Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon’s 2008 album Only by the Night, which boasted the chart-toppers “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire,” was the band’s first true taste of widespread U.S. recognition. While selling out stadium shows and headlining major music festivals, they inevitably faced sell-out accusations. On their fifth record, Come Around Sundown, Kings of Leon aim to bridge the gap between old and new fans, toeing the line between the raw southern rock of Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak and the obvious jump toward a more mainstream sound as of late. Unfortunately, their latest effort ends up alienanting both bases, producing an album that has a generally unauthentic feel.

Come Around Sundown does a better job of recalling the familiar roots of years past than Only by the Night. Bits and pieces of old detailing—layered guitar riffs and sexy vocals—are evident in almost every song, but in such a minute way that it leaves listeners wanting more. For example, the band succeeds at highlighting these elements in the intimate chorus of “The Immortals” and Caleb Followill’s gravelly voice in “Pickup Truck,” but the majority of the songs (in particular “Pyro”) are too bland to carry any genuine flavor.

Fans expecting another glossy album like Only by the Night may be turned off by the unexpected attempts (albeit poor ones) to revitalize this earlier sound. Though they will probably enjoy pop ballads like “Mary,” newcomers will be confused by throwbacks such as “Back Down South” and “The End.” “Radioactive,” the album’s first single, is the only song that successfully blends the gospel roots of the Followill brothers’ past with infectious guitar hooks sure to please both fan bases.

Despite the record’s pitfalls, Come Around Sundown is an honest view of the band’s current struggle to balance their newfound popularity. Ultimately, the album comes off as bland and mediocre, and this safe walk down the middle of the road leaves us wondering if Kings of Leon have lost their ability to rock.