Kinda Kinks cover

Kinda Kinks

The Kinks · 1965

54 min · 23 tracks · hard rock

Catchy melodies and sharp lyrics collide in a vibrant exploration of mid-60s British pop and rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Look for Me Baby Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Tired of Waiting for You — This track encapsulates the frustration of unrequited love with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics, representing the band's knack for storytelling.
  • →
    A Well Respected Man — The song critiques middle-class values through sharp wit and memorable hooks, showcasing Ray Davies' ability to blend humor with social commentary.
  • →
    Nothin’ in the World Can Stop Me Worryin’ ’Bout That Girl — This track exemplifies the album's theme of youthful anxiety and desire, featuring a lively arrangement that highlights the band's energetic sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases catchy melodies and sharp lyrics but lacks some depth and cohesion in later tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of jangly guitar riffs and upbeat tempos across its first ten tracks, establishing a lively energy.
  • Several tracks employ call-and-response vocal patterns, particularly in 'Dancing in the Street' and 'Come On Now', enhancing the communal feel.
  • The last three tracks shift to a more reflective tone, with slower tempos and introspective lyrics, creating a noticeable contrast with the earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short, catchy song bursts
  • lighthearted and playful vibes
  • nostalgic afternoon listening
  • easygoing background music
  • energetic, feel-good moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established The Kinks' reputation in the British pop scene after their debut.
Themes
middle-class critique· unrequited love frustration
Career context
Released on March 5, 1965, Kinda Kinks is The Kinks' second studio album, following their successful debut, 'Kinks.' At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation in the burgeoning British Invasion scene, showcasing Ray Davies’ growing songwriting prowess and the band's unique sound that would soon influence generations.
Stylistic neighbors
The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones

Tracklist

  • 1 Look for Me Baby Start here 2:17
  • 2 Got My Feet on the Ground 2:14
  • 3 Nothin’ in the World Can Stop Me Worryin’ ’Bout That Girl 2:44
  • 4 Naggin’ Woman 2:36
  • 5 Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight 2:01
  • 6 Tired of Waiting for You 2:31
  • 7 Dancing in the Street 2:20
  • 8 Don’t Ever Change 2:25
  • 9 Come On Now 1:49
  • 10 So Long 2:10
  • 11 You Shouldn’t Be Sad 2:03
  • 12 Something Better Beginning 2:26
  • 13 Everybody’s Gonna Be Happy 2:16
  • 14 Who’ll Be the Next in Line 2:02
  • 15 Set Me Free 2:12
  • 16 I Need You 2:26
  • 17 See My Friends 2:46
  • 18 Never Met a Girl Like You Before 2:05
  • 19 Wait Till Summer Comes Along 2:07
  • 20 Such a Shame 2:19
  • 21 A Well Respected Man 2:43
  • 22 Don’t You Fret 2:45
  • 23 I Go to Sleep (demo) 2:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata