All it takes are the opening strains of Caleb Followill against the smoky riffs in Closer to know you're on to something cool. In their fourth album, Only_By_The_Night, Kings of Leon have blended a fresh mix of blues, rock, and pop. Steeped in simple rhythms and bluesy guitars, the album is heroin for the ears.
Sex on Fire, the first single, is slowly gaining recognition. It was the catalyst for the album purchase. Sexy cool, Caleb's vocals are part Bono, part Greg Allman. It's remarkable. Even better was that this song was only the beginning. The album didn't suck!! YEAH!!
Sex on Fire leads to a Revelry. A beautifully textured track that highlights Caleb's post-70s burnt voice. The kid is channeling Greg Allman. 17 follows up with a bluesy wail courtesy of cousin Matthew.
There's not a bad song on the album--the tracks are seamless. Harder rocking tracks are kept to the first half of the album, but Kings of Leon finish strong with Notion (my early favorite) and bass-heavy I Want You (favorite too) whose chorus just dares you to slow dance. The final number, Cold Desert is a riff heavy blues piece that aches.
Only_By_The_Night is easily one of my favorite albums from last year that continues a heavy rotation in and out of the car. It stands in stark contrast to U2's meager offering earlier this year. It pains me to say, but after hearing this, I can't help think... this is the album Bono could have made.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bonus Feature: CD
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3 comments:
I've had the CD since it first came out but never listened to it. I would only listen to Closer and Sex On Fire. But two weekends ago I finally gave the WHOLE CD a listen and it is amazing. Besides one or two songs, the CD rocks!
By the way, I finally saw and commented on the Bonus Killers CD.
"Sex on Fire, the first single, is slowly gaining recognition."
Seriously? This was a huge hit for Kings of Leon. The song was nominated for Best Rock Song, and won the award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Perhaps it's a Tennessee/Behind the Times kinda thing.
Thanks for the input! You should know by now the only thing close to indie radio in this town is WRVU--they don't even play KOL! The Buzz has just begun rotation of the song. So, yeah... in my neck of the woods...
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