Kings Of Leon
Biography
Initially embraced as "the Southern Strokes" for their resurrection and reinvention of Dixie-styled rock & roll, Kings of Leon steadily morphed themselves into an experimental rock outfit during the 2000s. The Tennessee-bred quartet debuted in 2003 with the Holy Roller Novocaine EP, whose blend of raw, unpolished boogie rock was further explored on their debut full-length, Youth & Young Manhood. Such revivalist music was matched by a similarly revivalist appearance -- including long hair, mustaches, and tight-fitting denim -- and Kings of Leon experienced immediate popularity in the U.K. (where they would later enjoy platinum album sales, despite an initially lukewarm reception at home). As the band explored different sonic textures with subsequent releases, most notably on 2007's Because of the Times and 2008's Only By the Night, those tenuous links to the Strokes were finally dissolved.
Comprised of three Followill brothers -- Caleb (guitar), Nathan (drums), and Jared (bass) -- as well as first cousin Matthew Followill (guitar), Kings of Leon formed in 2000. The Followill siblings had spent their youth traveling across America's heartland with their evangelist father, decamping at Pentecostal churches and tent revivals for several days at a time before moving onward. When their father resigned from the church and divorced his wife in 1997, the boys relocated to Nashville and embraced the rock music (not to mention the accompanying lifestyle) they'd previously been denied. Cousin Matthew was added to the lineup, and a Southern garage rock sound quickly emerged. RCA took note, signing the band in 2001 and facilitating a partnership with Nashville-based producer Angelo Petraglia, who furthered the band's rock & roll education and co-wrote the material for 2003's Holy Roller Novocaine EP.
Tours across North America and the U.K. coincided with the release of the band's full-length debut, Youth & Young Manhood, that same summer. Buoyed by the single "Molly's Chambers," the album saw moderate success in the U.K. However, it was their sophomore effort, 2004's Aha Shake Heartbreak, that made them European stars, with three songs cracking the U.K. singles charts. The album saw an American release in February 2005, and Kings of Leon toured the country alongside U2 before retreating to work on their third effort. The darker, more expansive Because of the Times followed in 2007. Featuring production from Ethan Johns (who had helmed the band's previous releases as well), the album proved to be the band's biggest release, debuting at number 25 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and topping the album charts in the U.K., Ireland, and New Zealand. Kings of Leon returned the following year with Only by the Night, another expansive album whose lead single, "Sex on Fire," gave the band its first number one single in the U.K. The album fared similarly well, topping the U.K. charts upon its release and debuting at number four in America. It eventually gained platinum status in eight countries, including America, and its success allowed the band to tour heavily throughout much of 2008 and 2009. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
Selected Discography

Only By The Night
2008

Because Of The Times
2007

Aha Shake Heartbreak
2005

Youth & Young Manhood
2003
Wow guys, chill. Ya I agree that radio killed some of KOL's songs but their stuff (in moderation) is AMAZING! Their sounds are unique on each album... although I do agree that their older stuff is way better. At least before they became overpopulari z e d .
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these guys are gifted. i mean "sex on fire" is lyrically one of the best songs i've heard in years.
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no no no no what bullshit.... . . . . . this band somehow popped up on my metal station f**k you kings of leon screw you for coming up after i ran out of skips
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Stop listening to the radio. The radio will kill every good band before they have a chance. Kings of Leon are a great band with lots of room for growth. I started listening to them when their first album hit and I won't stop now.
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Wow, how exceedingly average! And given their upbringing, will probably be doing GOP fundraisers in 10-15 years.
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Crazily overplayed. Radio killed this band for me. I appreciate a good Dixie rock revival, but their songs definitely do not survive being listened to over and over again. They become exceedingly annoying.
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Kings of Leon sucks...I want to rip my ears off when I hear them.
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I never really liked KoL much - the only song that got my attention was "On Call." I really can't believe all the attention they've gotten with Only by the Night... The vocals are really grating and unoriginal after the first couple listens. I swear if I hear "Use Somebody" or "Sex on Fire" one more time I'll kill someone. How dare Pandora think I like this crap band!! :-P
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DAY OLD DAY OLD DAY OLD, DAY OLD DAY OLD DAY OLD, DAY OLD DAY OLD DAY OLD, BILOOWHOOS.
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You guys are totally WRONG. KoL SUCK! And "very impressed with the vocals." What the heck are you talking about? He sounds worse than the Jo bros. And people say they sound like poop!
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only there early stuff is good, theyre total sell outs now, truly a shame
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Best band to come along in ages in the opinion of a guy who grew up with Beatles and Stones.
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Seen them more times than I care to admit. Check out my photos: http://www.f l i c k r . c o m / s e a r c h / ? q = l e o n & w = 1 4 4 0 5 2 6 5 % 4 0 N 0 0
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I just saw them on 10/2 at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Ooohhh had the best time KOL was the head liner that night. They were super fantasticly amazing!!!!
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Kyleleach is a douche for saying that!!!! no taste at all......... . . . .
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I went bowling with them in Seattle and they were really nice guys, not to mention, they TOTALLY rocked and know how to put on an amazing show! Nathan, you rock
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all haters of KOL need to shut the F>ck up! saw em friday nigh and they rocked in indy was a huge crowd . if u dont like them go shove a metal pole up ur @SS... seriosly... or i will... sereiosly!
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the beauty of the kings of leon is that each album has its own unique sound. I tried to pick a favorite but its to hard
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I agree w/ csewwelch4 that the old KOL sound is a little better, even though the new album was still good. What pisses me off is that they are becoming a radio/MTV band, and this is not good. I love the Kings of Leon and I hope they continue making amazing music for years to come. Also, "Vash," Weezer sucks compared to the Kings
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I prefer KOL's older sound to their newer sound. It was a bit more raw and unique. However, I still think their new stuff is pretty good too. They're a good band.
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Kings of Leon..ah kings of leon.
I love them so so so much! I can't wait to see you guys at ACL! |
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