In comparison to the loose conceptualism of Face to Face with it's observational humor and social commentary, Something Else's ambitions don't shoot as high - instead, Something Else feels more like an attempt from Ray Davies to further refine his new brand of songwriting that he birthed on Face to Face. Of course, there's still a little bit of commentary on British life, but it's more down to earth feeling - from the wishes of being with the elite on the punching album opener "David Watts" to the lost love and ode to the British tradition of "Afternoon Tea," a song so charmingly in the English tradition that it would make Paul McCartney jealous. I also think that one aspect of the lyrics shines through significantly better on this record, and it's Davies' storytelling. From the punching rock number of "Situation Vacant" to the vaudevillian leaning of "Tin Soldier Man," Ray's down-to-earth tales of people living life are refined to a point on this record. Dave Davies really begins to show through on this record, as well - from the melancholy of "Death of a Clown" to his soaring rock number on "Love Me Till the Sun Shines," the latter of which feels like the early days of The Kinks matured, and funnily enough it rocks a whole lot more than "You Really Got Me" ever did.
Really, the weakest aspect of the album is some of the bizarre song choices. The sleepy music hall of "Harry Rag" does little to excite past rolling drums - the melody is not there. "Lazy Old Sun" is probably the closest The Kinks ever got to doing psychedelia, and if this what they have to show for it, maybe it's best that they sat out that trend - the saving grace is the admittedly killer hook. "Kiss me with one ray of light from your lazy old sun" is sung with such beauty and honesty that it's almost enough to save the entire song. Almost. While Dave largely shows a lot of growth as a songwriter on this album, his "Funny Face" is a bit of a snooze. Not much more to say there, really. For all the strides they made on Face to Face, Something Else also doesn't feel quite as varied as that album, which in some ways works towards the musical refinement of this album, but I'd be lying if I said that I found this to be more exciting. Still, Something Else is made up for with its high moments that outshine every one of their records prior. "Two Sisters" further showcases Ray's creativity, and "End of the Season" feels like a colder sequel to "Rainy Day in June." To save the best for last, "Waterloo Sunset" may be one of the greatest pop songs ever written - raise me a "God Only Knows" and I'll raise you a "Waterloo Sunset." Something about the simple love story between the characters of Terry and Julie, the beautiful harmonies, and the affirmation that "as long as I gaze at Waterloo Sunset, I am in paradise" combines into a beautiful, powerful number that easily stands as the best Kinks song yet. It may even be the best song they've ever made; how's that for a highlight?
Still in the genesis of their golden era, Something Else is a tight addition to their ever-expanding musical palette. As Ray Davies' storytelling and British sensibilities sharpen, The Kinks follow in his path to create a consistent, bright set of tunes that can rank amongst the group's finest to date. Of course, knowing what's around the corner and even with the preceding Face to Face, I do find Something Else to be a bit of a weaker release from this golden era - make no mistake, though, this is a great record, and for those who laud this as one of their best, I certainly see why. It's another great gem to the group's ever-expanding crown.
RATING: ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Listen to Something Else.
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