Is Something Else by The Kinks a good place to start with The Kinks?

Yes, Something Else by The Kinks is recommended as a starting point for new The Kinks listeners. A vibrant tapestry woven from sharp social commentary, lush melodies, and the bittersweet essence of everyday life. By the time 'Something Else' was released in September 1967, The Kinks were navigating a tumultuous period marked by both critical acclaim and commercial challenges following their international success. This album came as their fourth studio release since returning from a hiatus, showcasing a more introspective sound and lyrical depth that distinguished it from earlier works like 'Face to Face'.

Who is Something Else by The Kinks for?

Something Else by The Kinks works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, thought-provoking lyrical narratives and quirky, whimsical storytelling elements.

How many songs are on Something Else by The Kinks?

Something Else by The Kinks has 21 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Something Else by The Kinks

The Kinks · 1967

58 min · 21 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant tapestry woven from sharp social commentary, lush melodies, and the bittersweet essence of everyday life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waterloo Sunset — This track beautifully encapsulates the album's themes of everyday beauty and nostalgia, featuring a dreamy melody paired with evocative lyrics about love and companionship.
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David Watts Start here — This song stands out for its biting social commentary and catchy hooks, reflecting Ray Davies’ keen observation of English life and class dynamics.
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Death of a Clown — Combining upbeat instrumentation with melancholic lyrics, this track reveals the duality of public persona versus private despair, a recurring theme throughout the album.
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Two Sisters — This song showcases Davies' storytelling prowess, contrasting two distinct life paths while employing lush harmonies that highlight the emotional weight of the narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and varied arrangements, contributing to its lasting appeal.

What we noticed

Several songs employ unconventional structures, such as 'Death of a Clown', which blends narrative lyrics with varied musical sections.
The instrumentation often includes lush harmonies and layered arrangements, particularly in tracks like 'Autumn Almanac'.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down to create moments of introspection.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, engaging listening sessions
thought-provoking lyrical narratives
quirky, whimsical storytelling elements
melodic charm and inventiveness
reflective afternoon vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in artistic ambition and influence in the Kinks' catalog.
Themes: English class dynamics· everyday beauty· public persona vs. private despair
Career context: By the time 'Something Else' was released in September 1967, The Kinks were navigating a tumultuous period marked by both critical acclaim and commercial challenges following their international success. This album came as their fourth studio release since returning from a hiatus, showcasing a more introspective sound and lyrical depth that distinguished it from earlier works like 'Face to Face'.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones