Kings of Leon's fourth cd 'Only by the Night' came out in 2008 during a year which somehow cemented their position as one of the bigger bands in the world. They headlined Glastonbury and toured extensively. I've had a soft spot for them based on the last two releases before this one - I never really cared much for their first cd.
'Closer' is the opening track and is a typical brooding, mid paced offering by the band. 'Crawl' has a slight electronic edge and clearer vocals than usual by Caleb Followill but doesn't really do much for me. 'Sex on fire' was the first single and the vocals and guitar make it feel like it could be a song by Canadian band Tragically Hip which is a good thing. 'Use somebody' is a stronger song and it could have been the first single despite verging on Razorlight type territory.
'Revelry' is a good mellow slower paced ballad which I can't decide if I like or loathe after a few listens. 'I want you' is a bit dull and doesn't really go anywhere interesting. 'Cold Desert' is a gentle ballad which ends 'Only by the Night' on a high note.
The songs seem to be written to fill arenas with bigger choruses and more straightforward music. Something has been lost in the translation to a stadium band but there is still a quirkiness to their music which means that they still sound like outsiders. Sometimes it is difficult when you like a band who all of a sudden become more well known and popular because it feels like you've lost something special to you.
Source: Spotify
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