The Kinks – Give the People What They Want (1981)

Released in 1981 on Arista Records, Give the People What They Want marked a powerful chapter in The Kinks' storied career. Coming off the success of Low Budget (1979), this album cemented Ray Davies and company as arena-rock titans while retaining the sharp wit and social commentary that always set The Kinks apart from their British Invasion peers.

About the Artist

Formed in London in 1963, The Kinks are one of the foundational bands of British rock. Led by the songwriting genius of Ray Davies, with his brother Dave Davies on guitar, The Kinks gave the world timeless hits like "You Really Got Me," "Waterloo Sunset," and "Lola." They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. By the early 1980s, The Kinks had reinvented themselves as a hard-driving arena act, and Give the People What They Want captures that era perfectly — big riffs, big choruses, and Davies' trademark observational lyrics.

Album Highlights

The album kicks off with the anthemic "Around the Dial," a love letter to rock radio that sets an urgent, energetic tone. "Destroyer" is a standout — a riff-driven rocker that references several classic Kinks songs in its lyrics, creating a self-aware tour through the band's own legacy. The title track delivers a punchy commentary on giving audiences what they crave, while ballads like "Better Things" show Davies' tender side. The album balances hard rock energy with the sardonic humor and melodic sensibility that made The Kinks one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Condition & Care

• Vinyl: Carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean system and placed in a fresh plastic inner sleeve. Minor scuffs are visible but the record played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Only minor pops and crackles were noticed during playback — consistent with a well-loved but well-cared-for record.
• Jacket: G (Good) condition with slight scuffing and wear, as shown in the photos. The jacket shows visible signs of handling but remains structurally sound and fully legible.
• Catalog: AL 9567 (Arista Records)
• Matrix (Side A): AL-9567-A ◎ TLC-A

A solid player's copy of a classic Kinks album — perfect for fans of the band's arena era or collectors looking to fill a gap in their Kinks catalog.