Arizona - There, I've said it. Buy the single, download it but don't buy the album - The rest is rubbish
So the Kings of Leon were faced with the prospect of the difficult third album, their first two were just brilliant. Youth and young manhood was fresh and sounded great anywhere, then Aha shake heartbreak came out around a year after the first album and was amazing seeing as the boys had to get it out this quickly. They look more time over this third album and almost 3 years after Aha shake heartbreak, Because of the times was released. It shows the band taking a new direction, there are still the catchy lyrics and music with the perfect blend of hard rock guitar, amazing bass lines and some great drumming. It shows the band using new effects and also writing quieter songs with more meaning than songs in the first two albums. I don't really have a favourite song from this album as I find it way to hard to choose. It's between Knocked Up, Charmer and Arizona. This is a must buy for anyone who is remotely into rock music, the album is so well rounded, so easy to listen to anywhere and it is just brilliant. Please buy it!Read full review
Kings of Leon have definatly changed since their earlier stuff. The tracks are more atmospheric (as has been said in a previous reveiw) and the bass has been upped for this album (you can feel it through every bone in your body). As a whole the album is great - there are several briliant songs, complimented by good and very listen-able 'lesser tracks'. 1.Knocked Up This song is 7minutes long - it's good (quiet but smooth drumming; great bass, and then it all gets louder, which is good but seems a bit smudgy) but after 5minutes of it, becomes slightly tiring 2. Charmer Much better - the screaming (very slight amount) rubbs off a more 'rock and roll' feel and the bass is excellent 3. On Call Good bass again; quite a smooth easy-going song 4. Mcfearless Good bass and guitar; more 'rythmic' singing - you can't help but move to it 5. Black Thumbnail Great strumming; well complimented by drums and bass - it again makes you move to the music, but it's another long song. Not as tiring, however - the chorus is pretty 'rocked-up' 6. My Party More strong bass and some great vocal work (assuming you like his voice) with the drums makes for a slick song with a nice breaking-up of style for the chorus 7. True Love Way A quieter song, less striking but still smooth listening 8. Ragoo Possibly the best track (either this or 9.). Some great lines and the singing lays down the slightly jaunty guitar, making yet another smooth ride. The chorus is a bit of a change of heart, but the kings manage to pull it off stylishly 9. Fans Amazing song - the singing is great with the way Caleb (singer) pinches the lines in a such a different but beautiful way (this may sound wierd but I'm running out of adjectives!). The drumming and guitar doesn't get too overpowering and the bass is subtle but still enforces the choruses very well. The song also nods at the english (because kings are more popular over here), which is a nice touch 10. The Runner Not a terrible song but probably the worst the album has to offer. The singing doesn't flow as well and the song seems spoilt (there's nothing wrong with the guitar, bass or drums) 11. Trunk A forgettable song but a very easy-going one - especially the nice chorus ("woooooo") 12. Camaro This song feels dragged out but is more of a jaunty, 'rocky' affair than the rest of the album. The singing feels more desperate and lacks the charm of the other tracks, bu there is some great guitar 13. Arizona A swaying-lighter song. Slower but brilliant. Overall, as I said, this is a great album and definatly worth your money and attention. It contains the lyrics which is always a plus for me (not for my friends and family though). I find it hard to classify the Kings of Leon. They are rock, but softer, possibly with a hint of Indie influence too.Read full review
The first two KoL albums were packed with catchy numbers that that were reminiscent of the 70's Southern rock sound of Lynryd Skynryd and America. although many of these tracks were compact and accessible, too many of the songs on these albums seemed to pass the listener by not possessing longevity. The new album on the other hand is consistent throughout and far tighter in terms of production values. It may take the more naive listeners a while to get into many of the songs, such as the slow-burning 'Ragoo' and 'Arizona', which turns out to be one of the greatest songs on the album after a few listens but given patience the album provides rewards. The album provides some sterling up-tempo songs reminiscent of 'Red Morning Light' and 'Molly's Chambers' in the form of the amazing 'Charmer' and 'Black Thumbnail' both of which are standout moments. Some fans may feel dissapointed with the loss of the more country and Western elements of the previous albums but the overall sound is still far more unique than anything else around at the moment. In its entirety this is an album that should be looked upon as one of the best albums of the decade in the future, it really is that good. My personal highlight is the three song conclusion of the album beginning with 'Trunk' then 'Camaro' (the best driving song in ages) ending with 'Arizona'.Read full review
After getting into Kings of Leon during the past 12 months and listening to their latest album only by the night I decided it was time to listen to some of their earlier stuff and become a real fan. Not just one that has jumped on the bandwagon since they became big. This is a terrific album and has spurred me one to get the ones previous. I ended up doing this with the Foo Fighters and now have most of their albums. I've got this music on my mobile now so I can listen to it whenever, wherever. Which is especially good when walking a baby and trying to get her to go to sleep. At least mummy can rock out at the same time. Definitely a must have CD. That's enough waffling on, I'll let you make up your own mind, but the lead singer is still hot!!!!
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in CDs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on CDs