The Kinks established themselves as album artists on 'The Kink Kontroversy'. Ray Davies came into his own as a songwriter on this title, which bridges their raw, British Invasion-esque sound with more sophisticated lyrics and thoughtful craftsmanship. Full of powerful tracks like the hit "Till The End Of The Day" (using yet another "You Really Got Me"-type riff) and Dave Davies' abrasive, sung-out cover of "Milk Cow Blues," but tracks like the calypso pastiche "I'm On An Island," where Ray sings about isolation with a sad yet joyous bite, were much more indicative of their future direction. Other great songs from this underrated album include the uneasy nostalgia of "Where Have All the Good Times Gone?", the plaintive, almost fatalistic ballads "Ring The Bells" and "The World Keeps Going Round," and the Dave Davies-sung declaration of independence "I Am Free."
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