LolaThe Kinks1rank/position

The Kinks – Lola (Official Audio)

Beloved for its lyrics that are both edgy and warm, “Lola” is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, released in 1970.

Since then, it has been cherished by music fans around the world.

The lyrics depict, from a male perspective, an encounter with a woman named Lola.

The male protagonist has little experience in love, and the key point is how he nervously deepens his relationship with her.

Why not give it a listen while reminiscing about your first love?

You Really Got MeThe Kinks2rank/position

The Kinks – You Really Got Me (Official Audio)

This is a commercial introducing the Nama-Jokki Can, which lets you open the entire mouth of the can so you can enjoy a taste as if you were drinking from a beer mug.

In this ad, of course it talks about how delicious Asahi is when drunk from the Nama-Jokki Can, but it especially focuses on that first sip.

After watching this commercial, there are probably quite a few beer lovers who immediately feel like having a drink.

The BGM features the upbeat, feel-good track “You Really Got Me.” Originally released by The Kinks in 1964, the song has been arranged in the commercial to feel even catchier.

Waterloo SunsetThe Kinks3rank/position

The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset (Official Audio)

A romantic and lyrical song written by lead singer Ray Davies.

He began writing it several years before The Kinks recorded it.

It was originally titled “Liverpool Sunset,” but he changed the title when the Beatles released “Penny Lane.”

Autumn AlmanacThe Kinks4rank/position

Autumn Almanac

For fans of British rock, the name The Kinks carries a special resonance.

Compared to contemporaries like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, they may be slightly less well-known in Japan, but bands that followed—such as Oasis and Blur—have often professed their love for the Kinks, and groups from genres like metal and punk have eagerly covered their songs.

Among the Kinks’ quintessentially British works, their famous autumn song is Autumn Almanac.

Led by lively guitar backing and flowing harmonies, its withered charm and easygoing melody make for a pastoral and truly distinctive number.

Said to be about a local gardener, it’s a masterpiece of British music that showcases frontman Ray Davies’s storytelling prowess to the fullest.

Come DancingThe Kinks5rank/position

The Kinks – Come Dancing

The Kinks are masters at vividly capturing everyday British life.

This piece is a bittersweet yet heartwarming tribute song dedicated by frontman Ray Davies to his sister, who passed away young.

From the perspective of her younger brother, it lovingly portrays her dressing up on weekends and heading to the dance hall.

Despite its cheerful, glamorous big band-style sound, the lyrics carry memories of happier days, the sorrow of losing a sister, and a wistful nostalgia for a changing city.

Though it wasn’t a hit upon its UK release in 1982, the video caught on in America the following year, reaching No.

6 on the charts.

That success made its way back home and led to a reassessment.

Included on the album “State of Confusion,” it later inspired a musical of the same name by Ray himself.

It’s a perfect listen for a night spent reminiscing about cherished family memories.

DaysThe Kinks6rank/position

The Kinks – Days

The Kinks’ “Days,” a highly recognized classic representing the UK, is a masterpiece that sings about the importance of feeling gratitude for the small moments in everyday life.

The words of thanks expressed in the lyrics are perfect for honestly conveying your feelings to those close to you, like family and friends.

The arrangement is gentle, and its pleasant melody lingers in your ears.

It’s the kind of song that wraps you in warmth just by listening.

Through this song, why not try sharing words of gratitude that are usually hard to say with someone important to you? It’s a precious, healing track.

By all means, send the gratitude in your heart along with this song.

Sunny AfternoonThe Kinks7rank/position

The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon

Included on the 1966 album Face to Face.

A five-piece rock band from London formed in 1964.

The mid-tempo rhythm and the vocal that sings softly over a sound seemingly influenced by hall music come together nicely.