Lyrically they (better say Ray) are far above the Stones en par with Dylan and Paul Simon - and their live acts at the beginning were pure punk! The Who at the beginning (after they changed from their Trad Jazz background into Mod) even tried to copy them because they were big fans. Something Else was planned to be the first concept album with no pauses between the songs, one year before Pepper. But the producers thought it too risky and experimental...
As a Londoner born and bred who, due to the circumstances of life, ended up moving far from home and who has lived a few thousand miles away for nearly 40 years now, on the few occasions I get back to London and see that beloved river, I completely relate to this song. I always feel safe and properly at home in London. A Waterloo sunset - or any sunset over the Thames - gives me a peaceful and contented feeling. You should listen to Lola next.
I visited London for my only time about 20 years ago. Waterloo station was def one of the places I wanted to see, and to look out at the river from there. Unfortunately, they were doing major construction in and around the station, so that was a bust. BUT - -next day we made our way up to Muswell Hill, saw some Kinks "landmarks", and had a really nice lunch.
I’ve been going to London to stay with friends and relatives my entire life (I live in Connecticut) and this song is just so spot on. Despite the fact that the weather in England is usually rainy or overcast, there also can be some of the most magnificent sunsets you will ever see. There is a famous saying that holds true: “To tire of London is to tire of life”.
As a Brit from England. This is quintessentially English. Quintessentially London, actually. It’s a beautiful paean to English life, back in the 60s. The decade I was born in and have so many lovely childhood memories of.
Totally agree, Jo - and cuts to the core about loneliness. I'm Jo (Cunliffe) too BTW (from the UK) 🙂 It shows just versatile how the Kinks are. It's the first song I learned on the mandolin when I was still at the Status Quo stage (in search of the 5th chord)🤣(I love Status Quo BTW so that's in affection not criticism). There is a beautiful and simple guitar cover by DC Cardwell (dccardwell com) here (ua-cam.com/video/Qa9Xu938fD4/v-deo.html ) who is a wonderful person which is what I used to transcribe the mandolin chords (which is basically a violin with 4x doubled strings you pluck notes or strum. rather than play with a bow).
Ray Davies is the British rock poet laureate.. The Kinks have so many different sounds it's amazing.. Many more like this, But many more to rock your brains out too , one of the greatest bands in rock history, the brothers used to fight on stage (his brother Dave, lead guitarist) but they always got it right , this band was sort of the first anti- mainstream band, but definitely in a way to make you remember their songs.. Davies is a genius.. wonderful reaction..
Guys, The Kinks had a career that spanned decades. If you want to check out one of their 80s tunes, listen to "Come Dancing". It's got a great dance-y vibe to it and it's one of my favorite 80s songs.
"Come Dancing" is a great song. I believe Ray Davies wrote it concerning his older sister who loved to go dancing but who died you. I also like their "Don't Forget to Dance".
When you walk across Waterloo Bridge and look west from the bridge during a sunset, it is one of the most beautiful sights in London. I have lived in this part of London all my life and never get tired of it.
As someone who used to run Waterloo underground I can confirm the millions of peoiple swarming like flies lyric is accurate. Also, sunset from Waterloo Bridge is stunning
I can't speak about worldwide, but the kinks aren't underrated here in the uk. They're one of the biggest/greatest bands this country has ever produced. I actually wouldn't even say they're underrated worldwide. Maybe underappreciated, if anything.
Well the Beatles , Stones , and the Who were all obviously great. But I always included the Kinks with them as the Big 4 for the original British Invasion groups. I don't think they're underrated.
I don't think they are underrated, but their inability to get US visas for most of the 60s limited their exposure here. When they came back in 1970 with Lola, most Americans were surprised.
Classic tune. My husband and I saw numerous Kinks shows over the years and saw their very last proper concert in the USA in the summer of '95. They went out on a high note unlike many other groups who just became oldies acts. The Kinks were putting out new material until '93.
Such a deep song lyrically about loneliness. He doesn't go out, gives names to the couple and imagines they get the same comfort from the sunset as he does. Genius. And, like himself, Terry and Julie "need no friends." So clever!
It isn't really about loneliness. He was sick as a kid and was in St. Thomas' Hospital. The nurses would wheel him outside for fresh air and he would watch people. That is where the song came from.
When everyone was literally screaming over the Beatles, I was pinning pictures on my bedroom walls of the Kinks. LOL This brought me way back!!! My favorite of theirs is You Really Got Me.
'Waterloo Sunset' is the most beautiful and evocative song ever written about my home town. Other notable songs about London are 'Baker Street' by Gerry Rafferty (featuring one of the most beautiful sax solos ever written), 'Streets of London' by Ralph McTell, and 'London Calling' by the Clash.
About 7 years ago my husband and I saw Ray Davies in concert, it was amazing to hear him singing Kinks songs. I had a real hairs on the back of my neck standing up when he sang this, it was a beautiful moment.
The Kinks were simply one of the best bands ever. They make me nostalgic for things I never knew. This song and Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon are my favorites of their many wonderful songs.
The Kinks are my all-time favorite band! I’m so happy you liked this classic song. If you want another great song to listen to while you hang out on your porch or in your hammock, you must listen to Sunny Afternoon. Ray Davies wrote in so many different styles-a true songwriting genius.
J/Amber, their "All Day And All Of The Night" is a fuzz guitar banger!!! "Come Dancing" was another hit later in their career, that's softer like this one. edit- lead guitarist Dave Davies had a hidden gem from his first solo album called "Imaginations Real"! I remember playing that one on the radio.
Another great reaction, Jay and Amber. 'The Kinks' have a large catalogue of tracks to check out, things in this track to explain, Waterloo in London has a railway and underground station, Waterloo bridge overlooks the river Thames 'dirty old river' which looks lovely with light from the sunset shining off it, 'Terry and Julie' relates to Terrance Stamp and Julie Christie, two famous actors who at the time of this recording were dating.
For all you non Brits, Waterloo is an area of London over looking the River Thames, at the time mid 60's the couple mentioned in the lyrics Terry and Julie were thought to be actors couple Terence Stamp and Julie Christie but composer Ray Davies said it was just coincidence.
Lola Sunny Afternoon All Day And All of The Night A Well Respected Man Dedicated Follower Of Fashion Such a great band out of England.So many fabulous hits from the 60's. Lots more to check out. This song is such a good vibe. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦 ❤️❤️
I got to see the Kinks in the mid 80s. And they were amazing!. I wasn’t turned onto them until the late 70s with the release of the live album… One for the road… And have been a huge fan of them ever since. I probably have collected all of their stuff over the years and love every note of every song of every album that they ever put out. Strangely enough, I find myself on a “low budget “ these days… So happy I got to collect their catalog when I wasn’t on a low budget. They’re one of the best bands ever in my estimation!
"Waterloo Sunset" was a famous Victorian painting which captured the sun setting over Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames. The song is therefore a reference to a much less sublime late 20th century version of he scene as traffic and commuters scurry around the area in the evening.
I did not know that but I will be back from The London Suburbs that I moved to 39 years ago and go to Waterloo Station tomorrow as I miss the beating heart of Inner. Central London every day though I am only 1/2 mile from a London Postal Code.
One of my fav songs! I even proposed to my wife on Waterloo Bridge (London), unfortunately there was no sunset that evening. Nothing encapsulates London’s swinging 60s quite like this song. Keep up the great content guys!
I grew up in the 60s, and it was wall to wall GREAT music, and this was my favourite. I could listen to it over and over. Thanks for doing this masterpiece of the great Ray Davies. Another great song from them was Autumn Almanac. Terry and Julie were the actors Terence Stamp and Julie Christie, a star couple. Check out their film Far From The Madding Crowd.
The Kinks were one of the first bands to record a rock opera, Arthur, and what an incredible record. You have to experience Lola, their most famous song. Other suggestions: Victoria, 20th Century Man, Australia, Come Dancing, I can go on and on... Great reaction y'all!
I love Lola, but I'm not sure if it's more famous than You Really Got Me. Recently, I was wondering if Lola was the kind of song that would get cancelled these days...
The Kinks are incredible, so, so many amazing songs, but somehow they miss out on the recognition. They also wrote one of the Great early Rock songs ever... "All Day, and All of the Night".
Ray said in an interview not long ago that because he was a "character actor" singing songs about characters and vocally getting involved in stories and making statements rather than signing a song, he was viewed as being on a different level to more popular bands with their catchy riffs and choruses.
Hi Amber and Jay. Just wanted to tell you that I look forward to all your reactions, especially your movie reactions. Your 3 children are adorable and so well mannered. If all American families could be like your adorable family, it would be such a blessing.
Ray Davies really delved into English life. I have a recommendation: the Kinks put out a late Sixties masterpiece written by Ray called "The Village Green Preservation Society." Alot of hilarious songs Ray wrote about childhood -- in fact, your kids might like some of these songs! "Phenomenal Cat" is a very sweet lullaby fantasy. Ray Davies is just a wonderful song writer.
This is a terrific reaction, and you very much captured the spirit of what the music is trying to say. Some context for you might flesh it out: Waterloo Station is one of the largest, busiest, most crammed subway/train stations in London. (Perhaps "the" largest?) Think Grand Central Station or Port Authority Bus Station in New York City, especially at prime rush hour. Listen again and a few of the lyrics will suggest that very setting - essentially the rat race where everyone is racing to get somewhere. But the singer's saying, "pause for a second, won't you? Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers." The singer is at peace, looking at the beauty of the world around him, and he wants you to see it too. "Waterloo sunset's fine," indeed!
The slow flow is so right , Waterloo Bridge is over the river Thames in London which runs east west , so the sun sets along the river each night , Ray Davies was a consummate song writer .
The Kinks are an epic band....too many great songs to name. As others have stated criminally underrated. I'm not like everybody else, This time tomorrow, Victoria, Two Sisters, Sunny Afternoon just to name a few Look forward to your reactions every day. Keep up the good work!
The Kinks are such an underrated band. They had so many hits, but the key is understanding how innovative their music is. Kind of a Who meets Pink Floyd.
The British Invasion was a cultural phenomenon of the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom and other aspects of British culture became popular in the United States and significant to the rising "counterculture" on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Pop and rock groups such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Zombies, the Kinks, Small Faces, the Dave Clark Five, Herman's Hermits, the Hollies, the Animals, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Searchers, the Yardbirds, the Who, and Them, as well as solo singers like Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, and Donovan, were at the forefront of the "invasion".
One of the best bands ever & my 1st concert was The Kinks in 1984 at The Philadelphia Spectrum (RIP). What a great band & you found a rabbit hole with these guys!
I saw them twice at the spectrum back in the late 70's. I grew up listening to Zepplin, Clapton, The who etc, but the Kinks ranked up there as great shows.
The Kinks are such an amazing band. They even had a big resurgence in the early 80's. That's when I saw them, twice. Ray Davies sings almost all their songs, but a great one by them is sung by his brother Dave Davies. It's called Living on a Thin Line. They used it in an episode of The Sopranos.
This is a gem of a song. It’s from the period when British bands had heard the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” and become obsessed with making their own vocal harmony masterpieces. Glad you got to enjoying it.
An unsubstantiated statement. Just like Jimmy Page playing lead guitar on You Really Got Me. Debunked over and over but still floating around. Listen to the Kinks Sunny Afternoon which was recorded before Pet Sounds was released. Please don't give Brian Wilson credit for Ray Davies' brilliant work great as he may have been.
The kinks (Dave Davies) also invented the ‘riff’,,,,,”All day and All of the Night”. It was the first riff based song ever released and they had their name etched in the halls of fame and changed music from then on. Dave Davies also wanted more distortion to his guitar sound so he cut radial lies into his speaker cones to give that distortion sound. Ray Davies (The Muswell Hillbilly) was a song genius and penned so many great songs - all with wonderful poetic lyrics. Check out their back catalogue.
Along with The Hollies, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, The Kinks were one of the longest surviving groups to come out of the British Invasion era. Their output of Albums and hit records is quite impressive. I could sit here all-day making recommendations but here are a few; (British Invasion era) "Stop Sobbing Now", "Sunny Afternoon", "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of The Night", "Tired of Waiting for You", "Till the End of The Day". (1970's and beyond); "Lola", "Ape Man", "Celluloid Heros", "Where Have All the Good Times Gone", "Father Christmas", "A Rock and Roll Fantasy", "Come Dancing", oh so many more.
Their Waterloo sunset is Waterloo Station down by the River Thames in London. Terry and Julie cross Waterloo Bridge to South London where they feel safe and sound. Such a London song
Hey, you two, thanks for playing the Kinks! They have so many great songs in their repertoire - I'd love to get your reaction to any of these: "Well Respected Man," "Sunny Afternoon," "Come Dancing," or to my very favorite "Celluloid Heroes." But here's a Kinks song especially for you: "Oklahoma USA" from their Muswell Hillbillies LP. Check it out, my friends.
I'm reading so many comparisons to the Beatles, so here's mine. As a young boy, I was truly excited (and changed) by the Beatles back in 1964-1965, as so many in my generation were, but over time the Kinks and the Who came to mean so much more to me. I saw them each about 20 times and I've always said that the Who were my favorite live band but the Kinks were my favorite band on record, thanks to songs like this and so many other Ray (and Dave) Davies compositions: poignant, funny, intelligent, wistful, deep and melodic, with lovely harmony and excellent musicianship. It's a pleasure to see you enjoying them.
Christmas is coming up. I highly recommend "Father Christmas" by The Kinks this Christmas season. both a funny, serious and poignant song all at the same time. You will see what I mean if you pck it. P.S. Saw them live during their "Come Dancing" tour. They were awesome. They are also a band with two sibling. Ray and Dave Davies. Other songs for any season - Lola, Celluloid Heroes, (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman, Come Dancing, etc. They have decades of songs, both softer like this and harder rocking ones.
The Kinks! F-ing brilliant, ethereal, rocking, kick ass Band! Brothers Ray and Dave Davies. The British invasion produced the greatest music of all time. Set the tone for the evolution of Rock n Roll and all music to this day. Of course you've covered Lola and Apeman. If you haven't you will love those songs. The kinks are great poets. They create a place and take you there. Musically amazing. You hear them and know.
Waterloo is one of my favourite places on earth. It is in the heart of London and borders the river. I lived in that area and spent many great times there. This song is beautiful.
IO moved from The Elephant 39 years ago, just 12 miles to the Kent Border, and love my safe area but miss that vibe every day and will be back to Waterloo tomorrow The Elephant and Castle is TOTALLY unrecognizable with endless expensive blocks and some million pound flats😀
@@Isleofskye My sister used to work at Alexander Fleming House in the 1960's and 1970's. It was The Ministry of Health. It was at Elephant and Castle. Now it is luxury apartments.
Ray and Dave Davies were known for their volatile relationship but the creative chemistry it sparked helped put Ray's great songwriting over the top and Dave's riffs were always perfect for the songs.
One of my all time favourites. Spent my 20s walking over the footbridge that runs alongside Waterloo Bridge. A night out on the town, then back on the train. Pure imagery of the night.
I love The Kinks so much. The story behind this song is that Ray Davies got very sick when he was a young man (early teens) and spent a long time in the hospital recovering. His room had a balcony and every evening he would sit out on the balcony watching the sunset on Waterloo.
In 2010 Ray Davies stated the song was originally entitled "Liverpool Sunset". In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, he explained: "Liverpool is my favourite city, and the song was originally called 'Liverpool Sunset'. I was inspired by Merseybeat. I'd fallen in love with Liverpool by that point. On every tour, that was the best reception. We played The Cavern, all those old places, and I couldn't get enough of it. I had a load of mates in bands up there, and that sound - not the Beatles but Merseybeat - that was unbelievable. It used to inspire me every time. So I wrote 'Liverpool Sunset'. Later it got changed to 'Waterloo Sunset', but there's still that play on words with Waterloo. London was home, I'd grown up there, but I like to think I could be an adopted Scouser. My heart is definitely there
I lived in Waterloo for 4 years. Our apartment looked over the Thames and Waterloo Station. I have travelled thousands of times through there even though we live further out now in a bigger place. This song is about living in the inner city of a massive city like London. You cannot appreciate this song properly until you've made your home somewhere like London. I don't think Americans outside New York or big East Coast cities can ever get it. It's cold and empty but you find an anchor like a river, a hill or a monument. It's shitty but you learn to love it and you can never return to small town life.
One of my all time favorite bands . Saw them in concert a few times . They have so many songs they just re released a fifty year anniversary album , their career spans decades probably have over thirty albums . So many songs , celluloid heroes comes to mind as does shangri La , the hard way or sunny afternoon , or Acute Schizophrenia paranoia blues , OMG I could name 30 songs or so , have fun
Wow, haven't heard this one in a long time. A really long time. One of my favorite Kinks song has to be Celluloid Heroes. And Lola of course, who doesn't smile when they hear Lola (the One For the Road version is pretty great).
Waterloo sunset is my favourite song of all time. As a South Londoner born and bred now retired and living on the other side of the world in Bangkok, Thailand the song is so very poignant and on occasions brings me to tears. Reminds me of simpler times growing up in London in the sixties. On the other hand I do see plenty of amazing sunsets from our balcony on the 29th floor of our condo! 😃
Perfect Pop! The Kinks are one of the most covered bands. This song has been covered by Bowie, Gabriel, Def Leppard, Cathy Dennis, etc. Other artists who have covered the Kinks run the gamut from Van Halen to the Scorpions, from Cher to the Pretenders, from Sia to Lucius, from Elvis Costello to Green Day.
A story of loneliness, just seeing life outside his window, but not living life. His denial of fear is a way of trying to excuss the whole thing. He watches others meet and , he even knows when they meet but he doesn't meet anyone.
Nice reaction, thank you for highlighting this song. Wonderful poetry set to music perfectly evokes the place and mood. One of my all-time favorite songs and bands. For some reason this song always brings a tear to my eye. Hope you will react to some more of the Kinks. Sunny Afternoon, A Well Respected Man, so many great songs! Love the interplay between you two!💓💓💓
As others have said, the Kinks are one of the great bands of all time. So much more you need to listen to. Vocalist and writer Ray Davies is a true rock poet, who could also knock 'em dead when he turned up the volume.
If you guys are ever in London, the South Bank near Waterloo is just a gorgeous place to walk along in the evening. A 'Waterloo Sunset' image search is rewarding too!
This song entered my brain at some point during my youth (1970s-80s) and stayed there. Could have been via my Mother's old record collection or on the radio. As I got older it continued to resurface in my memory and it has established itself as a top 10 song for me. So pleased you reacted to this ❤❤
Thanks for your reaction! Glad you enjoyed this classic. "So delicate," is a nice way of putting it. And sharing your own "waterloo sunsets," love it. By the way, if you walk across London's Waterloo Bridge at sunset on a Friday, from the station (as Terry and Julie do in the song), you'll be walking AGAINST the pedestrian traffic of commuters walking the other way to the station. So this is a song about a lonely guy watching a couple blissfully going against the tide of a crowd. Super. I did this once. Never realized until then.
The Kinks are possibly the most underrated band ever. They absolutely need to be mentioned in the same category as Beatles/Who/Stones.
Yes, so many great songs. Songs that can make you dance, laugh and think. A rare combination. Ray Davies is UK Bob Dylan IMO.
Without a doubt
Lyrically they (better say Ray) are far above the Stones en par with Dylan and Paul Simon - and their live acts at the beginning were pure punk! The Who at the beginning (after they changed from their Trad Jazz background into Mod) even tried to copy them because they were big fans.
Something Else was planned to be the first concept album with no pauses between the songs, one year before Pepper. But the producers thought it too risky and experimental...
Between this one and Lola (decades ahead of its time) yes agreed!
For me - if i had to choose it would be Kinks/Who/Beatles/Stones in that order...but thank god we don't have to choose..right :)
As a Londoner born and bred who, due to the circumstances of life, ended up moving far from home and who has lived a few thousand miles away for nearly 40 years now, on the few occasions I get back to London and see that beloved river, I completely relate to this song. I always feel safe and properly at home in London. A Waterloo sunset - or any sunset over the Thames - gives me a peaceful and contented feeling.
You should listen to Lola next.
I'm from Chicago, but I've lived somewhere else for the past 20yrs - but whenever I go back home, I feel the same way you do.
A Canadian here but will be staying a couple blocks from Waterloo Station in 3 days. Love London. Love the Kinks.
I visited London for my only time about 20 years ago. Waterloo station was def one of the places I wanted to see, and to look out at the river from there. Unfortunately, they were doing major construction in and around the station, so that was a bust. BUT - -next day we made our way up to Muswell Hill, saw some Kinks "landmarks", and had a really nice lunch.
They might have already done Lola? Not sure...
I’ve been going to London to stay with friends and relatives my entire life (I live in Connecticut) and this song is just so spot on. Despite the fact that the weather in England is usually rainy or overcast, there also can be some of the most magnificent sunsets you will ever see. There is a famous saying that holds true: “To tire of London is to tire of life”.
As a Brit from England. This is quintessentially English. Quintessentially London, actually. It’s a beautiful paean to English life, back in the 60s. The decade I was born in and have so many lovely childhood memories of.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written
One of the most beautiful pop songs ever written
Totally agree, Jo - and cuts to the core about loneliness. I'm Jo (Cunliffe) too BTW (from the UK) 🙂 It shows just versatile how the Kinks are. It's the first song I learned on the mandolin when I was still at the Status Quo stage (in search of the 5th chord)🤣(I love Status Quo BTW so that's in affection not criticism). There is a beautiful and simple guitar cover by DC Cardwell (dccardwell com) here (ua-cam.com/video/Qa9Xu938fD4/v-deo.html ) who is a wonderful person which is what I used to transcribe the mandolin chords (which is basically a violin with 4x doubled strings you pluck notes or strum. rather than play with a bow).
Ray Davies is the British rock poet laureate.. The Kinks have so many different sounds it's amazing.. Many more like this, But many more to rock your brains out too , one of the greatest bands in rock history, the brothers used to fight on stage (his brother Dave, lead guitarist) but they always got it right , this band was sort of the first anti- mainstream band, but definitely in a way to make you remember their songs.. Davies is a genius.. wonderful reaction..
"British rock poet laureate" is a perfect description of Ray Davies.
@@geoffpoole483 i thot the Low Budget album was amazing and it's relevant today
Guys, The Kinks had a career that spanned decades. If you want to check out one of their 80s tunes, listen to "Come Dancing". It's got a great dance-y vibe to it and it's one of my favorite 80s songs.
I absolutely love Come Dancing. Played it non-stop back in the day.
Yes!
"Come Dancing" is a great song. I believe Ray Davies wrote it concerning his older sister who loved to go dancing but who died you. I also like their "Don't Forget to Dance".
Died young
All the time the Jay says we gotta give the people what they want, I’m like YES, do THAT song off the same titled album
When you walk across Waterloo Bridge and look west from the bridge during a sunset, it is one of the most beautiful sights in London. I have lived in this part of London all my life and never get tired of it.
As someone who used to run Waterloo underground I can confirm the millions of peoiple swarming like flies lyric is accurate. Also, sunset from Waterloo Bridge is stunning
PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED BANDS OF ALL TIME .. AND FREAKIN BRILLIANT .. GO TO THIER SHOWS
I can't speak about worldwide, but the kinks aren't underrated here in the uk. They're one of the biggest/greatest bands this country has ever produced.
I actually wouldn't even say they're underrated worldwide. Maybe underappreciated, if anything.
Well the Beatles , Stones , and the Who were all obviously great. But I always included the Kinks with them as the Big 4 for the original British Invasion groups. I don't think they're underrated.
@@dimedraweriv258 I agree. Although I'd say top 5 if we're including the dave Clark 5.
I don't think they are underrated, but their inability to get US visas for most of the 60s limited their exposure here. When they came back in 1970 with Lola, most Americans were surprised.
Heck ya!
One of the most loved and iconoclastic English songs of all time. Incredibly moving.
The Kinks have so many great songs!
Classic tune. My husband and I saw numerous Kinks shows over the years and saw their very last proper concert in the USA in the summer of '95. They went out on a high note unlike many other groups who just became oldies acts. The Kinks were putting out new material until '93.
Such a deep song lyrically about loneliness.
He doesn't go out, gives names to the couple and imagines they get the same comfort from the sunset as he does.
Genius.
And, like himself, Terry and Julie "need no friends."
So clever!
It isn't really about loneliness. He was sick as a kid and was in St. Thomas' Hospital. The nurses would wheel him outside for fresh air and he would watch people. That is where the song came from.
@@colinwilliamgraham
Thanks for the info, much appreciated
@@colinwilliamgrahamexactly loneliness
The Kinks are such an important band. So many great songs. They broke ground both lyrically and musically.
Waterloo is an area of south London, and Waterloo Station is one of the biggest train stations with trains towards the south of England
One of the best songs ever written!
When everyone was literally screaming over the Beatles, I was pinning pictures on my bedroom walls of the Kinks. LOL This brought me way back!!! My favorite of theirs is You Really Got Me.
'Waterloo Sunset' is the most beautiful and evocative song ever written about my home town. Other notable songs about London are 'Baker Street' by Gerry Rafferty (featuring one of the most beautiful sax solos ever written), 'Streets of London' by Ralph McTell, and 'London Calling' by the Clash.
I don't think anyone other than Ray Davies could write such a beautiful song about just looking out his window. :)
About 7 years ago my husband and I saw Ray Davies in concert, it was amazing to hear him singing Kinks songs. I had a real hairs on the back of my neck standing up when he sang this, it was a beautiful moment.
The Kinks were simply one of the best bands ever. They make me nostalgic for things I never knew. This song and Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon are my favorites of their many wonderful songs.
One of my favorite Kinks songs. Love the lyrics and the melody just sticks with you.
The Kinks are my all-time favorite band! I’m so happy you liked this classic song. If you want another great song to listen to while you hang out on your porch or in your hammock, you must listen to Sunny Afternoon. Ray Davies wrote in so many different styles-a true songwriting genius.
Yes!
J/Amber, their "All Day And All Of The Night" is a fuzz guitar banger!!!
"Come Dancing" was another hit later in their career, that's softer like this one.
edit- lead guitarist Dave Davies had a hidden gem from his first solo album called "Imaginations Real"!
I remember playing that one on the radio.
Another great reaction, Jay and Amber. 'The Kinks' have a large catalogue of tracks to check out, things in this track to explain, Waterloo in London has a railway and underground station, Waterloo bridge overlooks the river Thames 'dirty old river' which looks lovely with light from the sunset shining off it, 'Terry and Julie' relates to Terrance Stamp and Julie Christie, two famous actors who at the time of this recording were dating.
Ah, you beat me to it.
I agree with previous comments--The Kinks are so underrated! They are incredible!
The Kinks are so diverse. I remember reading a comment a long time ago that said "The Kinks are the Beatles nobody's heard of." Or something like that
Singer songwriter Ray Davies and his brother on guitar produced a great catalogue of hits and he's still going today.
When I lived in London, this song was always in my head when crossing Waterloo Bridge 🙂
Greatest song ever. They are not doing anything unusual. They are just that good. Kinks are the greatest band ever.
For all you non Brits, Waterloo is an area of London over looking the River Thames, at the time mid 60's the couple mentioned in the lyrics Terry and Julie were thought to be actors couple Terence Stamp and Julie Christie but composer Ray Davies said it was just coincidence.
This has always been such a beautiful, comforting, melancholic song to turn to when you need it. It's timeless.
Lola
Sunny Afternoon
All Day And All of The Night
A Well Respected Man
Dedicated Follower Of Fashion
Such a great band out of England.So many fabulous hits from the 60's. Lots more to check out. This song is such a good vibe. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦 ❤️❤️
Maple syrup powers your SailGP team!
I got to see the Kinks in the mid 80s. And they were amazing!. I wasn’t turned onto them until the late 70s with the release of the live album… One for the road… And have been a huge fan of them ever since. I probably have collected all of their stuff over the years and love every note of every song of every album that they ever put out. Strangely enough, I find myself on a “low budget “ these days… So happy I got to collect their catalog when I wasn’t on a low budget. They’re one of the best bands ever in my estimation!
The kinks another powerhouse of British classic rock love the video 💪🏻❤️
I love The Kinks… some of my faves: Lola, Days, The Village Green Preservation Society, All Day and All of the Night… and Father Christmas…
Guys, Ray Davies is one of the greatest song writers ever. Please dive in to more Kinks
They’re my absolute favourite band. I read that Pete Townsend places Ray at the very top of his list of bands he loves and respects. 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Came out in 1967 my fave song of theirs along with Come Dancing from 1983
"Waterloo Sunset" was a famous Victorian painting which captured the sun setting over Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames. The song is therefore a reference to a much less sublime late 20th century version of he scene as traffic and commuters scurry around the area in the evening.
I did not know that but I will be back from The London Suburbs that I moved to 39 years ago and go to Waterloo Station tomorrow as I miss the beating heart of Inner. Central London every day though I am only 1/2 mile from a London Postal Code.
The Kinks are brilliant. They did their own thing.
The Kinks are one of my top 5 favorite bands/musicians of all time.
One of my fav songs! I even proposed to my wife on Waterloo Bridge (London), unfortunately there was no sunset that evening. Nothing encapsulates London’s swinging 60s quite like this song.
Keep up the great content guys!
I grew up in the 60s, and it was wall to wall GREAT music, and this was my favourite. I could listen to it over and over. Thanks for doing this masterpiece of the great Ray Davies. Another great song from them was Autumn Almanac. Terry and Julie were the actors Terence Stamp and Julie Christie, a star couple. Check out their film Far From The Madding Crowd.
Love the Kinks, SUNNY AFTERNOON IS my favourite 💖💫💖
The Kinks were one of the first bands to record a rock opera, Arthur, and what an incredible record. You have to experience Lola, their most famous song. Other suggestions: Victoria, 20th Century Man, Australia, Come Dancing, I can go on and on... Great reaction y'all!
And Death of a Clown
I have to agree with your recommendations.
I love Lola, but I'm not sure if it's more famous than You Really Got Me. Recently, I was wondering if Lola was the kind of song that would get cancelled these days...
They also created the first concept album with The Village Green Preservation Society
Can't argue with any of those suggestions. Cheers!
The Kinks are incredible, so, so many amazing songs, but somehow they miss out on the recognition. They also wrote one of the Great early Rock songs ever... "All Day, and All of the Night".
Ray said in an interview not long ago that because he was a "character actor" singing songs about characters and vocally getting involved in stories and making statements rather than signing a song, he was viewed as being on a different level to more popular bands with their catchy riffs and choruses.
Hi Amber and Jay. Just wanted to tell you that I look forward to all your reactions, especially your movie reactions.
Your 3 children are adorable and so well mannered. If all American families could be like your adorable family, it would be such a blessing.
Truth!
Ray Davies really delved into English life. I have a recommendation: the Kinks put out a late Sixties masterpiece written by Ray called "The Village Green Preservation Society." Alot of hilarious songs Ray wrote about childhood -- in fact, your kids might like some of these songs! "Phenomenal Cat" is a very sweet lullaby fantasy. Ray Davies is just a wonderful song writer.
This is a terrific reaction, and you very much captured the spirit of what the music is trying to say. Some context for you might flesh it out: Waterloo Station is one of the largest, busiest, most crammed subway/train stations in London. (Perhaps "the" largest?) Think Grand Central Station or Port Authority Bus Station in New York City, especially at prime rush hour. Listen again and a few of the lyrics will suggest that very setting - essentially the rat race where everyone is racing to get somewhere. But the singer's saying, "pause for a second, won't you? Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers." The singer is at peace, looking at the beauty of the world around him, and he wants you to see it too. "Waterloo sunset's fine," indeed!
I'm used to harder music from the Kinks, but this was a fine example of Classic Rock.
The slow flow is so right , Waterloo Bridge is over the river Thames in London which runs east west , so the sun sets along the river each night , Ray Davies was a consummate song writer .
Time for some expert pedantry. Waterloo Bridge crosses the Thames right in the middle of a bend where it transitions from North-South to East-West.
@@scottsoloway you need to get out more
The Kinks are an epic band....too many great songs to name. As others have stated criminally underrated. I'm not like everybody else, This time tomorrow, Victoria, Two Sisters, Sunny Afternoon just to name a few Look forward to your reactions every day. Keep up the good work!
The Kinks are such an underrated band. They had so many hits, but the key is understanding how innovative their music is. Kind of a Who meets Pink Floyd.
Yes! As mentioned below, “Come Dancing “ is a cool Kinks song. Great story and solid song!
The British Invasion was a cultural phenomenon of the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom and other aspects of British culture became popular in the United States and significant to the rising "counterculture" on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Pop and rock groups such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Zombies, the Kinks, Small Faces, the Dave Clark Five, Herman's Hermits, the Hollies, the Animals, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Searchers, the Yardbirds, the Who, and Them, as well as solo singers like Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, and Donovan, were at the forefront of the "invasion".
One of the best bands ever & my 1st concert was The Kinks in 1984 at The Philadelphia Spectrum (RIP). What a great band & you found a rabbit hole with these guys!
I saw them twice at the spectrum back in the late 70's. I grew up listening to Zepplin, Clapton, The who etc, but the Kinks ranked up there as great shows.
oooooh man..... possibly my fave Kinks tune!!!! such a beautiful song!!!!!!
The Kinks are such an amazing band. They even had a big resurgence in the early 80's. That's when I saw them, twice. Ray Davies sings almost all their songs, but a great one by them is sung by his brother Dave Davies. It's called Living on a Thin Line. They used it in an episode of The Sopranos.
This band have so many great songs to listen to. "All Day And All Of The Night" "Lola" "Tired Of Waiting"
Lazy Sunday Afternoon is NOT The Kinks. It's The Small Faces
@@kengreen3575 Yep you're right. My bad. I do this a lot. 😊 I must start checking things before I post.
This is a gem of a song. It’s from the period when British bands had heard the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” and become obsessed with making their own vocal harmony masterpieces. Glad you got to enjoying it.
Thank-you Brian Wilson!
An unsubstantiated statement. Just like Jimmy Page playing lead guitar on You Really Got Me. Debunked over and over but still floating around. Listen to the Kinks Sunny Afternoon which was recorded before Pet Sounds was released. Please don't give Brian Wilson credit for Ray Davies' brilliant work great as he may have been.
@@drg3712 Thank you Ray Davies and thank you Dave Davies for your brilliant guitar work.
@@sjames1955 I’ve never heard
that Jimmy Page one…. Fair point though… let’s agree Davies and Wilson are both Awesome : )
@@sjames1955 8’m
The kinks (Dave Davies) also invented the ‘riff’,,,,,”All day and All of the Night”. It was the first riff based song ever released and they had their name etched in the halls of fame and changed music from then on. Dave Davies also wanted more distortion to his guitar sound so he cut radial lies into his speaker cones to give that distortion sound. Ray Davies (The Muswell Hillbilly) was a song genius and penned so many great songs - all with wonderful poetic lyrics. Check out their back catalogue.
Love love love it. A true modern classic
JUST GREAT the kinks have a huge set of songs that made the top of the charts
You guys are so cool. You have 60s music souls. You’re like two hippies out of time. Peace and love.
Along with The Hollies, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, The Kinks were one of the longest surviving groups to come out of the British Invasion era. Their output of Albums and hit records is quite impressive. I could sit here all-day making recommendations but here are a few; (British Invasion era) "Stop Sobbing Now", "Sunny Afternoon", "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of The Night", "Tired of Waiting for You", "Till the End of The Day". (1970's and beyond); "Lola", "Ape Man", "Celluloid Heros", "Where Have All the Good Times Gone", "Father Christmas", "A Rock and Roll Fantasy", "Come Dancing", oh so many more.
A few more for you, "Dedicated follower of fashion", "Autumn Almanac", "Dead End Street","Plastic Man", it just goes on.
Their Waterloo sunset is Waterloo Station down by the River Thames in London. Terry and Julie cross Waterloo Bridge to South London where they feel safe and sound. Such a London song
Hey, you two, thanks for playing the Kinks! They have so many great songs in their repertoire - I'd love to get your reaction to any of these: "Well Respected Man," "Sunny Afternoon," "Come Dancing," or to my very favorite "Celluloid Heroes." But here's a Kinks song especially for you: "Oklahoma USA" from their Muswell Hillbillies LP. Check it out, my friends.
Celluloid Heroes! Been so long since I heard that song. That and "Low Budget" are my favorite Kinks songs.
Celluloid Heroes is one of my favorites to sing at karaoke.
Love Oklahoma USA!
@@scottromer8584 "Low Budget" - great song. Thanks for the reminder, Scott!
Agree with Celluloid Heroes. I also like "(Wish I Could Fly) Superman." The line "I wanna fly but I can't even swim" makes me laugh.
One of my all-time favorite bands with soooo many hits. Thanks for this.
I'm reading so many comparisons to the Beatles, so here's mine. As a young boy, I was truly excited (and changed) by the Beatles back in 1964-1965, as so many in my generation were, but over time the Kinks and the Who came to mean so much more to me. I saw them each about 20 times and I've always said that the Who were my favorite live band but the Kinks were my favorite band on record, thanks to songs like this and so many other Ray (and Dave) Davies compositions: poignant, funny, intelligent, wistful, deep and melodic, with lovely harmony and excellent musicianship. It's a pleasure to see you enjoying them.
One of my favorites by the Kinks is "Tired of Waiting for You"...
🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Dave Clark Five, and the Kinks. The top four British Invasion bands. What a beautiful song.
Nah I'd replace Dave Clark with the Who as the 4 biggest invasion bands.
@@dimedraweriv258 The Who were great! I got to see them live twice. But I consider them in more of the second wave of British groups.
Christmas is coming up. I highly recommend "Father Christmas" by The Kinks this Christmas season. both a funny, serious and poignant song all at the same time. You will see what I mean if you pck it. P.S. Saw them live during their "Come Dancing" tour. They were awesome. They are also a band with two sibling. Ray and Dave Davies. Other songs for any season - Lola, Celluloid Heroes, (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman, Come Dancing, etc. They have decades of songs, both softer like this and harder rocking ones.
+
My favourite 60s song. One of the most beautiful melodies ever written.
The Kinks! F-ing brilliant, ethereal, rocking, kick ass Band! Brothers Ray and Dave Davies. The British invasion produced the greatest music of all time. Set the tone for the evolution of Rock n Roll and all music to this day. Of course you've covered Lola and Apeman. If you haven't you will love those songs. The kinks are great poets. They create a place and take you there. Musically amazing. You hear them and know.
Most underated British band ever.
English band..............
Waterloo is one of my favourite places on earth. It is in the heart of London and borders the river. I lived in that area and spent many great times there. This song is beautiful.
IO moved from The Elephant 39 years ago, just 12 miles to the Kent Border, and love my safe area but miss that vibe every day and will be back to Waterloo tomorrow
The Elephant and Castle is TOTALLY unrecognizable with endless expensive blocks and some million pound flats😀
@@Isleofskye My sister used to work at Alexander Fleming House in the 1960's and 1970's. It was The Ministry of Health. It was at Elephant and Castle. Now it is luxury apartments.
@@TranquiloTrev Yes,I remember Alexander Fleming House. I went out with a Girl called Penny Cillian who lived there...
Waterloo is a big train station in London, in case you were wondering.
Ray and Dave Davies were known for their volatile relationship but the creative chemistry it sparked helped put Ray's great songwriting over the top and Dave's riffs were always perfect for the songs.
One of my all time favourites. Spent my 20s walking over the footbridge that runs alongside Waterloo Bridge.
A night out on the town, then back on the train.
Pure imagery of the night.
I love The Kinks so much. The story behind this song is that Ray Davies got very sick when he was a young man (early teens) and spent a long time in the hospital recovering. His room had a balcony and every evening he would sit out on the balcony watching the sunset on Waterloo.
Every time I go to London, I HAVE to go to Waterloo Bridge at sunset and listen to this. The two go hand in hand.
In 2010 Ray Davies stated the song was originally entitled "Liverpool Sunset". In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, he explained: "Liverpool is my favourite city, and the song was originally called 'Liverpool Sunset'. I was inspired by Merseybeat. I'd fallen in love with Liverpool by that point. On every tour, that was the best reception. We played The Cavern, all those old places, and I couldn't get enough of it. I had a load of mates in bands up there, and that sound - not the Beatles but Merseybeat - that was unbelievable. It used to inspire me every time. So I wrote 'Liverpool Sunset'. Later it got changed to 'Waterloo Sunset', but there's still that play on words with Waterloo. London was home, I'd grown up there, but I like to think I could be an adopted Scouser. My heart is definitely there
Ray Davies, one of the greatest songwriters of all time
I lived in Waterloo for 4 years. Our apartment looked over the Thames and Waterloo Station. I have travelled thousands of times through there even though we live further out now in a bigger place. This song is about living in the inner city of a massive city like London. You cannot appreciate this song properly until you've made your home somewhere like London. I don't think Americans outside New York or big East Coast cities can ever get it. It's cold and empty but you find an anchor like a river, a hill or a monument. It's shitty but you learn to love it and you can never return to small town life.
The Kinks are awesome! "I'm not like everybody else" is a fav of mine, but they've got plenty.
One of my all time favorite bands . Saw them in concert a few times . They have so many songs they just re released a fifty year anniversary album , their career spans decades probably have over thirty albums . So many songs , celluloid heroes comes to mind as does shangri La , the hard way or sunny afternoon , or Acute Schizophrenia paranoia blues , OMG I could name 30 songs or so , have fun
Oh I love the Kinks and the Yardbirds for that matter.
Wow, haven't heard this one in a long time. A really long time. One of my favorite Kinks song has to be Celluloid Heroes. And Lola of course, who doesn't smile when they hear Lola (the One For the Road version is pretty great).
Waterloo sunset is my favourite song of all time. As a South Londoner born and bred now retired and living on the other side of the world in Bangkok, Thailand the song is so very poignant and on occasions brings me to tears. Reminds me of simpler times growing up in London in the sixties. On the other hand I do see plenty of amazing sunsets from our balcony on the 29th floor of our condo! 😃
Perfect Pop! The Kinks are one of the most covered bands. This song has been covered by Bowie, Gabriel, Def Leppard, Cathy Dennis, etc. Other artists who have covered the Kinks run the gamut from Van Halen to the Scorpions, from Cher to the Pretenders, from Sia to Lucius, from Elvis Costello to Green Day.
This song is about London. Waterloo station is one of the main rail terminus stops there, right on the river Thames.
A story of loneliness, just seeing life outside his window, but not living life. His denial of fear is a way of trying to excuss the whole thing. He watches others meet and , he even knows when they meet but he doesn't meet anyone.
Despite the lyricism of the song, I always imagined a Waterloo sunset wouldn't be the best. Your explanation makes a lot of sense.
The Kinks have a sound of their own, lots of great material to here and has already been suggested in other comments. Great music 😎🍺
Nice reaction, thank you for highlighting this song. Wonderful poetry set to music perfectly evokes the place and mood. One of my all-time favorite songs and bands. For some reason this song always brings a tear to my eye. Hope you will react to some more of the Kinks. Sunny Afternoon, A Well Respected Man, so many great songs! Love the interplay between you two!💓💓💓
As others have said, the Kinks are one of the great bands of all time. So much more you need to listen to. Vocalist and writer Ray Davies is a true rock poet, who could also knock 'em dead when he turned up the volume.
If you guys are ever in London, the South Bank near Waterloo is just a gorgeous place to walk along in the evening. A 'Waterloo Sunset' image search is rewarding too!
This song entered my brain at some point during my youth (1970s-80s) and stayed there. Could have been via my Mother's old record collection or on the radio. As I got older it continued to resurface in my memory and it has established itself as a top 10 song for me. So pleased you reacted to this ❤❤
Thanks for your reaction! Glad you enjoyed this classic. "So delicate," is a nice way of putting it. And sharing your own "waterloo sunsets," love it. By the way, if you walk across London's Waterloo Bridge at sunset on a Friday, from the station (as Terry and Julie do in the song), you'll be walking AGAINST the pedestrian traffic of commuters walking the other way to the station. So this is a song about a lonely guy watching a couple blissfully going against the tide of a crowd. Super. I did this once. Never realized until then.
Another Kinks gem is “Victoria.” A total rocker.