What makes Plastic Man by The Kinks notable?

Plastic Man is significant for its satirical critique of consumer culture during the late 1960s, a theme that resonated deeply within the countercultural movements of the time. The song was notable for charting in the UK, further solidifying The Kinks' status as commentators on societal norms. By the time The Kinks released Plastic Man in March 1969, they were transitioning from their early hits into a more experimental phase. This single followed the successful album 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)' and showcased their continued evolution in sound and lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Plastic Man?

Plastic Man has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Plastic Man

The Kinks · 1969

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A blend of garage rock and whimsical storytelling, punctuated by sharp guitar riffs and satirical lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Plastic Man — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of identity and commercialism, blending humor with social commentary through its catchy melody and clever lyrics.
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King Kong — This track stands out with its raw energy and proto-punk sensibility, showcasing the band's ability to experiment musically while maintaining a humorous narrative about a pop culture icon.

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 single blends sharp riffs with whimsical storytelling, reflecting its era's critique of consumer culture.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent guitar riff that drives the song, with verses that alternate between storytelling and sharp commentary.

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

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a shift towards more experimental sounds and themes in their catalog.
Themes: commercialism critique· plastic identity· pop culture satire
Career context: By the time The Kinks released Plastic Man in March 1969, they were transitioning from their early hits into a more experimental phase. This single followed the successful album 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)' and showcased their continued evolution in sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones