Anywho, Come Around Sundown is hot off the..uh, CD-making-machines? Eh, well I don't think it's on Piratebay yet. That being said, I haven't read very many critiques. The band admitted to "calming down a bit" and producing a more "chilled out" album..which scares me a little. My Bible, the Rollingstone, mentioned the upcoming album in one of the July issues (Lady Gaga machine gun boobs cover). At this point, Kings of Leon had played a couple of shows debuting four new songs from the album. I admit that I'm not a bow-down-at-Caleb's-feet kind of person; I was newly converted when my boyfriend made me listen to Because of the Times and Aha Shake Heartbreak.
Since I don't pretend to have enough credibility to review the whole album, I'll take the four songs that the Bible interviewed KOL about.
1. "Radioactive"
Radioactive is intriguing, no doubt. The bright guitar tapping intro contrasts almost immediately with Caleb's earnest tone and the pounding bass line. Over all Caleb sounds anxious, looks sweaty and impassioned--that's just how we like him. Though a bit repetitive, the song has a gimmick. Caleb's voice takes it's wonderful liberties in the chorus, moments that weren't really captured on Only By the Night.
Oh hey, Caleb
2. "The Immortals"
There isn't a lot of video for this one yet. However, I think this selection is a testament to the band's pledge to "calm down". It's immediately pleasing with harmonies in the chorus and a very soothing tempo. Once again the boys work the contrast with a strong, popping bass line in the verses. This is definitely the most "chill" of the four.
3. "Going Down South"
Okay. Everybody makes mistakes, right? Even gutsy southern rock bands that let producers dial them down for a whole album..right? I won't lie, when the video for this song started playing, I had to seriously contemplate dying. Yes that was an exaggeration BUT this song sounds more like Kenny Chesney than the Kings of Leon. Did they sign some sort of contract that I didn't know about? Or maybe all the Leon boys have a soft spot for mainstream "country" music. Suffice it to say I am NOT impressed. The song has little energy and shamelessly trudges along. I bet Kenny was in the front screaming "Good job boys! This is mah jam!"
4. "Mary"
I saved this one for last because it's my personal favorite. The second the music starts I thought "This was a really good idea". Caleb plays lover boy standing outside Mary's house with his guitar and roses or something like that. The surf rock feel lulls the audience and you can't help but sway as you listen (even as I sit alone in my room, I'm swaying). Above all, the song is heartfelt. This is what we WANT from the Kings of Leon. I WANT to hear Caleb's voice crack. I WANT to feel his pain and longing. "Mary" is definitely a winner with me. Please go to Youtube and watch the video. It's so worth it!
Comment if you agree, disagree, or you just want to feed my ego. It all sounds good to me.
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