What makes Apeman by The Kinks notable?

'Apeman' reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and is notable for its critique of modern society wrapped in catchy, pop-inflected rock. The song's combination of humor and social commentary resonated during a time of significant cultural change, cementing its status as a classic in The Kinks' discography. Released on December 16, 1970, 'Apeman' came during The Kinks' creative peak following their successful album 'Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One'. At this stage, the band was experimenting with a more eclectic sound while dealing with personal and artistic challenges, reflecting their evolving identity in the British rock scene.

How many songs are on Apeman?

Apeman has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Apeman

The Kinks · 1970

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A blend of playful melodies and satirical lyrics that captures the disillusionment of modern life with a whimsical twist.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Apeman — The title track brilliantly marries upbeat instrumentation with lyrics that humorously lament the complexities of urban life, showcasing Ray Davies' sharp wit.
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Rats — This track showcases a darker side of Davies' songwriting, employing vivid imagery to express frustration with societal issues while maintaining an infectious rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The blend of humor and social critique in 'Apeman' showcases The Kinks' unique style during their creative peak.

What we noticed

The track 'Rats' serves as a B-side that maintains a similar playful energy but shifts focus to a more aggressive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.