Because of the Times

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Editorial reviews

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

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Customer reviews

review by: Diane1606 date: 2008-08-11 rating:
brilliant. full stop.
I'm 46. My eldest daughter is almost 22. (not that THAT matters, but I'm perhaps a little older than the average Kings of Leon "fan"?) Because of the Times is one of those rare cd's you can put on, and listen to, (all the way through) when you need a cd you can put on, and listen to, all the way through, without having to fast forward through the rubbish bits. Because there aren't any. (rubbish bits) Brilliant, as I said.

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review by: OB1 date: 2008-08-09 rating:
Stunning
This album is stunning from start to finish. It is even worth buying just for the single Fans which is one of the most beautifully constructed songs that I have ever heard.

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review by: date: 2008-06-28 rating:
Far too commercial. U2 would be proud, I'm not.
If you loved the Kings first two albums, with their raw southern rock songs and spacey ballads then avoid this like the plague. The Kings have gone done a road that very few come back from, they've done a U2. What I mean is they have written an album for the sole purpose of playing the songs in large stadium venues and festivals. Just ask Coldplay or the Foo Fighters if this song writing technique works to gain credibility. I think the answer is NO.

The problem is they have dropped everything that made them special and just become another sell-out rock band. The synths and Brian Eno esque guitar wailings are just awful and really dated, the songs have no direction and have lost their punch. But worst of all this album just drags on and on to the point where I completely lost faith in a band I used to love so much. Oh well, so long Kings, I'll keep your first two excellent albums, as for this one, it's going in the bin!

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review by: date: 2008-02-27 rating:
Great album from 2007
This album really impressed me. I already loved Kings Of Leon and already had all their other albums, however I wasn't so sure of their new sound and was weary of buying the whole album as the singles weren't as good as previous singles (in my opinion). But I would definetly recommend this album to everyone, fans of previous Kings of Leon may be disappointed that they have changed their style but they would still appreciate this as it is another great album from KOL, but with a more mature sound. And those who liked the singles will like the album as it is consitantly good throughout.


review by: campaign for real music date: 2008-02-17 rating:
Get your daily fix of 'The Times'
Tennesse rockers Kings Of Leon return with their third and heaviest, perhaps most accomplished album to date, 'Because Of The Times', staking their claim as one of the finest rock groups on the planet. This is a rock album as immense, wild and important as Nirvana's 'In Utero' and the second track, 'Charmer' could quite easily have been written and performed by Kurt Cobain at his sardonic best. 'McFearless' has been compared with (early) U2, but, in reality, it's much better than that.

'On Call' is anthemic and features a vocal hook which burrows deep inside your mind long after the song and album have finished. 'My Party' features a busy bass and drum combination which almost evokes the disco era and yet never strays from serious rock 'n' roll. The opener, 'Knocked Up', a dark, hypnotic, almost troubled song about imminent fatherhood is superb. 'Fans' is yet another highlight - in fact there are so many highlights on this album it soon becomes apparent that this album is just one big highlight.

What truly stands out, listening to the album, is just how good Kings Of Leon are as a band - as musicians. Perhaps the fact that they are siblings has helped them fashion a special understanding with each other, but - whatever the reason - they truly are all playing from the same page and have a tightness even during their most musicially intricate moments that is a delight to savour. Add to that their not unsubstantial charm as well as their well written, accessible songs and you have a strong contender for one of the best rock albums of 2007.

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