Kings Of Leon - 'Come Around Sundown' (Columbia) Released: 18/10/10

I have a confession: I like Kings of Leon. I know that’s frowned upon nowadays but its how I feel. I still look back at their previous albums with fond memories, I still like pretending to know the lyrics to ‘King Of The Rodeo’ and I still feel Caleb Followill and co. have another memorable album in them. A long player packed with pazzaz, southern charm and a generous dollop of tracks which will permeate around a big hollow arena.
 
‘Come Around Sundown’, contrary to some reports, is not the worst album ever produced. It is however the epitome of a ‘comfort-zone’ album. Kings Of Leon have always been praised for being hard working, except this time they’re hard work is jettisoning any creativity. The gradual decline in their quality control has reached dangerous levels and we’re left feeling half-empty.
 
Many of the tracks just don’t go anywhere. ‘The End’ is a sun-kissed bore with a chorus barely worth referencing. ‘Beach Side’ was probably abandoned half way through a trip to the seaside, hence it’s winding road to nowhere. ‘Mi Amigo’ and ‘Birthday’ are ultra-produced and subsequently utterly soulless. Even ‘Radioactive’ grows tiresome after a few spins and one look at the UNICEF-sponsored (probably) video.
 
And yet amidst this commercial wet dream there are sparks of hope. ‘Pyro’ is a slow-burning, crooned number which smashes the previously emotionless border. ‘Pickup Truck’, despite its barmy subject matter, sees Caleb’s voice cracking amid tales of domestic abuse and passionate love affairs. It’s the most raw track and feels like a sequel to ‘Only by the Night’s’ ‘Cold Desert’. ‘Back Down South’ does what it says on the tin, returning to their debut album, with simplicity to the fore and a sense of innocence amid the highly-produced charm. God knows I was wishing they had stayed back down south by my second listen to ‘The Immortals’.
 
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about ‘Come Around Sundown’ is that the band still have inspiration in the tank but can’t put it together. Now is surely the time for Kings Of Leon to go back to Tennessee, take some time off and rediscover what made them special in the first place.
 
Just like ‘Only by the Night’ was a mixed bag – ‘Come Around Sundown’ is a collection of standardised rock songs interspersed with utter gems. And yes I am still dreaming of a day we get 11 or 12 gems in a row and Kings of Leon can reclaim their crowns - but unfortunately that day may have already passed