The Kinks stand as titans of the British Invasion, a band whose influence reverberates through generations of musicians. While celebrated for their groundbreaking concept albums, it’s undeniable that The Kinks, spearheaded by the Davies brothers – Ray and Dave – were masters of the single. Their discography is studded with gems, each a perfectly crafted snapshot of British life, love, and social commentary. This article dives into 20 of their most exceptional songs, ranking them to celebrate the sheer brilliance of The Kinks’ musical legacy and offering a guide for anyone looking to explore the best of The Kinks Songs.
20. Come Dancing
The Kinks Come Dancing official video
“Come Dancing,” released in 1982 from the album State of Confusion, marked a surprising resurgence for The Kinks. In an era dominated by new wave and synth-pop, this track tapped into a nostalgic vein, becoming a rare late-career hit. Reaching number 6 in the US and number 12 in the UK, it demonstrated The Kinks’ enduring ability to connect with audiences. The song’s narrative is poignant, inspired by the tragic passing of Ray Davies’ sister Rene. She died at the Lyceum ballroom, a place of joy and dance, on the very night she gifted Ray his first guitar. “Come Dancing” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a reflection on memory, loss, and the bittersweet passage of time, a testament to the depth often found within The Kinks songs.
19. Where Have All the Good Times Gone
The Kinks Where Have All The Good Times Gone official video
Initially relegated to a B-side, “Where Have All the Good Times Gone” quickly proved its worth, finding its place on the 1965 album The Kinks Kontroversy. This song, a melancholic reflection on changing times and lost youth, feels remarkably mature for a band in their early twenties. Ray Davies himself noted that their older tour manager thought it sounded like a “40-year-old would write.” The song’s power lies in its relatable themes of nostalgia and societal shift, resonating with listeners across generations. Its enduring appeal is evident in covers by artists as diverse as David Bowie, Van Halen, and Supergrass, solidifying its status as one of the most impactful Kinks songs.
18. Set Me Free
The Kinks Set Me Free official video
“Set Me Free,” a single that reached number nine in the UK and 23 in the US, showcases a more introspective side of The Kinks. Released in 1965, this song delves into themes of possessiveness and the desire for liberation within a relationship. The lyrics express a yearning for freedom if love cannot be fully reciprocated. Notably, “Set Me Free” holds the distinction of being the first Kinks song featured in a film, appearing in Ken Loach’s BBC film Up The Junction. This placement further cemented the song’s cultural relevance and its ability to capture the emotional nuances of the era, contributing to the rich tapestry of The Kinks songs.
17. Dedicated Follower of Fashion
The Kinks Dedicated Follower Of Fashion official video
A sharp and satirical observation of London’s fashion-obsessed scene, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” is a quintessential Kinks track. Released as a standalone single in 1966, it reached number four in the UK, showcasing the band’s ability to blend social commentary with catchy melodies. The song’s playful vaudeville and music hall influences add to its distinctive charm. Inspired by Ray Davies’s own run-in with a designer, the lyrics cleverly incorporate a nod to The Scarlet Pimpernel, (“they seek him here, they seek him there”), highlighting the ephemeral and often absurd nature of trends. This witty social critique is a hallmark of many Kinks songs.
16. Dead End Street
The Kinks Dead End Street remastered official video
“Dead End Street,” another non-album single, perfectly encapsulates the multifaceted nature of The Kinks’ 1960s sound. Released in 1966 and reaching number 5 in the UK, it seamlessly blends music hall, rock ‘n’ roll, and even a touch of trad jazz. Dave Davies described it in his memoir as embodying “what the Kinks were all about,” highlighting its character, pathos, and underlying sense of hope amidst hardship. The song poignantly reflects the struggles of ordinary people in a seemingly indifferent world, making it a powerful social commentary wrapped in a uniquely Kinks musical package. Recorded during a brief period when John Dalton replaced Peter Quaife on bass, “Dead End Street” remains a standout among The Kinks songs.
15. I’m Not Like Everybody Else
The Kinks I'm Not Like Everybody Else mono mix official video
“I’m Not Like Everybody Else” stands out for its raw, proto-punk energy and Dave Davies’s assertive lead vocals. Originally intended for The Animals, who surprisingly rejected it, this Ray Davies composition became a Kinks staple. Released as the B-side to the gentler “Sunny Afternoon,” it quickly gained popularity among fans. This track is an anthem of individuality and rebellion, themes that often resonate within The Kinks songs. Dave’s vocal performance injects a defiant edge, perfectly complementing the song’s driving rhythm and making it a perennial favorite in their discography.
14. Tired of Waiting For You
The Kinks Tired Of Waiting For You official video
“Tired of Waiting For You,” released ahead of their second album Kinda Kinks, became a chart-topping success in the UK and reached number six in the US. Dave Davies considers it the “perfect pop song,” a sentiment hard to dispute. Its melodic beauty is enhanced by Dave’s signature “raunchy guitar sound,” which initially worried the brothers but ultimately provided the song with its emotional depth. “Tired of Waiting For You” captures the impatience and longing of romantic anticipation, a universal theme expertly crafted into a classic example of The Kinks songs.
13. Scattered
The Kinks Scattered official audio
“Scattered,” the closing track and last original single from The Kinks’ final album Phobia (1993), is a poignant and beautiful reflection on mortality. In a career spanning decades, The Kinks proved their ability to consistently deliver impactful music, even as musical landscapes shifted around them. “Scattered” is a testament to this longevity, dedicated to Ray Davies’s late mother and friend. Its lyrical depth (“To the fields we are scattered / From the day we are born”) and melancholic melody offer a thoughtful and moving conclusion to their studio album journey, demonstrating the enduring artistic spirit within The Kinks songs.
12. The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks The Village Green Preservation Society official audio
Choosing a single track from The Kinks’ concept albums is a challenge, as the songs are designed to be experienced within the larger narrative. However, “The Village Green Preservation Society,” the title track and opener of the 1968 classic album, stands out for its sheer melodic charm and joyful energy. In under three minutes, it encapsulates the album’s nostalgic theme of preserving traditional English village life. Ray Davies explained the song’s inspiration as a response to the idea that The Kinks were already “preserving nice things from the past.” This song, with its upbeat tempo and whimsical lyrics, is a delightful entry point into the rich world of The Kinks songs and their concept albums.
11. Victoria
The Kinks Victoria remastered official video
Another concept album opener, “Victoria” kicks off 1969’s Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) with a stomping, satirical energy. While it didn’t achieve massive chart success upon release, its stature has grown over time. “Victoria” offers a sharp, ironic look at British imperialism and societal structures. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by covers from bands like The Fall and The Kooks, the latter having a connection to Ray Davies’s Konk studios. This track’s blend of historical commentary and powerful rock instrumentation makes it a compelling and enduring example of The Kinks songs.
10. Celluloid Heroes
The Kinks Celluloid Heroes remastered official video
“Celluloid Heroes,” from the 1972 album Everybody’s in Show-Biz, is a standout moment from The Kinks’ post-1960s era. This song is a poignant tribute to Hollywood icons, name-checking stars like Greta Garbo, Rudolph Valentino, and Marilyn Monroe. Even amidst the often-strained relationship between the Davies brothers, Dave Davies expressed immense admiration for this track, calling it “one of my favorite songs ever, by anybody.” “Celluloid Heroes” beautifully captures the allure and fragility of fame, reflecting on the immortalization of stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and stands as one of the most emotionally resonant Kinks songs.
9. Till The End of the Day
The Kinks Till the End of the Day remastered official video
“Till The End of the Day” is a prime example of the powerful, power-chord driven singles that propelled The Kinks to the forefront of the British Invasion. Reaching number 8 in the UK and featured on The Kink Kontroversy album, it embodies the band’s early energetic sound. Ray Davies described it as a song about “freedom,” about escaping confinement, whether literal or metaphorical. This sense of liberation, combined with the song’s driving rhythm and raw energy, made “Till The End of the Day” a defining track in the early catalog of The Kinks songs.
8. A Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy
The Kinks A Rock 'n Roll Fantasy official video
Arguably The Kinks’ greatest single outside of the 1960s, “A Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” from 1978’s Misfits album, is a soaring and emotionally charged ballad. While The Kinks’ earlier work influenced the burgeoning punk scene, this song showcased their versatility and enduring songwriting prowess. “A Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” delves into the challenges and potential dissolution of a band, likely reflecting The Kinks’ own internal dynamics at the time. Its heartfelt lyrics and powerful melody make it a standout track, proving The Kinks could still create exceptional songs well into their career.
7. Days
The Kinks Days official video
After the relative underperformance of “Wonderboy,” The Kinks rebounded with the introspective and tender “Days,” reaching number 12 in the UK charts. This song is a beautiful meditation on love and loss, filled with poignant lyrics (“I bless the light that lights on you, believe me”). Its delicate melody and heartfelt sentiment make it a deeply moving track. For an extra layer of appreciation, the a cappella version from the Sunny Afternoon stage musical highlights the song’s inherent beauty and vocal harmonies, further cementing its place among the most beloved Kinks songs.
6. Lola
The Kinks Lola official lyrics video
“Lola,” a song shrouded in urban legend and controversy, remains one of The Kinks’ most enduring hits. Despite rumors linking its inspiration to Warhol superstar Candy Darling, Ray Davies clarified it was based on a real, albeit less glamorous, experience in a club. The song’s narrative twist regarding Lola’s identity caused some radio stations to balk, while the BBC initially banned it due to a perceived product endorsement (Coca-Cola). Ray Davies famously undertook a 6,000-mile round trip to change “Coca-Cola” to “cherry cola” for the single release. “Lola” reached number 2 in the UK and number 9 in the US, becoming synonymous with The Kinks songs and their knack for storytelling and catchy melodies.
5. This Time Tomorrow
The Kinks This Time Tomorrow official audio
Nestled within the Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One album, “This Time Tomorrow” is a hidden gem, showcasing Ray Davies’s melodic genius and contemplative lyricism. The song reflects on transience and uncertainty (“This time tomorrow, where will we be? / On a spaceship somewhere sailing across any empty sea”). Ray Davies explained it stemmed from feelings of disconnection from his family amidst the whirlwind of pop stardom. “This Time Tomorrow” captures a sense of ephemeral existence and searching for direction, its gentle melody and introspective lyrics making it a quietly powerful and often overlooked entry in the catalogue of The Kinks songs.
4. You Really Got Me
The Kinks You Really Got Me official audio
“You Really Got Me” is where it all truly began for The Kinks. While they had earlier releases, it was this track that catapulted them into the charts and defined their early, raw sound. Initially conceived on piano with a bluesier feel, it transformed into a proto-punk anthem with Dave Davies’s iconic, scuzzy power chord riff. Producer Shel Talmy recognized its hit potential immediately, stating, “S**t, it doesn’t matter what you do with this, it’s a number one song.” He was right. “You Really Got Me” topped the UK charts and reached number 7 in the US, becoming a foundational track not just for The Kinks songs, but for the development of rock music itself.
3. Sunny Afternoon
The Kinks Sunny Afternoon remastered official video
“Sunny Afternoon” is a witty and quintessentially British take on taxation and class. Reaching number one in the UK and 14 in the US, this music hall-inspired track cleverly references the high tax rates under Harold Wilson’s government, albeit from the perspective of a drunken aristocrat lamenting his diminished wealth. Ray Davies described his eclectic musical influences at the time of writing, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan, which contributed to the song’s unique and slightly theatrical feel. “Sunny Afternoon” is not only a catchy and beloved Kinks song, but also a sharp piece of social commentary wrapped in musical charm.
2. All Day and All of the Night
The Kinks All Day And All Of The Night official audio
The immediate follow-up to “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night” doubled down on the formula that brought them success: squalling guitar power chords and lyrics about the overwhelming feelings inspired by a girl. Reaching number two in the UK, it’s arguably just as impactful as its predecessor and has become another enduring Kinks classic. The song’s raw energy and infectious riff solidified The Kinks’ signature sound. Years later, The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” bore a striking resemblance, leading to an apparent off-the-record settlement, highlighting the lasting influence of The Kinks songs.
1. Waterloo Sunset
The Kinks Waterloo Sunset official audio
Topping the list of greatest Kinks songs is “Waterloo Sunset,” a track from the Something Else album and a 1967 single. This song is a masterpiece of observation and atmosphere. Ray Davies initially didn’t intend for it to be specifically about Waterloo, but realized the area held deep personal significance. His time in St Thomas’ Hospital, overlooking the river, informed the song’s setting. “Waterloo Sunset” is a poignant reflection on post-war aspirations and personal dreams, inspired by his sisters’ generation and his own early relationship. Despite inexplicably failing to chart in the US, it reached number 2 in the UK and is consistently lauded as one of the greatest songs ever written, a fitting pinnacle for any exploration of The Kinks songs.
In conclusion, The Kinks songs represent a remarkable and diverse body of work. From raw, energetic rock anthems to introspective ballads and witty social commentaries, their music continues to resonate. This list of 20 greatest tracks is just a starting point for anyone wishing to delve into the rich and rewarding world of The Kinks and their enduring musical legacy.
