Only By the Night by Kings of Leon

When I first heard "Sex On Fire," the first single from Kings of Leon's album Only By the Night, I was immediately taken by the strength of the vocals, especially in the chorus.  Vocals are generally the first thing that draws me into a band, even if I have no idea what is being said (I later found out he was saying, "This sex is on fire!"  Who knew?).  After further listen to this record, I have come to the conclusion that (in addition to the vocals occasionally sounding a bit like the theme from the Princess Bride) it's a solid rock album that unfortunately doesn't always live up to the high standard set by the first two singles.

I figured it would be an injustice to this band to review the latest album without much (or any) knowledge of their back catalogue, so I spent some timegetting familiar with the very eclectic collection of recordings from the very talented Followill family.

Caleb Followill's vocal style has evolved pretty dramatically since Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak, and while he has moved more toward powerful, soaring vocals, I can't help but think that Only By the Night could definitely have used a little more of the raw emotion and Stones-esque swagger of earlier releases.  It's polished almost to the point of being overpolished, like the polishing process inadvertantly rubbed away some of the magic.  And that's enough of the polished metaphor.

All in all Only By the Night is a good record, but could have used some more ragged edges.