Kings of Leon, 'Only by the Night'

Backstory: Although this Tennessee-bred Southern rock hybrid started out as straight-ahead revisionists, replete with tight jeans and mustaches, it quickly realized the limits of homage and set about evolving its sound. While early efforts like "Youth and Young Manhood" and "Aha Shake Heartbreak" evoked a collision between Skynyrd and the Strokes, subsequent releases like "Because of the Times" and this expansive rocker have changed Kings of Leon's game.
 
Why you should care: Kings of Leon is amassing the type of buzz a band with serious chops deserves, from appearances on Letterman and "Saturday Night Live" to plaudits from "Vanity Fair" and more. "Only by the Night" might be the release that takes Kings of Leon from one-note pretenders to perennial contenders.

Verdict: Bring the noise. Kings of Leon's fourth full-length is heavier and rougher than the quartet's previous work, which is a good thing. "Crawl" laments "a crucified U.S.A." with the help of anthemic riffage and smoking guitar solos, while the opener "Closer" boasts throbbing atmospherics that will have you clenching your fists. The single "Sex on Fire" is a step backward of sorts, a U2-Springsteen assault aimed right at rock radio. But by the time the balladry of the bleeding-heart finale "Cold Desert" hits, you'll be reaching for your lighter, or cell phone, or whatever the kids are holding aloft at concerts these days. 

X-Factor: The Kings are buzz-worthy at home, but they’ve already achieved superstar status overseas—especially in the U.K., where “Sex on Fire” recently knocked Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” off the top of the pop charts.

Add a comment