Top tracks — play these first
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You Really Got Me Start here — This track not only launched The Kinks into mainstream success but also became a blueprint for future rock genres, influencing countless artists with its iconic riff.
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Waterloo Sunset — Renowned for its poetic lyrics and lush melody, this song showcases Ray Davies' storytelling prowess, capturing the beauty of everyday moments.
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Lola — Lola is notable for its bold narrative perspective and exploration of gender identity, marking it as one of the band's most enduringly relevant tracks.
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Dedicated Follower of Fashion — This song is a sharp social commentary on consumerism and trends, embodying The Kinks' signature blend of humor and critique.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation highlights The Kinks' significant hits but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow typical of original albums.
What we noticed
- The collection features 25 tracks, primarily drawn from the band's most commercially successful singles across their career.
- Several songs feature prominent guitar riffs and clever lyrical commentary, characteristic of The Kinks' style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 bursts of nostalgic energy
- sing-along anthems for gatherings
- dynamic shifts in listening pace
- playful reflections on everyday life
- for afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy compositions
- prefer complex, layered arrangements
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive collection that introduces new listeners to The Kinks' evolution.
- Themes
- London street life· consumer culture critique· gender identity exploration
- Career context
- Released in 2002, The Ultimate Collection serves as a comprehensive retrospective of The Kinks' extensive career, highlighting their evolution from garage rock pioneers in the 1960s to influential figures in rock music. This compilation arrived after the band had undergone various lineup changes and creative shifts, cementing their legacy with both fans and critics alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Who· The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones
Tracklist
- 1 You Really Got Me Start here 2:14
- 2 All Day and All of the Night 2:22
- 3 Tired of Waiting for You 2:31
- 4 Ev'rybody's Gonna Be Happy 2:15
- 5 Set Me Free 2:11
- 6 See My Friends 2:43
- 7 Till the End of the Day 2:19
- 8 Dedicated Follower of Fashion 3:00
- 9 Sunny Afternoon 3:33
- 10 Dead End Street 3:21
- 11 Waterloo Sunset 3:17
- 12 Autumn Almanac 3:11
- 13 Wonder Boy 2:50
- 14 Days 2:54
- 15 Plastic Man 3:03
- 16 Victoria 3:39
- 17 Lola 4:09
- 18 Apeman 3:51
- 19 David Watts 2:37
- 20 Where Have All the Good Times Gone 2:50
- 21 Well Respected Man 2:41
- 22 I'm Not Like Everybody Else 3:28
- 23 End of the Season 2:59
- 24 Death of a Clown 3:12
- 25 Suzannah's Still Alive 2:21
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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