Kings of Leon - Only By The Night Album Review

Ok ok so it's been almost six months since this was released. I wrote the shortly after and am posting it here more as a preview and context to a live review I will post in about a weeks time.

My expectations for their show (having seen them twice previously after the release of their two previous albums) are for a very lively sing-a-long show, flawlessly reproducing a wide range of songs spread over all releases and minimal 'reaching out' to the crowd from the band. It will be very interesting to see how they translate to a bigger arena setting, how the new songs stand up live and the crowd reaction now they are the band of the moment.

But anyway my review:

You know them, you love them and the Followill Southern Family Band are back again.

Lets be honest: Only By The Night will no doubt be the most successful KOL album to date, the single Sex on Fire (#1 UK, #1 AUS) has already assured that as one of their most catchy, radio friendly tracks. But does it pander solely to the mainstream or have they built further on their previous work?

The album begins with the haunting blips and bleeps of Closer, it is a very strong opener with the apocalypse having never sounded so good. Next up it’s all fuzz with the snappy Crawl, followed by the hit which has launched them into mainstream super stardom. It’s hard to understate just how good Sex on Fire really is, it’s got all the Kings’ classics – fast paced with a booming chorus with driving bass and drums.

Then it’s the highlight, Use Somebody, a ballad in the vain of Milk from Aha Shake Heartbreak which builds to an explosive chorus of whoahs destined to become a crowd sing along favorite. After Manhattan where the weaving groove of guitar and bass is exceptional, the KOL have yet again written the first half of their truly great album (I’m looking at you Because of the Times!).

The album from here settles into mostly paint by numbers ballads that pass without note (She’s only 17! Ugh!) where a ripping up tempo change is desperately needed. Notion at least puts up some sort of a fight as Caleb repeatedly snarls don’t knock it, don’t knock it, you’ve been here before (much like the album itself).

Much has been made of the ‘stadium’ sound of their 4^th album as the Kings continue to move to a greater production focus and instrumental experimentation as on last year’s smash Because of the Times and a world away from their raw, fast paced debut Youth and Young Manhood which has to be heard to be believed. Unlike some fans, I appreciated this development in sound as they grew up and as a band (who likes hearing the same thing over and over again anyway?). However there is a distance in the recording of Only By the Night with none of the instantaneous joy of Red Morning Light, King of the Rodeo or Charmer screaming through the speakers. Caleb’s voice remains the centerpiece as is the trademark KOL sound with some lush well balanced background instrumentation.

The finale Cold Desert is a perfect closing, the slow come down. The brooding hook-less guitar echo track fades out and cuts back in not wanting to lay down, serves as a reminder that this is a great record with some highlights - but it seems that we’ll have to wait (and pray!) yet again for the KOL true and defining masterpiece. And here’s to the hope that those currently jumping on the bandwagon can look in the rear view mirror.