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KingsI want to hate this band. Actually, I want to hate any band with a song called “Sex On Fire.” I tried to dismiss Kings of Leon for their filthy lyrics, bodyguards (it’s true) and painted-on jeans, but beyond that, I really can’t muster any cynicism. I love the early-Stones confidence of “I Want You,” the catchy-as-hell melody of “Use Somebody” and the subtle mid-record slowdown. Caleb Followill’s echoey vocals during “Sex On Fire” make up for the unfortunate title, and his brother’s rough-to-ringing guitar moments on “17” make up for the unfortunate subject matter (a hot teenager). I’m not out to defend the band’s character or artistic integrity—I suspect they’re usually some combination of wasted, horny and arrogant; and the Kings clearly strive to be stars. But there’s a place in the world for arena rock (it’s called the arena), and you can’t blame the guys for deftly pulling off this formula. After all, there’s only one U2 (well, two if you count Coldplay), and somebody’s got to open for them.
—Kate Kiefer
Jokers
Maybe the world needs bands like Kings of Leon to pump out albums of ever-durable testosto-rock. They fill the void when people need to believe dudes with shaggy hair are on the case, “saving rock.” The fact that the Followill brothers are the sons of a Pentecostal preacher may lend a minute of authenticity to suck-ass lyrics like “You, your sex is on fire,” but that’ll only get you so far, and innocuous Don Henley tripe like “Notion” squanders any holy rollin’ cred the band might have scored. This is the Kings’ fourth album, where they supposedly expand their palette and mature (like puberty, right on schedule), but don’t be fooled by the occasional interesting arrangement—it’s also right on schedule for more hookless half-funk (“Manhattan”) and underwhelming lyrics about how it’s cold in the desert (“Cold Desert”). Here’s to hoping the odes to statutory rape (“17”) will cease right on time, too.
—Jesse Jarnow
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Why do all of the reviews of this album focus on the lyrics? Since when does Rock and Roll have to solve world hunger or help our minds become one with the universe? Lighten up. It's only Rock and Roll. This formula seemed to work out OK for AC/DC.
I think we are forgetting the fact that as a band matures, their lyrics "suffer" as their sound improves. This album seems to fit this theory. As we know, bands have a lifetime to write for their first two, possibly three albums, as they are constantly writing in order to simply "make it". This album feels like a fourth album and there is nothing wrong with that. Still a great album of this year.
Also, why choose this album for the dischord part? I would have loved to see the actual rating.
And get over "17", Mylie Cyrus isn't that hot...
I have to agree with the two post above me. I'm sorry but Rock has gotten far to serious lately. Moreso,the way it's viewed by the public and (especially)media. It's meant to be an escape from your everyday hustle and bustle.It's artistic expression!Nothing more.And I'm really sick of reviewers holding their noses up and tearing albums apart.Let it be what it is,A "Kings of Leon" album.The level of maturity in the music is pretty hard to miss.Calebs' lyrics have gotten darker but with the same wide-eyed optimism at the end of the day(I happen to think they do just fine when accompanied by the music they're producing now).Just like every other album it's different than the last.But you already knew that right?And if it were the same as the last you would complain about that!This album is a clear example that the're finally really starting to evolve into the band that was screaming to get out the moment they picked their instruments up.It was clear that they were heading this way after "Because of the Times".This album is excellent!Not a single bad song.And it has some really,really good ones as well.Not even music is safe anymore from being over analyzed.Just shut up and enjoy.If you don't enjoy it then just shut up!Just as the first sentence states,"I want to hate this band.",but you just can't.There's far too much to love about them.Plus they're this good at their current age(early to late 20s)!The masterpiece is coming!You just wait a little longer(maybe even their next album).But then again America may never catch on(they haven't yet).
Both reviews at least have undertones of negativity. Don't claim to present duel opinions when they both cut the band down at their knees. No, they are not "saving rock n' roll," but they are giving it a boost of energy. Paste has continually disappointed me.