Youth & Young Manhood (2003):
The summer of 2003 saw the debut album from one of the most unassuming bands in Alternative Rock. Kings Of Leon, comprising of 3 brothers – Caleb, Jared and Nathan, and first cousin Matthew, burst onto the scene with one of the most focused debut releases in recent memory. From the intro of ‘Red Morning Light’ to the epic close of ‘Talihina Sky’, your attention never leaves the music. The album also gave us the classics ‘Molly’s Chambers’ and ‘California Waiting’, which to this day, are still staples of the band’s performances. A clear statement of who the band was and who they were planning to be, what came next shocked and awe’d…..
Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004):
Little over a year later, the band everyone was talking about were back, with an arguably superior album. Aha Shake Heartbreak saw the band truly hone in what made their first release so strong. Caleb Followill’s quirky vocals, and engaging narrative led this Garage-Rock masterpiece through it’s bluesy waters, offering us a fantastic union of tracks. There isn’t a song worth skipping on this album, which also makes it quite difficult to select a stand out track, but from the infectious guitar lead of ‘King Of The Rodeo’ to the reflective nature of ‘The Bucket’ to the absolute brawl that is ‘Four Kicks’, it is no surprise that this is still argued to be one of the best releases of the noughties.
Because of the Times (2007):
After the huge success of their first two records, the Nashville four piece knew that their next album needed to be something special. It needed to be unique, original, dark, sonically endearing and generally more challenging. Because Of The Times saw the group deliver on all of this, in spades. From the eerie opening that is ‘Knocked Up’, reaching over the seven minute mark, fans became aware that this was an entirely different beast altogether. Featuring some of the band’s best and most out there offerings to date, songs like ‘Charmer’ and ‘True Love Way’ engaged listeners in a way that previous KOL releases failed to. Simultaneously, the band managed to write some of their best Pop-Rock tunes to date with ‘On Call’ and ‘Fans’ becoming instant hits. Things were changing because of the times, indeed.
Only by the Night (2008):
The band’s tested formula had proved strong, and with legions of fans and countless festival appearances under their belt, the pressure was on once again for the group to deliver. This began the awkward response to Only By The Night. Lead single ‘Sex On Fire’ was everything fans were craving, a simple, instantly memorable Alt. rock tune with a soaring chorus. The full release saw the band decide to venture away from their Southern roots with a more ‘stadium rock’ orientated approach forming this stomper of an album. Complete with hits like ‘Use Somebody’ and ‘Notion’, it was evident that the Followill four were intent on reaching for the stars with this release. More underrated tunes like ‘I Want You’ and ‘Be Somebody’ still portrayed the group’s desire to move into more and more unique territory whilst constantly remaining the sincerity and Rock roots they had started with. Only By The Night is still to this day plagued by naysayers, and people who simply can’t accept a band shifting direction, but there is no denying that it turned them from the biggest Rock band in the world, to one of THE biggest bands on the planet!
Come Around Sundown (2010):
How does a band follow up one of the biggest Rock albums of the decade? How does a band still remain relevant after already treading into darker territory and experimenting with their tried and tested sound? They take a deep breath, put all their cards on the table, and combine everything that’s worked in the past, to create an incredibly underrated collection of songs. The gospel-esque nature of ‘Radioactive’ is a fresh approach to the band’s already well known Southern Rock sound while ‘Pyro’ is an incredibly reflective tale combining Caleb’s old school narrative, with a beautiful guitar riff and great backing vocals. Every aspect of Kings Of Leon seemed to all meet in the middle for what is essentially a melting pot of all the great ideas and approaches of this wonderful band.
Mechanical Bull is out now, and six albums in, the band aren’t showing any sign of slowing down any time soon…
By Zach Buggy
RELATED
KC spoke to brothers Caleb and Nathan Followill about the new album yesterday on The KC Show – listen back here
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