Schoolboys in Disgrace
Schoolboys in Disgrace, also known as The Kinks Present Schoolboys in Disgrace, is a 1975 concept album by the Kinks. It was their fifteenth studio album and is seen by critics as the end of the band’s theatrical period, as well as their last release for RCA Records. The music draws on 1950s rock and roll and also includes hard rock, 1950s pop, doo-wop, and arena rock.
Recorded August 13 to October 2, 1975 at Konk Studios in London, it was produced by Ray Davies and released on November 17, 1975. The album runs 36 minutes and 26 seconds.
The front cover was drawn by London artist Colin “Mickey” Finn. It later appeared on NME’s list of the 50 worst covers of all time. The album’s story follows a naughty schoolboy who bullies others and is publicly disgraced by the Headmaster, shaping him into a bitter adult who believes authorities will always put him in his place. He grows up to become Mr. Flash, the villain from the Kinks’ earlier rock opera Preservation.
Two singles were released from the album: “I’m in Disgrace” (US, January 21, 1976) and “No More Looking Back” (UK, January 23, 1976). Critics have had mixed views. Robert Christgau called it “yet another original cast recording” and mocked the social critique in the title track. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic said it blends old-style rock with arena rock but is one of the band’s less satisfying albums. In 2015, Dave Davies spoke positively about the record, calling it a great album and reflecting on how time changes its reception. All tracks were written by Ray Davies.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 14:36 (CET).