On this day August 15 1981, Give the People What They Want hit record stores, marking the nineteenth studio album from British rock legends The Kinks. By the early 80s, the band had already established themselves as one of the most important groups in rock history, but this release showed they were far from fading into nostalgia. Instead, they turned up the volume and delivered a record full of punchy riffs, sharp lyrics, and a bold energy that proved they could adapt to the times.
The album features standouts like Destroyer, which cleverly ties back to the band’s earlier hit Lola while delivering a more urgent, driving sound. Around the Dial explores the shifting world of radio and fame, while Art Lover offers a mix of wit and controversy that sparked plenty of discussion among listeners. The production is tighter, the guitars are grittier, and Ray Davies’ vocals carry a mix of cynicism and charm that defines the album’s tone.
Though it didn’t dominate the charts, Give the People What They Want struck a chord with both loyal fans and a younger audience discovering The Kinks during the MTV era. It remains a fascinating snapshot of a veteran band proving they could still deliver relevant, hard hitting rock in a decade full of change.
80s insight: This album proved that The Kinks were masters at blending their classic sound with the urgency of the new decade, securing their place as one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The album features standouts like Destroyer, which cleverly ties back to the band’s earlier hit Lola while delivering a more urgent, driving sound. Around the Dial explores the shifting world of radio and fame, while Art Lover offers a mix of wit and controversy that sparked plenty of discussion among listeners. The production is tighter, the guitars are grittier, and Ray Davies’ vocals carry a mix of cynicism and charm that defines the album’s tone.
Though it didn’t dominate the charts, Give the People What They Want struck a chord with both loyal fans and a younger audience discovering The Kinks during the MTV era. It remains a fascinating snapshot of a veteran band proving they could still deliver relevant, hard hitting rock in a decade full of change.
80s insight: This album proved that The Kinks were masters at blending their classic sound with the urgency of the new decade, securing their place as one of rock’s most enduring acts.
