Sleepwalker (The Kinks album)

Sleepwalker is the sixteenth studio album by the British rock band The Kinks, released in February 1977. It marked a conscious effort by the band to achieve greater commercial success in the United States, embracing a more arena rock-oriented sound while still retaining elements of their signature British songwriting.

The album was produced by Ray Davies, the band's principal songwriter and lead singer. Its title track, "Sleepwalker," became a moderate hit, showcasing the album's more polished and accessible style compared to some of their earlier, more experimental work.

Sleepwalker is considered a transitional album in The Kinks' discography, bridging their earlier, more theatrical and concept-driven work with their later, more straightforward rock sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The album features a mix of hard rock tracks and more melodic, introspective songs, exploring themes of urban life, alienation, and the struggles of everyday existence, characteristic of Ray Davies' lyrical style.

Following Sleepwalker's release, The Kinks embarked on a successful tour, further solidifying their presence in the American rock scene. The album is generally regarded as a critical and commercial success, helping to revive the band's career and establish them as a consistent force in the rock music landscape. Key tracks aside from the title track include "Juke Box Music," "Life on the Road," and "Full Moon."