The Kinks, formed in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in London, are one of the most influential rock bands of the British Invasion era. Known for their distinctive sound, combining rock with elements of British music hall, their clever, often satirical lyrics, and their pioneering role in the development of hard rock and punk rock, The Kinks have left an indelible mark on popular music.
Full disclosure they were my favorite band growing up so I may be biased!
Timeline of Career Highlights
- 1964: Release their breakthrough single "You Really Got Me," which reaches No. 1 in the UK and No. 7 in the US, becoming a rock classic.
- 1965: Release the album “Kinda Kinks”, featuring the hit "Tired of Waiting for You."
- 1966: Release the critically acclaimed album “Face to Face”, noted for its sophisticated storytelling and social commentary.
- 1967: Release “Something Else by The Kinks”, featuring the hit single "Waterloo Sunset," often regarded as one of the greatest pop songs.
- 1968: Release the concept album “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society”, initially overlooked but later hailed as a masterpiece.
- 1970: Achieve commercial success with “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One”, featuring the hit "Lola."
- 1971: Release “Muswell Hillbillies”, blending rock with American country and blues influences.
- 1977: Release “Sleepwalker”, marking their transition to a more mainstream rock sound.
- 1983: Enjoy a resurgence with the album “State of Confusion”, featuring the hit "Come Dancing."
- 1990: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 1996: Release their final studio album “To the Bone”, before disbanding.
Albums and Discography
1. Notable Studio Albums
- “Kinks” (1964)
- “Kinda Kinks” (1965)
- “The Kink Kontroversy” (1965)
- “Face to Face” (1966)
- “Something Else by The Kinks” (1967)
- “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society” (1968)
- “Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)” (1969)
- “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” (1970)
- “Muswell Hillbillies” (1971)
- “Sleepwalker” (1977)
- “State of Confusion” (1983)
- “Word of Mouth” (1984)
- “To the Bone” (1994)
2. Notable Singles
- "You Really Got Me" (1964)
- "All Day and All of the Night" (1964)
- "Tired of Waiting for You" (1965)
- "Sunny Afternoon" (1966)
- "Waterloo Sunset" (1967)
- "Lola" (1970)
- "Come Dancing" (1983)
Grammy Awards
The Kinks did not win any Grammy Awards during their active years but received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award for "You Really Got Me" in 1999.
Famous Songs and Compositions
- "You Really Got Me" (1964) - A seminal rock track credited with influencing the development of hard rock and punk.
- "Waterloo Sunset" (1967) - Often considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
- "Lola" (1970) - Known for its catchy melody and groundbreaking lyrics addressing gender identity (way before its time!).
Collaborations and Cover Versions
The Kinks' music has been covered by numerous artists, including Eddie Van Halen's famous version of "You Really Got Me."
Quotes
Ray Davies
I’ve always felt that we were a very original band. We may have borrowed from everybody, but we put it all together and made it into a new form.
You have to be yourself, and that’s the hardest thing to find.
Gossip and Personal Anecdotes
The Davies brothers were known for their tumultuous relationship, often resulting in onstage fights and tension within the band.
Ray Davies' creative control and vision sometimes led to conflicts with record labels and producers, impacting the band's commercial success.
Despite internal conflicts, the band's music has stood the test of time, influencing countless musicians and bands across multiple genres.
Legacy
The Kinks' innovative approach to rock music, characterized by their distinctive sound and Ray Davies' insightful lyrics, has made them one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history.
Songs: Waterloo Sunset, Autumn almanac