Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

For months prior to the release of Because of the Times, those tricky-dicky Followills had been alluding to a challenging change of direction, and I will concede that kicking the new record off with a 7.10 epic does smack of trying to engineer that “difficult album” mystique. Especially when said epic is as echo-swathed and oh jeez, here we go – atmospheric. But I don’t care what nobody says, because “Knocked Up” is an expertly constructed exercise in dynamic tension, with a strong melody and a surprisingly clear vocal performance from Caleb Followill.

It is true that the difference in sound from the Kings’ two previous albums is the most initially striking thing about Because of the Times. But that difference goes deeper than just the trippier, more spacious production. It’s down to the songs, as well as Matthew Followill’s increased willingness to spice up his (already killer) lead lines with effects pedals and chiming harmonics.

There’s a good deal more stylistic variation here, which makes sense when you look at the progression from Youth and Young Manhood to Aha Shake Heartbreak. But where Kings of Leon’s sophomore release remained rooted in the ‘70s-style Southern rock which had been the group’s foundation from the beginning, Because of the Times sometimes leaves it behind entirely. There are a number of distinctly modern-rockish here, and as you’d expect, the results are mixed. Smartly following “Knocked Up,” “Charmer,” a three minute blast of steady ‘90s bass, gnarly riffs, and Black Francis-esque whoops and shrieks fares well, especially when good old Matthew goes all Joey Santiago on his axe at the end. Thankfully, the moments where the idiosyncratic guitar chug feels like a bit much–and there are a few–­are usually softened by clever touches like the ghostly backing vocals in “True Love Way.”

The light skank of “Ragoo” may appeal to some and annoy others, but there’s no denying that it feels a little affected. But at least the lyrics really seem to be pulling their weight this time, and they are assisted by Caleb Followill’s newfound powers of enunciation. He’d always been an affable frontman, and now that he’s managed to keep that appealing raggedness without completely mangling the words, the songs somehow feel a little more complete.

“Fans” and “Black Thumbnail” both do a good job of expanding the band’s sound within the roots-rock idiom, as does “Arizona” of twisting their usual formula for pensive, ballad-style numbers. It’s also worth noting that even when this record loses focus, which it unfortunately does on a few occasions, the playing is top-notch. W should not forget that Kings of Leon has had a superb rhythm section from day one.

The main regret most fans will have regarding Because of the Times is the relative lack of the big choruses that both Youth and Aha had in such abundance. The refrain of “On Call” stands with their very best, but most of these songs are just not as immediate. But don’t despair. Listeners, especially longtime fans, will find much to enjoy if the album is given the scrutiny it deserves. It’s a grower with a big yield.