei super bom mas não sei se ouviria on repeat entao 3 - eu reconheço q eh bom mas not for me

Never heard of album or band. Strong opener, but definitely dated. I like the background track a lot, especially the guitar. Yes sir no sir is really fun too. Again dated, but it’s still a good song. Love the horns. Not as big of a fan of some mother’s son but the harmony is cool and it’s not horrible. Drivin is fun but nothing special. Brainwashed is super catchy. This is a great song. Guitar solo on Australia is awesome, especially mixed w the horns. Rest of it is eh. Don’t really like shangri la but also it’s not horrible. Mr Churchill says is a banger. Great songwriting and guitar. Feel like I know the words without ever hearing the song before. Princess marina is just fine, nothing special. I like young and innocent days a lot, really unique music. Great production. Nothing to say is very well produced as well. So many layers. Great guitar throughout. One of my favorites. Arthur is really good too. Guitar is so good too to bottom. Songwriting too. This album just kept growing on me. One I want to listen to again. 3.4 stars. I

The creative genius of Ray Davies; Quay Street carpet-layers and more!

#33 Britain strikes again with a snoozefest 😪

I have to call it. It’s been 8 songs and I want to rip my ears off. This is not my vibe at all.

I’ve never heard any of this!! It’s so fun. Slower songs less for me. That seems lazy but I think 60s slow psychedelic pop is not for me.

I've only listened to greatest hits of the Kinks before. The album was good. More experimental than I expected. Aspects of the sound quality and music are a little of the era, but there's a lot going on.

16.12.25 3,5/5

Boring and tiring not for me

Another concept album by the Kinks which, again, is packed with wonderful songwriting but this one is somehow not as compelling as Village Green. It feels a bit lacklustre in places - missing the oomph. That said, Victoria is an obvious classic (even if I prefer The Fall's cover version), and Australia and Shangri-La have a more adventurous, epic feel about them. I think it's probably an album that will make more sense the more I listen, and I'm certainly willing to put in the work. Lyrically, it's a joy throughout.

Not entirely sure what to make of this. The Kinks wrote some masterful songs. There is evidence of that here, but, and this might be entirely a result of listening to this in 2025 but at times it feels like a pastiche of something. Perhaps that's the point? But it does contain the wonderful "Victoria" am I allowed to say the Falls version is better? No? Too bad, I did cause it is.

Favorite track(s): Victoria, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina Heard before Previous rating: 9/10

Loved

I like it! I admittedly don't know much of Kink's material save for the big songs. This album's pretty rambunctious. I need to come back to this and listen again and probably check out more Kinks. They're cool. Def got some proto-Punk shit going on.

Not much of a Kinks fan, but this was OK.

Nunca había escuchado a los Kinks tampoco. Justo los tenía anotados ya que estos días estuve escuchando a los Small Faces por enterarme un poco del rollito mod. Shangri-La es increíble. El resto del disco voy a tener que escucharlo más para formarme una opinión. Pero bastante bien, me mola el rollo.

Of course a musical about a middle aged carpet-layer moving to Australia after World War 2 is a folky, poppy, droll music hall classic. So weird.

Sounds a bit like warmed over Sgt Peppers. Not really doing it for me.

have always liked the kinks for some reason

I'm starting to think there's less to these guys than meets the ear. Ray Davies' singing is indifferent, his band's playing is competent, and his tunes range from fine to occasionally great ("Australia" is a fun bit of Brian Wilson homage, and Dave Davies' playing on the title track is light and wonderful). Nothing offensive but nothing to write home about either. But here, Ray Davies is trying to play in the concept-album sandbox with *Sgt. Pepper* and *Tommy* and the big boys. And the problem he encounters is pretty basic: this is a rock opera by someone with little of value to say. According to him, his protagonist is prosaic, miserable, inferior, and justly forgotten - which just reveals Davies himself as lacking in emotional depth. I'm sure his wife and kids really appreciated his diss of the institution of family life on "Brainwashed" (although one figures they were used to it by 1969). And what's he getting at with "Mr. Churchill Says" - that Britain should have just capitulated to Hitler instead? I can see why the squares all hated these hippie assholes. Fundamentally, the trials of poor Arthur Morgan just come across as mean-spirited and mocking rather than insightful; the perfunctory attempts at empathy ("Young and Innocent Days" and the title track) are too little, too late. I wanted to like this and was disappointed.

This was fun.a few catchy songs a couple of adds but nothing mind blowing

This is my 1000 listen to this record. It is the kinks white album

I really enjoyed this album. I thought it was strange how a lot of the songs seemed to change so much partway through, but I liked it. Loved the instrumentation. Occasionally thought some of the songs were a bit too long or repetitive, but overall I enjoyed it and would listen again. Fav song: Victoria Least fav: Drivin’

Generally enjoyed this, some bangers on her and good vibe overall but can get a little weird at times. Really nostalgic though. Specific rating - 4.4 Fav song - Victoria Least fav- Arthur

Fun concept album! Some of the songs went on a bit too long. Honestly I was pretty excited for this album when I saw it and felt a bit underwhelmed, might be a bit harsh but nothing on this album was better than the Kinks songs I already knew. Maybe the next Kinks album we get I'll go into with better expectations. Favourite song: Victoria Least: She Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina

Kinks are always Kinks-fun and creative stories. A GOAT.

First Listen; 5; This is the first album so far (#38) that I feel like is a hidden gem for me. The lyrics are clever and biting and the music is catchy. Somehow, to me, the music feels more "modern" than other Kinks records I've listened to. I also feel like this pulls off a concept album really well. Maybe it's that the subject matter lends itself to interesting lyrics, but the album doesn't sound like it's trying to hard to tie everything together. This is definitely an album I will listen to again. Favorite Songs: Vincent; Yes Sir, No Sir; Shangri-La.

I know people who think The Kinks were the best British band of the 60s and 70s. Albums like this help me appreciate how they may have felt like a viable alternative to the other two; there's a bit of a punk feel to a lot of it, tho maybe in that art student way that is self aware and sometimes a little cute. I found these songs compelling for their energy and satire. Even when I thought things were weak or off, I still felt a draw to the imagination behind it all, wch is no small thing.

I only really know the biggest Kinks hits and the songs Wes Anderson used in his various films, so I was looking forward to taking in an entire album and wanted to like it. I did not love it. My big takeaway is that I was way too harsh in giving only three stars to those early Beatles records. Everything felt half baked and detached. This is part of a lineage of music that I cherish, so I want to stay with it, but initially this is not something I’d return to.

not bad

Me when my title track is for bathrooms.

pretty good?>

I didn’t really like this one. Not like the kinks songs I was already familiar with.

Ok gubberock, holder seg helt greit.

So So.

i really don't gaf about these blokes

another kinks album where i know zero of the songs going in, but overall this was better than most of the others we've had on this list so far. favorites: victoria, australia, shangri-la, mr. churchill says

A fun and interesting concept album. The majority of reviews I've read describe the concept of the album very lightly, but they all agree that the topics center around the post-war in Britain. I myself found it hard to find any clear storyline, but maybe I'm just bad at catching them. Either way, the concept may be one of the aspects that make this album stand out, but doesn't mean the rest should not be taking account. The music here make for a very fun listen. It has everything anyone would expect from the pop rock of the era: catchy melodies, pleasant singing, some "heavy" moments (like the song 'Brainwashed') and there's even some organs from the Baroque Pop movement. I wouldn't say this album is mind blowing, but it surely is a very solid listen.

Ні я послухала пів першого альбому і цей. Загалом норм, але мене конкретно нічого не зацікавило

It was fine, not my vibe.

honestly pretty tight. feels like a particular brand of wacky alt rock but before they'd invented most instruments. favorite song is Yes Sir, No Sir

Rating: 8/10 Not bad at all! Fun and weird, political lyrics in classic albums like this are usually a plus. So many great songs. Fun highlights early like Victoria and Some Mother's Son along with the more progressively driven Australia and Shangri-La. Just starts to fall off for me a bit in the last couple tracks until Arthur finishes off strong

Fine, jangly, decent 5/10

It's a fun album. 6 We're Only In It For The Money out of 10 Lizard Wizards

Victoria is a banger and the rest of the album does not quite match it. Although after a few listens the rest of the album did grow on me and there are some great guitar hooks and lyrics. The production sounded really ropey to me - with everything sounding quite muffled and fuzzy.

One of the greatest opening tracks to any 60s album. The guitar parts are perfection, the melody exquisite, the sarcastic nostalgia biting. There's enough in the way of quality tunes here. 'Brainwashed' is one of the great Kinks album tracks. Punk energy. It's an interesting one. Many tracks not as immediately accessible as the singles, and the circuitous melodies take time to come through. But those, alongside the wry observation of a dying empire, although not inventive in terms of production, stills feels relevant today. This is a an album waiting at border control to get into 5 territory, but just falls short.

I like some Kinks music, but not most of this. More than half of it has a poppy 60's sound I can't abide. When they get a little deeper into the musicality, it's good. I don't like the first half of "Australia" because it's repetitive, but the bit in the middle is excellent. I don't imagine I'd ever pop this on again. Can't even go back for a third listen to see what rang out well. Let's just call it a 3 and get on to the next.

I don’t think I will ever enjoy The Kinks.. how many of these are on here?!

I liked Waterloo sunshine. However I couldn't but feel like I'm listening to a watery version of the Beetles.

An album about realizing something may be wrong from inside the belly of the beast. As timely in 2026 as it was when it first came out. I dug the Beatles influence as well.

4/5, never heard anything by the Kinks before and I really liked it. There were some songs that were fantastic and some that were only okay. In many of the songs it felt like the lead vocal was too quiet and I couldn't hear it in the mix? I like 60's British rock so I think I'm biased towards this style of music.

Sounds similar to The Beatles, Chicago (horns). Holy cow was "Some Mother's Son" a sad song. Lots of songs have very different segments within them.

Decent, album

My favorite Kinks album on the list, catchy songs, cool drums fills, and some nice guitar. I had somehow previously missed that super cool riff in "Brainstormed", which was later sampled by That Handsome Devil and thus activated my brain like a Pavlov Bell. Bit bottom heavy though, as the first half isn't that strong

Victoria is a pretty awesome song, the rest is pretty good for the most part Will I listen to again: 80%

I once saw Ray Davies having tea at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. I really like quite a few Kinks songs and was intrigued by the album but, unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy it as a whole and there weren’t any standout songs. The late 60s/early 70s obsession with concept albums strikes again…

Didn’t sound like the kinks I know (I think I’ve mainly only been exposed to some of the albums that followed this) so was interesting to hear a different sound to that I expected. Some moments of interest, can hear similar influences to that of the Beatles (I wonder how much interdependency there was between the two or common influences they shared) and some of the psychedelia and experimentation that followed. Found it dragged a little by the end though.

It's fine

Beatles but worse

Never really thought much about the Kinks, but I found this really enjoyable. I sort of wish I could experience it without being used to modern production values, because of course it has that 60s sound, but there is a lot good going on.

I always liked the kinks.. but I was just familiar with their radio played songs … I also had some “greatest hits” vinyl back in the day. I never just listened to 1 of their early albums beginning to end. I was surprised at entertaining this album was! Some of the music seemed derivative of other English groups of the time but still enjoyed it! 4 stars

Whenever I think of the kinks I think I know the type of music they make. And then every time I'm surprised.

This is absolutely unfair because there are similar albums that I would rate much higher. My usual approach would be to say "this seems like a good version of a thing I'm just not into" and score it higher but I'm giving in to subjective enjoyment. I didn't have a good time listening to it.

it's not bad but it's not very good either

Was expecting more. Shows that not much has changed since the 60's

Cóż na to poradzę, że kocham The Kinks. Są zabawni, dowcipni i po prostu fajni. Ich muzyka budzi radość, wyzwala tonę pozytywnej energii i po prostu wpada w ucho. A do tego mają swój własny, dość oryginalny styl. 9/10

I enjoyed listening to this album and I think I will listen to it again !

Hot take - the Kinks run of 6 albums from Face to Face through Muswell Hillbillies rivals the 6 album run from Rubber Soul to Let It Be. (I’m leaving out Yellow Submarine from the Beatles run given the nature of that album) This album is in the top half of that run for me. Lola, Village Green, then this.

Really powerful concept. Great parts every now and then but musically felt generic at some points. Can feel their influence over british music too.

I should really listen to The Kinks more because every time I do I like them. Most of this music was new to me but I dug the vibe. 4/5

Echt gute Musik, einfach alt.

Det är lite för "plojigt". Det är i grunden najs, men lite för mycket "schwung". Det är tidens anda som satt sina spår. Inte helt njutningsfullt trots hög verkshöjd.

Bitvis bra men bitvis också för många putslustiga inslag som inte faller mig i smaken. Kul och genomtänkta texter. Stabil trea.

That's not my taste in music - But ok

I mean, it’s fine. Without being that exciting

Good just not a huge fan of the kinks. It’s like the Temu version of the Beatles

Good, catchy songwriting. Never heard a Kinks album before, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. I will definitely be revisiting.

??? aber das ist ja echt nah dran an den Beatles und Konzeptalbum, love it! c

I like The Kinks. I didn’t know any songs on this. It was fine. There are definitely better Kinks albums in my opinion.

Pas mal bon ! J’étais vraiment pas certain avec les premières tounes, mais c’est un album qui devient de plus en plus intéressant avec les chansons qui passent.

Fun ‘60s Brit pop. Would recommend.

Solid album

Trying to remain neutral here, but while this guy is singing, for some reason during Victoria and Yes Sir, No Sir, all I hear is a British Patrick Star from Spongebob. It's a decently fun album, but nothing revolutionary. Just a fun album. I wonder if this album had any influence on the David Bowie "Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars". Titles are similar enough and they're both "rock operas". This album preceded Ziggy Stardust by a couple years, so it seems plausible, but I can't find anything about it. I originally thought this album was a concept album that started with King Arthur to "modern" England, which I thought was a cool idea.........but.........it's actually much more boring and about his sister who moved to Australia with her husband. I wouldn't watch this rock opera, but the music was good enough.

That was pretty okay. Some real standouts (‘Victoria’, ‘Australia’, ‘Arthur’) and some Beatles influence (that hat song) and some doors influence (‘Mr Churchill’) and some middlin’ in-between songs, too. Ray Davies was the real deal and this was a great album that has (mostly) aged well. 3.5

I was late to the game with the Kinks and had never heard this album. What an album!!! Sounded familiar while still sounding fresh and exciting. Love this!

This album was a pleasant discovery. I apprecaiate its irony and satirical tone.

i think there were two songs i knew on this thing? or maybe just one but i remembered trying to listen to this a few days ago and australia got stuck in my head. either way i liked it but felt it was just two songs too long (or that two stinkers really messed it up) so... 2/5 probably? maybe 3 if i was in a better mood. sorry kinks, the

Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire Overall 9.5/10 Good feel so far Up beat British Victoria is a great opener English Rock Yes Sir, No Sir is very good blend guitar peaks out perfect amount Overall the blend with instruments and vocals is well. 1969 Honestly just a happy album the SONGWRITING Is great They follow the Beatle queen vibe but do it in their way well Drums in She’s brought a hat like princess marina is fire Australia is also great The members of The Kinks when Arthur came out in October 1969 were the Davies brothers, Ray (vocals, guitar) and Dave (guitar), drummer Mick Avory, and new bassist John Dalton. John Dalton replaced founding bassist Pete Quaife, who left the band permanently in early 1969 Such a good closer too There was not a bad part of this album Although some parts could be made a bit better or just changed.

I do not know the Kinks well but I really liked this album!

Bet this social commentary slapped in the late 60s. Still enjoyable and love the kinks, just felt privy to another time

Silda 2 out of 5, Adam 3 out of five, me 3 out of 5

Clever, well produced pop that compares favourably to the Beatles, their closest contemporary. Some interesting social commentary mixed in to the decent music, even if it comes a bit “ooh aren’t we edgy” when you’re on your 7th album an an established name that can get away with it, and even by the standards of the time it’s hardly seditious. But all in all a decent listen.

Interesting album. I wouldnt say I disliked any song. Some were a bit whacky but didnt spoil the overall interest to me. "drivin" and "Shes bought a hat like princess" did test my nerve (wierd style and instruments) but actually it added to the appeal of the album in a way. There was also vocal and lyrical interest throughout. Only odd song were the vocals sounded strained but otherwise they varied the delivery quite considerably while maintaining a polished delivery. My view of the kinks is far from this album so was a pleasant surprise. I wonder if I just missed it or if this was a showcase of the best of the kinks. Enjoyed the finale of Australia. Great musicmanship on that! Very strong 3.

I really enjoyed the listen, it's dated but it still sounds great, production wise, and I'm a sucker for a concept album. It's clearly an album produced in the sixties and has that whimsical sound juxtaposed with some political lyrics. In this way it becomes an interesting piece of social history as well as a fun listen. I couldn't help but compare this to the Beatles and I have to say there is more going on here than many Beatles albums. They have a bit more edge and less of a mainstream pop leaning. I've heard The Kinks described as proto-punk but I don't hear that in this album. This would probably get four stars if it wasn't for a few duff tracks towards the end. Cool album by a cool band I look forward to exploring more.

Sounded good but ultimately not for me 2

This is my first time listening to this entire album, though I'm certainly aware of the singles from it. This is an interesting and pretty solid album. I'd listen to this again. The production on the drums is rather good for this era, though it does tend toward the odd stereo panning which was also typical for this era.

Cool concept album and like the Kinks sound but this one didn't hit for me at first listen. Sounded like Paul McCartney doing a Grateful Dead album. Nothing sounded bad, but nothing caught my attention. Misses out on the Kinks bangers but a productive album.

Was surprised to hear this type of sound from the kinks

I like the later Kinks stuff better

10/10

some catchy tunes, not stunning

A fun, uplifting album. The band hits on political issues while keeping the vibes high. On tracks like Australia and Mr. Churchill Says the band gets to flex their muscles and just play, showing their true, "let's jam," roots. 12 tracks of fun that are enjoyable from start to finish.

Ehhhh!!!

For whatever reason, I've always had a hard time getting into the Kinks. Lots of their stuff is great but I find them challenging. Some good tracks on this one too but also several that seem meh.

Was expecting more if that makes sense. Decent enough just wanted more

Staggeringly good album. I love the Kinks anyway but this is head and shoulders above anything they'd done to this point.

Nothing catchy but a couple of good songs

Good songwriting/ story telling. And variety. Quality album - much better than I remember the Village Green album being- but may revisit that now. Usual quintessential English references - flask of tea and Gooseberry tart and Potters Bar (shout out to the Herts massive) references on Drivin’. Shangri La - great. Something a bit McCartneyesque on some of the vocals which is strange given the geographical differences. Can’t beat The Fall’s version of Victoria though. Didn’t really care for that song about the hat - strayed a bit into novelty song. I think I need to listen to The Kinks more.

Tracks 1-7 pretty perfect. Some of the rest is a little too 'cor blimey gov'ner' for me.

Still sounding great, I am a sucker for key/tempo changes and this has them in spades. Appreciated a couple of the slower songs a little more than my younger self did. Shangri-La still great but think the extended outro to Australia means it has been toppled as my creme de la creme here. Very British class consciousness, even the track listing can be seen as a comment on the class system, Victoria at the top, Arthur at the bottom.

Peak Ray Davies. Many would argue village green deserves those accolades, but for me Arthur encapsulated everything that was great about The Kinks. This album provides us with a wonderfully preserved snapshot of post-war Britain with its despairs, its imposed class structure, its regimented uniformity for the masses, and its dreams of escape to something better. One of the few concept albums which stand up as individual songs, it delivers an endless onslaught of wonderfully varied tracks, balancing the rock with the vaudevillian in a way that many others found difficult to achieve. For over 30 years it’s been firmly established as a go-to listen of mine. It’s never aged in that time. Fun, fun, fun. FFS, they even manage to effectively use a kazoo on “a hat like”! I could understand how a listener unfamiliar with the historical British references and social constructs of the age would find this album less accessible, and in that context the more experimental tracks might become grating, but as someone who “gets it”, this album scores an unquestionable maximum from me! Thank you Ray, you’ve given me so much lasting pleasure from this work of brilliance.

Good not great, didn’t feel like it had enough to stand out amongst other rock albums from that time for me. My first time really listening to The Kinks, will probably have to revisit this to fully appreciate and understand the labum

Álbum gigante do inferno. Um ritmo de roadtrip onde parece que eles queriam quebra o tabu sem decepcionar os pais boomers. Pensar que esse álbum nasceu junto com a internet faz as coisas parecerem ainda mais loucas, esses moleque aí cresceram num mundo pós segunda guerra, comendo literatura da mais fina e fizeram isso aí? Achei q faltou gritaria.

Anti War Propaganda Eu tenho a impressão que The Kinks é um grupo bastante subestimado. As letras alternam entre reflexão e ironia, frequentemente dialogando com temas bélicos, nostalgia e frustração cotidiana. "Victoria" soa quase como uma versão “limpa” de Honky Tonk Women — ou talvez o contrário. "Yes Sir, No Sir" satiriza as instituições militares; a bateria na introdução já evoca o tom autoritário e marcial do tema. Lembra um pouco Admiral Halsey, do Paul McCartney. "Some Mother’s Son" mantém o foco na guerra, trazendo a dor íntima das mães que lamentam a perda dos filhos. "Australia" traz um clima repetitivo e animado, quase hipnótico — um “yeah, yeah, yeah” em forma de música. "Shangri-La" é um dos momentos mais bonitos do álbum, com vocais típicos de Ray Davies e uma progressão harmoniosa e envolvente. "Mr. Churchill Says" chama atenção com um solo marcante no final. "She Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina" começa meio arrastada, mas termina com cara de trilha de programa de comédia, criando um contraste divertido. "Nothing to Say" ganha força nos metais bem trabalhados do último quarto da faixa. "Arthur" encerra o álbum – mais um “Nowhere man”, contando a história de um cara desafortunado que vê as oportunidades passando na frente dele sem nunca conseguir agarrá-las. Um álbum bland, água de salsicha, o menos marcante da lista até agora, não deu muita vontade de voltar a ouvir.

Gostei, achei um album leve de ouvir (apesar de algumas letras não serem tao leves assim), bom pra colocar enquanto ta fazendo outra coisa. A única que ja conhecia e que continuou sendo minha preferida foi some mother's son, curti Arthur também.

um álbum ok. as vezes meio monótono, as vezes meio good vibes, não excessivamente nenhum deles. victoria é bala

gente é IGUAL a beatles to chocada. legal mas eu preciso estar num mood muito específico pra curtir, tipo estar na rede de baixo das laranjeiras na casa da minha vó no interior com umas galinhas do lado. infelizmente hoje não foi esse dia 😔 destaque pra brainwashed as letras parecem interessantes mas n consegui parar pra prestar atenção :(

Mediano. Não ouviria novamente e nenhuma música foi marcante.

De fato parece com uma certa banda aí mas não achei tão bom quanto O som é agradável de ouvir mas achei um pouco chatinho, sem personalidade, sinto que mal dá pra diferenciar uma música da outra

achei bem interessante a temática do álbum. gosto bastante desse estilo e gosto mais ainda quando o álbum conta uma história. atenção especial pra "some mother’s son", "shangri-la" e "young and innocent days", que foram as minhas preferidas (sou fã de letra não tem jeito). no mais, achei bem parecido com aquela banda lá. os vocais estavam bem bonitos e eu gostei da sobreposição de vozes em algumas músicas.

ótimo álbum, agradável. nenhuma é cansativa de se ouvir, sempre aumentam o tom durante a música. gostei bastante de 'Drivin' e 'She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina'. não conhecia a bastante mas com certeza retornarei

quando eu comecei a ouvir tomei até um susto de tão parecido é dos beatles em algum universo eles fizeram mais sucesso que os beatles e tiveram todo o prestígio deles legal e gostosinho de ouvir mas pouco original, daria 3.5 mas nao tem

"Mãe, eu quero Beatles!" - "Nós já temos Beatles em casa, filho". Dito isso, são bandas da mesma época e movimento, o que justifica a grande similaridade do som. Não vejo isso como um problema, levando em conta que as músicas são muito boas. Apesar de terem a pegada do pop rock inglês anos 60/70, existe uma clara influência do blues americano, que dá mais peso e sobriedade em alguns momentos interessantes. Buscam muito a melodia. Trabalham muito o mix LR, assim como os Beatles, ironicamente, tornando a experiência de ouvir no headset ainda mais interessante. O álbum é dinâmico. Tem músicas animadas, calmas, lentas e rápidas. Muito bem distribuídas ao longo do álbum. O tempo de duração é excelente. Um álbum muito sólido. Uma pena esta banda estar na sombra dos Beatles. Melhor do álbum: "Australia". Pior do álbum: "Drivin'".

Simplesmente sensacional. Feliz em poder conhecer esse lado da carreira dos Beatles que eu não tinha ciência… Em um certo nível, Kinks e Beatles me parece uma “rivalidade” semelhante a Interpol e The Strokes: bandas contemporâneas com sons parecidos mas que uma fez sucesso e a outra fez muito sucesso (mas ambas excelentes). Dito isso, baita álbum com várias músicas muito boas. Yes Sir, no Sir me remeteu muito a Wings (acho que pelos metais), vibe indescritível! E se você não ficou com vontade de ir pra Australia no HINO do país, morreu por dentro. Com toda certeza vou salvar várias e ouvir mais vezes!

Recently I've developed a pretty good appreciation for The Kinks. What started with just a fascination with some of the songs I heard in the movie "Hot Fuzz" has really blossomed into full Fandom. It helps that Arthur is a concept album and I'm predispositioned to love any music with the faintest wiff of a narrative attached to it. The rough througline is right in the name as the album takes you through the highs of the Victorian era through the then modern day all with a bopping late 60s British invasion sound. I'll give a particular call out to the songs "Victoria", "Shangri-La", and "Mr Churchill says" as my three favorites on the album, though that last one less because I think it's a grand piece of music and more because its kind of silly and fun about a serious topic.

Classic by The Kinks. No mistakes here, 5 stars.

OK

Briliant album. 10/10 Right off the bat. Was an interesting story through the British Empire from Queen Vicky to the Colonies and the many wars in the 20th centurary. Highly recommend a listen to this. Again 10/10.

Okay, I love the kinks and I love what this album is doing and addressing But do I need to relisten in full? Did it leave an impact? Not massively, so only three stars But no less love for all that

I was told I have a blood kink

Not a fan

Pretty good. need to listen to it more to really know how good it is.

What a fun ride! Psychedelic rock slaps? Medieval psychedelic rock? Banger! I may like this album more than abbey road…

I've always liked the kinks track on the Rushmore soundtrack and thought I should look into finding more, but this album has reduced the priority of that task. Not wild about it, maybe you had to be there ...

Yes Sir, No Sir is a solid banger. Fantastic album.

OH MY GODDD

This was great! There were times I got concerned with the music cause it was heading in a direction that I didn’t like, but they were quick to switch it up before it got to that point - what a wonderful surprise!

Something you would listen to feel energize in the morning.

I really liked the few tracks on this one that I liked and kinda wanted the rest to be over, even found a few of them grating. 4/10 Favorite tracks- “Victoria” “Nothing to Say”

Fun, standard Kinks

Started strong, but I got bored pretty quickly.

Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Kinks sind einfach dufte.

Alternate universe sgt peppers

Why didn’t anyone tell me this was so good?

It potters around but it is not substantial and the voice and lyrics are not as potent as they once were. It does not travel well

Not a Kinks album I was familiar with but I quite enjoyed it

Old english rock. I had heard of the kinks and never listened but it was worth it.

Not really my cup of tea, but enjoyable

Great listen

There are like 1001 albums exactly like this

The classic rock vibes were great, but I can never get on board with the minstrel pop.

Great album with wonderful melodies. Love Shangri-La.

I’ve listened to it a few times, but it just isn’t that memorable to me — to the point where I find it hard to write a review even a day later. It feels like a more chaotic Beatles record, with a stronger emphasis on protest themes (which, to be fair, is hinted at in the title). That said, being compared to a Beatles record isn’t exactly a bad thing. Overall, I’d call it a high 2, but I’ll round up to a 3 because I’m feeling generous.

The Kings -unlike the Beatles and the Stones - still sound very very British. I only knew the first song - and only via it's cover by The Fall. Really good album, never looked past the hits but there is some quality here.

Cool album, not usually my vibe, but really good music. Would be good on a roadtrip.

Let's go with Arthur.

Early Kinks was some weird ass hippy shit. Victoria, which starts the album cops a Beatles riff and the album proceeds at a Beatlesque pace. I’m sure at the time this came out the Sgt. Pepper influence would have been obvious but apparently not because America was starved for more British rock n roll. Among the approximately 2000 concerts I’ve attended only Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were more dull than this lot. Live they apparently called it you were hoping for a fight to break out on stage to add a little energy to proceeding. Ray and Dave Davies famously embattled brothers, at this point in their career have not quite discovered the Kink’s sound of You Really Got Me and are experimenting with musicianship. 7 albums into a career and stuck in this muck of a concept record. Some Mother’s Son is just whiny. The single “Drivin” is middlin’ and rather dull. Brainwashed fares better and might actually be the best song in the record. The Kinks guitar sound and three chord rock with a Hendrix like chorus keep the album from being a rather miserable rock opera. Apparently the Who’s Tommy was released in the same period and American reviewers of the time liked this record better than Tommy. Time has relegated this album to the ash heap of history as it is rather a tedious experience 55 years after it was released. Australia has a pretty decent vocal and had they kept it tight might have been a great sing. Bunch iof noodling that is distracting and somewhat overindulgent.

It was ok? Googling that it was a concept album really improved my opinion of it Tracks to track: Australia

Concept album aside, this is a fantastic collection of songs. The Kinks had really matured into a very interesting band here, with clever and very melodic songwriting. The concept album itself works very well too. It's just worth noting that almost every song here works just as well as a standalone song outside of the overall theme of the album. The Kinks had developed quite a distinctive sound at this stage, sounding somewhere between 60s rock 'n' roll and lighter folk (setting a template for future indie rock bands like The Shins). But there are lots of surprises in the music too (for example, "She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina" catches you off-guard halfway through), and more than enough to keep your interest right to the end. A very different sounding band to the those who sang "You Really Got Me" or "All Day and All of the Night" (two of my favourite songs btw), but that's why we're still talking about The Kinks in 2025, because they evolved over the 60s and 70s to create some very interesting music, and this album is a perfect example of that.

Brilliant

Good antiwar message, not so great execution, but it's tolerable.

So, none of the songs from this album are very popular, and album with most popular songs from The Kinks is not on the list curious. Comments made me realise that Kinks do sound very Beatlesy. But they also sound very like War, IMO. Hearing this album I began to wonder if it's another post Falklands War album, but no, it's just war themed for a reason that eludes me. Itself, is not bad, but it's not exciting. A couple of fun hooks, and a foundation for albums to come, sure. 3.5.

Probably the most British album I've ever heard. Some of these songs are so bleak in the best way possible.

Lots of noise, not much music. 1/10

I just literally can't right now, I'm so sick of this genre.

I think this is my favorite Kinks album, it has the most of their English shtick that I love. It’s an album that not only I enjoy from start to end but it also influences a ton of music I love decades after. Listening back through their stuff, I think Kinks might be in my top 3 of 60s bands. 26th perfect album, 854 albums in. Rating: 5.0

For me this was an album of 2 parts, some tracks I thought were brilliant and some not so good. The middle section of the album had a great run of songs - Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La. Musically these are really interesting and I loved the energy they put forward in almost chaotic fashion. It was a stark stylistic contrast to some other songs like Yes Sir, No Sir and Some Mother's Son. Great performances and musicianship from all members.

Decent album 3/5

Had a good time with this overall! Shangri-La was my favourite track. Victoria is great too. Just a boot of a general bopper. (3.5 stars)

This was a fun album! Probably lyrically more so than musically. I am shocked as an Australian that I'd never heard of Australia before. Also adding the famous Churchill speech to music was surprisingly good. I assumed this was a protest album from the lyrics that I paid attention to, so interesting to find out it's more of a thematic story album.

This album is a good one to listen to when doing small tasks or grinding out homework, I find that I get a sense of comfort from older rock like this and honestly I wouldn't say I'm the biggest rock fan I'm much more of a metal head however I think its a nice calm approach every now and then. though I wouldn't add anything here to my playlist. Fav song: Brainwashed HM: Shangri-La

Surprisingly more tame than I expected. I little beatle-y but also a little Ian Dury like without the colorful lyrics. Not great.

Knew most of the songs already. One of my top Bowie albums. Not usually a fan of covers unless they are drastically changed. Why is lets spend the night together here.

Typical of The Kinks in the mid-late 60s. A good play for a weekend of something that isn't "the usual". Overall I like it.

Как обычно с the Kinks у меня - перевод текстов резко добавляет интереса.

Quirky lyrics, some songs fairly repetitive, not my kind of music but can appreciate it for what it is.

In 1960s pop, it was often a very fine line between social commentary and outright sneering at people who have day jobs and live in the suburbs, and I'm not sure Ray Davies always walks it that well on this one. However, there are some great songs here, and Victoria is one of the Kinks' best.

Wow. That was fun. The Kinks are a band that fly a little under the radar. In this album, I've heard ideas repeated in System of a Down and of course Blur, to name a few. Why weren't they more popular or why did they not stay in the public eye as the Beatles and the Stones did? I guess a solid 4 for being the source of influences for so many more modern bands. EDIT: this is proto-punk -> 5/5

Why the hell would you name your band "The Kinks"?! 4/5

It's not really my thing. It's an interesting kind of concept album, but it's not really clicking musically for me.

Beat, 1969 -> 2

Enjoyable listen 3,5/5

Wonderful British Invasion album with strong themes of counter culture and protest. The trademark zaniness of that era in rock is present throughout with the implementation of kazoos and intentionally flat harmonies. Truly worth a listen.

The Kinks are right up there with the Who as far as I'm concerned. One of the greatest British bands of all time. This album is proof. Every song on here is well crafted and well written. Four and a half Stars but I will give it five because four is too low.

Pretty damn good.

Great songs. Typical Kinks albums - quirky, smart, a little odd but always a good listen

I joked on an earlier review that The Kinks always make Top 100 albums list but there never seems to be a consensus on which album should make it. This was fine. It was before my time but I’d be curious to hear how fans considered them in an era that The Beatles seemed to control.

By 1969, The Kinks had achieved something few bands ever do: four consecutive albums — from Face to Face through Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) — that capture the full flowering of a singular creative voice. And what a finale this is. From the moment “Victoria” explodes out of the speakers, followed by the sharp and sardonic “Yes Sir, No Sir,” you know you’re in the presence of peak Ray Davies — where melody, satire, and melancholy coexist in glorious disorder. Ostensibly inspired by the Davies brothers’ sister and her husband Arthur, who had emigrated to Australia, the album uses their story to frame a larger reflection on Britain itself: its class system, its nostalgia, its quiet disappointments. “Australia” is both hopeful and faintly mocking, a dream of escape that already sounds worn at the edges. The emotional centerpiece, though, is “Shangri-La” — a stunning, orchestrated portrait of working-class aspiration and entrapment. Critics accused Davies of sneering at his subjects, but the song is far too beautiful, too deeply felt, for that. Its shifting structure — gentle balladry giving way to aggression, then back to bittersweet calm — shows a songwriter in complete control of his craft. Even the album’s concept carries a quiet irony: the decline of the British Empire told through the life of a man named Arthur, echoing the mythic King Arthur himself. Not everything lands — “She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina” veers off course — but by then, Davies has already secured his place among the greats. Arthur stands as one of The Kinks’ crowning achievements: humane, melodic, and quietly devastating — the sound of a band capturing the soul of a fading England, one perfect bridge and la-la chorus at a time.

Fun. This band has really good musicians who seem to enjoy playing a variety of sounds

Pretty good for the most part

This was a fun one! Reminded me of early Beatles.

Starts with s banger but nothing else truly matches it

I admire the vision of an ambitious concept album such as this, and the music is right. It does sound quite of its time though (British 1960s,) which didn’t grab me.

"Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" is a 1969 concept album by The Kinks. It tells a story that uses the life of an ordinary working-class man as a metaphor for the sweeping changes in post-war Britain and the end of the British Empire. It follows in a consecutive line of excellent Kinks studio albums that starts with "Face to Face" in 1966 and arguably ends with "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money-go-round, Part One" in 1970. The key tracks are "Victoria", "Some Mother's Son", and "Shangri-La" but "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" should really be listened to as a whole, as "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". The album's quality overcame its commercial weaknesses, it had no major hits and the artwork failed to capture its brilliance. Nevertheless, for me it just warrants a five star rating, which is, admittedly, influenced by love of The Kinks' catalogue. Side one 1 "Victoria" (5/5) 2 "Yes Sir, No Sir" (4/5) 3 "Some Mother's Son" (5/5) 4 "Drivin'" (4/5) 5 "Brainwashed" (5/5) 6 "Australia" (5/5) Side two 1 "Shangri-La" (5/5) 2 "Mr. Churchill Says" (5/5) 3 "She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina" (4/5) 4 "Young and Innocent Days" (5/5) 5 "Nothing to Say" (4/5) 6 "Arthur" (4/5) Total - 55 Average - 4.58 140/1001 72/140 albums reviewed were new to me.

Shiny guitars and defiant lyrics, the Kinks Regime.

Beatles-esque but nowhere near the lyricism. Overall pretty good but I cannot see myself listening to it very regularly .

A true masterpiece

Liked this more than the last Kinks album! Felt more cohesive with better hooks, plus I love that mid-late 60s sound.

i like the 60s vibe and the social critical lyrics

The subjects are a bit too topically British for me to fully appreciate. But it’s a fun concept album nonetheless.

I didn't listen to this album back in the day. The only song I'm familiar with is "Victoria". This is in the vein of a lot of concept albums happening (especially in England) at the time. This is unique among them. Kudos to Ray Davies for some brilliant songwriting and a great band performance. I'd give it a 5, but it sounds dated to me and, therefore, not an album I want to listen to on a regular basis.

Excellent. Really enjoyable

Great band throughout the ages. Sound of the 60’s--70’s. Great songs. Time tested.

It's ok. Know this one.

Nice album but not quite my style I don't think, had it's ups and downs and didn't seem anything too special here.

good

It is not my type

Very good

The Kinks' most ambitious and complex album.

I was never in England in the middle of the 20th century but this album makes me feel like I know what it was like. It’s got wit and charm and the Kinks’ ramshackle r&b is energetic and fun.

If Tommy was a deep exploration of Pete Townsend’s psyche, Arthur is the entrenched underbelly of Ray and Dave Davies’ upbringing. Yes, it’s a concept album, but one that feels more like biography and therapy than rock opera. The production leaves a bit to be desired, and the album feels a bit thin on actual material. But with tunes like “Victoria”, “Shangri-la”, and “Australia”, there’s more than enough to pack a punch.

4 - great album

Solid

Not bad and I have been looking for the first song ever since I heard it in How I Met Your Mother. Was fun

Overlong and more than a bit pompous but I rather enjoyed it anyway

Didn't particularly enjoy this. 'Victoria' is a fun track, but I'm starting to figure out I'm not really a fan of The Kinks.

This was really distracting at work - but only because I wanted to really listen to the music. Not bad Kinks!

Not bad.

Never heard this album. It was fun! Some Beatles influence.

In the same vein as early Pink Floyd psychedelic vibe, just not as competent.

I really liked this album!! British angst with great baselines and fictional people - what more could you want?

The brothers who were the main founding members of this band had 6 older sisters??? wild lol. I liked this one, bluesy british invasion was the vibe I was getting. Victoria is much better than I remembered, been bumping that one for a couple days now.

Solid little rock album. Nothing exceptional imo, but listenable.

Just No. A 48 minute album that seems to last 48 hours. All the songs seem to be very samey, they just blend into one. It's hard to fathom how anyone could take any influence from this

very meh. did not hate it at all, very listenable, but also just nothing that really stood out for me or grabbed me. 2.5/5

Victoria is great - the rest I could take or leave. Not sure they needed to try and make a concept album.

2.0 This album didn't excite me. From the guys that broke the radio with You Really Got Me in 1964 it's a disappointing album. Note - I'm really not into concept albums or rock opera - if you like either or both. . . this may be your album.

Nah this can’t be what everyone was going on about, it’s a nice story but wouldn’t say it’s a stand out album, just a bit more Brit Rock.

Awesome album. Lots of war references which I need to unpack. Will buy and listen again.

This album has a Beatles vibe, which makes sense given that the two bands were popular around the same time. In the context of England in the 1960s, I can understand this album on an objective level. I liked Yes Sir, No Sir; Brainwashed; and Shangri-La. I also really liked the instrumental interludes on Australia and Mr. Churchill Says. That said, I don't think I would listen to this album in its entirety again.

This exceeded my expectations, but I probably wouldn't search for it in future 3

I groaned when I saw another album by The Kinks pop up, as I didn’t really enjoy the last 2 I’ve gotten as picks. Yet this was a fun surprise. Off the jump, the first track had me grooving, and it just continued until the end. This was a really solid album.

It's wild to think this album came out in 69. It sounds of its time but with a dash of something that makes it sound timeless. They're clearly taking notes from The Beatles but I have zero complaints about that. This is good shit.

Like taking a stroll through West-Notingham-Binghamshire-On-Kent

Those crazy Brits, always grappling with their national identity! I really liked this album. The band was very tight and the songs were very sharply written. Victoria is such a great track. Will definitely listen to this album again.

This album was fine. Highlight was "Shangri-La" but mostly because it was used in the show Last Man on Earth. Nothing excels and nothing really offends.

Was not expecting this from the kinks. Quite enjoyable, a bit forgettable though

Light 3

This is the weakest of the three Kinks albums I've heard so far, but still worthy of a four. Good fun.

it was fine. idk why I had it in my head that this was going to be far more of the proto-punk variety. that's not a flaw, that's just me being unnecessarily prescriptive. whatever

Bad. Some British rock is just bad

The Kinks are a great band. They have a cool sound here. It does kinda overstay it's welcome after a certain point where it's like, "alright that's the Kinks."

It was ok

This was a decent record. Nothing on here got me super excited, but it was a pleasant listen. 3/5

Kinks are cool and this album was cool. I enjoyed it. 3.4/5

Fav Song: Australia

One of those albums that grows on you every listen. In many ways, this is traditional, classic rock from the British Isles- however, it subtly subverts expectations in many ways, and the sound is really clever. Experimentative without ever seeming like it. Also, love the idea of an album that chronicles the British decline- they got it right! They need an updated version for post-Brexit.

Didn't really finish, just meh. I don't really like the style all that much. It's not bad, I just don't think I'd listen very much.

Probably my favorite Kinks album. I like the whimsical nature the album flows through.

I found myself getting into this it's weird and wonderful with some pretty solid lyrics thrown in, it's a 4 because there's a few duff tracks.

"Victoria" is a fun little proto-CCR song, but overall this one sort of falls flat. The big clunker in their otherwise flawless late-60s (plus Lola) run, no matter how many times people try to tell me it has important things to say about British imperialism.

Far more enjoyable than I was expecting.

Definitely liked this one more than the other Kinks albums we've listened to. Still not something I'm going to gush about, but not bad.

I seem to be pretty much middle of the road when it comes to The Kinks.

Not a fan

hell yeah,, this was a vibe!!

This feels like school

Interesting concept. Music wasn’t terrible, but nothing outstanding

Very good, as per. Simpsons: Yes

This was ok, it was an easy listen. The best song on here is Victoria

It’s no Village Green but it was solid.