Face to Face
The Kinks
1966
Album Summary
Face to Face is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Kinks, released in October 1966. The album marked a shift from the hard-driving style of beat music that had catapulted the group to international acclaim in 1964, instead drawing heavily from baroque pop and music hall. It is their first album consisting entirely of Ray Davies compositions, and has also been regarded by critics as one of rock's first concept album. Davies' blossoming songwriting style became increasingly observational and satirical, commenting on English culture, social class and the music industry. Despite containing the hit single, "Sunny Afternoon", the album's initial reception was lukewarm in both the UK and United States compared to the Kinks' previous LPs, charting at No. 12 and No. 135, respectively. Face to Face eventually earned retrospective critical acclaim, recognized as a pivotal record of the psychedelic era and an important milestone in the Kinks' evolution. The album was included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings, published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981). The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
WikipediaI gotta say, this album is quite "dandy" perfect for a stroll on a springtime day. Lots of harpsichord is welcome. I feel as if I'm on a boardwalk passing neon lights as the sun begins to set. Just groovy enough without suffering from being overtly psychedelic.
A bit simplistic, but I suppose that's the time period. It wasn't a bad listen, but not something I'd return to.
Classic Kinks: always a pleasant listen. I don't deep-dive into their work the same as I do some from that era, but I never regret listening through one of their 1960s albums. "Sunny Afternoon" might be my favorite all-time Kinks song.
You could be forgiven for forgetting that you're not listening to The Beatles or The Rolling Stones or any of a half-dozen britrock bands. There are some bands that are just pillars of a time and place. The Kinks seem to just bounce around in the in-between spaces that aren't occupied by the greats. They don't offer anything really new or unique to the britrock scene. They're just sort of filler. Not that the album is bad. It's not bad by any measure. There's a lot of good stuff on here. There just aren't any tracks that stand out. In every case, someone else did it better.
I fully expected to love this album. I consider Ray Davies one of the great working class lyricists; he's capable of writing with great compassion and insight. He is also capable of snappy, indelible songcraft. But not here. The melodies are standard 60s pop and instantly forgettable for the most part. Same goes for the song structures. Although I appreciate his ethnographic focus on Face to Face, Davies' lyrics are not specific and incisive enough to have much impact. The performances are shockingly mediocre as well--they range from charmingly ramshackle to downright flabby. This is a classic? I don't think so.
Call this album pride month because it was SOSOSO colorful !! Rainy Day in June reminded me of several shades of blue, Too Much On My Mind was yellow. The entire album was shades of red and orange. I got really into it after a few songs and I genuinely enjoyed it so much that I didn't notice when it had ended. It was really slow but it was still interesting.
Fun music. They sound like The Beatles who were more willing to take risks with weird lyrics. Toward the end of the album, they took some musical risks that I really enjoyed. Dead End Street and Big Black Smoke were standouts for me.
V nice. Sunny afternoon always massive chill. If I heard this when it first came out I probably would have been pretty obsessed.
This is fun, nice and jolly and easy to listen to. Not much that elevates it though - Sunny Afternoon is superb, but not much else that I think I'm likely to go back to. Just squeaks a 3 as well.
Every song on this albums is just okay other than Sunny Afternoon which is great.
I think to appreciate this one I have to put it in 1966 context. It came out a couple months after Revolver. Nice inoffensive pop rock. But little to grab you, tweak your expectations, or surprise you.
Maybe, face to face, the Kinks are really something to look at. Unfortunately, 'Face To Face' is nothing much to listen to. This might be the only time I can remember liking a single (‘Sunny Afternoon’) less after listening to the LP. I’ve never fancied the Kinks much, nor understood why they are so often exalted to the same stature as their British musical colleagues, namely, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. While Ray Davies does sing with conviction on 'Face To Face,' expressing cultural commentary with a lot of snippy humor, there’s not a lot else to his vocals or lyrics. Likewise, the band is competent, but nothing and no one really stands out, save Nicky Hopkins’ terrific keyboard work throughout. Only trouble is, he’s not even in the band! Apparently, the Kinks made a conscious move away from their former garage band rock n’ roll to more of a softer pop sound. Girl, they really got me before. But on 'Face To Face,' I just kept wanting to be released. Most of the LP is a critique on England’s class and socioeconomic issues in 1966, which works as a snippet of history, but not as an enjoyable or inspiriting musical experience. On second thought, it only partly works as a snippet of history, a contextual one as seen from the have-nots in the industrial part of the city scoffing at the general commercialism in Britain during the mid 60s… at least when they’re not coveting the haves’ stuff over on the wealthy and posh side.
ALready my third Kinks album in this exercise. I love this album. Ray gives us such wonderful little vignettes with colourful characters and places. Many memorable songs. Love it. 5 stars
Ray Davies crafts an absolute treasure trove of 60s pop nuggets whilst indulging his fascination with Englishness and class.
The Kinks are, to my ear, the most consistently listenable of the big British bands from this era. I put 'em up there with The Beatles, Stones, and The Who. All of whom were shuffling towards the concept album at this time. This album is thoroughly enjoyable and I'd throw it on nearly anytime.
Really wasn’t sure what 1966 The Kinks would be like. But I loved it! It has got a great vibe and is a very good listen. Most of the songs I really enjoyed, and even the ones that I wasn’t completely in to weren’t bad to listen to. My favorite songs were “Party Line”, “Dandy”, “Session Man”, “House In The Country”, “Holiday in Waikiki” and “Little Miss Queen of Darkness”. I love “Sunny Afternoon” and realized that I actually should have known what to expect from 1966 The Kinks as I know this song really well! I don’t know if I would have named the artist as The Kinks though if I had heard it before this. Really enjoyed this. Fantastic album.
I've been waiting for The Kinks. I don't know this album aside from a few songs. I loved every track. Super great.
I have heard of The Kinks, but did not know this album. It was not what I expected at all, but I very much enjoyed it. The album had a sound similar to British bands of that era. Out of the context of the album, I would not have guessed that the band was The Kinks…sounded like other British Invasion bands.
Already my third Kinks album in this exercise. I love this album. Ray gives us such wonderful little vignettes with colourful characters and places. Many memorable songs. Love it. 5 stars
Love that jangly guitar. These guys are right up there with th Beatles, the Hollies, the Zombies, etc. Love it!
Up until the release of Face To Face in 1966, the Kinks were primarily known as a hit singles band, but this album would be a turning point. Face To Face was the first of a string of soon-to-be classics the Kink's albums recorded in the late 60's. This too, is the first of Ray Davies vision of concept records that he explores further in the late 60's and 70's. This might be considered one of their "under the radar" masterpieces and ironically this is the only Kinks record I don't have on vinyl in my collection, though I've listened to it many, many times and I would consider this a must-hear! I really need to buy this album!
Unique name. Some unique elements in the sound. Same casual atmosphere. Definitely the same vibe at The Beatles. But definitely not a riff-off. Far from that, it's a different beast on its own. A not-so-common gem of '60s rock.
The kinks has a modern sound, and although it's not on the album, You've really got me is one my favourites.
Correct link for the original album https://open.spotify.com/album/11bCxxD2wy2iXMshA3nHvk?si=cYIZYOkoTHqjnumbBAM6lg
I just know one song of this band, so for me this album is absolutely great and a beautiful discover. I would listen to it again anytime.
This is a really great album, I didn't know it but thank you 1001 album generator, this music is wonderful and it reminds me to the Beatles but with a very special touch! 5 stars :D
This is possibly my favorite of the Kinks' earlier albums. You can really feel the beginnings of a distinctive sound they're defining for themselves, rather than the focus on playing American rhythm and blues that bedevils so many English bands of that era. Musically, the album is crisp and charming, with some fun baroque touches that give a lot of depth to the arrangements without sounding overly quaint. The whole album is a pleasure, but "Sunny Afternoon" is truly delightful. Fave Songs (All songs, from most least favorite): Sunny Afternoon, Little Miss Queen of Darkness, Holiday in Waikiki, Rainy Day in June, Rosy Won't You Please Come Home, I'll Remember, Dandy, You're Lookin' Fine, A House in the Country, Party Line, Fancy, Most Exclusive Residence for Sale, Session Man, Too Much on My Mind
Another superb album from the most English of bands. Better than The Beatles in every department.
The Kinks are real story tellers on this album. The lyrics are just as important as the musicianship, and all together makes a excellent listen. There is only one well known track on this album but you won't be disappointed with any of the songs. Great stuff from the mid-60's!
I liked it a lot more now than when I first listened to it. While not as varied as Something Else or as conceptual as Village Green, has a lot of quintesential Ray Davis style songs. Also, rosie won't you please come home is beautiful. Closer to a 3.5
Pretty good rock album. Need to give the Kinks a bit more of a chance.
It's so weird to me that we don't see The Kinks as equals to the Beatles. Their music is just as good, but their lyrics are probably more mature. Very interesting.
yo this is actually sick. just hella fun and random. didn’t listen to all the mixes but I’m sure I got the rough idea you know? some of my favourite kinks songs x
It has the same roller coaster quality that a lot of albums from this era do with all the sub three minute songs, but there were some really good songs on there. After listening through this, I feel like I need to listen to some more of The Kinks. Really the only reason this is getting a four from me is because I would rather have fewer longer songs than a crap ton of short ones. When you have that high of a volume of short songs I feel like there will feel like there are more bad songs than there actually are and the good ones are a little less memorable. Favorite tracks: “Rainy Day In June,” “Little Miss Queen of Darkness,” and “Dead End Street”
Very, very nice. Interesting mix between cheerful and thoughtful songs. Good lyrics.
Fantastic, can really hear the influence they've had on so many bands, as good as a Beatles album easily. Just missing maybe one more banger to be a 5
Solid, couple of the big songs on there and all the others were good too... Again, spotify gives you the 'special edition' with all the bonus tracks mixed in :( don't think it listened quite as intended
Not bad, a little too vintage for my taste, but some good songs. I liked She's Got Everything.
Ewig nicht mehr gehört aber ist ein absoluter Grundpfeiler für die moderne Musik und ein spaßig zu hörender Teil der British Invasion
Got it already. Will relisten later. Already my favourite Kinks album.
Really solid Kinks album. It's no "Arthur", but the mod spirit is there.
Reminds me of Beatles and the Zombies. Lots of different genres and songs, very catchy and not one bad song.
Very 60's rock. Is nice and relaxing to put on in background. Fav was "Sunny Afternoon"
More Beatles-y than I expected. I liked approximately 60% of the album, but Sunny Afternoon is one of my all time favorite songs.
Very early Beatles. Always confuse these guys with The Shins... unsure why.
Quite elegant, with an essential preciosity that blends with the airy vocal harmonies with linear melodies and energetic instrumental interventions.(7/10) Favourite Songs: Sunday Afternoon
Nice collection of 2-3 minute 1960s guitar pop songs. Social commentary and story telling of everyday life. Some odd sound effects and bit of a medieval vibe in some places. I've never dug beyond The Kinks' famous singles, but it seems their back catalogue has depth. 4/5
Un dels discos clàssics de pop dels '60 més innovador i refinat. Lletres una mica fosques i intimistes, però melodies inoblidables i arranjaments de primera. També, és clar, temes com 'Sunny Afternoon', 'Dandy', 'Party Line'...
Not too shabby for 1966, I can hear how this record is beginning to break some of the conventional molds of rock and roll for the time. I think the Beatles were venturing much further into unknown territory at the time but the kinks were certainly holding down and exploring their own thing
Solid. Didn't dislike any song. In the same vein, didn't LOVE any song except maybe Rainy Day in June, Sunny Afternoon (which I had already known and adored), and Most Exclusive Residence for Sale. Still a good overall album, but I'm sure they have better.
Perhaps the first rock concept album. This album finds the Kinks taking on a softer sound and more socially observant lyrical focus. 1966 was a banner year for rock albums but I think this album compares favorably and contrasts well to the heavy hitters of that year, mainly Pet Sounds and Revolver
Great early-ish Kinks. Much more enjoyable than their 80s work. Subject matter all over the place but sound is strictly Kinks. Wasn't aware - oddly enough - that Sunny Afternoon was one of their pieces. Enjoyed, but didn't add.
perfect slice of post-beatles pop rock. the only track i don't like is "rainy day in june". my favorite is "most exclusive residence for sale".
Though it is certainly vintage, I really enjoy the sometimes cheeky, very British simple rock and roll with folk stylings. Ray Davies delivery is perfect for this.
This is the third "Kinks" on this list and I believe that I'm turning into a fan.
This was a very enjoyable listen. I love this sound of the Kinks, very sixties pop, but another example of a band of that era reaching a little further into musical creativity. I appreciate the interesting lyrics. "Most Expensive Residence for Sale" is a good tune with a wry story. "Sunny Afternoon" is a song I have always enjoyed, and it fits very nicely in this context. I was happy to listen to it again. I hope we get to listen to more of the Kinks.
Not a bad follow up from "The Kink Kontroversy" A nice little album that fits nicely between "Kontroversy" and "Something Else" Especially with some pf the song arrangements as they carry a certain theme throughout and The Kinks at the time were going from the furious early sixties sound to a more poetic storytelling kinda thing with more focus on a quaint English feel!
Loved the vocal harmonies in this one. Good not great. But definitely an album of the times.
The Kinks have a great 60s sound with their personal edge, that no other group had. They were The Who before The Who. Good album.
A fun little album, giving this a 4 just like the other two Kinks albums we got so far. And just like the other two it's really hard not to compare them to The Beatles. The album is pretty solid in every way and there are no bad tracks on here, but it doesn't quite rise to "fantastic" status for me either. I didn't know that Sunny Afternoon was by them, good song.
-I like the heavier screaming at the end of "Dandy" -Generally good rock album
Un album-carrefour. Il y a l’avenue punk, avec l’urgence et la critique sociale (« House in the country »), psychédélique (« Fancy »), hard rock par moments. Énergisant, bons textes. Savoureux!
A very good Links album but not their best. This album would be the start but not the peak of their golden age.
Bro, the Kinks are so fucking good. This album is awesome, mono mix or stereo mix. Don't matta. Shits too good.
I was pleasantly surprised by this Kinks album. I mostly knew their rambly (but pretty cool) older era music, but this is more room for the songwriting. The songs become a lot better than I know of them and even though you can hear beatle-esque inspiration on some songs (especially the opener) they're creating an own style. I do want to give the singer a hug though, he really wasn't going through the best of times it seems.
J'adore les Kinks. Chansons courtes et efficaces entre rock, pop et juste une petite dose de punk qu'on sent de moins en moins depuis le premier album. Cet album est parmi mes préférés du groupe. Pièce préférée: Sunny Afternoon
I'm always shocked to hear the big four (not so much The Who) in the early sixties. And how much they change in the span of a decade. They were sooo pop-y.
The Kinks are always a fun listen, their music is full of smiles and I love them.
I think the kinks are great and this is another example of why. Quintessentially English… in a good way!
Today I etched the face of Hitler onto the scarred bottom of my good friend Peter. He loves the nazis and I love etching. We listened to The Kinks as I did it. It was fun.
I thought this was a cool album for the time. I got a little more bored with it as it went, but the style if very distinctive. I've always heard good things about the Kinks, but I've never listened to one of their albums until now. The sound quality of the album isn't amazing, but that certainly happened sometimes in this period 4/5
I liked it, though I don’t think it’s their best. Sunny Afternoon is clearly the strongest track, but I also liked “Dandy” and “Session Man”
Love the ideas of the songs, the lyrics, and the general vibe. The music is nothing special, though.
Highlights: Party Line Rosie Won‘t You Please Come Home Rainy Day In June Holiday in Waikiki Sunny Afternoon Artwork: 3 / 10 Rating: 8 / 10
Considering how much I love The Kinks, I’m surprised I haven’t really got into the weeds with many of their albums. The was greta fun. A snappy set of songs with great melodies and a bit of variation in pace and feel, with the odd attempt (not completely convincingly) at psychedelia. Session Man was a highlight here, and reminds me how much of an influence this band have been, especially on Mark E. Smith.
This is one of the most underrated bands, even during the 60s invasion. Sure, there were songs that featured experimentation, but this has a more garage vibe to it compared to the Beatles' pop and the Stones' bluesy rock. If a little forgettable, there are still really good songs such as Rainy Day in June. Overall, improvements are needed, but this album is still great.
Ok Sunny Afternoon is incredible. There's a lot of serious songwriting going on here. I can see why the album was a slow burner though, little else musically stands out
eu adoro kinks, mas não conhecia esse album. a psicodelia deles é uma das melhores, eles são alegres nas melodias, profundos e até engraçados as vezes nas letras. desse album só conhecia sunny afternoon, que uma musica incrivel
I don’t know any of these songs but really like them. It’s very innocent 60s and remains easy to listen to. This album helps me understand why there are so many die hard Kinks fans. It’s interesting that other artists released some of these songs as singles before The Kinks released the LP. I suppose it’s similar to The Byrds releasing Mr. Tambourine Man before Bob did (I think). This is a practice that is long gone.
This is a refreshing 60’s pop album for people that are over the Beatles.
It's lovely to hear a singer that enunciates clearly, eh? Lovely crisp sound to the Kinks Wiki tells me this album showed off a new sound for the kinks, in which case I'm not I'm not sure I'm familiar with their earlier sound. Sunny Afternoon is the obvious standout. Liked a few of the other tracks with more of a psychedelic air to them too. Slightly confused by the Spotify version of this album, as it includes several extra songs that appear to actually belong on different albums
I find that the Kinks are underrated in North America despite superb songwriting and storytelling.
achei legalzinho a vibe, bom pra passar o tempo queria dar 3,5 mas n vai ent deixa 4 msm beatles
A solid baroque pop album with lyricism commenting on the politics of England and etc.
Some Monkeys - early Beetles like Brit pop. Some songs a bit jovial and childish, some Indian-like. A few actual decent songs, like Sunny Afternoon.
Eh, the kinks is the kinks, fun enough! Sunday Afternoon is a classic.
Always love The Kinks social commentary on 60s/70s Britain. It's a solid album, good tunes, great production. Sunny Afternoon is a fav. Not my go-to album for The Kinks, probably go for "Something Else".
Would prefer to give it 3.5/5. Never listened a kinks album, enjoyed it. Favourite song - Sunny Afternoon Sing in the Shower - Rainy day in June.
Sadly this is a much underrated album. Yeah, it's got "Sunny Afterrnoon" that everyone knows, but it's also got "Dandy", "Too Much On My mind" and "Little Miss Queen Of Darkness" which may be my favourite Kinks song.
Definitely standing on the shoulders of the Beatles, but it has just enough baroque touches and acerbic humour to make it a bit different.
It's not quite up to the standard of "The Village Green Preservation Society" but it's still a great listen! Fave track - "Sunny Afternoon" is one of my all time faves, and a staple of my karaoke singing! "Dead End Street" is also a great tune, if we're including non-album singles released around the same time....
What a fun listen, Party Line is a crackup, Sunny Afternoon sure is a cracker.
Sitä parempaa brittirockia. Sunny Afternoon saanut klassikon aseman syystäkin, mutta muutenkin tasaisen vahva levy. 4/5.
The Kinks on kyllä hyvää musiikkia! Sairaan hieno sikstarikansi tässä levyssä, sekä biisit on just sitä hyvää. Nautin! 4/5
Fun stuff. Not super complicated and each song is nice and short. Good fun.
LOVE a good harpsichord (a double edged sword, as it also dates this album a lot, but has some fun harpsichord motifs). Formulaic chord progressions taken from blues rock, but interesting things happen with the instrumentation, particularly with the use of background noises and the sitar, even if the chords are basic. Unavoidably comparable to the Beatles Rubber Soul, which came out a year prior. Similarly sarcastic lyrics, but rambles more both lyrically and in song structures. Some really funny song titles, but unfortunately they don't live up to the promise. Some of the lyrics are funny, although it's not clear if it's intentional. As a result, the album is thematically a lot stranger and less melodic. Overall, I can see where this album would be influential for some of the artists that came after because of the way it blends instrumental motifs with lyrical storytelling, but not quite my cup of tea. 3.5/5.
Enjoyed it but thought it sounded a bit more dated than village green which I enjoyed more
This is album is fine. Someone could definitely mistake it for the Beatles and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just doesn’t have anything that sets it apart or really stands out. Very average
Enjoyable jangly pop, and I kind of get what Ray was doing with all the social observation stuff. When the album takes a step back and becomes more subtle it is more enjoyable to me - e.g. Rainy Day in June.
Pretty good, some good sounds. Dragged on a bit and wasn't my favorite but solid