Other People's Lives
by Ray Davies
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. The Guardian
    60
    An album that delights as much as it disappoints, leaving the listener not celebrating the rebirth of one of England's greatest songwriters, but slightly confused.
  2. Under The Radar
    60
    [The] glossy, over-the-top production style... detracts from the beauty and wit of the songs themselves. [#12, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The A.V. Club
    58
    Sounds too much like a man chasing trends.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    If none are the kind of songs likely to be remembered with misty-eyed affection in another 40 years, they at least entertainingly tackle matters few others would. [Mar 2006, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Stylus Magazine
    42
    The biggest flaw with Other People’s Lives is that the songs play to Davies’ weaknesses rather than his strengths, coupled with overproduction that veils any remaining virtue under a gauzy blanket of unnecessary studio witchcraft.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
  1. Jim
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    Ray is the man! Superb album!!
  2. LanceS
    Jan 3, 2007
    10
    I have been a Kinks fan for my whole life, and I had very little expectations for this new Ray Davies album, and I couldn't have been I have been a Kinks fan for my whole life, and I had very little expectations for this new Ray Davies album, and I couldn't have been more wrong. All She Wrote is a devastatingly brilliant song, and Stand Up Comic is the funniest song Ray has ever wrote. All that needs to be said is that "Other People's Lives" is the BEST ALBUM OF 2006. Period.… Full Review »
  3. House
    May 22, 2006
    10
    Ray Davies releases his first solo album at age 61! Better late than never and better than ever. There are many who emulate him but only one Ray Davies releases his first solo album at age 61! Better late than never and better than ever. There are many who emulate him but only one orignal. This album was worth the wait. You'll laugh, you'll cry...Ray Davies at his best!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »