"Sleepwalker" is The Kinks' 16th studio album and the first to be released after their departure from RCA under a new contract with the Arista label. Recording for the album began during the long, hot summer of 1976 at the band's KONK studio in London. Released in February of the following year, the album marked a significant shift for the band, moving away from the theatrical and conceptual work that had characterized their output in the early 1970s. Sleepwalker signaled a return to a more conventional mainstream rock'n'roll sound with contemporary, polished production and a focus on accessible melodic rock. The new approach was well received and marked a commercial resurgence for the band, particularly in the US where the album reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart. Critics praised the straightforward rock sound and Ray Davies' characteristic songwriting, wit and observational style. The singles and key tracks "Sleepwalker", "Juke Box Music" and "Life on the Road" reflect and explore themes of escapism, identity, the music industry and life on tour. "Sleepwalker" has been remastered from all original ¼-inch tapes