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Face to Face isn't quite a classic, but it is a big improvement upon The Kinks' previous albums all the same. This is where Ray Davies started to really prove himself as a writer to be reckoned with, handling more interesting subject matters and providing greater variety, with fresh new sounds. Face to Face is where he'd start to delve into the character studies he'd soon become famous for, such as on 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Rosy Won't You Please Come Home', which rank as some of my favourite songs by anyone. Unfortunately, few other songs on here come close to that level of quality, but the other songs are almost all still solid, though. The exceptions to the rule are 'You're Looking Fine' and 'I'll Remember', which are okay, but sound dated and are fairly forgettable, dragging the album's second side down a bit. His lyrics aren't always good on here, but they certainly paint better pictures in one's mind than most writers are capable of.

The musicianship is brilliant here, with ear catching basslines, impressive guitar work that always lends much to each song, the typically fantastic drumming, and some great vocal performances. The Kinks were a terrific band, from both a technical point of view, and from the point of view of having released simply amazing music in their time, and Face to Face proves both of these things. It's not the most innovative album of its time (it still sounds like a simple collection of songs, for one), nor is it the most remarkable by any stretch, but I'd still give it an easy recommendation.
-7.5/10