Sunny Afternoon (The Kinks)

7 JULY 1966


The Kinks’ single ‘Sunny Afternoon’ reached #1 in the UK charts and stayed there for two weeks. It peaked at #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

This song continued in the 'music hall' style of its predecessor 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion', and much like the Beatles' 'Taxman' had themes of griping about paying high tax rates. This was Ray Davies in character as a fading son of old money referring to his own 'drunkenness and cruelty'.

'Sunny Afternoon' was the last of their three UK #1 hits, but the Kinks had plenty more classic songs to come yet.

Album. Face to Face
Released: 3 June 1966 (UK), July 1966 (US)
Highest chart position: #1 (UK), #14 (US)
Recorded: 13 May 1966; Pye Studios (No.2), London
Length: 3:36
Label: Pye 7N 17125 (UK); Reprise 0497 (US)
Writer: Ray Davies
Producer: Shel Talmy

Sunny Afternoon (The Kinks)

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