Sound: With each album (this is their fourth) Kings of Leon have gotten progressively less Southern than they were on their stellar debut Youth and Young Manhood (my #3 Album of 2003). There’s still a hearty rawness to Caleb Followill’s vocals, but not much twang. However, his sexy, angsty wailing is more wide-open and powerful than ever. And the music still has some rootsy elements: an occasional weepy, wistful guitar, chiming piano or cowbell. But more often, they go for a grand, arena-friendly sound with echo-heavy or electro fuzzy guitars and inspired, anthemic choruses.
Heavy Rotation tracks: none
Medium Rotation tracks: “Closer”; “Use Somebody”; “Cold Desert”; “Crawl”; “Be Somebody”; “Sex On Fire”
Recommended: Only by the Night is a very consistent album that finds Kings of Leon successfully evolving into a world class rock band with broad appeal. But it lacks standout tracks. There’s nothing on here that’s particularly exceptional, or particularly lackluster. It’s all just pretty good, which is ultimately a little disappointing.
Grade: B+

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