Album: Because of the Times
Artist: Kings of Leon
Website: Official Site & MySpace

Because of the Times, the brand new album from Nashville quartet Kings of Leon, is eclectic excellence; a concoction of sound, soul and sentiment that is unlike anything the group has delivered to date. It's just...well..different—but in a good way! As the group's drummer Nathan Followill puts it, "I think people tend to expect a certain sound from us, but on this record, we tried to throw them for a loop."

Because of the Times is an album of experiment and energy, delivering a sound to break free of the shackles of expectation and normality that often accompany critical and commercial success. Kings of Leon are here to rewrite the history books, and make us expect the unexpected—and they just might have pulled it off!

Ready to blow out the cobwebs and step into the unknown? Then read on and enter the Kings of Leon's cleverly crafted musical 'loop'.

{mosgoogle right} The success story of Kings of Leon is now widely known; born to a Pentecostal minister and raised in the deep south of the United States, brothers Nathan (drums), Caleb (vocals/guitar) and Jared Followill, along with first cousin Matthew, quickly became the hottest act in indie music. After the enormous critical and commercial success of their previous albums Aha Shake Heartbreak (2005) and Youth and Young Manhood (2003), the pressure to deliver a follow-up of the same caliber had the potential to cripple the band's creativity.

Happily; however, as front man and rhythm guitarist Caleb Followill puts it, Because of the Times has seen the band return to the basics. "We took the limitations off ourselves," says Caleb. "We went into the studio with an open mind, thinking let's do whatever it takes to get these songs to the next level." His brother Nathan echoes this sentiment, adding "Every song showed us something we had inside of ourselves that we didn’t know existed, which enabled us to be even bolder on the next song.”

The decision to give their instinct and creativity free reign was a brave one, but one the group was confident would succeed. Indeed, given this is a band widely described as a breath of fresh air, is it any wonder that they chose to maintain their creative edge rather than letting their sound go stale? Music is a cut-throat business—there is little room for resting on your laurels. Tours with U2, Bob Dylan & Pearl Jam gave the group a musical education most would kill for, and those privileged opportunities are now bearing fruit.

What Kings of Leon have delivered may surprise many fans, and may disappoint those who were expecting more of the same. Music; however, never stands still for long, and the provoking and innovative sounds delivered on Because of the Times (a name chosen in homage to an annual preachers' conference the Followill boys attended in their youth) are likely to attract a brace of new fans across the world.

With quirky instrumental combinations, vocal effects and a more soulful and introspective feel than their previous work, this new album is a complex fusion of various creative styles and influences. Caleb's ever distinctive vocals adapt beautifully, showing he is equally adept at expressing frenetic anger and suffocating heartache.

The energy and vitality are still there, but in many ways Kings of Leon have delivered a sound that is more substantial than earlier albums. There is a richness and emotional complexity to the music, and greater attention paid to the lyrics. All the things that made the group great are still there (even if you have to look a little closer to find them), but what is truly exciting is the versatility they have shown in creating an album of such different and varying sounds.

This is a project that the band poured themselves into, taking a more proactive role in the recording process so they could "go for the sounds that we were hearing in our heads". The commitment and effort are shown in the end result.

"Ragoo" is a foot-tapping, sing-a-long number, with fantastic lyrics and a brilliant vocal-instrumental synergy. Energy is sustained throughout the track, with the music building well through steady drum work and expert guitars.

"Fans" is another excellent track. Caleb's vocal work is an absolute standout, matching every riff, and adding edginess to the sound. Every sustained note, every uptake at the end of a line, and every wail are delivered to perfection—this is a must listen to for all fans!

For those who love the energy and fearlessness of previous albums, "McFearless" has fantastic guitar and vocal work. If a more subdued, ballad-style is your cup of tea, then "The Runner" is a beautiful, lilting lullaby, highlighting the band's softer, emotional side. The diversity of the album means there will be something (if not a lot) here for everyone, so if one track disappoints simply try another!

Perhaps the best way to sum up Because of the Times comes—appropriately—from band member Nathan. "Your record represents you as a band," he explains, "but when you're young, as we were when we made our first two albums, we didn't know that." This is an album of maturity and experience, rich with ideas, and delivered with tremendous skill and energy. It is an album to be proud of. Explore the new and exciting sound from an old favorite. Ride the loop, and reap the rewards!

Because of the Times is available in stores April 3, 2007.

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brenda   |2007-04-22 00:40:19 I love this album. This is my introduction to TKL and what a wonderful one. I went back and listened to their earlier albums. While I can hear the bible belt influences what comes through is a sound which reminds me like kjones said, the brit indie influence. This is fine music. I can't wait to hear them live. Reply 0   0

kjones   |2007-03-29 15:50:30 You can hear in this new work, the influence their abundant time spent in the UK, touring with British Indie bands and being in that kind of musically charged atmosphere for as long as they have been now due to the great success and acceptance of their sound over there since their last album has affected them and thier sound. I'm in awe of how they've adapted and evolved. This is album is THAT DAMN GOOD. Reply 0   0

danilo   |2007-03-26 02:29:53 Thanks! They are also well worthwhile in concert. A significant irritant with the 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' CD was that it couldn't be copied to iTunes, or any other media player on a laptop. (It incorporated a protective measure which prevented copying.) I'm rather dismayed thinking this would also be the case with 'Because of the Times'. We'll see. Reply 0   0

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