Working Man's Cafe - Ray Davies
Working Man's Cafe Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The sophomore solo album for The Kinks' lead singer was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Overall, the album's humor level is a little lower than usual for Davies, but the reflective songs are among his most intimate and touching.
  2. Uncut
    80
    There are times when the playing of the session band is slick to the point of blandness, and the production (by Davies and Ray Kennedy) is crisply tasteful when the songs cry out for dissonance.... But when it works, it works.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Not every number here reaches its perfection, but 'twas ever thus with the works of Raymond Douglas Davies; warts and all, and even the warts are interesting. [Dec 2007, p.109]
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  4. Under The Radar
    60
    Musically, Davies is on track, with strong arrangements and a capable band, but vocally he often reaches too far and ends up detracting from the song. [Spring 2008, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RayL.
    10
    What other singer/songwriter can produce such original material after a 40-year plus career. Each your collective hearts out, Rolling Stones.
  2. IgnacioD.
    10
    A very compassionate, complex and interesting albums from the greatest songwriter in rock.
  3. DeanA.
    10
    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!!… Collapse
  4. SteveL.
    8
    Title track, You're Asking Me and Real World make for some shining standout moments.

See all 10 User Reviews

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