KINGS OF LEON
Because Of The Times
Sony/BMG
In 2003, Kings Of Leon’s debut long-player hit the music scene like a slap in the face, after which they successfully avoided the sophomore album banana skin with an even stronger effort. So, upon discovering that the purveyors of songs that, to quote lead singer Caleb Followill, “punch you in the balls”, have decided to spread their creative wings and experiment a little, surely we can expect their third album to be their first disappointment. After all, who manages to follow an excellent debut with two steadily improving records? Well, quite simply, Kings Of Leon do, and Because Of The Times actually represents their strongest work to date.
This new offering also contains the Kings’ bravest material thus far, and the fact that they have taken a few chances in order to escape their pigeonhole is perfectly illustrated by their decision to open the album with Knocked Up, which clocks in at over seven minutes – more than two minutes longer than anything they have released before.
Further exemplifying the more eclectic nature of this album is the fact that the first single to be lifted from it, On Call, is also the first song to use vocal effects. Meanwhile, Black Thumbnail is possibly the closest thing they have ever produced to a straightforward arena rock song, and My Party is delicious fun, encompassing a catchy chorus, bold guitar riffs, cowbells and harmonising.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Because Of The Times is Caleb Followill’s vocal, which stretches way beyond the barely comprehensible, boozy Tennessee slur that we are so used to. Not only is he a pretty face, but the dear fellow can actually sing as well, and the stunning Ragoo and The Runner prove that his voice has genuine range and unusual beauty to it.
While they could probably have forged a decent enough career continuing to put out punchy, two-minute garage tunes, it’s refreshing that Kings Of Leon are keen to evolve and push themselves creatively. If they continue to craft albums of the quality of Because of The Times, then all we can do is hope that their desire to grow doesn’t abate anytime soon. Long live the Kings.
To read my exclusive interview with Caleb, click here: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=12792787&blogID=243757164&MyToken=f4514f2c-2fe4-4b06-8e46-0a9285348968
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