Come Around Sundown

Have been a big fan of KOL for sometime but wasn't sure they could pull off another great album, especially after not being impressed by Radioactive. However, just love Come Around Sundown, not so much for individual tracks but because it holds together as a sequence of tracks beautifully. Tracks like Back Down South and Mary hark back to country roots. But is it me or are their hints of the Smiths on Pyro and Birthday? Pick Up Truck reminds me of Arizona which is my favourite KOL track. But as I say I have to listen to the whole album, again, again and again....

I had read a lot of reviews before purchasing this album, and to be honest I was a bit put off. After playing it for a day I realized I shouldn't have been worried at all; this is an excellent album by one of the most unique bands of the last 20 years.

Some reviewers have called the album bland and accused it of having many tracks sounding the same, I couldn't disagree more. There are many influences that ring through on this album, from the 50's diner sound of 'Mary', to the heavy country sound of the excellent 'back down south'. 'Beach side' has a surf music feel to it and 'Mi amigo' has a reggae type of guitar throughout. No matter which song is on, the sound will be what the KOL have consistently delivered; heavy bass-lines, infectious guitar, quality drumming and raw, honest lyrics, but as with all the KOL releases, the package is greater than the sum of its parts.

As one reviewer has already stated, the 'sex on fire', 'notion', 'fans' and 'four kicks' anthem style tracks are not here with the exception of 'radioactive'. But, the songwriting on here is of a really high standard and reminds me more of 'because of the times'(my personal favorite) rather than 'only by the night', and in my opinion this album is much better than the last.

I love the album. I've had it for almost a week and its been played every day and it is quality from start to finish. Play any song and you'll know you are listening to the Kings of Leon, immediately. Even with all the influences on the album, every track is stamped with the distinct KOL sound; their essence is in every song. Listen to the album; I'm sure you'll buy it after you have.

I have really enjoyed the last 2 Kings of Leon CDs. Both full of strong songs and strong performances. I therefore had high expectations of this CD. I do not like to review a CD on first listen because CDs can often grow on one. I found the first listen ok but nothing special. I thought maybe my expectations were too high ......so I left it for a few weeks and listened to it again and again. I have listened to the CD 7 or 8 times and for me it does not live up to expectations. The 2 best songs by far are Radioactive and the brilliant Back Down South but these 2 songs cannot save the album. There are too many one paced songs lacking real quality. The performances are predictable and samey. There is no feel of real enthusiasm in the vocals. It has the feel of going through the motions. I would not want the album to be a remake of the previous 2 as groups have to move forward and grow but this one does not. It is not as good as previous efforts. Maybe in years to come I will return to it and enjoy it. Who knows. Music is always a matter of personal taste but this CD is not to mine. On the whole I found it boring and I tried not to. A little disappointing. I would reocmmend if you are new to KOL to go to either of their last 2 albums first but I am sure others would point to the first 2!