Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Good. A lot ofnworse bands try to sound like this.
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. This “concept album” made me just feel like listening to the Beatles Felt too happy, I’m glad the Stones stole R&B & the Beatles did psychedelics so rock music evolved past this
While this is clearly an important album in the evolution of The Kinks, I like the ambition and songwriting in their subsequent albums much more. Some standouts (Sunny Afternoon remains one of the greatest songs ever written) but the cohesive vision that would soon emerge in their work.
Great album. Not listened to this album in full before but enjoyed it rather a lot.
kinda boring tbh
MEH
I really like The Kinks. There's something about their whimsical themes that really chimes with me. This album is no different. It's just a really fun romp of 60s themes with the iconic sound of that British bands absolutely nailed in that period. I think the tambourine player may have been drunk, though.
I think I had only heard two of the songs on this album so most of it was new to me. There were a couple of songs on here I really dug and overall it was an enjoyable listen.
Jovial mid 60's album warm melodies with classical flair from the frequent use of harpsichord. Great song writing and use of pop song structure. Most songs don't engage with me as well as they'd like to. But, I genuinely appreciate it still. Much prefer Lola though.
3.5 stars. It was decent. Very Beatles-esque baroque pop/folk rock. Standouts are “Party Line” and “Sunny Afternoon”.
Je ne mange qu'à moitié de ce pain là
Similar sound to others of the same era. You could tell me they were lost Beetles tracks and I'd have believed it. I expected more raunch and rattle like "Lola" but it was pretty standard 60's white person rock.
I prefer this path of song writing to their albums prior. I found it easy to listen to and understand. Representative of music during its time.
Plaisant
Sunny Afternoon is a good tune, but it's a miracle I got that far into the album to hear it. It's the 2nd night running I've almost fallen asleep at the wheel, listening to these albums whilst driving home. Another quick listen before bed and maybe I just wasn't in the mood. Not a driving album, but it's not bad. 3 stars - I doubt I'll revisit it again.
This was ok. Probably not ok enough to listen to again, but good enough for a 3. It started off real slow and I was not really into it, but as the album progressed, I got more into it.
I’ll place these guys as ‘another band that could stand side to side with the Beatles and I probably couldn’t tell the difference’. Now that being said I do really like the Beatles, but it’s hard to tell apart imo for this genre. 3.5
This is the second of three Kinks albums from this list that I was disappointed in. Maybe I don't like them as much as I thought? It's not bad, it's just kinda goofy.
Not a special album.
I've been enjoying hearing more Kinks albums as we make our way through this list. Previously, I had only known one or two but it's fun to get a wider sense of their catalogue. This one is a fun, early-ish album. Definitely scratches the same itch as early Beatles albums. Fast, short, upbeat songs focusing on characters. Honestly, a bunch of these songs have parts that remind me of Beatles songs. I like when we get a Friday album like this that’s worth listening to a few times or easy to put on in the background. My first impression was that this was a solid batch of songs but that some of them felt a little clunky. I’ve put it on a few more times over the weekend though and it’s growing on me. As the melodies are becoming familiar, I’m enjoying the album more. It’s a quirky, catchy and sometimes funny album. Great album cover.
I need this album to appear on this list in the Spring. I need to be driving next to a river with the windows rolled down, inviting a crisp sixty three degree day and the seat warmers keeping my behind warm, while this is coming through my speakers. Right now, my feet are freezing. I'm stationary and there's not a lot of pretty things around me; just a grey sky outside of the window I'm facing and a 50/50 chance for snow. Hearing "Dandy" in this context is like pushing myself to eat a steaming hot bowl of soup on a tepid summer day. It's just two things that are nice when separate but together is a dilution of the quality of both things. Instead of that Spring day, it's New Years Day. I went to bed at four AM and while I didn't drink much, I feel hungover because of the distorted sleep I got. These songs don't deserve this- they deserve a cheery setting where the listener can bop their head and tap their toes and hum what they know. Outside of this experience, I am enjoying this album more than the last Kinks album, which showed up only a few album's ago on this list. I can tell there's a lot of thought that is going into these songs and I speculate that specifically there is a lot of thought about making these songs stand out on their own and not just be born from templates. I appreciate that. How about that thunder sound effect on "Rainy Day in June"? It's such a bad sample, but I can imagine the difficulty of capturing that sound back in the 1960's.
Sounds of the age it was made, but doesn't stand apart from the other music of the time.
More of the Kinks distinctive sound which is another way of saying this is no different to all the other Kinks albums I've heard.
Old sound, pretty catchy songs.
Hasn’t held up after all these years. Not really distinguishable from any of the other pop of that era.
den rå, simple lyd af 60’er rock
Évoque parfois les Beatles, témoigne d'une mutation sociale. Musicalement parlant, très acoustique pour un album plus rock.
My thought processes on first listen: “this is OLD”, “ I’m not sure about this” “lol they really do like their sound effect machine” (Rainy Day In June), “hey I know this song!”, “this is ok I guess”. Once again, I do like the political commentary. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Sunny Afternoon Rating: 3
I like their sound and message. Not particularly compelled by the songs themselves however.
Favorite Tracks: Party Line, Rosy Won't You Please Come Home, Dandy, Too Much On My Mind, Holiday in Waikiki
I love the kinks but this isn't one of my favorites. Still solid though.
Sympa pour une petite promenade en printemps je pense Mais en terme de Britrock c'est pas exceptionnel, un album pas forcément trop mémorable, je pense que d'autres albums des Kinks sont meilleurs 3/5
At the start it reminded me of the Beatles and I wasn't really feeling it, but as the album continued, I warmed up to it a lot. Looks like they were releasing around the same time as the Beatles so it makes sense that they have a similar sound. I mostly listened in the shower, and it was good. I don't have a lot of comments about it, it's pretty fine. Not really revolutionary, but definitely good.
I liked listening to this but it's nothing extraordinary. It's overshadowed by bands like the Beatles.
I really liked this album. Not full of hits. But I listened twice.
Solid Kinks material
"Face to Face" by The Kinks is a classic album that marked a significant transition in the band's sound and songwriting. Released in 1966, it's a reflection of the changing musical landscape of the mid-1960s. Tracks like "Sunny Afternoon" and "Dandy" are notable for their catchy melodies and Ray Davies' sharp, observational lyrics. The album's production is more refined and polished compared to the band's earlier, rawer work, showcasing their evolving style. While "Face to Face" is an important record in The Kinks' discography, it may not reach the same iconic status as some of their later albums like "The Village Green Preservation Society." Additionally, the more polished production might not appeal to fans of their earlier, more garage-rock-oriented sound.
Face to Face is the fourth album by the English rock band the Kinks. Initially, the album only performed averagely critically and commercially, but it has since earned critical acclaim, considered a pivotal album of the psychedelic era and the Kinks' evolution, as well as regarded as rock's first concept album. This Kinks' album is influenced by baroque pop, but can also be classified as a rock or garage pop album. This was a decent album of pop rock music that was upbeat and fun to listen to. "Sunny Afternoon" is perhaps the stand-out track, but each song had its own charm. I don't know much of the Kinks' albums or songs, so it's impossible for me to compare this album to any of their others. I guess I'll have to explore this band's other works now.
I know a few songs, but I don't think I've ever listened to a full Kinks album from start to finish. Honest, while I enjoyed it, I do wish it was less pop and more garage. I feel like some of the songs needs a bit more emotion and grit to them. For example Rosy Won't You Please Come Home felt too joyful for the subject matter. Standouts: Party Line, Too Much on My Mind, Sunny Afternoon
It's okay, not my favorite Kinks that I've heard
Classic 60s Britpop. I've always liked The Kinks but had never listened to one of their albums. The Britpop-obsessed phase of my life is long over, but it's nice to revisit every now and then. While the standout song here is obviously "Sunny Afternoon," I was delighted when "Dandy" came on. I only knew Herman's Hermits' version. Would give 3.5
Gave this one two straight listens through hoping more would connect. There are some solid jams in here (Rainy Day in June, You're Looking Fine) and The Kinks show a decent range of motion, but most of this album feels like solid forgettable service. No straight up duds which pushes this to a high 3 for me. At the end of the day though, I won't be back any time soon. --- Album opens with Party Line, which features a polka-style beat. Fine song; sounds like the 60s. Rosy Won't You Please Come Home also has a distinctive 60s feel owing to the harpsichord. I really like this song though. I'm 6 songs in with this in the background. Nothing has really grabbed my ear, but its fine 60s rock. Rainy Day in June is the first that sparked my interest. You're Looking Fine is a jam. I feel like this comes up a lot, but this feels like a direct predecessor to something like Spoon today.
Sunny Afternoon has always been a jam. Overall really like the album. Would give it 3.5
Nothing really stands out about this album. Maybe because I'm listening to it right after Aftermath and it just exudes 60's rock. Another one of these albums right around a 3.
Pretty standard sounding 60's album. If someone were to ask me what early rock sounded like this would be the exact album I would show them. No standout songs
This is pretty pleasant. Wild decision to have a random bomb explosion in the background during Rainy Day in June. All pretty standard stuff but a pleasant background listen. Sunny Afternoon is great.
Good album classic songs but the kinks would go on to make better albums
I find the Kinks difficult to review. They’re not bad, I just can’t get into them. I enjoy the odd song and they’re strong musicians I just find most of it very meh. 3 stars
This was good; classic late 60s sound. No songs immediately jumped out at me but overall good, especially having listened to alot of the crap from this era. 7/10.
Not the kinks best but sunny afternoon is good.
A more folk side of the kinks. Love sunny afternoon.
I unoo
Nice for its time but that was 60 years ago
Inconsistent overall but still an enjoyable kinks album
- Heard other Kinks albums before but not this one - Thought it was pretty good, not their best - Sunny Afternoon is one of their best songs - All round good but not great listen - Fav songs: Sunny Afternoon, Party Line, Rainy Day in June
3.3 Not many stand out songs but a solid unit of an album and my type of music so a pretty good album for me. Fave songs: Sunny Afternoon, party line
“Rosy…”, “Too Much on My Mind”, “Sunny Afternoon”, “Rainy Day in June” 3.5
Marty said my exact thoughts on this record lol!
The Kinks always seem to get lost between the rise of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. A very good band that never really got the credit (in America) that they deserved. This is a really good album, but not a stand-out. As always, clever, sometimes biting lyrics delivered in British Invasion style.
The music on here was pretty boring although there were some amusing stories within them here and there. The Beatles already made better versions of this music.
even though it wasn’t the most innovative or technically advanced, i enjoyed the simple vibe it gave off.
60s British rock, less Beatles-y than the Beatles. Favourite tracks are Sunny Afternoon and Rainy Day in June. They’re fine but it made me realise how much I am missing the Beatles harmonies, John’s sarcasm, Paul’s bass lines, George’s licks and Ringo’s fills.
I listened to this a few days ago, and already don't remember anything about it, except that it was ok. 3/5
Nothing especially wrong with this album, it just doesn't really sound like The Kinks at all. I appreciate bands who can deviate from their sound for a different project, but this felt less like an artistic decision and more like a "we need to ride this Beatles wave" decision. They've done it well enough, but it just doesn't feel that authentic either. Favorite track: Sunny Afternoon
Not my fave Kinks. When they're on, they're superb. When they're not quite on, they're pretty damn cheesy.
Not a bad album but none of the songs I really like
I'm familiar with a few of The Kinks' songs, but this was my first time listening to an album of theirs from start to finish. I thought this album was fine; it didn't wow me in any sense, but it wasn't terrible to listen to. Instrumentally, it wasn't too far off from the songs of theirs that I enjoy ("Lola," "All Day and All of the Night," and "You Really Got Me"). I liked the use of the harpsichord, and the drumming was tight and precise, which I think fits their overall musical style nicely. "Sunny Afternoon" was definitely my favorite track; I liked how the title stood in stark contrast to the dark melodies and cynical lyrics. "Fancy" and "You're Looking Fine" were really good too. I think I'd prefer to belt out "Lola" though.
There are some great standouts from this album and the majority of the reason for that is the backing track. the songwriting is equally tight throughout but half sounds the same. best tracks: rainy day in june, house in the country, sunny afternoon
This album marked a significant shift in The Kinks’ sound, moving away from their earlier R&B-influenced rock towards a more introspective, sophisticated style. The result is a collection of 14 tracks that showcase Ray Davies' songwriting talent and the band's musical versatility. One of the album's best tracks is "Sunny Afternoon," which became one of The Kinks' biggest hits. The song features a unique, almost lazy melody that perfectly captures the song's themes of summer leisure and financial struggles. "Rainy Day in June" is another standout, with its haunting harmonies and lyrics about loneliness and heartbreak. The Kinks showcase their musical versatility, experimenting with different genres and styles. "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale" features a jazzy piano riff and a dramatic chorus, while "Session Man" has a bluesy feel and features a driving rhythm section. The album ends with the epic "I'll Remember," a ballad that showcases Davies' songwriting talent and the band's ability to create complex, layered arrangements. Overall this is a pretty good record and I recommend it for anyone who’s a fan of 60s music.
Fun English 60s pop record. Actual lp didn't contain the excellent Dead End Street, nonetheless this is a fine collection of mid 60s typical Kinks social observation songs.
Typical sound for the era. Can see the inspiration for other bands, but as an album... eh.
Absolutely love the sound it's great. Problem is it gets a bit samey as the album goes on. This isn't helped by the album being 20+ songs either. Makes it get pretty boring half way through
Being that we are nearly 60 years out on this release, it has some basic music beds, but still fun. Cheeky lyrics. Following some Beatle-like formulas, but still fun. Recently read that The Kinks considered a pioneer of the punk movement - not by this album.
As good as any of the early offerings of the Beatles/Rolling Stones. 3.5 stars.
'Dandy' and especially 'Sunny Afternoon' are great tracks, but Face to Face feels extremely uneven compared to the following Something Else By The Kinks. Also, this has vastly more baroque pop which is not really my favorite thing.
I don’t mind the earlier The Kinks, but Face to Face feels like a transition album where they’re trying to master their own sound. There are a few great songs like “Rainy Day In June” and “Sunday Afternoon”. The rest of the record feels like Beatles-leftovers. That is, of course, rarely a bad thing. I just don’t feel any particular connection to it.
Some bangers on here. Very 60s, not entirely my thing but I did enjoy it.
Session Man hit me like a ton of bricks I was not expecting that baroque ass banger rainy day in june is great not bad like a 3.5/5 prob not good enough to round up to 4 tho for me
1. Party Line: decent track, swayable. 6.5/10. 2. Rosie Won't You Please Come Home: nice song, instrumentals compliment very well. 7.5/10. 3. Dandy: vocals are strong on this. Overall song aint that special. 6.5/10. 4. Too Much On My Mind: bit bland not much innovation. Chorus is sweet. 5.5/10. 5. Session Man: again not too special, word plays dont work. 5/10. 6. Rainy Day In June: pretty okay, liked the sound effects. 7/10. 7. A House In The Country: good song, love the timing on this one. Vocally very strong. 8/10. 8. Holiday In Waikiki: vibey, good one. 7/10 9. Most Exclusive Residence For Sale: like the story aspect but song itself isnt that strong. 6/10. The rest of the songs were all alright but not special per se.
somewhat ok
Ikke deres beste plate.
listened to this while building a tv stand the kinks / 10
Shows great promise. One classic
The baroque harpsichord can grate early doors and often the songs feel flippant, superficial and in the case of Session Man perhaps a little mean-spirited. The album descends into an almost ironic psychedelic instrumental before getting significantly better. Sunny Afternoon is a classic for a reason: warm, funny, seemingly relatable (despite my lack of stately home or significant taxable income). The other tracks feel immediately more mature and better for it. I never really got the kinks, but this album brings me closer.
I know this is blasphemous, but it sounds like The Beatles with a different singer, and I don't know really care for The Beatles.
Good
If it ain’t Baroque don’t fix it.
Solid
This was a fun album, not very original and sounded a bit too much like the Beatles. Nothing at all wrong with, but I also can’t say I was blown away by anything. It’s just nice. 3/5
I hope I don’t regret this rating later. I like The Kinks and it’s possible that I’ll like this more on re-listen. I already heard The Kinks Are The Village Preservation Society on this generator and I should have given it a 4. I liked this alright. Favorite song: “Sunny Afternoon”
Lachrymose-adjacent. What has always puzzled me about the Kinks is how they managed to sound so...unprofessional, when they were clearly anything but. (This is meant as a compliment, to be clear. I tend to compare them to The Stones, who always sounded (to me, at least) as if they were faking it.)
Not one of my favourite Kinks records, this is solid throughout but there's nothing too memorable outside of the delightfully catchy Dandy and the incredible Sunny Afternoon
Love the Kinks and they rarely disappoint. There's a wonderful Englishness about them that sometimes feels a bit twee. Ray Davies voice has a wonderful vulnerability about it.
Obviously one stand out track but everything else was good, especially Dandy which I'd never heard.
A few good songs like Sunny Afternoon, but I prefer their other ones
clearly the transition point between beat rockers and multi-instrumental whimsy, hints at the great stuff yet to come but not essential
Decent, they sound like a knock-off Beatles. Most songs aren’t that impressive though
I think the album sounds great, but I’m about 50/50 on the song writing. I read it is considered by some to be rock’s first concept record but I really just don’t hear it. High points for me include Too Much On My Mind, Rainy Day in June, Fancy, and I’ll Remember. 3.14159 Stars.
not as good as the other kinks album but pretty good for hippy rock 3.5
The Kinks seemed to be in transition in 1966, moving away from straightforward beat music and still working out what they might become- the songs here see Davies start making wry observations on British life and being influenced by music hall which is the direction the band would later take. There are times when Kinks are trying to mimic The Beatles or The Stones and neither work particularly well. When you think that in the same year The Beatles released Revolver and The Stones released Aftermath, Face to Face pales in comparison. Very much a marker on the road for Kinks with their best work yet to come, although Sunny Afternoon became a great anthem for England winning the World Cup.
while i had heard the kinks before (of course), i had never sat down to listen to one of their albums in its entirety. it’s very reminiscent of the beatles in my opinion. it was a good album but a somewhat forgettable one. regardless, my favorite songs were: Party Line, Rosy Won’t You Please Come Home, and Sunny Afternoon.
Bien. Estilo The Beatles.
- sunny afternoon is great - would enjoy listening to this again. Easy, fun, upbeat
That was good, not great. I'm not hearing "concept album".
This sounded much more similar to the concept album I got by the kinks super early on than the more recent one that I got. I have nothing to say about this album to be honest. Will not remember it in 24 hours.
Good
I'm discovering that Psychedelic Rock isn't one of my preferred genres. While not an unenjoyable listen, The Kinks Face To Face is influential and not so bad.
Listened Before? N It was okay. More mid-sixties british rock. I don't mind it, but I'll never listen to it again. Added to Library? N Song added to Playlist: Sunny Afternoon
It's ok
Þetta er allt í lagi, pínu bítlafílingur í byrjun plötunnar.
Fun brit-rock, nothing that grabbed my attention too much
it is quite pleasing beatles wibe, but a bit raw. I do not find it psychedelic at all. could be less schematized...
Good
Pretty good, even though I only recognised one song
Bien. Estilo The Beatles.
Quite enjoyed this, but it was exactly what I was expecting. Probably would listen to it again for a bit inoffensive background music. I reckon I’d have given it 5 star if I was listening to it for the first time back in the 60’s, but it just now feels unexciting
Nice. Real nice.
I quite liked this, but nothing really grabbed me. All quite jangly and similar sounding. I would imagine the Kinks have better albums then this. We shall see if they're on this list!
In 2001 Daft Punk released their song Face to Face off their sophomore album Discovery. Face to Face utilized a unique sampling technique developed by co-producer Todd Edwards which would take microsamples from vocals which would drastically transform the sampled songs to the point where many would be unrecognizable. Edwards claims him and Daft Punk used 70 samples, a feat of plunderphonics that could similarly be seen in The Avalanche's masterpiece album Since I Left You. Beyond being impressive, Face to Face is bouncy, fun, and almost futuristic in it's presentation. If any song were to stand under scrutiny in Daft Punk's catalogue, I nominate that Face to Face would fare the best. I only hope that it outlives myself. In 1966 The Kinks released their fourth album Face to Face. It's alright.
i love the vibe the kinks go for - works really well but does get a little one dimensional after a while
Very of its time and place. Burbles along pleasantly enough. Like a low-key picnic with some friends when spring has finally arrived. But in the 60's in London. I love how much personality shines through. Best track: Sunny Afternoon
Surprised by this one, really enjoyed it. Sounded like early Stones to me, which I dig. Will be adding to my rotation.
I dig albums that have a flow. The music it self is quite simple and pleasant. It definitely has a Beatles feel but without their polish or complexity. In the end, this was enjoyed by me.
Just ok for me.
31st October 2022 Listened on the day after, was in bed all day not feeling well after being in Norfolk for the weekend. I feel like the Kinks are a greatest hits band, potentially scandalous to say but this album blends into one. Enjoyable though.
A decent psych rock album from the 60s. This one was a more positive upbeat style rock album from the kinks. The songs are relatively short and quick. Overall most of the album is pretty decent but there isn’t anything too amazing. A solid east listening album. 6.3/10
I keep hoping the Kinks will click for me, and yet they never quite do. Guess I'll be staying vanilla for now.
Really very Beatles-esque to me, which I know has to do with their being contemporaries, but something about this one just feels like phoning in overall. Still quite listenable though.
An album for people that think Revolver is peak Beatles. Best Songs: Dandy, House in the Country, Sunny Afternoon, Worst Songs: I'll Remember, Holiday in Waikiki
This is the most like The Beatles I've ever heard them sound. Unfortunately, not as good, although some songs are killer.
haven't listened to much kinks but i enjoyed it. not quite the pop bop factor that the beatles had going on
Was busy when listening to this so forgot to look at each song name when it was playing. Decent though. I saw Ray Davies in Benicassim once and he caught a glow stick thrown by crowd mid gig and put it in his pocket to take home. Kicked straight into You Really Got Me after it. It was quite cool.
Favourite Song - Dandy One for Karaoke - Summer Time One for a run - Party Line Little fun number this one. Head bopping fun
I gave the kinks review so I guess I need to review q tip for this was OK scribbly bubbly lyrics over bouncy pop hop.
Pretty good, though a bit too much filler for my liking, not as much wit as Something Else
The Beatles if the Beatles weren’t the Beatles
Love the instruments, no songs stood out though
Unremarkable but ok hippie rock.
Wel lekker
Lovely bit of songwriting, sets a cheery mood
Though the production firmly plants in the mid sixties you can't fault the song writing. Ray Davies is beginning to flash his genius at picking apart the lives of the average person as well as the sixties rock star. Really, like lots of sixties albums, it's the production style that lets them down: Best Tracks: Dandy; Too Much On My Mind; Sunny Afternoon
Good
They sound just like the Beatles or The Beatles sound just like them. Either way, they’re alright.
Prob not what I would consider their best?
Yeah it is good
Good if you're into the kinks
Good-sounding early Kinks album. Hadn’t listened to a studio album before this, and didn’t realize across how many decades and albums their hits stretched. No single album sums up their reign, though, so not a high score.
Very varied vaudeville and 60’s rock affair.
Man, the 60s were a wild time. So many harpsichords!
Second half of the album is stellar. 1st half was a bit forgetful.
Liked it but didn’t love it. “Sunny Afternoon” was a clear favorite.
Wasn’t too bad. The only time a British Invasion was a good thing was the sixties rock.
Classic 60s. Enjoyed it a lot, far more than I actually expected myself to
I tend to be more a fan of the Kinks on either side of this, in terms of eras. I'm a huge fan of the Shel Talmy era, and then the 80s Give the People What They Want and State of Confusion era. Listening to this, you can hear the wide range, and see why they were so influential.
I'm on the fence, middle of the road, kinda unsure on this one so straight up 2.5 stars...well 3... like I like the sound, I like the vibe...but ALMOST nothing reaaaaally grabs me as something to hold onto here and revisit. But how many times have I listened to Sunny Afternoon and it still just works. I also kinda' liked Party Line. The other tracks kinda blend into one another...I know, I'm a heathen.
Nothing too great for me
great stuff.
This is a Kinks album I was not familiar with except for the one song Sunny Afternoon.
Half of this album felt like listening to the Beatles, but at half-strength; the other half was enjoyable, early rock with some clever instrumentation, but very few standouts. Overall palatable, but not excellent.
One good song...others are average. It sounds like an album that was really trying to copy the Beatles.
Loved this.
It was enjoyable, probably not gonna listen to it again
Slightly dated
This album marks their shift from garage rock to humorous pop rock that would serve as a primary inspiration to 90s Britpop. The songwriting is fantastic, full of hooks and unique styles, but suffers from overused techniques such as the vocal style and harpsichord which come off as gimmicks. I personally really enjoyed the atmospheric psychedelic songs, but still found them dull compared to other products of the time. There tends to be a lot of songs I like but am never too crazy about... it's all a bit too tame, and the lofi production works against them. Favorites: Party Line, Rainy Day in June, Holiday in Waikiki, Little Miss Queen of Darkness, Sunday Afternoon, Dead End Street
Love the Kinks but has only heard Fancy and Sunny Afternoon from this one
There's some good songs on this, but honestly a lot of them sound quite similar and samey-same. Still, would probably listen to again.
Like the beetles
I always find myself rooting for The Kinks; they’ve got a boatful of classic singles to rival any of their contemporaries. But I wonder if those many singles were spread out across almost as many albums? Certainly when Sunny Afternoon kicked in the jump in quality from the rest of the tracklist was obvious (barring Dead End Street, if we’re including it in this album). That said, there are some other nice Ray Davies ditties on here, and evidently it was an important record in the creation of the 60s ‘Britpop’ sound.
I like Sunny Afternoon, but nothing else really.
Party Line sounds like it could be a Beatles song. I think this was around the time that those bands were makin the shift from rock n roll to a more psychedelic sound, though they refer to this music as baroque pop or music hall. Ray Davies had such a distinct voice and I bet he influenced a lot of indie singers. Sunny Afternoon is timeless and reminds me what was so good about sixties pop radio.
This is the Kinks album with my favorite song of theirs, Sunny Afternoon, so I’m pretty excited already. Instantly, however, not impressed. Party Line is pretty simple and not great. Rosy Please Come Home redeems it a little though. Maybe it was a fluke, cause Dandy is pretty similar to Party Line. Overall seems pretty simple. Definitely not as great as Something Else by the Kinks. Fav Track: Sunny Afternoon 3/5
I listened to the first half and really enjoyed it. It felt like on the verge of pop and psych rock? Def worth another deeper listen.
p88. 1966. 3 stars. The primeval ancestors of Blur. Pros: Ray Davies can knock out a tune, and lyrically he's as sharp as Costello or Weller. Cons: he can't sing, the Kinks weren't great musicians, and the production hasn't dated that well. Compare this with Revolver or Pet Sounds from the same year and all the flaws really show up. It's more of a historical significance piece - "look what Ray Davies was doing at the same time as Dylan and Lennon and Wilson".
Not bad , kind of like a discount Beatles.
Sounds similar to early Beatles.
Average. Nothing bad but nothing great, either.
Not my go-to Kinks album. The few famous songs, "Party Line" and "Sunny Afternoon" are really great (nuclear opinion, but I always thought that the best Kinks songs were better than the best Beatles songs, even if the Beatles had better albums over all). The rest of the album is pretty unremarkable.. a good song here and there, but mostly forgettable generic pop rock.
Se deja escuchar, a veces suenan como los Beatles un poco más sueltos, rebeldes, rockeros. Es quizás un testamento a su calidad que el disco suene tan bien después de tantos años. No aburre en absoluto. Es sólo que no me marcó como para decidir escucharlo de nuevo.
I liked the album. Started of very Beatlesy but soon became more hard rock heavy. Again just listening to the album while working so I was paying too much attention, but I did like what I heard and will probably check out some more of their work.
I found this a bit disappointing - the overall sound wasn't great and the themes were very dated (which shouldn't have surprised me, I know).
Not bad
average - liked it fine but nothing stood out
Лёгкий альбом 60-ых, в духе ранних Битлз и Mamas and Papas, но музыка не моя.
3.6 - Not as strong as other slice-of-life Kinks records (e.g “Village Green”) mostly because the songs are about uninteresting characters and situations (e.g “Session Man”).
I'm bored of that late 60's London sound at this stage. That said, it's pretty good
Sub Beatles pop
Party Line is a pretty cute little song. I love the guitar on Rosie Won't You Please Come Home! Dandy's a cute little song too! I don't have much that I can say about this album yet, but these songs are all very fun to listen to. Definitely something I wouldn't pick out on my own, but very fun stuff that I'm glad I'm getting introduced to. Too Much on My Mind has such fun harpsichord (I think?) stuff on it, it really compliments the lyrics. The opening to Session Man (and the harpsichord throughout the rest of it) is Fantastic, I love it so much. Highlight of the album so far for me. Rainy Day in June's got some really strong moments, including the vocals for me. Great song, with a lot of fun cheese (the thunder is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL in my enjoyment of the song). Scratch what I said before, *this* is the best one yet! House in the Country is a nice song, but it's got nothing on Rainy Day. Guitar-work is fun. Grew on me by the end of it all. Holiday in Wakiki's got a great drum start, but the vocals just aren't here for me on the track sadly. The rest of it is fun! Most Exclusive Residence for Sale is... fine. I don't hate it, but I also don't love it. Fancy's got absolutely stellar stuff happening underneath the vocals - which are good as well. But, wow, I'm in love with the stuff happening in the strings! Another cute little song is Little Miss Queen of Darkness. Expected something, well, different based on the name but all-in-all still a fun little escape. Just a thought before I talk about You're Looking Fine - the A-side to this album has been much better in my opinion, compared to the B-side. Oh well! Anyways, You're Looking Fine is another song that I'm ok with? Not really anything to write home about in my opinion. Sunny Afternoon is *that single* so I have high expectations going in. Perhaps that's a mistake. But, I do like this! It's darker than some of the rest of this B-side (at least at first listen), and it's got very pleasing vocals and bass overall. It feels *very* 60s. I'll Remember is another great song, love love love it.
Both a bit derivative, and at the same time ahead of the game, in that it apes the Beatles sound, whilst also being original enough to inspire 90s Britpop. There are flashes of brilliance, but also a certain quaintness to proceedings. I wanted to like this more than I did.
Missing some bangers
it was just alright. not much to write home about. pleasant to listen to in the sunshine.
Better than most of Eurovision and Scott Kelly's cat.
3.5
Favorite song: Sunny Afternoon.
Have you ever thought about what the Beatles might have sounded like if they were just okay at songwriting and three years behind everybody else? Wonder no more! Best track: Sunny Afternoon
Ok
Another oldie. Others have been better.
Fun and easy listening!
This seems like a great album to listen to if I was chillaxing with a brew and some bud on a sunny day outside.
Most of the time I couldn’t tell if I was listening to the Beatles, the Doors, or the Kinks. It was a good listen but it kind of lacked originality
It was fine. I feel like the intros to most songs were really cool, and then it just fell into a 4/4 beatles copy.
Is fun, not really my style.
This isn't stand-out Kinks, but it's still Kinks and so it's still pretty listenable all the way through.
Fun for a summer ride
Not my favorite era for the Kinks, but it's still good stuff. 3/5
Un album générique de la part des Kinks qui n'ont au passage pas eu l'élégance de me signaler qu'ils avaient coupé mon couplet sur l'avant-dernier morceau.
J'ai fait ce matin un découverte consternante en me balandant sur Internet, je me dois de la partager avec vous. Savez-vous quels sont les trois plus grands déserts du monde? Je ne le savais personnellement pas, laissez moi donc vous proposer la liste ci-contre: le désert du Gobi, le désert du Sahara, les deux derniers mois du générateur.
This was really good. I always liked the kinds a lot when I heard songs here and there, and then a few months ago this website generated a kinks album for me that a thought was complete rubbish. Glad to listen to a different one that hit the mark
Loved the album cover but didn’t get to hear the whole album. I like the Kinks, easy background music. Just alright 3*
I didn't expect to enjoy this one, but actually it's pretty great. Sounds like the 60s.
Ett underhållande album.
Cheeeeeelin
Enjoyable, competent. Not their best, not their worst
The Kinks are an interesting study in rock history. There are really quite a lot of albums, and the influence is great, but relatively few actually recognizable hits, especially in the U.S. this is another album I hadn’t listened to before. Good, though not hitting the levels of my favorites with this band.
Good but forgettable. Sunny Afternoon is a classic and the other songs are fine. Not one that I'll be going back to very often (if ever).
Not really my scene but fully appreciate they were big in the day
Pretty good. Slightly repetitive. Some hits and some misses. Could be a classic if it were 8 songs instead of 21.
3 stars for Sunny Afternoon alone, but it's a bit meh in places.
Better than average British band from the timeframe.
Do you like the Beatles? If so you will like this album. Not every song is a hit but those that are not are not horrible. Most songs are right around the 2 minute mark so the album flies by.
Wait this isn't Daft Punk
Not my jam but not the worst
Meilleur que l'autre album que j'ai essayé d'eux, mais ça reste très average comme vieux rock.
Was expecting a bit of a heavier album than what this turned out to be, when I think of the Kinks I think of "You Really Got Me" with the power chords. This album is much more of a 60's folk album and they're really channeling the Beatles.
Sounds like the Beatles, which was fascinating!
Decent easy listening that drags on a bit long though and the rather basic concept loses its appeal rather quickly
Kinda boring. Prefer their earlier work.
great kinks album with their famous songwriting of semi casual rock songs that are that perfect mix of 60s sound and more modern rock
If The Beatles didn’t polish themselves - ok but not as good as they good be. My top pick is ‘Sunny Afternoon’, it’s cute.
Prima muziek voor het huidige zonnetje!
Lang niet zo goed als The Beatles, maar zeker niet verkeerd.
Best leuk.
No comment.
Pretty fun, but wasn't very memorable. Favorites: "Part Line", "House In The Country", "Sunday Afternoon"
Kind of run-of-the-mill mid-60's pop-rock to me. Some kind of Beatles-esque baroque sounding stuff (mellotron) too. Enjoyable but didn't really stand out to me. Unlikely to revisit.
Beatles vibes
Not bad, lyrics and singing ok. Guitar riffs more generic sounding than I expected.
New album for me.
I'm only somewhat familiar with The Kinks. I've heard some songs here and there, although nothing has really stood out enough to catch my attention. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case here as well. It's not bad, but compared to it's contemporaries it is a bit average.
It's fine, but it no longer sounds exciting
It’s a Kinks album! What’s not to like!
nothing too note-worthy
It was alright. Nothing really memorable.
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Party Line, House in the Country, Little Miss Queen of Darkness, You're Looking Fine, Sunny Afternoon Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Fun to hear the switch from their dirty rock and roll roots to the more sophistipop. I still haven't really found a Kinks album that I love front to back unfortunately (Arthur has come the closest), but each has its moments and putting their songs on shuffle is always a good time. Ray Davies what a lad.
I was going to give this a 4 until I listened to fancy. I guess this is why you need to listen to the whole album.
It's not bad, but very little really jumped out at me. I'd rather listen to their peers of the day than this if I'm being completely honest. 5 to 6 /10 5/10
kinda repetitive but some hits
Pierwsze i z pewnoscia nie ostatnie Kinksy na liscie, wiec ultra kompaktowo, plyte face to face mozna okreslic jako bardzo popowy rock, czyli cos jak beatlesy z poczatkowego okresu, w czym kryje sie troche prawdy, ale nawet sama ta plyta potrafi sie obronic przed takimi zarzutami, bo ma na siebie pomysl, chociaz nie jest to stricte konceptowy album, bo jednak widac i slychac, ze przy luzniejszej sytuacji z lejbelem mogliby stworzyc z tego cos odwazniejszego, biorac pod uwage jakie kawalki znalazly sie poza plyta, chocby dead end street, pomimo tego, ze wiekszosc kawalkow jest pisana pod standardowy czas songa popowego, czyli mniej niz 3 minuty, to opowiadaja historie ktore potrafia zaciekawic, zwlaszcza takie perelki jak session man, czyli hymn na temat heroicznej pracy muzykow sesyjnych, a zwkaszcza pana Nickiego Hopkinsa, ktorego klawisze mozna uslyszec chocby u stonesow, czyy the who, no i rowniez u kinksow, pan Ray Davies mial glowe na karku wypluwajac z siebie taki material, dodatkowo jest on glownym wokalem albumu, chociaz openingowy trak nalezy do mlodszego z duetu braci, pana Dave, do ktorego nalezy najbardziej charakterystyczny jak dla mnie instrument plyty, a bedzie to gitarka, sklad uzupelniaja Pete Quaife na basie i Mick Avory na drumsach, orginalny album to 38 minut material, ale akurat spotifaj mial bogatsza wersje z dodatkowymi trakami i wersjami mono i sterego, w tym wypadku mono robi lepsza robote jak na moje ucho, na plejke obok sunny afternoona dodam jeszcze wspomnianego session mana i kawalek o dandysie
I enjoyed this, they're not my fave but good sometimes.
Overall pretty good, if the rest of the songs were as good as Sunny Afternoon I’d be a 4 but some are kind of just ok. Def one of the better bands of this decade though
was fine
3/5 For some reason I just don't really have that much to say about this album. I mean it's the Kinks, it's quite good
I dig a couple of these songs. But Sunny Afternoon is a classic.
lots of short songs, it´s ok, but musically not inspiring to me
Još jedan fin album legendarnog benda. Bar meni, sviđaju mi se. Nije top tier ko njihovi drugi albumi, ali nije za baciti. Pozitivan je.
This one feels like it's beginning to lay the foundations for Ray's ability to craft a great pop song with both wit and a cutting sense of social comment.
Not the best but okay
Good
Good collection of songs unfortunately firmly stuck in their time.
Lovely, uplifting, easy listening. Great for a 60s themed party.. Just not in the mood for that now, over listened as a kid
Entertaining pop music, though not as ear-wormy as I found Village Green to be. Session Man seems to open things somewhat, especially into its transition into the sound effects of Rainy Day. A cheap trick, but effective. Perhaps especially effective because it's after several more conventional tracks. For a stretch, there's a strong sense of place, and that's one of the best parts. Sunny Afternoon is another gem, and listenable in at least two ways. The rest is good, but the concept argument reads as threadbare and I've already commented on the worm-lack.
This band reminded me of the Beatles. Very 60s rock.
Didn’t particularly like the first 5 songs, but the album really picks up from Rainy Day in June onwards. Lovely 60s English pop music.
Dei Kinks conoscevo alcuni pezzi, ma non avevo ascoltato un album per intero. Riconosco la loro bravura in questo sound davvero Pop-British (non voglio dire castronerie, ma a tratti sembravano i Beatles). Nonostante la mia attenzione è andata un po' a scemare, ci sono canzoni tipo Sunny Afternoon che riascolterò sicuramente.
Soldi record but not really my thing. I liked the first couple tracks but I kinda started to lose interest by the end.
Pretty aight, can vibe to this to be fair.
I think I'm supposed to like this but eh
Not my usual speed. But I kinda like it. I'm not sure how many listens it's going to get over time. but his vocal range is super interesting to me. Sunny afternoon is pretty damn good I gotta say.
An okay album by the kinks.
Feels like I'm on holiday
Didn't finish it, bit boring again
An ok album, had a psychedelic Beatles vibe, with a more pop leaning. Not sure if I got the full experience as Spotify only had the Deluxe Edition. Best: Party Line, Dandy Worst: Holiday in Waikiki 2.5 stars
Los kinks eran más los beatles que los kinks. Si se pudiera poner 3.5, le pondría eso
Sunny afternoon
I had to look up why this album was significant. First concept album. It was good. Beatles' sound.
In Conclusione: Nonostante avessi sentito nominare i Kinks varie volte e sapessi vagamente il genere (che erano più o meno competitor dei Beatles) non li avevo mi ascoltati. Devo dire che è stato un ascolto piacevole, qualche pezzo chiaramente l'avevo già sentito perché molto popolare (tipo Sunny Afternoon). Li ho trovati comunque una versione un po' più punk forse dei Beatles, un po' più ruvidi e politici. Comunque divertente.
Cool album. Might have to check out more albums?
Ok
Ich finde es auch mutiger als die Beatles aber tatsächlich merkt man gleich dass die dann doch eine andere Liga waren
Pretty forgettable album for me, but better than the first one I listened to on this list.
Fun Brit pop
Can understand how the transgressive lyrics and electric rock n roll sound would have been a bombshell in 1960's England but the songs don't have too much staying power.
Pretty much what I expected from a Kinks album, very safe rock n roll. In the words of the great Anatoly Dyatlov: "not great, not terrible". Best track: Rainy Day in June
Some old classic tunes.
Classic sound but overall nice.
Would listen again.
very beatlesy
Mostly happy songs, fun to have on the background. Wouldn't play them actively though.
Album cover is awesome! I like the songs. :) It is pleasant!!
Lots of interesting singles here but overall a fatiguing listen due to its length.
3
It was fine. Preferred their earlier stuff I think.
Cracking album. Some great songs here
5
2,8
.
really good sound here by The Kinks who are a 1960's UK rock group. probably a 3.2-3.3/5
Ah yes. Back when pop music was basically blues based rock. Fun sounds, though not especially inspired lyrics. I can hear the echoes of this album in lots of contemporary rock music, and I thoroughly enjoyed it through!
It was an ok album not my fav
Pretty good, some good sounds. Dragged on a bit and wasn't my favorite but solid
Nice enjoyed it put not amazing