Track Listing

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #487 in Music
• Released on: 2007-04-02
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Aha Shake Heartbreak may have blown open the doors of fame for Kings of Leon, but their 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. There's hardly a change in plans for the three Followill brothers and their cousin, and that means producer Ethan Johns, a smorgasbord of musical influences, and a cacophonous ensemble of guitar, bass, and drums. A trio of relentless rockers--"My Party," "Camaro," and the sarcastic "Charmer"--are sure to pacify those familiar with the Kings' blueprint, yet there is ripening in the band's approach heard, in several of the record's 13 songs. Reverb guitar and vocals and a "woo woo" chorus add a sinister aspect to "Trunk," and "Knocked Up" features a laissez-faire Caleb Followill crooning "She don't care what her mama said/She's gonna have my baby." The seven-minute revelation of fatherhood that opens the album leads into the U2-influenced "McFearless," a reggae-splashed "Ragoo," and the rambling English blues of "Black Thumbnail." It's a rogue element that has always left every record fresh, and this time it has Kings of Leon teetering on the edge of rock renown. --Scott Holter

CD Description
'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'.

Customer Reviews

A great third album.
I'm a big KoL fan and I had been waiting or this album for a long time. In my opinion, it's certainly a progression from the previous two albums - more mature with more going on musically. So much so, that there is a lot to take in on the first listen, i'd argue. I recommend listening to it again either immediately or a little later and the really album comes to life.

The overall sound is quite different to Y&YM and ASH, which were more striped down in comparison. This album, to me at least, has somewhat of an 80s vibe to it. Not the bad stuff, rather all the decent guitar bands of the era. "Charmer" for example, sounds remarkably like something off of Pixies' "Sufer Rosa" or "Doolittle" albums, it's uncanny, complete with screams, repetitive bassline, distorted guitar chords and leads. "McFearless" reminds me of early U2 material. "Black Thumbnail" opens with a more familiar KoL sound but soon rocks out hard, when they step on the gas. Incidentally, the heavy parts on this album really are a lot heavier and fuller than on previous albums and will certainly get you moving.

[...]

Pretty damned good!
I wasn't a Kings of Leon fan before I heard 'Only by the Night', but am now, so I tried this one. Not quite as good but still very enjoyable, and you can see the path they were taking toward their latest work with this offereing. Recommended, there are a few really good songs here too!

KOL grow up and get dark.
After being a massive KOL fan from day one I was very worried about the upcoming 3rd album. They surprised most by releasing a 'tricky' second album that surpassed everyones expectations, especially mine.

From the mammoth opening track (over 7 minutes) of 'Because of the Times' it is clear that KOL are painting a very different picture. The looping bass lines throughout the album point to heavier pixies-esque references. The red-neck yelps are still present but represent a much more sinister side to the Followills songwriting. I've been listening to this album for non-stop now and although it may not have the stand-out singles of the past two, 'Because of the Times' is a classic grown-up KOL album and a must have for old and new fans alike.