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Upcoming Release Calendar
64
A Camp Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Working Man's Cafe
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The sophomore solo album for The Kinks' lead singer was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
| LABEL: | New West |
| RELEASE DATE: | 19 February 2008 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Rock |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 15 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Ignacio D. gave it a10:
A very compassionate, complex and interesting albums from the greatest songwriter in rock.
Ray L. gave it a10:
What other singer/songwriter can produce such original material after a 40-year plus career. Each your collective hearts out, Rolling Stones.
Steve L. gave it an8:
Title track, You're Asking Me and Real World make for some shining standout moments.
Ken M. gave it a9:
A very strong effort from Ray. A notch above Other Peoples Lives, which I thought was quite good. I'm happy that old Ray still has his chops. Favorite cuts include Imaginary Man, No One Listen, In a Moment, and Voodoo Walk.
Phil G. gave it an8:
Solid Ray Davies offering, but as always, would have been better if Dave Davies played on it.
Harry R. gave it an8:
There's one track on this album that's as good as anything Ray has ever done. "You're Asking Me" snarls like early Kinks songs, has a chorus every bit as catchy as "David Watts", and lyrically is one of the strongest tracks on WORKING MAN'S CAFE. It's probably no surprise that it's one of the few songs on this album that sounds as if it could have been written for The Kinks. Ray has said in several interviews that he's not really comfortable as a solo artist...he misses The Kinks, or at least being in a band. Coming less than two years after his first proper solo release, OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES, this is a much better album, but why? For one, the songs are a bit more introspective, and even when Ray is being bitter, you must remember, he was bitter in 1965. "I'm On An Island"..."I'm Not Like Everybody Else" weren't exactly the sentiments of a man at peace with the world around him. What carries these songs is the conviction with which Ray sings them. "Peace In Our Time" features some of his best vocals ever, even if they lyrics border on cliche. While OPL felt quite labored and over-produced, WMC has a much fresher feel. "Morphine Song" has a fantastic horn arrangement, "Imaginary Man" is Ray at his best as an outsider looking in, and "No One Listen" simmers with rage "at the age of computers and communication". While OPH had a couple of clunkers, there is nary a song on WMC that is downright embarrassing. While Ray has made references to a potential Kinks reunion, I'm not holding my breath, especially since Dave is still not exactly fit for touring as he continues to recuperate from a stroke a couple of years ago. This is a strong album, and I'm thrilled to see Ray is still making new music. Here's hoping he gains confidence as a solo artist, and finds a good group of touring musicians that have the muscle and swagger he needs.
Dean A. gave it a10:
Ray's best material in years. He combines the 'classic Ray melodies' and ocassional lyrical revisits such as 'the world keeps going round' with solid rock riffs- 'Hymm For A New Age' and 'Peace In Our Time' His humor, observations and sarcasim are welcome-'Morphine Song' It's a pleasure to still have Ray Davies producing great music. He is one of a kind. We need a North America tour!!
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