Kinks – Best Classic Rock Artists A-Z

As the inventors of the power chord, the Kinks created a sonic template that has defined rock music since. If that were their only contribution, it would probably still be enough for them to represent the letter "K."

But it's the songwriting of Ray Davies that puts them at the top. From the hormonal early singles to the nostalgic concept albums to their late-70s commercial comeback, Davies has always sought to expand the boundaries of what a rock song can be about.

To Davies' dismay, the Kinks have always been pegged as the "quintessentially English" band, and we agree with him. The Kinks' appeal is universal.