... "Because of the Times" was released.
Released on April 2, 2007 in the UK on Hand Me Down it stormed to the top of the album chart and give the band radio airplay that it only sparsely received prior to the release. The album's 13 tracks show not so much the maturity of the band, but the ... Read review
Aha Shake Heartbreak may have blown open the doors of fame for Kings of Leon, but their ... more
third full-length album (named for a United Pentecostal Church ministers' conference) could well usher the Nashville foursome directly to rock and roll's zenith. Th...
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Aha Shake Heartbreakmay have blown open the doors of fame for Kings of Leon, but their ... more
third full-length album (named for a United Pentecostal Church ministers' conference) could well usher the Nashville foursome directly to rock and roll's zenith. The...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
Advantages: An excellent piece of music Disadvantages: Disadvantages?!
...and everything in between. And because it's all these things, it's like nothing they'd produced before. An eye opener to say the least. Yet it works superbly, and Caleb Followill's vocals providing an excellent compliment to it with haunting yet gravely words that are so distinguishable from anyone else out there.
Track number two was one of the album's singles, "Charmer", and is one of a kind to say the least...the high-pitched ... ...tracks on the album. On Because of the Times however, despite the strength of the singles, the rest of what's on offer is just as worthy to tie the shoes of musical excellence. Other personal stand out tracks include "Ragoo", "Black Thumbnail" and "Camaro"...you'd also be interested to note that it's available for as little as £3.98 on Amazon at the moment due to the release of their new album...dare I suggest that it ... more
So, The Kings of Leon hey? From a southern American state to nearing global domination in about five years. However, for four of them years they hardly looked like 'breaking it'. Their debut full-length album "Young & Young Manhood" was an excellent first effort that seemed a bit 'different' to the majority of stuff out there. "Aha, Shake Heartbreak" was a great performance for the so-called difficult second album. But it ultimately appeared as if the Kings of Leon were destined to be a band that the majority liked but only the minority loved....
Then something happened. "Because of the Times" was released.
Released on April 2, 2007 in the UK on Hand Me Down it stormed to the top of the album chart and give the band radio airplay that it only sparsely received prior to the release. The album's 13 tracks show not so much the maturity of the band, but the development of them. "Youth & Young Manhood" consisted of a number of short, little ditty's that were musically very basic when it comes to structure but now they show a skill in their music that is rarely surpassed by any bands of a similar ilk.
Opening number "Knocked Up" is a seven-minute build-up that is the perfect accompaniment for driving along the coast on a perfect summers day. It's melodic, psychedelic, moving and everything in between. And because it's all these things, it's like nothing they'd produced before. An eye opener to say the least. Yet it works superbly, and Caleb Followill's vocals providing an excellent compliment to it with haunting yet gravely words that are so distinguishable from anyone else out there.
Track number two was one of the album's singles, "Charmer", and is one of a kind to say the least...the high-pitched yelps in between lines by not be to everyone's tastes but they have an infectious element to them that make you want to listen again and again. Along with a thick baseline, it is a speedy little number that is similar to singles from their previous albums. It's a method that works brilliantly, time and time again.
Other singles taken from the album include "On Call" and "Fans". The latter showcases Caleb's haunting vocals. "I'm on call, to be there" just sends shivers down the listeners spine when the track finishes. "Fans", which is stuck down at number 9 on the album listing, proving the strength of the line-up, is an excellent song to hear live by them. Acoustic guitars that burst into life for the chorus is a technique that rock bands have used for decades, but it still works, and always will when it's done as well as this.
Is there a weak link to the album? Given the simple option a 'yes' or 'no', the answer is 'no' every time. In their previous releases there was the occasional track that you'd skip over after a couple of listens as it was, with all due respect, filler music compared to other tracks on the album. On Because of the Times however, despite the strength of the singles, the rest of what's on offer is just as worthy to tie the shoes of musical excellence. Other personal stand out tracks include "Ragoo", "Black Thumbnail" and "Camaro"...you'd also be interested to note that it's available for as little as £3.98 on Amazon at the moment due to the release of their new album...dare I suggest that it may be getting a few purchases in the coming couple of weeks?!
On the surface they may not appear as media-savvy as someone like Dave Grohl or have the extended back catalogue that Jack White can possess, but they've worked their socks off and toured as much as anyone out there in the past two years. A headline performance at Glastonbury this year proved they'd reached the big time. It included a premiere play of a new track from their fourth studio album, which was released on September 22nd. This single has now become a number 1 in the UK; "Sex On Fire", showing that the future is bright, the future is Kings of Leon's.
Advantages: Southern rock moved forward Disadvantages: Darker than we're used to, maybe not to everybody's taste
...about a girl looking cool because she owns the car it's named after) but the song's infectious enough, and Caleb's delivery is great, as per usual.
'Arizona' brings the album to a close, and appropriately slows the pace a little from that of 'Trunk' and 'Camaro'. The intricate bass-line shows that these boys can write great stuff even when doing slow songs, an ability too many bands today don't seem to have. All-in-all, this album's a worth addition ... ...than the two preceding it but the change in direction's nothing to get upset about, the band carrying off the heavier sound with aplomb. After hearing 'On Call' on TV before the release of the album I wasn't sure what to expect, as that song - while not bad - didn't sound at all special, not really up to the standards I'd expected, but it's far from the best track here, and from the very first listen 'Because of the Times' is well worth the money. ...
hengler 04.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
Advantages: Every song is completely different, original and like nothing you'll have heard before. Amazing! Disadvantages: I wish there were more tracks!
...American bands of our times." Because of the Times greatly increased the 'Kings' fanbase and also had music critics the world over sitting up and taking notice of the up and coming band.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to you, the album is enthralling from Track 1 "Knocked Up" to the final track "Arizona".
Individual Track summaries:
Track 1: "Knocked Up" - A 7-minute anthem that made a great start to the album, showcasing ... ...frantic, original baseline accompanied by utterly compelling lyrics featuring an almost insane "waaooooo" 9/10
Track 3 "On Call" - Song of selfless devotion which features yet more excellence 8/10
Track 4 "McFearless" Comparisons with U2 most-definitely drawn here as Jared's bass is heavily distorted throughout 8/10
Track 5 "Black Thumbnail" The lesser of an amazing bunch, still a cracking tune. 8/10
Track 6 "My Party" I had a party listening ...
james051192 02.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
Advantages: More KoL excellence Disadvantages: None
Pure quality. For those who have never stumbled across the King of Leon before, they are four male members of the same Followill family (brothers and cousins) and are based in Nashville.
The gravely vocals of Caleb Followill are absolutely unique and make for an amazing rock and roll sound. This third album "Because of the Times" has a touch more production than the previous two but it is still up to the usual Kings of Leon standard which is borderline ... ...you immediately that this band are special. "On Call" is the first single released and is an instant hit, pulsing bass layered with trademark vocal talent. Other highlights are "True Love Way" which shows KoL at their best, crunching chords which subside to allow the vocals to weave their magic. "Ragoo" and "Fans" will both keep fans happy and would not seem out of place on previous albums, although they still sit well in what is a slightly 'blacker' ...
Boogers15 24.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
Advantages: Original in many respects, quality music overall Disadvantages: Nothing to sing along to, nothing outstanding
The first thing that needs to be said about this album is it is not going to be to a huge amount of people's taste and it isn't to mine. Having said that Kings Of Leon are having huge success off the back of this album and it isn't difficult for even me to see why.
13 tracks in total, rock in style, some upbeat and faster paced, some mellow and much more downbeat. This isn't the kind of music I find that you can rock along to, but it is great to ... ...else which doesn't require total concentration (on the music that is!)
Generally the album flows in style and you don't notice the tracks changing all that much. The lyrics are interesting, but not in any way lyrics that will stick in your mind for years to come and nor are they lyrics you can sing along to.
This is a good, solid and quality album but it's not an outstanding album in any way shape or form. If you have got a tenner to spend, then ...
cornzee 11.06.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
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Quick review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
Like its predecessors, the third album from Kings of Leon, "Because of the Times," could serve as great road music. The car, of course, would be creaking on its frame. The trip's reason: to recover from a bender or skip out on probation.
But the Nashville-based Followill boys (three brothers and their cousin), despite the oldest of them being just 27, are maturing in their take on songs, if not their subject matter. The music still revolves around a basic, classic-rock line-up--two guitars, bass, drums, lead singer--with sounds not far from their '70s-infused, 2003 debut, "Youth and Young Manhood." Yet the songs here are more layered, sometimes longer, with experimental effects and new rhythms. "Ragoo," for one, is a garage-rock take on ska; and "Charmer" has undeniable metal guitar. Plus, for the first time, singer Caleb's vocals--when not impressive screams or beery rumbles--are occasionally intelligible. Still, his ability to make the words "she's at my party" into two syllables is a true achievement; it's no wonder Bob Dylan brought the band along on his 2006 tour. ...
stu.martin 23.04.2007
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon"
Advantages: High Octane album packed with explosive and fantastic guitar riffs Disadvantages: Lead singer Followhill's sometimes garbled lyrics are hard to understand
Being a relative new-comer to Kings of Leon, the reason I decided to buy this album was primarily because I had heard the track "4 Kicks" a few times and couldn't get it out of my head.
KOL's recently released single On Call for their upcoming album release is also a favourite of mine, and so I decided I wanted to see a bit more of what the band seemingly promised to be about.
I found the first listen of the CD to be a bit hard on the ears, coming from someone who really did not have a big foundation of what KOL is all about. Excellent tracks seemed to be dispersed between strange yodelling ones, but I have to say, after a few listens I was hooked - line and sinker!
Best tracks are definately the rocking, fast paced "Taper Jean Girl", the popular and catchy "Bucket", the high-octane "Four Kicks" with massive guitar riffs ...
Advantages: Sensational album, all music is new and truly magnificent Disadvantages: none
Kings of Leon are a four piece rock band originating from Tennessee in the United States. They consist of three brothers and a cousin. They have had three full studio albums prior to this in the shops, but none of them have reached the magnitude of Only By The Night.
There style of music in previous albums is very Bob Dylan influenced despite being a rocky-bluesy album and works well for them. They had limited chart success with their first two albums, the best being the sing 'the bucket' which entered the top 20.
Then came Because of the Times, this went straight to no.1 in the UK album charts. It was a fantastic album which did well despite the Kings of Leon yet to find their true sound. Just over a year later now and I believe with this album, we have entered the 8th stage of rock.
Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin ...
Product Information for "Because Of The Times - Kings Of Leon" »
Product details
Title
Because Of The Times
Performer
Kings Of Leon
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
02/04/2007
Recomended Retail Price
16.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2007
Label / Distributor
Columbia / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Producer
Angelo Petragua, Ethan Jones
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
886970774123
Catalogue Number
88697077412
Additional notes
Album Notes
'Because Of The Times' is the third album from American southern rockers Kings Of Leon. Taking their unique fusion of country rock and new-wave to new and exciting levels, this album justifies the immense hype that has surrounded the band since their inception, and will please fans of bands as diverse as Interpol and The Band. Includes the single 'On Call'.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Knocked Up
2.
Charmer
3.
On Call
4.
McFearless
5.
Black Thumbnail
6.
My Party
7.
True Love Way
8.
Ragoo
9.
Fans
10.
Runner
11.
Trunk
12.
Camaro
13.
Arizona
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Listed on Ciao since
13/03/2007
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