I haven't heard any of the albums by Kings of Leon before this one. It caught my attention in a review that stated the sound was similar to U2. I can see why the comparison fits, they use a similar distorted guitar based, psychedelic sound that characterised the first half of U2's career (and much of Coldplay's albums too). The Kings sound much more muscular than U2 ever did and are influenced by ... read more
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Despite a wave of criticism asserting that Kings of Leon's fourth full-length is "too commercial," Only by the Night may be the closest thing to a pitch-perfect album to drop in 2008. Granted, Tennessee's band of brothers (and one first cousin) takes a turn for the heavily polished here, but what the album lacks in rouK
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Despite a wave of criticism asserting that Kings of Leon's fourth full-length is "too commercial," Only by the Night may be the closest thing to a pitch-perfect album to drop in 2008. Granted, Tennessee's band of brothers (and one first cousin) takes a turn for the heavily polished here, but what the album lacks in rough-edged raunch, it more than makes up for in earnestness and--yes--stunning beauty. From the opening notes of "Closer" to the listing balladry of "Cold Desert," Only by the Night hardly misses a beat. Highlights abound, particularly in the trading off of melodic lines between instruments, and in this regard, bassist Jared Followill is the album's quiet MVP. Above these gorgeous instrumentals, singer Caleb emotes with a dramatic grit that never loses its command. A model of melodic rock composition, arranged and produced with a warm, inviting veneer, and performed with aching sincerity, these 11 tracks coalesce into a sanguine whole that eclipses the band's much-discussed rock posturing and yields more with every play. A good band's great album, Only by the Night (finally) establishes Kings of Leon as a rock act that's worthy of seriously sustained attention. --Jason Kirk
“I haven't heard any of the albums by Kings of Leon before this one. It caught my attention in a review that stated the sound was similar to U2. I can see why the comparison fits, they use a similar distorted guitar based, psychedelic sound that characterised the first half of U2's career (and much of Coldplay's albums too). The Kings sound much more muscular than U2 ever did and are influenced by more classic rock and roll such as Led Zeppelin as well.
Their lead singer, Caleb Followill, has a slightly rough sounding voice reminiscent of Springsteen or Dylan and he uses is to great effect throughout. His vocals are a great complement to the music, illustrated best in songs such as 'Closer', 'Sex on Fire' and 'Use Somebody'. While the music on these consists of distorted guitars ” read more
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