What makes Lola by The Kinks notable?

'Lola' became one of The Kinks' most enduring hits, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and gaining significant radio play. Its frank discussion of gender identity and sexuality was groundbreaking for its time, contributing to conversations around these topics in popular music. The song has been covered by numerous artists, cementing its influence across generations. By 1970, The Kinks were experiencing a career resurgence after the critical success of their previous album, 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)'. 'Lola' marked a departure towards more narrative-driven songwriting, showcasing Ray Davies' evolving lyrical style and further solidifying the band's place in rock history. This release came just after their brief hiatus in 1969, allowing them to explore new themes.

How many songs are on Lola?

Lola has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Lola

The Kinks · 1970

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant mix of storytelling and catchy melodies, blending rock with a hint of theatrical flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lola — 'Lola' encapsulates the album's essence with its playful yet poignant narrative about identity and attraction, making it an anthem of its era.
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Berkeley Mews — This track provides a contrasting introspective moment on the album, showcasing Davies' talent for vivid storytelling through its reflective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The storytelling in 'Lola' stands out, supported by strong melodies and distinct instrumentation.

What we noticed

The title track 'Lola' features a narrative structure that unfolds over several verses, detailing a story rather than adhering to a traditional verse-chorus format.
The second track, 'Berkeley Mews', shifts to a more reflective tone with softer instrumentation and a slower tempo, providing contrast to the energetic opener.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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 — Established The Kinks' reputation with its frank themes and catchy melodies.
Themes: identity exploration· London's nightlife· gender fluidity· theatrical storytelling
Career context: By 1970, The Kinks were experiencing a career resurgence after the critical success of their previous album, 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)'. 'Lola' marked a departure towards more narrative-driven songwriting, showcasing Ray Davies' evolving lyrical style and further solidifying the band's place in rock history. This release came just after their brief hiatus in 1969, allowing them to explore new themes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones