Kinky cover

Kinky

Hoodoo Gurus · 1991

38 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of power pop and jangly guitars infused with a cheeky sense of humor and lyrical wit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Miss Freelove ’69 — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and clever storytelling, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and nostalgia that permeates the album.
  • →
    1000 Miles Away — The poignant lyrics paired with an upbeat melody make this song a memorable anthem about longing and distance, showcasing the band's knack for emotional resonance.
  • →
    Dressed in Black — With its darker undertones and catchy hooks, this track illustrates the band's ability to juxtapose serious themes with accessible rock music, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with humorous lyrics, maintaining a lively energy but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate playful lyrical themes, often juxtaposing humor with introspective moments, such as in 'Miss Freelove ’69' and '1000 Miles Away'.
  • The album closes with 'Dressed in Black', which shifts to a more somber tone, contrasting with the earlier exuberance.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • catchy sing-along moments
  • playful irreverence throughout
  • short bursts of energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy experimental pieces
  • seek ultra-slow contemplative sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1991, Kinky is the Hoodoo Gurus' fourth studio album, following their successful 1989 release, Magnum Cum Louder. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its position in the alternative rock scene, building upon their reputation for catchy melodies and insightful lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
The Church· The B-52's· Midnight Oil

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Head in the Sand 2:49
  • 2 A Place in the Sun 3:46
  • 3 Castles in the Air 4:09
  • 4 Something’s Coming 3:12
  • 5 Miss Freelove ’69 4:15
  • 6 1000 Miles Away 4:32
  • 7 Desiree 2:35
  • 8 I Don’t Mind 3:40
  • 9 Brainscan 3:19
  • 10 Too Much Fun 3:14
  • 11 Dressed in Black 2:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata