What makes Autumn Almanac by The Kinks notable?

The single reached number 3 on the UK charts, marking a significant commercial success for The Kinks. Its innovative blend of pop and social commentary influenced future generations of British bands, particularly within the Britpop movement of the 1990s. By the time 'Autumn Almanac' was released on November 29, 1967, The Kinks were transitioning from their early rock hits into more complex storytelling and experimental sounds. This release came shortly after their successful album 'Face to Face' and showcased Ray Davies's evolving songwriting prowess during a prolific period for the band.

How many songs are on Autumn Almanac?

Autumn Almanac has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 59 years ago this November

Autumn Almanac

The Kinks · 1967

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A whimsical yet poignant exploration of everyday life set against a vibrant British pop backdrop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Autumn Almanac — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of nostalgia and reflection, weaving vivid imagery about seasonal change with a catchy melody that highlights Davies's lyrical craft.
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Mister Pleasant — This track combines upbeat instrumentation with satirical lyrics, showcasing Davies's ability to critique societal norms while maintaining an infectious pop sensibility.

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 single showcases strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics, reflecting The Kinks' evolving style in the late '60s.

What we noticed

The second track, 'Mister Pleasant', shifts to a more upbeat tempo while maintaining a similar lyrical theme of everyday life.

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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single's chart success marked a significant commercial achievement for The Kinks.
Themes: nostalgic autumn landscapes· British suburban life· satirical social commentary
Career context: By the time 'Autumn Almanac' was released on November 29, 1967, The Kinks were transitioning from their early rock hits into more complex storytelling and experimental sounds. This release came shortly after their successful album 'Face to Face' and showcased Ray Davies's evolving songwriting prowess during a prolific period for the band.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones