The End – Strange name for the first song on an album but despite this, The End is a solid opener. The simple bass line mixed with the laid-back drumming caresses you softly around the ears whilst Caleb’s lyrics once again make you want to sink your head onto a pillow and relax.
Out of 10: 7/10
Radioactive – Obvious choice as the opening single for the album. Even as the opening bars begin to kick in, you can tell it’s a signature KOL song. Although not quite as instantly catchy as the leading single from the last album, Sex on Fire, Radioactive packs a punch and the chorus is sure to have you singing along in no time.
Out of 10: 9/10
Pyro – Things slow back down with Pyro after the upbeat Radioactive but it’s not to be considered a bad thing, as the song will possibly remind older fans more of KOL’s more original sound pre-Only By The Night. The breakdown towards the end suddenly ended by crashing cymbals gives the song some much needed pace after a slow start.
Out of 10: 6/10
Mary – Supposed lined up as the second single to be released, the song takes on a slight country and western feel with the constant strumming of guitars and slow drumbeat throughout. The guitar solo halfway through adds substance to the track and offers a welcome break from the otherwise unimpressive guitar playing.
Out of 10: 6/10
The Face – Continuing with the slow pace of the album, The Face doesn’t break away from the simple melodies of the other songs and carries the similar feeling of plunging the listener into a state of calm. The bass heavy instrumental appeals more than that of the other songs so far as it gives the song more of a sense of rhythm and would make for a great set closer for the band.
Out of 10: 7/10
The Immortals – An immediate upbeat tune suggests a potential pickup in pace but once again descends into the guitar playing one could imagine a long haired man doing whilst nodding his head in slow motion. The song does make good use of Jared Followill’s bass playing ability and for me, has nearly as enjoyable a bass line as Kings of Leon classic, Charmer .
Out of 10: 6/10
Back Down South РAs the title suggest, the song carries a distinctive Southern rock feel with use of a country fiddle, hand-clapping and a slightly clich̩ yeehawing at the end. As a whole, Back Down South is the sort of song that would perfectly suit a long drive home although is at times in danger of potentially finding itself on the soundtrack for a barn dance.
Out of 10: 6/10
Beachside – The opening snare roll gives us the upping in tempo we’ve searched for throughout the album before drifting off for Caleb to ponder over lost love rather than the suggestion of a more ‘fun in the sun’ type song as the title would suggest. Can’t quite put my finger on why but the song seems as if it could have been written by The Drums and makes it a slight dud on the album as whole.
Out of 10: 3/10
No Money – Surely the strongest song on the album and also the fastest paced. It doesn’t take long for the riff to grab the song by the balls and drag it kicking and screaming whilst being repeatedly beaten by a deep bass line. Out of nowhere, a squealing solo ensures the song doesn’t drop in speed at all and only ensures the song is as entertaining as it is frenetic. Fingers crossed it’s the third single.
Out of 10: 10/10
Pony Up – King of Leon leave rock behind this time in favour of a more funk-driven number. The focus is on the playful bass and enticing drum beats complete with cowbell for extra effect. Whilst being the shortest song on the album at just over three minutes, Pony Up ensures the pace No Money injected into the album isn’t dropped.
Out of 10: 8/10
Birthday – The sheer quality of the guitar playing isn’t let off even towards the end and gives each song a unique sound. The funky feel from Pony Up hasn’t quite worn off Jared’s bass playing and is almost certain to start a wave of finger clicking and foot tapping whenever heard. After the pretty tepid opening few songs, Birthday keeps up the pace the earlier songs could have done with.
Out of 10: 6/10
Mi Amigo – Not one for anyone expecting a fast-paced belter a la Sex On Fire or Molly’s Chambers but the strength of the song clearly lies in the guitar once again with another of Matthew’s cleverly delivered riffs. Caleb recently said that he hadn’t written any lyrics prior to recording and had ad-libbed them all whilst playing. This is most evident in Mi Amigo but it works surprisingly well.
Out of 10: 7/10
Pickup Truck – If it weren’t for the sheer excellence of No Money, Kings of Leon could clearly be accused of saving their best till last. The song eases in with gentle bass playing and light drumming before picking up to really show the emotion in Caleb’s voice. Overall, the album has been a showcase for Matthew’s amazing talent with a guitar and this is once again evident with the haunting pattern of chords he plays from the
breakdown all the way to the end to end the album on a definite high note.
Out of 10: 9/10
Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Out of 10: 6.9/10
Review by - Joe Gadd
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Out of 10: 7/10
Radioactive – Obvious choice as the opening single for the album. Even as the opening bars begin to kick in, you can tell it’s a signature KOL song. Although not quite as instantly catchy as the leading single from the last album, Sex on Fire, Radioactive packs a punch and the chorus is sure to have you singing along in no time.
Out of 10: 9/10
Pyro – Things slow back down with Pyro after the upbeat Radioactive but it’s not to be considered a bad thing, as the song will possibly remind older fans more of KOL’s more original sound pre-Only By The Night. The breakdown towards the end suddenly ended by crashing cymbals gives the song some much needed pace after a slow start.
Out of 10: 6/10
Mary – Supposed lined up as the second single to be released, the song takes on a slight country and western feel with the constant strumming of guitars and slow drumbeat throughout. The guitar solo halfway through adds substance to the track and offers a welcome break from the otherwise unimpressive guitar playing.
Out of 10: 6/10
The Face – Continuing with the slow pace of the album, The Face doesn’t break away from the simple melodies of the other songs and carries the similar feeling of plunging the listener into a state of calm. The bass heavy instrumental appeals more than that of the other songs so far as it gives the song more of a sense of rhythm and would make for a great set closer for the band.
Out of 10: 7/10
The Immortals – An immediate upbeat tune suggests a potential pickup in pace but once again descends into the guitar playing one could imagine a long haired man doing whilst nodding his head in slow motion. The song does make good use of Jared Followill’s bass playing ability and for me, has nearly as enjoyable a bass line as Kings of Leon classic, Charmer .
Out of 10: 6/10
Back Down South РAs the title suggest, the song carries a distinctive Southern rock feel with use of a country fiddle, hand-clapping and a slightly clich̩ yeehawing at the end. As a whole, Back Down South is the sort of song that would perfectly suit a long drive home although is at times in danger of potentially finding itself on the soundtrack for a barn dance.
Out of 10: 6/10
Beachside – The opening snare roll gives us the upping in tempo we’ve searched for throughout the album before drifting off for Caleb to ponder over lost love rather than the suggestion of a more ‘fun in the sun’ type song as the title would suggest. Can’t quite put my finger on why but the song seems as if it could have been written by The Drums and makes it a slight dud on the album as whole.
Out of 10: 3/10
No Money – Surely the strongest song on the album and also the fastest paced. It doesn’t take long for the riff to grab the song by the balls and drag it kicking and screaming whilst being repeatedly beaten by a deep bass line. Out of nowhere, a squealing solo ensures the song doesn’t drop in speed at all and only ensures the song is as entertaining as it is frenetic. Fingers crossed it’s the third single.
Out of 10: 10/10
Pony Up – King of Leon leave rock behind this time in favour of a more funk-driven number. The focus is on the playful bass and enticing drum beats complete with cowbell for extra effect. Whilst being the shortest song on the album at just over three minutes, Pony Up ensures the pace No Money injected into the album isn’t dropped.
Out of 10: 8/10
Birthday – The sheer quality of the guitar playing isn’t let off even towards the end and gives each song a unique sound. The funky feel from Pony Up hasn’t quite worn off Jared’s bass playing and is almost certain to start a wave of finger clicking and foot tapping whenever heard. After the pretty tepid opening few songs, Birthday keeps up the pace the earlier songs could have done with.
Out of 10: 6/10
Mi Amigo – Not one for anyone expecting a fast-paced belter a la Sex On Fire or Molly’s Chambers but the strength of the song clearly lies in the guitar once again with another of Matthew’s cleverly delivered riffs. Caleb recently said that he hadn’t written any lyrics prior to recording and had ad-libbed them all whilst playing. This is most evident in Mi Amigo but it works surprisingly well.
Out of 10: 7/10
Pickup Truck – If it weren’t for the sheer excellence of No Money, Kings of Leon could clearly be accused of saving their best till last. The song eases in with gentle bass playing and light drumming before picking up to really show the emotion in Caleb’s voice. Overall, the album has been a showcase for Matthew’s amazing talent with a guitar and this is once again evident with the haunting pattern of chords he plays from the
breakdown all the way to the end to end the album on a definite high note.
Out of 10: 9/10
Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Out of 10: 6.9/10
Review by - Joe Gadd
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]