Leaning even further toward a kind of post-punk meets prog rock aesthetic than on their first two albums, Nashville-based Kings of Leon have crafted a darker, less pop-oriented and somewhat cerebral affair with 2007's Because of the Times. In fact, if Alan Parsons lent the Allman Brothers his spaceship, Because of the Times would be the resulting space odyssey. While that leads to some intriguing moments, the general move away from strong, hooky choruses to a focus on expansive, intricate and percussive arrangements may challenge casual and even some longtime fans of the band's catchy, Southern garage rock twang. That said, cuts like the atmospheric and brooding lead-off track "Knocked Up" showcase lead-singer Caleb Followill's growing maturity as a singer and lyricist and bring to mind favorable comparisons to such artists as Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. Similarly, the moody single "On Call" as well as the roiling, dramatic "McFearless," while not immediately hummable, do sink into your memory revealing layers of melody and emotion on repeated listens. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
this album has some pretty innovative music on it! i dont get how they come go from something this good to only by the night...? only by the night was Ok, but baqd compared to Becaquse of the times..
Man, Kings and Modest Mouse seem to be breathing new life into indie>mainstream rock. I'm a 'old school' late 60's>70's rock-progressive-pyshedelic-classic rock fan most of the time but I can say I'm enjoying some of the newer bands! Cold War Kids aren't too bad either!
This album restored my faith in rock and roll. Every song is a tapestry of talent and poetry. Black Thumbnail has one of the greatest guitar solos,"Now guitar,go guitar!" And She's at my party has one of greatest bass riffs of all time and Arizona just evokes the atmosphere and sound of the place! Thanks Kings of Leon! Rolling Stone is right--you are America's hottest band!
People who complain about Kings of Leon maturing as a group don't see them for what they are, artists. The first two albums showed the roots of KOL. 70's southern rock.Southern rock is not rare ladies and gentleman. I'll be happy to give a list of bands who play Southern Rock. King's of Leon still maintains their southern roots while expanding and adapting their sound to convey what they're feeling. Not all songs can be happy songs you whistle all day.
I love the Kings!!! When i first heard of them, they really were not well known at all. I've seen them 3 times and met them once with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. I will be seeing them again - front row - in May 09!!! I LOVE YOU KINGS!!!
The thing about this album is that while i love it, there are a few songs i dont care for. But just two weeks ago I listened to My Third House again and something just CLICKED. This song keeps growing on me a whole year later.
I heard this album in it's entirety several months prior to it's scheduled release. By the time it was released, I was convinced that the Followill's had orchestrated a narration of my current status in life. Breathtaking and haunting, to say the least.