The Kinks’ debut for Arista in America, Sleepwalker marked the band’s pivot to arena-rock maneuvers after several concept albums full of horn sections and backing singers, which didn’t garner much commercial success. However, with Sleepwalker, Ray Davies and company got what they wanted, as it peaked at #21 on the Billboard albums chart. Recording in the band’s new 24-track studio, Konk, helped to expand the sound for more spacious venues. And in the process, the Kinks cut one of their strongest records of the ’70s, though it’s often overlooked by those who favor the group’s spectacular and influential ’60s output.
While I don’t consider Sleepwalker a top-5 Kinks LPs, it does possess one of this legendary group’s greatest songs: “Sleepwalker.” More on that later. The album opens with the loquacious “Life On The Road,” surging, melodically rich rock in the Mott The Hoople vein. “I’ve got bloodshot eyes because I’ve been walking the streets all night” Ray Davies sings, hinting at the insomnia motif running throughout the record while also expressing ambiguity about wanderlust. “Mr. Big Man,” a simmering ballad about a friend of Ray’s (possibly) who let power and wealth ruin him, explodes in righteous indignation, as Dave Davies gets off a flowery, powerful guitar solo.
“Brother” is a grand statement song about the importance of people watching out for one another—a celebration of altruistic impulses. The lush, swaying mid-’70s rock of substantial poignancy perfectly supports Ray’s message of hope. In a somewhat similar style, “Life Goes On” serves as an uplifting pep talk for overcoming adversity. Aptly, this tune could compete with your Springsteens and your Pettys for heart-on-sleeve, stadium-rock supremacy. The second-best track on Sleepwalker, “Juke Box Music” starts with a cool funk breakbeat from Mick Avory and quickly heads into some lean, good-time rock about the power of music to affect the way we feel. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy.. Eventually, the song blooms into an anthem that must have sounded fantastic during the Kinks’ late-’70s big-venue shows—especially Dave’s slashing lead guitar lines. Best of all, “Sleepwalker” opens with another funky break and shifts into swaggering rock beast mode, with cascading guitar riffs and incendiary interplay between Dave and Ray. Documenting the insomnia that Ray experienced after moving from London to New York City, “Sleepwalker” out-Slades Slade. As a single, it reached #48, the first Kinks chart placing in the US since 1970’s “Apeman.”
Side note: Sleepwalker would’ve been improved by the inclusion of the stinging “Prince Of The Punks,” a send-up of the UK punk scene roiling in 1976. (Instead, it was the B-side of the “Father Christmas” single.) Somebody at Arista messed up. Side note 2: BMG reissued Sleepwalker in 2024, but it’s not uncommon to find used vinyl copies for under $15. -Buckley Mayfield
Located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, Jive Time is always looking to buy your unwanted records (provided they are in good condition) or offer credit for trade. We also buy record collections.
