Photo: Wenn
Their new album is out, their tour has been announced, and Kings of Leon are set to dominate the world of music for yet another year. But with that in mind, and this new album being as good as it is, it seemed fitting to take a look back over the years, to make a definitive list of their best songs.
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From worst to best, it is no easy task scrolling through the band's back catalogue to compile such a list. One thing is clear after trawling through all of the albums, and that is that Kings Of Leon, are not, and never will be, a one hit wonder band. Their discography is seven albums strong and every track has its own charm.
So here goes...
12. Waste A Moment
The lead single off of their latest album, and by god, what a way to make an introduction to WALLS. 'Waste a Moment', follows on from where 2013's, Mechanical Bull left off. Following a similar shoegaze ethic to the earlier album, 'Waste A Moment', comes in brooding with sentimental lyrics, and huge riffs. A great album opener, and something to get you excited for their tour.
11. Supersoaker
What was distinctly great about 'Supersoaker', was that its release followed on from the very South-American rock song, 'Back Down South'. It was a complete shift in tempo, and depth of recording. Not only that, but it was unusually loud for the band. Plus, that chorus. Phwoar.
10. Milk
A softer moment from an album that is mostly chaotic and filled with stadium rock aesthesia. It picks up at the end, and at that point you can hear the coming of age in Caleb Followill's voice. 'Milk', saw the band begin to experiment between indie rock and melancholia, which gradually become the forefront of their songwriting.
9. Pyro
Full of atmospherics, and suited and booted in delay, the song showed a softer side to KOL. Lyrically contemplative, and musically poignant. The first time this chorus was heard it induced a bit of euphoria. Most notable about this song was the band's performance of it on Jools Holland. Hair raising stuff.
8. Arizona
It's questionable whether this song would have made this list if it didn't have Matthew Followill's guitar work on it. The song itself has a dynamic between the subtlety of the rhythm guitar and the distorted licks of the lead. It's an example of excellent songwriting chemistry from the band of brothers... And cousin.
7. Cold Desert
It is believed that when this song was recorded Caleb Followill was very drunk. Not only that, but only the first verse was actually written, everything from that moment onwards, are the drunk ramblings of a clearly upset man. It's a fan favourite, perhaps for that fact alone, but more than likely for the sheer beauty of the track.
6. California Waiting
Everything on this album is about a million miles an hour, and about losing girls, gaining girls, and just girls. Whilst this album is surrounded by immaturity in the lyrics, the tracks are all pretty well made. 'California Waiting', is a song that you can hear in about a million indie-rock bands from then onwards. It seems to have been a pivotal moment in the indie-rock genre.
5. Soft
'Soft', is about erectile dysfunction, but in all fairness to Caleb Followill, the song's lyrics aren't as obvious. It is only once you know that you know. It is tongue in cheek, and actually quite a brilliant piece of lyricism.
4. Knocked Up
This is probably most known for that intro riff. It's a marauding mid-tempo track, that almost sounds like a jam session that the band recorded. But sometimes, that makes the best songs (see: Candidate - Joy Division). Maybe it was intended to be an album filler, but it turned out to actually be quite iconic.
3. King Of The Rodeo
The video to 'King Of The Rodeo', showed a funny side to the band. The self-deprecating humour of the video was enough to make this song fantastic. But once it hits full stride in the second chorus, you know it's brilliant. Full of attitude and panache, this is a classic example of KOL.
2. Four Kicks
Only Kings Of Leon could write a song about having one singular fight, at one singular party. The solo in this is particularly fantastic, but it's the storytelling of Caleb Followill, that will grab your attention. Play this song loud, as the man himself says, there ain't shit else to do.
1. On Call
It's safe to say that we were all shocked when the band decided to use a synthesizer, but they did, and it paid off. When the band wrote this track, it would be interesting to know whether they meant to make a song that would become a cult classic amongst fans. It's an indie-rock song, as an indie-rock song does, but it's been featured on the likes of Kerrang. It's spurred a thought for their roots, whilst looking on to elsewhere. This song simply embodies the whole of the band's career. Strong chorus, emphatic solo, and full to the brim with atmospherics and vocal harmonies.
