State of Confusion cover

State of Confusion

The Kinks · 1983

60 min · 28 tracks · hard rock

A frenetic collage of punk energy and sharp social commentary wrapped in catchy melodies and garage rock grit.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Vigilante Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Sexism's Sick, Parts 1 & 2 — This track stands out for its bold critique of gender inequality, combining humor with hard-hitting observations that reflect the band's knack for storytelling.
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    Fuck Conscription — The song captures the anti-war sentiment of the era with raw energy and defiance, embodying the punk ethos that permeates the album.
  • →
    Prostitute — Through its provocative title and lyrics, this track delves into themes of exploitation and societal decay, showcasing Ray Davies' sharp wit and narrative style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic punk sound and political commentary create a compelling but uneven experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a rapid tempo throughout, with most tracks clocking in under three minutes, creating a sense of urgency.
  • Many songs employ a call-and-response structure, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the punk energy.
  • The lyrics consistently address socio-political themes, often using sharp and biting language that reflects contemporary issues.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

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

  • frenetic energy for active listening
  • sharp critiques of modern life
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • short bursts of intensity
  • socio-political themes throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer smooth, consistent flow
  • seek longer, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance during a revitalization period.
Themes
anti-war sentiment· gender inequality critique· societal decay narratives
Career context
Released on December 1, 1983, State of Confusion came during a period of revitalization for The Kinks following their 1981 album, Give the People What They Want. This album marked the band's continued exploration into political themes and societal critiques after experiencing commercial resurgence in the late '70s and early '80s.
Stylistic neighbors
The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones
New to The Kinks? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sexism's Sick, Parts 1 & 2

    The narrator shifts from personal anecdotes to broader societal critiques about women's roles, emphasizing systemic issues rather than individual experiences.

    This approach broadens the conversation beyond personal grievances to highlight collective struggles, enhancing the song's impact as a rallying call for change.

Tracklist

  • 1 Vigilante Start here 1:40
  • 2 Sexism's Sick, Parts 1 & 2 5:00
  • 3 Grim Reaper 1:50
  • 4 Scared to Die 2:16
  • 5 [unknown] 2:53
  • 6 Hostage 1:37
  • 7 By Force 3:14
  • 8 End of Part One 2:03
  • 9 Fuck Conscription 1:40
  • 10 Jock Strap 2:13
  • 11 Who Is Mad 2:08
  • 12 Society Called Hell 1:24
  • 13 Economic League 2:00
  • 14 Mental 1:16
  • 15 Heroin Girls 1:36
  • 16 Divide & Rule 2:06
  • 17 For the Ferryman 2:16
  • 18 Prostitute 2:57
  • 19 Screaming Room 3:48
  • 20 Clone Fashion 1:29
  • 21 Freedom 2:05
  • 22 Whose War 1:44
  • 23 Routine 1:45
  • 24 Fascist School 2:16
  • 25 Xenophobia 1:56
  • 26 Ban the Bomb 0:30
  • 27 Glue Kills 2:14
  • 28 Race to Perfect Death 3:00

What to play next

Word of Mouth
Listen next

Word of Mouth

1984

Continues the energetic sound while introducing fresh themes and production styles.
Give the People What They Want
Go back to

Give the People What They Want

1981

Sets the stage with a similar vibe and lyrical focus on society.
Full The Kinks discography Where to start with The Kinks Artists like The Kinks
garage rock hard rock power pop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Combat Rock

Combat Rock

The Clash

Shares sharp social commentary with punk energy and a blend of catchy melodies.

Wild Gift

Wild Gift

X

Combines garage rock grit with frenetic energy and critiques of societal issues.

Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in Tongues

Talking Heads

Explores themes of societal decay with funky rhythms and an eclectic sonic palette.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata