What does The Kinks sound like?

Driven by gritty guitar riffs and steady rhythms, The Kinks create an urgent atmosphere filled with tension and release that compels movement. Rooted in hard rock and garage rock. Start with "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One".

What is the best The Kinks album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One" (1970). It's the most representative of what makes The Kinks worth hearing.

What are the best The Kinks albums?

The essential The Kinks albums include "To the Bone", "Kinks" (1964), "Kinksize Session" (1964), "All Day and All of the Night" (1964) and "You Really Got Me" (1964).

How many albums does The Kinks have?

The Kinks has 125 releases in their discography, including 31 albums and 22 EPs.

Photo: VARA. Photographer: W. Veenman · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

The Kinks

Q: Who is The Kinks for?

If you're into hard rock and garage rock, The Kinks is worth your time. Driven by gritty guitar riffs and steady rhythms, The Kinks create an urgent atmosphere filled with tension and release that compels movement.

Driven by gritty guitar riffs and steady rhythms, The Kinks create an urgent atmosphere filled with tension and release that compels movement.

garage rock · hard rock · power pop · proto-punk

United Kingdom Est. 1964 Disbanded 1996

Read about The Kinks on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One album by The Kinks

Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)

This album captures The Kinks' signature sound with a mix of rock styles and storytelling, making it an accessible entry point for new listeners.

The song

“You Really Got Me”

An iconic track that showcases their gritty guitar riffs and energetic vibe, serving as a strong introduction to The Kinks' music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Look for Me Baby" — from Kinda Kinks (1965)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"20th Century Man" — from Muswell Hillbillies (1971)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Mr. Pleasant" — from Mister Pleasant (1967)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Here Comes Yet Another Day" — from Everybody's in Show-Biz (1972)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"You Really Got Me" — from Kinks (1964)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"The Contenders" — from Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)

establishes the sonic palette early

About The Kinks

The Kinks are a cornerstone of rock music, reshaping the landscape with their biting social commentary and vivid storytelling.

Their ability to weave everyday experiences into their songs resonated deeply with listeners, fostering a sense of connection that transcended musical boundaries and laid the groundwork for countless artists who followed in their footsteps. Utilizing an innovative mix of raw energy and sharp wit, The Kinks approached songwriting with both a rebellious spirit and a keen eye for detail. They harnessed the urgency of garage rock while incorporating elements of melody and narrative sophistication that gave their sound a distinctive edge. This willingness to experiment with form and content invited audiences into a world that felt both familiar and refreshingly new. Lyrically, The Kinks often delve into themes of class struggle, love, and the absurdities of modern life, all delivered through a lens that balances irony with sincerity. Their storytelling approach combines observational humor with poignant reflections, creating scenes that feel intimate yet universal. The tone can shift between playful and contemplative, offering listeners a multifaceted perspective on the human experience.

31 studio albums· 125 total releases· 6 decades· United Kingdom