Soap Opera
The Kinks · 1975
53 min · 16 tracks · hard rock · garage rock · power pop
A whimsical exploration of modern life, blending rock with theatrical storytelling and vivid character sketches.
Why this album works
'Soap Opera' received praise for its ambitious narrative structure and satirical commentary on society, marking a significant moment in The Kinks' evolution. Though it did not achieve commercial success comparable to past hits, it demonstrated their enduring influence on the rock opera genre and foreshadowed themes explored by later artists in the punk and new wave movements.
- Best for
- whimsical storytelling through music steady narrative with character sketches reflective moments of daily life
- Context
- Released on May 16, 1975, 'Soap Opera' is the eleventh studio album by The Kinks, following their critically acclaimed 'Preservation Act 1'. At this stage in their career, The Kinks were delving deeper into rock operas and concept albums, showcasing Ray Davies's knack for storytelling while navigating shifting musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- 10cc· The Hollies· Bee Gees· The Police· Paul Young· The Shadows· Cream· John Martyn
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everybody’s a Star (Starmaker) Standout 2:58
- 2 Ordinary People Standout 3:51
- 3 Rush Hour Blues 4:30
- 4 Nine to Five 1:49
- 5 When Work Is Over 2:07
- 6 Have Another Drink 2:43
- 7 Underneath the Neon Sign 3:57
- 8 Holiday Romance 3:13
- 9 You Make It All Worthwhile 3:51
- 10 Ducks on the Wall 3:23
- 11 (A) Face in the Crowd 2:18
- 12 You Can’t Stop the Music Standout 3:15
- 13 Everybody’s a Star (Starmaker) (mono mix) 2:57
- 14 Ordinary People (live) 3:47
- 15 You Make It All Worthwhile (live) 4:20
- 16 Underneath the Neon Sign (live) 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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