Is The Kinks Are Well Respected Men a good place to start with The Kinks?

Yes, The Kinks Are Well Respected Men is recommended as a starting point for new The Kinks listeners. A vibrant collection of energetic rock anthems that blend clever lyrics with catchy melodies, capturing the essence of mid-60s British pop. Released in 1987, 'The Kinks Are Well Respected Men' came during a period of resurgence for The Kinks after a decade-long decline in mainstream popularity. This compilation showcased their influential early work from the mid-60s, positioning them as enduring figures in rock music despite the changing musical landscape.

Who is The Kinks Are Well Respected Men for?

The Kinks Are Well Respected Men works well if you're into catchy melodies for sing-alongs, wave-like pacing with surprises and sharp social commentary reflections.

How many songs are on The Kinks Are Well Respected Men?

The Kinks Are Well Respected Men has 37 tracks, running approximately 99 minutes.

The Kinks Are Well Respected Men

The Kinks · 1987

99 min · 37 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant collection of energetic rock anthems that blend clever lyrics with catchy melodies, capturing the essence of mid-60s British pop.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Long Tall Sally Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
A Well Respected Man — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of witty lyrics and catchy hooks, critiquing societal norms and aspirations in a light-hearted manner.
→
You Really Got Me — A defining anthem of garage rock, this song showcases raw energy and innovative guitar riffs that influenced countless musicians across various genres.
→
Dead End Street — With its poignant storytelling and social critique, this track stands out for addressing themes of poverty and urban decay, showcasing the band's depth beyond mere pop sensibilities.
→
Dedicated Follower of Fashion — This song highlights The Kinks' knack for satire, poking fun at consumerism and fashion trends while delivering an irresistibly catchy melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 14% of albums we've rated

The album showcases The Kinks' catchy melodies and social commentary but lacks a cohesive flow due to its compilation nature.

What we noticed

Several tracks employ sharp, socially aware lyrics that reflect the band's commentary on British life during the 1960s.
The sequencing includes multiple hit singles back-to-back, creating a strong opening that captures attention before transitioning to deeper cuts.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

catchy melodies for sing-alongs
wave-like pacing with surprises
sharp social commentary reflections
playful irreverence throughout tracks
for lively gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, introspective pieces
seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — This compilation highlights the band's influential work without being a primary entry point.
Themes: British middle-class satire· 1960s fashion culture· urban poverty narrative
Career context: Released in 1987, 'The Kinks Are Well Respected Men' came during a period of resurgence for The Kinks after a decade-long decline in mainstream popularity. This compilation showcased their influential early work from the mid-60s, positioning them as enduring figures in rock music despite the changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones