Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire Songs Ranked

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), often referred to as just Arthur, is the seventh studio album by English rock band the Kinks, released in October 1969. Kinks frontman Ray Davies constructed the concept album as the soundtrack to a Granada Television play and developed the storyline with novelist Julian Mitchell; the television program was never produced. The rough plot revolved around Arthur Morgan, a carpet-layer, who was based on Ray and guitarist Dave Davies’ brother-in-law Arthur Anning. The album was met with poor sales but nearly unanimous acclaim, especially among the American music press. Although Arthur and its first two singles, “Drivin’” and “Shangri-La”, failed to chart in the UK, the Kinks returned to the Billboard charts after a two-year absence with “Victoria”, the lead single in the US, peaking at number 62. The album itself reached number 105 on the Billboard album chart, their highest position since 1965. Here are all of Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire songs ranked.

12. Australia

“Australia”, the last song on the A side, is one of the most important tracks on this album. It becomes clear how impressed Ray is with his sister’s emigration. Fully loaded with vocal harmonies in the typical Beach Boys style (but in the thin, somewhat wobbly Kings style), the title tells of the carefree life in Australia.”

11. Brainwashed

“Brainwashed” features Dave Davies’ loudest guitar part in a long time. In this title, too, brass instruments are used extensively. Lew Warburton, who was responsible for brass and string arrangements for the band on the previous album, is back again. Everything sounds shrill and progressive.”

10. Drivin’

“With Drivin ‘, the fourth track on the album, the recordings for the planned project “Arthur” begin on May 1st, 1969. The protagonist of the album, Arthur Morgan, convinces his wife Rose to take a trip into the countryside and escape the gray everyday life at least for a short while. It is clear to everyone that the problems of the world are not solved in this way.”

See more: The Kinks Albums Ranked

9. Some Mother’s Son

“Some Mother’s Son” is among the most heartbreaking anti-war songs ever written, going straight for the jugular with lines like, “They put his picture in a frame / but all dead soldiers look the same.””

8. Yes Sir, No Sir

“Yes Sir, no Sir” is one of the many songs on the album that deal directly or indirectly with the subject of war. The main issue here is the army’s rigid command structures, which, with some weakening, can also be applied to English society.”

7. Victoria

“The album starts with “Victoria”. Ray Davies’ recently born daughter tellingly bears the same name. The reality of the British Empire at the turn of the century is presented in the typically cynical satirical narrative style. The common man on the street has nothing to laugh about, but is still ready at any time to go to war for the queen and fatherland – and if necessary to die too.”

6. Shangri-La

“The B-side begins with “Shangri-La”. In the course of a concert for the BBC2 in October 2007, Ray Davies recalls in retrospect that the title “Shangri-La” is the second very important track on the album alongside “Australia”. “Shangri-La” in Davies’ version refers more to a house as a refuge for the English philistine, than to the mystical, fabulous land somewhere.”

5. Mr. Churchill Says

“Mr. Churchill Says ”takes up the war theme for the third time on this LP. It is quoted from Churchill’s great “fight them at the beaches” speech. The whole thing is not counted.”

See more: The Kinks Songs Ranked

4. She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina

“She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina” reminds me a lot of “Two Sisters” from “Something Else by The Kinks”. Chembalo overkill (I love that)! In turn, the Kinks portray the desperate attempts of the English middle class to approach the aristocracy in a stylishly charming way, even if only through individual items of clothing. Due to the inappropriateness, these attempts are of course immediately exposed and turn into a laughing stock. It will forever be a desperate attempt. There will be no mix of classes.”

3. Young and Innocent Days

“Young and Innocent Days” tells a little wistfully and in just three verses about the young and innocent days that will not come back. A very nice title.”

2. Nothing to Say

“Nothing to Say” addresses the alienation between the generations that has increased over time. At a certain point it becomes difficult to find common themes. The title I don’t like the least about the album.”

1. Arthur

“The album then closes with one of the great forgotten Kinks tracks. “Arthur”, the title track, is a considerable rocker on which Dave Davies does fine guitar work. “Now we have got to know you and we think you are sympathetic,” sings the band. “We want to help you and understand you.” Can there be a nicer final word?”