My Ranking Of The Kinks Albums Exploring Their Best Work

Introduction: A Kinks Odyssey

As a devoted music enthusiast, I've always been captivated by the raw energy and storytelling prowess of The Kinks. This iconic British band, fronted by the Davies brothers, Ray and Dave, has gifted the world with a treasure trove of musical masterpieces, spanning various genres and eras. Their discography is a testament to their artistic evolution, from the rebellious rock anthems of the early years to the introspective character studies of their later work. In this article, I embark on a personal journey through their discography, sharing my thoughts and rankings of their albums, while also explaining my preference for certain eras over others.

This is not just a simple list; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the music that has resonated with me over the years. I will delve into what makes each album special, discussing the themes, musical styles, and lyrical content that define The Kinks' sound. I'll also share anecdotes and personal experiences related to these albums, making this a deeply personal reflection on their music. For anyone who loves The Kinks, or for those who are just beginning to explore their music, this is an invitation to join me on this journey of musical discovery.

Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand the scope of my focus. I've always been more drawn to The Kinks' earlier, more melodic work and their conceptual albums of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their hard rock era, while appreciated by many, doesn't quite align with my personal tastes. Therefore, this ranking will primarily focus on their output up to the early 1970s, a period I consider to be the band's golden age. This decision is not a judgment on the quality of their later work but rather a reflection of my subjective preferences and the musical landscape that resonates most with me. The heart of The Kinks' creative output, in my view, lies in their ability to capture the essence of British life and culture, and it is this aspect of their work that I will be highlighting.

The Golden Era: Conceptual Brilliance and Melodic Masterpieces

The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968)

At the pinnacle of my list stands The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, a masterpiece of British rock and a testament to Ray Davies' songwriting genius. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a nostalgic journey into an idealized past, a celebration of English village life, and a poignant commentary on the changing times. From the opening chords of the title track to the wistful melodies of “Picture Book” and “Waterloo Sunset,” the album paints a vivid portrait of a world that is both familiar and fading away. The intricate arrangements, the evocative lyrics, and the sheer emotional depth of the songs make this album a timeless classic.

The Village Green Preservation Society is a concept album in the truest sense of the word. It tells a story, or rather, a series of interconnected stories, about the people and places that make up a small English village. Each song is a vignette, a snapshot of a moment in time, capturing the essence of everyday life. The characters are relatable, the situations are familiar, and the emotions are universal. This is what makes the album so resonant, even for listeners who have never experienced the English countryside firsthand. The album’s themes of nostalgia, community, and the preservation of tradition are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today. The album's influence can be heard in countless other works, and its legacy as one of the greatest concept albums ever made is secure.

What truly sets this album apart is Ray Davies' songwriting. His ability to create characters and tell stories through music is unparalleled. The lyrics are witty, insightful, and often deeply moving. The melodies are catchy and memorable, yet also sophisticated and complex. The arrangements are inventive and imaginative, making use of a wide range of instruments and musical styles. This is an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers of meaning and depth with each spin. The emotional core of the album lies in its exploration of themes such as loss, memory, and the passage of time. The songs evoke a sense of longing for a simpler past while also acknowledging the inevitability of change. This tension between nostalgia and reality is what gives the album its emotional power. It’s an album that can make you laugh, cry, and think, all in the space of a single listening session.

Something Else by The Kinks (1967)

Next on my list is Something Else by The Kinks, an album that perfectly encapsulates the band's transition from garage rock to more sophisticated songwriting. This album is a showcase for Ray Davies' growing lyrical and musical maturity, featuring some of his most iconic compositions, including “Waterloo Sunset,” “Death of a Clown,” and “David Watts.” The album is a blend of upbeat rockers and melancholic ballads, showcasing the band's versatility and range. The songwriting on Something Else is exceptionally strong, with each song telling a story or exploring a particular theme. The album's arrangements are also more elaborate than those on previous Kinks albums, featuring more prominent use of strings, horns, and other instruments. This added depth and texture to the music, creating a richer and more satisfying listening experience. The influence of Something Else can be heard in the work of many artists who followed, and its place in the rock and roll canon is well-deserved.

“Waterloo Sunset,” in particular, is a standout track, a masterpiece of songwriting that has become one of The Kinks' signature songs. The song's evocative lyrics, describing a couple meeting at Waterloo Station, capture the romance and loneliness of city life. The melody is beautiful and haunting, and the arrangement is perfect, with the delicate strings adding a touch of melancholy. But Something Else is not just about one song. The album is full of other gems, such as “Death of a Clown,” a Dave Davies-penned classic, and “David Watts,” a witty and insightful character study. These songs, along with the rest of the album, demonstrate The Kinks' ability to create music that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The album's themes of identity, social class, and the complexities of human relationships are explored with intelligence and sensitivity. This is an album that speaks to the human condition in a way that few others can.

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969)

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is another concept album that deserves its place among The Kinks' best work. This ambitious project tells the story of Arthur Morgan, a working-class Englishman who emigrates to Australia in search of a better life. The album is a commentary on the social and political changes that were taking place in Britain in the 1960s, as well as a personal reflection on the band's own experiences. The album is both a celebration of British culture and a critique of its shortcomings. The songs on Arthur are varied in style, ranging from hard-rocking anthems to gentle ballads, reflecting the different emotions and experiences of the characters in the story. The album's arrangements are also more elaborate than those on previous Kinks albums, featuring a full orchestra and choir. This added a cinematic quality to the music, enhancing the album's narrative impact. Arthur's legacy as one of The Kinks' most ambitious and successful concept albums is secure.

Arthur is a complex and multi-layered work, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging. The character of Arthur Morgan is a relatable figure, a symbol of the ordinary person struggling to make a life for himself in a rapidly changing world. The album's lyrics are sharp and insightful, and the music is both powerful and moving. Songs like “Victoria,” “Shangri-La,” and “Australia” are classics, showcasing the band's ability to create music that is both politically charged and emotionally resonant. The album's narrative structure is also well-crafted, drawing the listener into Arthur's world and making them care about his fate. This is an album that stays with you long after the last note has faded.

Other Notable Albums: Gems in the Kinks' Crown

Face to Face (1966)

Face to Face marks a significant turning point in The Kinks' career, showcasing a more introspective and experimental side to their music. This album features some of Ray Davies' most personal and insightful songs, exploring themes of identity, social class, and the complexities of human relationships. The album's musical style is also more varied than on previous Kinks albums, incorporating elements of folk, pop, and music hall. The lyrics on Face to Face are often witty and satirical, but they also reveal a deeper emotional vulnerability. The album's arrangements are inventive and imaginative, making use of a wide range of instruments and musical styles. Face to Face is an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers of meaning and depth with each spin. Its legacy as one of The Kinks' most important and influential albums is well-deserved.

The Kink Kontroversy (1965)

The Kink Kontroversy is a transitional album that bridges the gap between The Kinks' early garage rock sound and their later, more sophisticated work. This album features a mix of hard-rocking anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing the band's versatility and range. The album's title is a reference to the various controversies that The Kinks had been involved in during their early career, including bans from touring and disputes with record labels. The lyrics on The Kink Kontroversy often reflect the band's rebellious spirit and their determination to do things their own way. The album's music is raw and energetic, capturing the excitement and chaos of the band's early years.

VGPS and Arthur Era Outtakes

This collection of outtakes from the Village Green Preservation Society and Arthur eras is a treasure trove for Kinks fans. These songs, while not making the final cut of the albums, are of remarkably high quality and offer further insight into the band's creative process during this period. The outtakes showcase the band's musical diversity and their willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. The lyrics on these songs are often witty and insightful, and the music is both catchy and thought-provoking. This collection is a must-have for any serious Kinks enthusiast.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of The Kinks

Ranking The Kinks' albums is a challenging task, as each album has its own unique merits and charms. However, the albums discussed above represent, in my opinion, the pinnacle of The Kinks' creative output. Their ability to blend catchy melodies with insightful lyrics and their willingness to experiment with different musical styles make them one of the most important and influential bands in rock history. The Kinks' music continues to resonate with audiences today, and their legacy as one of the greatest British bands of all time is secure. Their music is a testament to the power of rock and roll to capture the complexities of human experience, and their songs will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Exploring The Kinks' discography is a journey through the heart of British rock, and it’s a journey that I highly recommend to anyone who loves great music.

In conclusion, while personal preferences will always influence such rankings, it’s undeniable that The Kinks have left an indelible mark on music history. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is a testament to their artistry and vision. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new listener, delving into their discography is a rewarding experience that will enrich your appreciation for rock music. Their songs tell stories, evoke emotions, and capture the spirit of an era, making them timeless classics that continue to inspire and entertain.