Kings of Leon album changes with the times

By John O'Riordan
Collegian Editor
April 25, 2007

Typically, if you’ve heard any album by Kings of Leon, you pretty much know what you’re getting. The rock quartet from Tennessee have mastered the Indie/Southern rock genre and when you put on one of their tracks, you almost always wind up bouncing around and having yourself a grand old time. Upon purchasing their latest work, Because of the Times, I naturally expected a similar situation. In their third effort, Kings of Leon have pitched us a curve ball.

Make no mistake, Because of the Times is a very good album. It is, however, very different from what you would expect from a typical Kings of Leon release. The record’s first track, “Knocked Up,” is a masterpiece. Though it clocks in at 7:10, I would gladly have listened for another 10. It sounds like a mix of typical Kings of Leon blended with Bruce Springsteen and The White Stripes. It is without a doubt the best song on the album. The following three tracks, “Charmer,” “On Call” and “McFearless” are all nearly as fantastic.

“Black Thumbnail” sounds like a testosterone powered bar anthem, and “My Party” is a percussion-driven track which is very different from anything I’ve ever heard.

There are some snags, however. “True Love Way” represents what I think is their attempt at a ballad, but it sounds more like a half-hearted slow rocker. Definitely not their best work. “Ragoo” starts off with an endearing lead guitar line, however, as soon as the rhythm guitar comes in, the song sounds like a bad No Doubt song from Tragic Kingdom. The two tracks represent probably the worst songs on the album, which is a positive sign, because they aren’t terrible, just not the quality you’d expect from the Kings.

“Fans” is a softer, more meaningful ode to, well, their fans. It’s cute and charming, but nothing special. The album really picks up steam again with the jaw dropping track “The Runner.” It’s the first track by the Kings where I actually hear pain in the voice of singer Caleb Followill. I’m not audacious enough to assume to know what he’s singing about, but man, you can really tell he feels it.

Continuing to stray away from their typical pounding guitar riffs, “Trunk” relies on softer sounds and great vocals to really capture your ears. Easily the most relaxing track on the album, “Trunk” is both beautiful and uplifting. The album is worth buying for this track alone.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Kings are back to their old selves with “Camaro.” Upbeat, fun guitar riffs accompany a harmless tale of driving down South in an American car, and the simplicity is deafening. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more fun song on the album, not to mention a cooler guitar solo.

The final track, entitled “Arizona,” starts with a somber drum beat and a slow, soothing guitar solo. Like most of the songs on the album, the song is driven more by its lyrics and melody rather than the volume of their instruments. An extremely appropriate closer for the album, it represents everything that Because of the Time is about. A fantastic slow rocker with powerful lyrics, entrancing instruments and an overall song that leaves you yearning for more.

In a music world where good bands are afraid to take chances in fear of losing their edge, Because of the Times is a breath of fresh air. It is a fabulous third effort by Kings of Leon that certainly displays their range as a musical group, and seemingly foreshadows their potential to be a fantastic group for years to come. For all of you good ol’ fashioned rock and roll fans, Because of the Times is a must-own.

oriordanj1@lasalle.edu