Kings of Leon - Only by the night [Album]

**pacmunchkin**

Southern fried Leon.

“Screech, Screech…” sings lead singer Caleb Followill, as the soft rock guitar chugs behind him.
This album is not only whiny and high pitched, it’s also whiny and high pitched. Is there anything you need to know about the album? Has this description not already caused you to throw up your arms in disgust and vow never to buy this album?

Well, other than that, it’s pretty solid as an album, the quite mild tempered nature of the music causes me to be quite forgiving of the self-obsessed and pompous singer. Like a big floppy dog, that’s just done a poo in the middle of your floor, but looks really sorry about it, the music seems to apologise for the over the top nature of the lyrics. It’s like when your friend is far too drunk and is making a fool of himself in public, and you spend your whole time apologising to everyone and trying to usher your friend into the nearest taxi and tell the driver to dump him on his doorstep.

I really want the singer to have a soft raspy voice, telling me about the harsh times he’s faced and how he struggled through adversity. Instead I have some stupid-faced kid screaming at me that my sex is on fire. That’s not what I want from any album.

Throughout the album, it doesn’t get any better and I continue to be slapped with a barrage of trivial nonsense that sounds less preferable to nails on a blackboard. At least with nails on a blackboard, I can punch the person who’s doing it.

The short periods that are enjoyable are quickly doused with another helping from the Screechasaurus. Crawl is one of the only songs which shows what this album should have been like, with the deep sound, the meandering rhythm and the singing that isn’t very annoying.

Listen to this album: With your head in a bucket of ice water.

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altsounds · Comment Posted on: October 1, 2008, 10:54 PM

Wow harsh. From your review I detect that this is the first time you have heard Kings of Leon?? I have been reading lots of bad reviews about this album but yet it is their best selling album to date - which I find weird.

I really don't care what anyone is saying, I am really looking forward to checking out this album because if it is anything like their other albums it is probably amazing. I will end up reviewing this myself once I get to listen to it because as with many bands Kings of Leon are an acquired taste. Kind of like Marmite. "You Either Love It Or You Hate It". You Hate It. I Love It and due to their current sales of this album I would say a lot of people agree with me and due to some of their press coverage a lot of people also agree with you.

My comments of defence are based on the every other Kings of Leon album as until this point I am yet to hear this new Kings of Leon album. I will update my comments when I have had a chance.

Seeing as you hate this album, you don't fancy sending it to me do you?

pacmunchkin · Comment Posted on: October 1, 2008, 11:01 PM

It's not my first time listening to the band, but it is my first time I've taken the time to review one of their albums, and thus the first time I've given them any kind of time of day. Although, you are right, I have never liked any of their stuff, so if you like their other stuff, you stand a better chance of liking them than I do.
I would send you the album, but I wouldn't like to inflict this album on anyone. It's for your own good.

altsounds · Comment Posted on: October 1, 2008, 11:02 PM

Pretty please?

ryanrc · Comment Posted on: October 2, 2008, 11:48 AM

The review is good, and I respect your opinion; howevr, I have to totally disagree and say I thought this album was fantastic. 17 is my favourite song of the year so far. And as far as his voice goes, I think he probably has the best rock voice around.

jack s · Comment Posted on: October 2, 2008, 02:02 PM

Still only heard the one track off this album 'Sex On Fire' . I agree with the most part of your review, whinny vocals do nothing for me either

I will keep an open mind before i make a decision.

luvbombrecords · Comment Posted on: October 2, 2008, 11:06 PM

I am in total disagreement with the current KoL review. Firstly that is the wrong album cover and secondly I do respect your opinion but I think you may not have given this album enough attention and were hearing it with your head in a bucket of ice water

The dept of the songs are apparent in a lyrical sense, if you really spend the time with it. I love how Kings of Leon change it up on this album with different textures making each song stand out indivdually. Not the single "Sex is on Fire" an dmake your way to the enlightening semi ballad "Closer"
Reviews don't say shit when the record sales are greater than their last. Even heading for a recession, Kings of Leon manage to dip in peoples pockets to find enough lint to buy this album. I picked it up through itunes and rarely buy any new music.

ah whatever I'm probably offending someone but fuck it this album moves me

altsounds · Comment Posted on: October 2, 2008, 11:10 PM

Luvbomb,

There are two different version of this album and as such two different album covers. One for the US one for the UK. This is the British album artwork.

danni_lou33 · Comment Posted on: October 9, 2008, 06:57 PM

blimey, that was an incredibly negative write-up! i haven't actually sat down and listened to this album in full yet, although i bought the 'sex on fire' single and have listened to the majority of the new tracks in my mate's car, but i do believe it doesn't deserve this tirade of harsher-than-harsh criticism it keeps bumping up from various reviewers. i am probably biased, seems as i do believe they are one of the best bands to come out of the Noughties, but "slapped with a barrage of trivial nonsense"?!......

Jen · Comment Posted on: October 10, 2008, 10:59 AM

haha didnt like it then lol

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> Home > Reviews | Kings of Leon - Only by the night [Album]

Kings of Leon - Only by the night [Album]

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October 1, 2008, 10:36 PM

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