Top tracks — play these first
-
→
State of Confusion Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Come Dancing — This track stands out for its nostalgic lyrics that celebrate lost youth and the joy of dance, encapsulating the album's themes of change and memory.
-
→
Don't Forget to Dance — With its catchy melody and poignant lyrics, this song reflects on life’s fleeting moments, making it a poignant highlight that resonates emotionally.
-
→
Young Conservatives — This track critiques political apathy among youth, using sharp lyrical wit to comment on societal norms; it represents The Kinks’ continued engagement with topical issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with varied tempos but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the melodic appeal.
- The use of synthesizers alongside traditional rock instrumentation creates a distinct sound that reflects the era's production style.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful lyrical storytelling
- melodic hooks throughout
- reflective social commentary
- balanced pacing for engagement
- inviting sing-along moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a commercial resurgence with hit singles, establishing wider recognition.
- Themes
- political apathy· nostalgic dance halls· changing societal norms
- Career context
- Released in 1983, State of Confusion marked The Kinks' return to the charts after a period of fluctuating success. This album followed their notable commercial resurgence with the hit 'Come Dancing,' which became a signature song for the band during this phase of their career, demonstrating their ability to adapt to contemporary sounds while retaining their distinctive style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones
Tracklist
- 1 State of Confusion Start here 3:44
- 2 Definite Maybe 4:23
- 3 Labour of Love 3:57
- 4 Come Dancing 3:56
- 5 Property 4:22
- 6 Don't Forget to Dance 4:40
- 7 Young Conservatives 4:02
- 8 Heart of Gold 4:03
- 9 Clichés of the World (B Movie) 4:54
- 10 Bernadette 3:32
- 11 Don't Forget to Dance (original extended edit) 5:10
- 12 Once a Thief 4:07
- 13 Long Distance 5:25
- 14 Noise 4:39
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.