Artist: Kings Of Leon
Album: Mechanical
Bull
Label: RCA Records
Release Date:
September 24, 2013
Review By: Sean
Kayden
Call them overrated, underrated, rock
Gods or major sellouts, but Kings of Leon, perhaps one of the biggest modern
rock acts in the world, are back at it. It’s been three years since Kings of
Leon released their fifth and ultimately disappointing album, “Come Around
Sundown.” In 2011, it appeared the band was slowing down and hits like “Sex On
Fire” and “Use Somebody” were clearly absent on the aforementioned record. With
a tour abruptly cancelled and breakup rumors swirling, Kings of Leon decided to
take a seemingly much desirable hiatus. This past June, however, it was
revealed by the band that they would be making their return with album number
six in ten years entitled, “Mechanical Bull.” Does “Mechanical Bull” put the
band back on top? Well, for starters, after a first listen, this is clearly a
much better record than “Come Around Sundown.” Nevertheless, some
inconsistencies with tone and theme forbid the record on being spectacular rather
than just very good. If you can skip through those particular tracks that drag
down the record, you’ll find out that Kings of Leon still have the magic left
in them.
“Mechanical Bull” kicks off with the first single, “Supersoaker,” a summer type jam with enthusiasm and vigor to boot. It recalls the youthful days of KOL such as the “Aha Shake Heartbreak” record. However, with the heavy studio sound surrounding it, the song appears less organic than those of their earlier days. Nonetheless, “Supersoaker” is undoubtedly the inner workings of a band that knows how to still have fun. After the frolicsome opener, the band throws a few misfires into the record. First with “Rock City” and subsequent track, “Don’t Matter.” Those two tracks stray away from what the album wants to say midway through the end. “Don’t Matter” channels the former days of KOL, but since the band has clearly grown into a more, mature rock band, this song feels painfully outdated to be added to their current repertoire. Rests assure, regardless of a pretty solid single that’s followed by two or three average tracks, Kings’ come on stronger than possibly ever before. “Temple,” a clear standout that is filled with hooks and powerful, but smooth guitars. It’s one of their catchiest songs to date and an obvious choice for the next single. “Wait For Me” slows it down, but you couldn’t ask for a better cool down track. Beautifully written, wonderfully wistful, and supporting a vintage KOL sound, “Wait For
“Comeback Story” is another gentle song, however, it’s very difficult not to be utterly enamored by it. Sure, it may sport some silly lyrics, “I walked a mile in your shoes/And now I am a mile away and I’ve got your shoes.” Nonetheless, the sensitive, attractive guitar layout pulls you in which easily captures your heart. Compassionate and cordial, Kings adds another strong track to their collection (one that is quite plentiful with hits). “On The Chin” closes out the album and it’s another simple and carefree tune. It has an alternative-country rock vibe attached to it. Not the best song here, but a fitting closer to an album that balances between youthful sounds and mature themes. The deluxe album has two bonus tracks that are terrific, especially “Work On Me.” This classic rock inspired tune alone should attract new fans that never seemed to give KOL a fighting chance. I wish the bonus material had been on the regular edition instead of some of the subpar tracks that did make the final cut. If you pick up this album and you totally should, the deluxe edition is the way to go. All in all, “Mechanical Bull” is a winning effort from a band that has had its share of ups and down. Kings of Leon are one of the biggest rock bands around and over the span of their 10 plus year career, no other rock act has come close to imitating their signature sound. Love them or hate them, they should be respected and regarded as utterly talented musicians. Innovators or not, Kings of Leon’s latest endeavor pulls the Nashville boys out of the rubble to shed new skin. At the very least, there is plenty of satisfying rock songs to enjoy. Deserves a listen, but possibly worth much more than just that.
“Mechanical Bull” kicks off with the first single, “Supersoaker,” a summer type jam with enthusiasm and vigor to boot. It recalls the youthful days of KOL such as the “Aha Shake Heartbreak” record. However, with the heavy studio sound surrounding it, the song appears less organic than those of their earlier days. Nonetheless, “Supersoaker” is undoubtedly the inner workings of a band that knows how to still have fun. After the frolicsome opener, the band throws a few misfires into the record. First with “Rock City” and subsequent track, “Don’t Matter.” Those two tracks stray away from what the album wants to say midway through the end. “Don’t Matter” channels the former days of KOL, but since the band has clearly grown into a more, mature rock band, this song feels painfully outdated to be added to their current repertoire. Rests assure, regardless of a pretty solid single that’s followed by two or three average tracks, Kings’ come on stronger than possibly ever before. “Temple,” a clear standout that is filled with hooks and powerful, but smooth guitars. It’s one of their catchiest songs to date and an obvious choice for the next single. “Wait For Me” slows it down, but you couldn’t ask for a better cool down track. Beautifully written, wonderfully wistful, and supporting a vintage KOL sound, “Wait For
“Comeback Story” is another gentle song, however, it’s very difficult not to be utterly enamored by it. Sure, it may sport some silly lyrics, “I walked a mile in your shoes/And now I am a mile away and I’ve got your shoes.” Nonetheless, the sensitive, attractive guitar layout pulls you in which easily captures your heart. Compassionate and cordial, Kings adds another strong track to their collection (one that is quite plentiful with hits). “On The Chin” closes out the album and it’s another simple and carefree tune. It has an alternative-country rock vibe attached to it. Not the best song here, but a fitting closer to an album that balances between youthful sounds and mature themes. The deluxe album has two bonus tracks that are terrific, especially “Work On Me.” This classic rock inspired tune alone should attract new fans that never seemed to give KOL a fighting chance. I wish the bonus material had been on the regular edition instead of some of the subpar tracks that did make the final cut. If you pick up this album and you totally should, the deluxe edition is the way to go. All in all, “Mechanical Bull” is a winning effort from a band that has had its share of ups and down. Kings of Leon are one of the biggest rock bands around and over the span of their 10 plus year career, no other rock act has come close to imitating their signature sound. Love them or hate them, they should be respected and regarded as utterly talented musicians. Innovators or not, Kings of Leon’s latest endeavor pulls the Nashville boys out of the rubble to shed new skin. At the very least, there is plenty of satisfying rock songs to enjoy. Deserves a listen, but possibly worth much more than just that.
Grade: 8.4 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Temple,” “Wait For Me,” “Comeback Story,” “Coming Back Again”
Published by Mountain Views News on October 5th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n40/p09.htm
Key Tracks: “Temple,” “Wait For Me,” “Comeback Story,” “Coming Back Again”
Published by Mountain Views News on October 5th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n40/p09.htm
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