"Pressure" is the third track and third British single from

the Kinks The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. The band emerged during the height of British rhythm ...

' 1979 album, ''

Low Budget A low-budget film or low-budget movie is a motion picture shot with little to no funding from a major film studio or private investor. Many independent films are made on low budgets, but films made on the mainstream circuit with inexperienced or ...

''. It was written by

Ray Davies Sir Raymond Douglas Davies ( ; born 21 June 1944) is an English musician. He was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter for the rock band the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother Dave on lead guitar and backing voca ...

Lyrics and music

In "Pressure", the singer has "got pressure" that is "really contagious." He goes on to say that "you can pick it up anywhere and it can be quite dangerous" and that "you can spread it mouth to mouth" and you "can even get it when you're alone." The singer complains that he gets pressure "driving in ismotor car," "when

e's is a Japanese shōnen manga series written and drawn by Satoru Yuiga. It was originally serialized in ''Monthly GFantasy'' from 1997 through 2005, and later published in 16 ''tankōbon'' volumes by Square Enix from March 18, 2003 to Februa ...

drinking in a bar," when he's "riding on the subway," and that he gets "it regular every day." However, the singer can forget the pressure whenever he is close to his lover.

Release and reception

"Pressure", as well as appearing on ''

'', was released as a single in Britain and France in late 1979. Backed with "National Health" (but with "

A Gallon of Gas "A Gallon of Gas" is the ninth track from The Kinks' album, ''Low Budget.'' It was written by Ray Davies. Background "A Gallon of Gas", like many songs by The Kinks from this period, tells of economic problems of the time, in this case the gas ...

" in France), the single was the final one to be taken from ''Low Budget''. The single, however, failed to chart. One year later, "Pressure" was released on the live album '' One for the Road''; this version was recorded at Providence Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island, on 23 September 1979. ''

AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...

s Richard Gilliam said that "'Pressure' wants to be an anthem but never really develops any sort of compelling continuity. The song kicks off well with a brief rockabilly riff, but Ray Davies’ showy vocals seem to be more interested in conveying a sense of speed than in developing an interesting melody. Nonetheless, it’s a fun, fast, song, though it’s nothing a Kinks’ fan would be likely to list as one of their favorites. At just over two minutes in length, 'Pressure' has the good sense to get over with quickly before wearing out it’s [sic] welcome." David Fricke of ''

Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first kno ...

'' said that in "Pressure" Davies "acknowledges that his Everyman is beset by catastrophes not of his own making."

References

{{Authority control The Kinks songs Songs written by Ray Davies Song recordings produced by Ray Davies 1979 songs 1979 singles Arista Records singles