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

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  1. SteveB.
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    My favorite album of the 21st century so far. A wonderful album by a true legend.
  2. JacquesD
    Mar 19, 2006
    9
    What a delight. I love Ray!
  3. T.P.Reitzel
    Apr 7, 2006
    9
    After listening to Other People's Lives for over a month, it's still as strong as first time. I don't have a favorite, but I'm partial to the lyrics of the title track, Other People's Lives, as it hits the target without getting overbearing. I absolutely LOVE the female singer and rhythm on the title track as well as Ray's brilliant vocal delivery. My main After listening to Other People's Lives for over a month, it's still as strong as first time. I don't have a favorite, but I'm partial to the lyrics of the title track, Other People's Lives, as it hits the target without getting overbearing. I absolutely LOVE the female singer and rhythm on the title track as well as Ray's brilliant vocal delivery. My main concern is the lack of a harmonica solo on the Getaway. All in all, this CD is a billiant piece of work. It grows on the listening like a well-worn pair of jeans.… Expand
  4. MatthewF
    Feb 28, 2006
    9
    A perfect blend of wit and sophistication from one of rock's premier voices. An excellent first solo album.
  5. NormP
    Mar 5, 2006
    5
    Like the Kinks LPs from the late 80's up to Phobia, a couple of gems such as Over My Head and All She Wrote, surrounded by a bunch of mediocre filler, and over-produced at that.
  6. MIkeP
    Mar 7, 2006
    9
    Wonderful blend of lyrics and musical styles - thoughtful adult rock given to us by a master
  7. jerryH
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    Much, much better than expected. Excellent melodies, lyrics, songwriting.
  8. barryc
    Feb 25, 2006
    9
    listening to his lyrics and music is like a breath of fresh air when comparing it to the trash that's out there
  9. jorgec
    Mar 23, 2006
    10
    God save Ray. ¡Oh yeah¡
  10. JMo
    Mar 26, 2006
    8
    Lightly twisted and evocative yet in ways more nuanced than earlier works. Some early cuts wander, but the album finishes strong.
  11. bruceb
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    If you like songs with a melody and sophisticated lyrics you probably won't like this album.
  12. FredF
    Apr 13, 2006
    10
    If you are a Kinkophile, this one will satisfy your yearning for a return to Ray's magnificent take on all things this life has to offer. "Other People's Lives" just may hit you on a sunny afternoon, and if it does, it will leave you happy. It really got me.
  13. 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 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.
  14. Jim
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    Ray is the man! Superb album!!
  15. PhilipL
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    An excellent group of songs performed wonderfully. It's not officially a Kink's album but it sure sounds like one of their excellent late 70's efforts.
  16. TomasH
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Great songs by a great artist, he is still one of the best songwriters, top on this CD. Morning After, After the Fall, Is there Life After Breakfast,Next Door Neighbour, Over My Head, All She Wrote
  17. LuisV
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    His voice is charming, his style is delightful, this album shows all through how genial Ray is
  18. TimC
    Apr 23, 2006
    10
    Ray makes an album that only gets better with repeated listenings. This album will stand out over time.
  19. 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 orignal. This album was worth the wait. You'll laugh, you'll cry...Ray Davies at his best!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Davies has lost little of his ability to marry great rock melodies to exquisitely offbeat lyrics. [24 Feb 2006, p.61]
  3. Billboard
    70
    Davies' first solo studio collection has all the tasty ingredients that epitomized the Kinks--primarily Davies' knowing lyrics and world-weary vocals. [25 Feb 2006]
See all critic reviews »