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Waterloo Sunset
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| "Waterloo Sunset" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 West German picture sleeve | ||||
| Single by the Kinks | ||||
| from the album Something Else by the Kinks | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 5 May 1967 | |||
| Recorded | 3, 10 and 13 April 1967[1] | |||
| Studio | Pye, London[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:16 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter | Ray Davies | |||
| Producer | Ray Davies | |||
| The Kinks UK singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| The Kinks US singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio sample | ||||
"Waterloo Sunset" is a song by English rock band the Kinks. It was released as a single on 5 May 1967 and featured on the album Something Else by the Kinks in September that year. Written and produced by Kinks frontman Ray Davies, "Waterloo Sunset" is one of the band's best-known and most acclaimed songs, and was ranked number 14 on the 2021 edition of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. It was also their first single that was available in true stereo.
"Waterloo Sunset" reached number 2 on the British charts in mid-1967. It was a top 10 hit in Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe. While also released as a single in North America, it failed to chart there.
History
[edit]
Interviewed in May 1967, Ray Davies stated that he wrote "Waterloo Sunset" having had "the actual melody line in my head for two or three years".[5] He initially titled the song "Liverpool Sunset", but scrapped the Liverpool theme after the release of the Beatles' song "Penny Lane".[5][6][7][nb 1]
The lyrics describe a solitary narrator watching (or imagining) two lovers passing over a bridge, reflecting on the couple, the River Thames, and Waterloo station.[8][9] Speaking in 2010, Davies commented: "I didn't think to make it about Waterloo, initially, but I realised the place was so very significant in my life. I was in St Thomas' Hospital when I was really ill [when he had a tracheotomy aged 13] and the nurses would wheel me out on the balcony to look at the river. It was also about being taken down to the 1951 Festival of Britain. It's about the two characters – and the aspirations of my sisters' generation who grew up during the Second World War. It's about the world I wanted them to have. That, and then walking by the Thames with my first wife and all the dreams that we had."[10] The two lovers in the lyric are named as Terry and Julie.[11]
Interviewed in May 1967, Davies stated that "if you look at the song as a kind of film, I suppose Terry would be Terence Stamp and Julie would be Julie Christie", referring to the popular British film actors romantically linked at the time.[12][13][11] Latterly, Davies has refuted this connection; in 2008, he described the song as "a fantasy about my sister going off with her boyfriend to a new world", referring to Rosy Davies, who moved to Australia in 1964.[9][14]
The song was the first Kinks recording produced solely by Ray Davies, without longtime producer Shel Talmy; Talmy's contract with the band had expired in spring 1967.[15] Because of its complex arrangement, the sessions for "Waterloo Sunset" lasted ten hours.[16] Dave Davies later commented on the recording: "We spent a lot of time trying to get a different guitar sound, to get a more unique feel for the record. In the end we used a tape-delay echo, but it sounded new because nobody had done it since the 1950s. I remember Steve Marriott of the Small Faces came up and asked me how we'd got that sound. We were almost trendy for a while."[17]
"Act Nice and Gentle"
[edit]The B-side "Act Nice and Gentle" was exclusive to this single, and has been described as a plea for "some civility".[18] It has a "country-western influence" that foreshadowed the band's 1971 album Muswell Hillbillies. The song later appeared as a bonus track on the 1998 reissue of Something Else by the Kinks.[19]
Legacy and accolades
[edit]
In Britain, the song is commonly considered to be Davies' most famous work, and it has been "regarded by many as the apogee of the swinging sixties".[20] Highly esteemed for its musical and lyrical qualities, the song is commonly the subject of study in university arts courses.[20] Davies largely dismisses such praise and has even suggested that he would like to go back and alter some of the lyrics; most professionals, however, generally side with the observation of Ken Garner, a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, who said: "Davies, like all the best singer-songwriters, is intensely self-critical."[20]
Music journalist and critic Robert Christgau has called "Waterloo Sunset" "the most beautiful song in the English language".[21] AllMusic senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine concurred, citing it as "possibly the most beautiful song of the rock and roll era".[22] Pete Townshend of the Who has called it "divine" and "a masterpiece".[23] In 1972, Record World said that it "may be the best thing [the Kinks have] ever done".[24] In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at number 42 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time";[25] it was re-ranked at number 14 on the 2021 revision of the list.[26]
Ray Davies performed "Waterloo Sunset" at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.[27] A subsequent reissue of the Kinks' original single entered the UK charts at No. 47.[28]
Personnel
[edit]According to band researcher Doug Hinman:[29]
The Kinks
- Ray Davies – lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, piano
- Dave Davies – backing vocal, electric guitar
- Pete Quaife – backing vocal, bass guitar
- Mick Avory – drums
Additional musician
- Rasa Davies – backing vocal
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1967) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Go-Set)[30] | 4 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[31] | 4 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[32] | 10 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[33] | 6 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[34] | 8 |
| Denmark (Danmarks Radio)[35] | 5 |
| Germany (GfK)[36] | 7 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[37] | 3 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[38] | 1 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[39] | 1 |
| New Zealand (Listener)[40] | 7 |
| Norway (VG-lista)[41] | 7 |
| Rhodesia (Lyons Maid)[42] | 3 |
| Sweden (Kvällstoppen)[43] | 14 |
| Sweden (Tio i Topp)[44] | 4 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[45] | 2 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[46] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Cathy Dennis version
[edit]| "Waterloo Sunset" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Cathy Dennis | ||||
| from the album Am I the Kinda Girl? | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 1997 | |||
| Length | 3:41 | |||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Songwriter | Ray Davies | |||
| Producers |
| |||
| Cathy Dennis singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
British singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis recorded a version of the song that was released as the second single from her 1997 album, Am I the Kinda Girl?. Her version peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and number seven in Iceland. Both versions of the CD single feature a cover of another Kinks song: "Sunny Afternoon".
Critical reception
[edit]British magazine Music Week rated Dennis' version three out of five. The reviewer wrote, "The approval of Ray Davies — who appears in the video — will help the cause of this cover which captures the atmosphere and laziness of The Kinks' original. This could be the hit to kick off the album Am I The Kinda Girl?."[47] In a 1997 review, the magazine gave it two out of five, adding, "Ray Davies's song is given an unremarkable treatment by the former dance chanteuse, but television exposure should help this reach the Top 40."[48]
Music video
[edit]The accompanying music video for "Waterloo Sunset" consists of Dennis singing the song whilst travelling alone in a taxi driven by Ray Davies in a cameo role. The scenes visible outside the taxi windows vary between the London of the 1990s and footage of various locations as they were in the 1960s.
Track listings
[edit]- UK CD1[49]
- "Waterloo Sunset"
- "Consolation"
- "Sunny Afternoon"
- "I Just Love You"
- UK CD2[50]
- "Waterloo Sunset"
- "Consolation"
- "Sunny Afternoon"
- "West End Pad" (Alternative Supple 7-inch) – 3:41
- UK cassette single[51]
- "Waterloo Sunset"
- "Consolation"
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Other versions
[edit]The song has been recorded by many other artists, including the Jam,[57] Def Leppard,[58] Elliott Smith and David Bowie.[59]
Notes
[edit]- ^ In a 2010 interview with the Liverpool Echo, Davies elaborated: "Liverpool is my favourite city... ...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."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Hinman 2004, pp. 96, 98, 99.
- ^ Bennett 1997, p. 23; Harris 2003, p. 87.
- ^ Luhrssen & Larson 2017, p. 197.
- ^ Matijas-Mecca 2020, p. 104.
- ^ a b ""I should exploit Dave more..."" (PDF). The History of Rock: 1967. September 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
- ^ a b Jade Wright (13 May 2010). "Ray Davies: Waterloo Sunset was originally Liverpool Sunset". liverpoolecho.
- ^ "BBC - Radio 2 - Sold On Song - TOP 100 - Number 19 - Waterloo Sunset".
- ^ Maginnis, Tom. "Waterloo Sunset". Allmusic. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
- ^ a b Baltin, Steve (27 March 2008). "The Kinks' Ray Davies Serves Up Songs at the 'Working Man's Cafe'". Spinner. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2009.
- ^ "Ray Davies – How a lonely Londoner created one of the great Sixties". The Independent. 23 October 2011.
- ^ a b Jenkins, David (3 February 2008). "Julie Christie: Still Our Darling". The Sunday Telegraph. London. Retrieved 27 November 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Rogan, Johnny (1998). p. 18
- ^ "Variety biography of Julie Christie". Archived from the original on 22 April 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
- ^ "The Kinks: Well respected man". The Independent. London. 10 September 2004. Archived from the original on 22 April 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
- ^ Kitts, Thomas M. (2008). Ray Davies: Not Like Everybody Else. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781135867959. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
- ^ Kitts, Thomas (2007). pp. 86–87
- ^ Savage, Jon (1984). p. 87.
- ^ Hasted, Nick (1 October 2017). You Really Got Me: The Story of The Kinks. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-991-8.
- ^ Fleiner, Carey (1 March 2017). The Kinks: A Thoroughly English Phenomenon. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4422-3542-7.
- ^ a b c Laing, Allan (22 February 2001). "Waterloo sunset not so fine, says Davies". The Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
- ^ "Robert Christgau, Consumer Guide: The Kinks". Robertchristgau.com.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "To the Bone - The Kinks | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
- ^ The Kinks - UK Music Hall of Fame 2005 on YouTube
- ^ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. 20 May 1972. p. 10. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. 11 December 2003. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Waterloo Sunset ranked #14 on Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs List". Rolling Stone. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ Moreton, Cole (22 July 2016). "London 2012 Olympics: The perfect stage for Ray Davies's Waterloo Sunset". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
- ^ Mapes, Jillian (22 August 2012). "The Olympic Effect: The Kinks, John Lennon & More Re-enter UK Charts". Kluv.cbslocal.com/. KLUV. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
- ^ Hinman 2004, p. 99.
- ^ "Go-Set Australian charts - 26 July 1967". www.poparchives.com.au.
- ^ Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.
- ^ "The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset" (in French). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "danskehitlister.dk". 9 April 2016. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Waterloo Sunset". Irish Singles Chart.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – The Kinks" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
- ^ "The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "flavour of new zealand - search listener". Flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ "The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset". VG-lista.
- ^ Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: Singles Chart Book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
- ^ Hallberg, Eric (1993). Eric Hallberg presenterar Kvällstoppen i P 3: Sveriges radios topplista över veckans 20 mest sålda skivor 10. 7. 1962 - 19. 8. 1975. Drift Musik. ISBN 9163021404.
- ^ Hallberg, Eric; Henningsson, Ulf (1998). Eric Hallberg, Ulf Henningsson presenterar Tio i topp med de utslagna på försök: 1961 - 74. Premium Publishing. p. 205. ISBN 919727125X.
- ^ "Kinks Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "British single certifications – Kinks – Waterloo Sunset". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 5 October 1996. p. 12. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 1 February 1997. p. 27. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ Waterloo Sunset (UK CD1 liner notes). Polydor Records. 1997. 575 961 2.
- ^ Waterloo Sunset (UK CD2 liner notes). Polydor Records. 1997. 575 963-2.
- ^ Waterloo Sunset (UK cassette single sleeve liner notes). Polydor Records. 1997. 5759604.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 11. 15 March 1997. p. 13. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (27.3. '97 – 2.4. '97)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 26 March 1997. p. 28. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 1/3/1997 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 1/3/1997 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- ^ "Árslistinn 1997 – Íslenski Listinn – 100 Vinsælustu Lögin". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 2 January 1998. p. 25. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ "Waterloo Sunset by the Jam - Track Info | AllMusic". AllMusic.
- ^ "Waterloo Sunset". 15 October 2015.
- ^ "The 5 best covers of the Kinks' 'Waterloo Sunset' - Far Out Magazine". 5 May 2021.
Sources
[edit]- Bennett, Andy (December 1997). "'Village greens and terraced streets': Britpop and representations of 'Britishness'". YOUNG. 5 (4): 20–33. doi:10.1177/110330889700500402. ISSN 1103-3088. S2CID 142998506.
- Harris, John (2003). The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock. London: Fourth Estate. ISBN 0-00-713472-X – via Google Books.
- Hinman, Doug (2004). The Kinks: All Day and All of the Night: Day-by-Day Concerts, Recordings and Broadcasts, 1961–1996. San Francisco, California: Backbeat Books. ISBN 978-0-87930-765-3.
- Luhrssen, David; Larson, Michael, eds. (2017). "Kinks". Encyclopedia of Classic Rock. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. pp. 195–197. ISBN 978-1-4408-3514-8.
- Matijas-Mecca, Christian (2020). Listen to Psychedelic Rock! Exploring a Musical Genre. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-4408-6198-7 – via Google Books.
- Pegg, Nicholas (2016). The Complete David Bowie (Revised and Updated ed.). London: Titan Books. ISBN 978-1-78565-365-0.
Waterloo Sunset
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
"Waterloo Sunset" is a song by the English rock band the Kinks, written by frontman Ray Davies and released as a single on May 5, 1967.[1] It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and achieved top-ten placements across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, marking the band's first stereo single release.[1] Featuring impressionistic lyrics about a lonely observer watching lovers Terry and Julie meet at Waterloo Station at sunset, the track draws from Davies' personal experiences in London, including a childhood hospital stay at St Thomas' Hospital overlooking the Thames and memories of his sisters' lives.[2]
Originally conceived in a dream as "Liverpool Sunset," Davies changed the title after the Beatles' geographically specific "Penny Lane" was released earlier that year, shifting the focus to his hometown of London as a heartfelt ode to the city.[2][1] Recorded live in the studio on March 12, 1967, with a hypnotic bass line by Pete Quaife, rising vocal harmonies from Davies and brother Dave, and a distinctive guitar part using tape delay, the song exemplifies the Kinks' shift toward introspective, British Invasion-era psychedelia.[2]
Hailed as an enduring anthem of London, "Waterloo Sunset" has received widespread critical acclaim, ranking number 14 on Rolling Stone's 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and frequently cited as one of the finest British rock compositions.[3] Its legacy includes covers by artists like Cathy Dennis and David Bowie, as well as praise from contemporaries such as Jimi Hendrix, who said he loved the tune, underscoring its influence on songwriting and evocation of place in rock music.[2]
The B-sides included an original song co-written with Davies ("Consolation"), a cover of the Kinks' "Sunny Afternoon," and an alternate remix of Dennis's prior single "West End Pad."[42] No dedicated remixes of "Waterloo Sunset" were included on the commercial single, though promotional formats may have featured variations.[46]
Background and writing
Inspiration and development
Ray Davies drew significant inspiration for "Waterloo Sunset" from his childhood experiences in London, particularly his time spent at St Thomas' Hospital overlooking the Thames and Waterloo Station. As a child recovering from a serious illness, including a tracheotomy at age 13, Davies was often wheeled onto a terrace where he observed the bustling crowds at the station and the flowing river below, fostering a lifelong fascination with the area as a vantage point for people-watching.[2][4] These early memories shaped the song's observer perspective, with Davies later recalling how the scene evoked a sense of detachment and romance amid urban life.[5] The song evolved from an initial concept titled "Liverpool Sunset," conceived as a tribute to the Merseybeat scene and The Kinks' strong following in Liverpool, where the melody had lingered in Davies' mind for years. However, following The Beatles' release of "Penny Lane" in 1967, Davies revised it to focus on London, a setting he knew intimately, stating, "Write what you know."[6] This development occurred amid The Kinks' ongoing ban from U.S. touring, imposed in 1965 due to onstage brawling and other issues, which forced the band to remain in the UK and inspired Davies to explore English locales and themes more deeply during this period of creative introspection.[5] In early 1967, the song came to Davies in a dream, which he then finalized, incorporating the hospital views from his youth to enhance the narrative of quiet observation.[2] He has since described "Waterloo Sunset" as a quintessential "London anthem" in numerous interviews starting from the 1970s, emphasizing its enduring connection to the city's twilight vistas and personal resonance, with one critic even calling it "the most beautiful song in the English language."[2][6]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Waterloo Sunset" depict a solitary narrator gazing from his window at the everyday ritual of two lovers, Terry and Julie, meeting at Waterloo Station and crossing the bridge over the Thames River every Friday night.[6] This narrative structure evokes a sense of gentle romance, with the couple's journey symbolizing escape and connection in the bustling urban landscape. Often interpreted as a reference to actors Terence Stamp and Julie Christie from their 1967 film Far from the Madding Crowd, the names 'Terry' and 'Julie' emerged unexpectedly as Davies wrote the song. He later clarified that they were inspired by his sister Rene and her boyfriend, ordinary people who met at a station before her emigration to Australia, rather than celebrities, though the observer's perspective draws from his childhood hospital experiences.[4][6] At its emotional core, the song intertwines themes of romantic longing—captured in the lovers' safe passage "where they feel safe and sound"—with urban isolation, as the narrator remains an outsider to their world.[7] This detachment is underscored by lines like "But I am so lazy, don't want to wander / I stay at home at night," which convey quiet contentment in personal withdrawal amid the city's relentless flow.[6] The symbolism of the Thames sunset serves as a metaphor for enduring beauty and serenity persisting through the grit of London life, transforming a mundane vista into a personal paradise.[4] Davies employs poetic devices such as repetition in the chorus—"Terry meets Julie, Waterloo Station / Waterloo sunset's fine"—to create a hypnotic, mantra-like rhythm that mirrors the narrator's meditative voyeurism.[6] This observational stance highlights a subtle emotional distance, positioning the singer as a passive witness whose own fulfillment derives from the simple act of watching, rather than participating.[7]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The final recording sessions for "Waterloo Sunset" took place on April 3, 10, and 13, 1967, at Pye Studios No. 2 in London, following an initial version produced by Shel Talmy that was later re-recorded under Ray Davies' direction after Talmy's contract expired.[8] This came shortly after the completion of the band's album Face to Face in late 1966.[9] The sessions marked a period of intensive studio work for The Kinks, facilitated by their ongoing ban from performing in the United States since 1965, which eliminated touring obligations and allowed the band to concentrate on UK-based production without external pressures.[10] Ray Davies handled lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano during the sessions, contributing multi-instrumental elements to shape the track's intimate sound.[9] Key to the song's evocative atmosphere was the acoustic guitar, which provided a gentle rhythmic foundation.[9] Dave Davies added backing vocals to enhance the harmonic layers.[9] The production involved live tracking on four-track tape, with careful overdubs to build the arrangement's subtlety.[2] Post-recording, the sessions faced editing challenges, particularly in achieving the perfect fade-out; engineers spliced multiple tape takes to refine the gradual dissolution, ensuring the track's dreamy close aligned with Davies' vision.[9] This meticulous process underscored the band's growing emphasis on precision in the studio during this era.[9]Musical arrangement and personnel
"Waterloo Sunset" features the core lineup of The Kinks: Ray Davies on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and backing vocals; Dave Davies on lead guitar and backing vocals; Pete Quaife on bass guitar and backing vocals; and Mick Avory on drums.[11] Additional backing vocals were provided by Rasa Davies, Ray's wife at the time, creating layered harmonies particularly prominent in the chorus.[2] The song was produced by Ray Davies, with engineering by Alan Mackenzie at Pye Studios.[11] It employs a straightforward verse-chorus structure in E major, with a tempo of 108 BPM and a runtime of 3:14.[12][13] The arrangement highlights a distinctive descending bass line in the introduction, played by Quaife, which sets a contemplative mood, complemented by Dave Davies' electric guitar riff enhanced with tape delay.[2] The chorus builds with the cascading "ooh" harmonies, adding emotional depth without additional instrumentation beyond the band's setup.[2]Release
Single details and B-side
"Waterloo Sunset" was released as a single by Pye Records in the United Kingdom on 5 May 1967, with the catalog number 7N 17321.[14] The 7-inch vinyl featured a 4-prong knockout center and was produced by Shel Talmy.[14] Packaging included a standard picture sleeve, though specific artwork details vary by pressing.[15] The B-side, "Act Nice and Gentle," was written by Ray Davies and recorded during the same studio sessions as the band's album Something Else by the Kinks in early 1967.[16] The track exemplifies the Kinks' mid-1960s shift toward introspective, folk-tinged rock, with acoustic elements and a mellow arrangement.[17] In the United States, the single appeared on Reprise Records on 26 July 1967 under catalog number 0612, with "Two Sisters" as the B-side on commercial copies.[18] Promo versions were distributed to radio stations, often featuring white labels to highlight the tracks for airplay.[19] The single's promotion occurred amid the Kinks' rising domestic popularity in the UK, following the 1965 American Federation of Musicians ban that prevented U.S. touring until 1969.[1] Lacking a dedicated promotional film—unlike some earlier Kinks releases that faced BBC bans—the effort relied on radio broadcasts and live performances to build momentum.[9]Album inclusion
"Something Else by the Kinks", the band's fifth studio album, was released on 15 September 1967 by Pye Records in the United Kingdom, with "Waterloo Sunset" serving as the closing track on its original 12-song lineup.[20] The album's themes revolve around domesticity and everyday British life, capturing vignettes of suburban envy, family dynamics, and quiet introspection through Ray Davies' songwriting, culminating in the poignant isolation and solace depicted in "Waterloo Sunset" as a climactic finale.[3] In the United States, the album appeared on Reprise Records in January 1968, maintaining the same track order and content as the UK version despite the label switch.[21] The song's prior success as a single, released on 5 May 1967 and peaking at number two on the UK charts, influenced its prominent placement as the album's closer, effectively tagging it onto the sequence to capitalize on its popularity and provide an emotional apex.[22] Later reissues have preserved and expanded the album's legacy; the 1998 remaster by Sanctuary Records (initially under Castle Communications) included bonus tracks such as "Act Nice and Gentle", "Autumn Almanac", "Susannah's Still Alive", and "Wonderland", offering additional context from the era's sessions.[23]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Waterloo Sunset" was released as a single on 5 May 1967 and entered the UK Singles Chart on 17 May 1967 at No. 29.[24][25] The song climbed steadily, reaching its peak position of No. 2, which it held for two weeks in late May and early June 1967, prevented from the top spot by "Silence Is Golden" by the Tremeloes.[26] It spent a total of 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, including extended time in the top 10.[26] Internationally, the single performed strongly in Europe, topping the chart in the Netherlands, reaching No. 4 in Ireland, No. 2 in Australia, and No. 7 in New Zealand. In the United States, it achieved modest success, peaking at No. 62 on the Cash Box chart but failing to enter the Billboard Hot 100.[27][28][27][29][27] The song's UK performance marked a slight dip from the band's previous single "Sunny Afternoon," which had reached No. 1 in 1966. Later reissues and compilations, such as the 1997 edition of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, contributed to renewed interest.[30]| Country | Peak Position | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2 | 1967 | Official Charts Company |
| Ireland | 4 | 1967 | Irish Singles Chart reconstruction |
| Netherlands | 1 | 1967 | Dutch Top 40 |
| Australia (Go-Set) | 2 | 1967 | Go-Set |
| New Zealand | 7 | 1967 | Lever Hit Parade |
| United States (Cash Box) | 62 | 1967 | Cash Box |
Certifications and sales
"Waterloo Sunset" received a gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on September 17, 2021, for sales and streaming equivalent to 400,000 units in the UK.[31] Earlier, in 2004, it was awarded silver certification by the BPI for 200,000 units, reflecting ongoing commercial interest.[31] The single has been certified for 400,000 units in the UK by the BPI, including sales and streaming equivalents.[24] Despite The Kinks' four-year ban from U.S. touring (1965–1969), which hampered international promotion, the track achieved strong UK performance, peaking at number 2 on the Official Singles Chart.[9] In modern metrics, "Waterloo Sunset" has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify by 2023, reaching over 143 million by November 2025, underscoring its lasting digital appeal.[32] No RIAA certification exists for the original single, though the band's overall discography has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, with "Waterloo Sunset" standing out as a key enduring contributor.[30]Critical reception and legacy
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release on 5 May 1967, "Waterloo Sunset" received positive notices from the UK music press, which highlighted its lyrical depth and musical maturity. In New Musical Express, the single was described as "a real corker" and "an extremely good pop record," praising its "very catchy tune and an absorbing lyric" as well as Ray Davies's contributions as composer and producer for his "intelligent technical approach."[33] Similarly, Melody Maker commended the track as a "colourful Ray Davies composition with all the hooks and hallmarks of a hit," noting that the Kinks had "blossom[ed] again with that evergreen Kinks sound, noticeably matured, becoming more subtle and less aggressive" following a period of reflection.[34] The song's introspective style marked a shift from the satirical edge of earlier hits like "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," with reviewers emphasizing its evolution toward a more contemplative tone. By 20 May, NME reported it as a "chart-splintering success" infused with "sweet cynicism," underscoring Davies's inspiration from London landmarks and personal observation.[34] Public reception was enthusiastic, evidenced by strong initial sales that saw the single enter the UK Singles Chart at number 29 on 11 May 1967, rising rapidly to number 2. It garnered airplay on BBC programs, including a lip-synced performance on Top of the Pops on 17 May, contributing to its rapid ascent.[26] While some observers noted its melancholic quality as a departure amid the era's psychedelic trends, the predominant response celebrated its emotional resonance and poetic evocation of everyday London life.Long-term acclaim and cultural impact
"Waterloo Sunset" has garnered enduring critical praise, consistently ranking among the pinnacle achievements in rock music. In Rolling Stone magazine's 2021 edition of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, the track placed at number 14, lauded for its poignant depiction of urban isolation and connection in London. Similarly, in the magazine's 2004 list, it held the number 42 position, underscoring its timeless appeal.[35] The song's lasting impact is reflected in significant accolades for its writer, Ray Davies. Davies received a knighthood in 2017 from Prince Charles for services to music, with "Waterloo Sunset" frequently cited as a defining work in his catalog that captured the essence of British identity.[36] Its cultural resonance extends to prominent appearances in media and events, including a live performance by Davies at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, where it served as an anthem evoking the city's vibrant yet melancholic spirit. The track has influenced artists across generations; for instance, Blur frontman Damon Albarn has described it as the most perfect song imaginable, and the band joined Davies onstage for a rendition in 1995, highlighting its role in inspiring Britpop's nostalgic take on British life. David Bowie's 2003 cover, released as a bonus track during his Reality Tour, further illustrates its cross-generational draw and adaptability; in August 2025, Bowie's version was made available for streaming for the first time.[37][38] Scholars in British musicology have examined "Waterloo Sunset" for its exploration of urban themes, such as alienation and the romance of everyday cityscapes, in analyses from the 2010s.Cover versions
Cathy Dennis version
Cathy Dennis's cover of "Waterloo Sunset" was released as the second single from her third studio album, Am I the Kinda Girl?, on 17 February 1997 via Polydor Records in the UK.[39] The recording marked a stylistic shift for Dennis, moving away from the dance-pop of her earlier work toward a more organic Britpop sound characterized by guitar-driven elements and atmospheric production.[40] It was co-produced by Dennis and Mark Saunders, with a runtime of 3:41 for the album and single version.[41][42] The single entered the UK Singles Chart on 1 March 1997 and peaked at number 11, spending five weeks in the Top 100.[43] This made it Dennis's highest-charting release since 1991 and her final Top 20 hit in the UK.[44] Ray Davies, the song's writer, collaborated on the B-side and appeared in the music video, indicating his support for the cover. The accompanying music video depicts Dennis performing the song while riding in a taxi through London, driven by Ray Davies in a cameo role, incorporating imagery of the city's streets and the River Thames to evoke the original's themes.[45] It emphasizes a sense of urban solitude and movement, aligning with the track's introspective mood. The UK CD single was released as a limited-edition digipak and featured the following track listing:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Waterloo Sunset" | Ray Davies | Cathy Dennis, Mark Saunders | 3:41 |
| 2 | "Consolation" | Cathy Dennis, Ray Davies | Cathy Dennis, Guy Chambers | 4:08 |
| 3 | "Sunny Afternoon" | Ray Davies | — | 3:16 |
| 4 | "West End Pad (Alt Remix)" | Cathy Dennis, Mark Saunders | Cathy Dennis, Mark Saunders, Danton Supple (remix) | 3:41 |