Kings of Leon’s seventh studio album “WALLS” shows that the band has found its image as it has clear elements from its previous album. From the first song “Waste a Moment,” you can hear the melodies and rifts that fans have grown accustomed to from their previous album “Mechanical Bull”.
The question on most people’s minds when this album was coming out was whether the Followill family, who make up the members of Kings of Leon, would be able to produce something as successful as “Sex On Fire,” which put them on the map in 2008. The answer is no, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Kings of Leon has come a long way, from producing southern rock to stadium rock to softer alternative rock. They have continued producing catchier and softer tunes in their newest album.
“Reverend,” the second song on the album, has an easily digestible chorus that will run through your head for days. The same can be said of the next song “Around the World.” However, the album does not slip into the category of shallow albums that rely solely on catchy choruses to carry the weight. There is depth, a storyline that runs throughout the album: the story of finding a loved one only to be destroyed by that person after you have lowered your defenses.
“WALLS” offers the listener with some new and some old. Kings of Leon carries the same southern charm that they showed on “Come Around Sundown,” but they add new elements of soul and flare. “Muchacho” has a Latin touch, with a soothing guitar and a strong vocal performance by Caleb Followill. This song is far from a shallow song that needs a catchy chorus. It has soul and a beautiful sound, coupled with an element of pain.
The first half of the album offers music to fans that want a catchy tune and memorable lyrics, but the second half offers the dark, deep side of the band. It may not be the stadium sound that the band once had, but it has a softer, more mature sound than previous albums.
“Conversation Piece” is an excellent example of this darker side. It begins with a type of hopefulness that comes from returning to a place you love but ends with a pessimistic view as the singer realizes that this place is not as good as he remembers. Then you get the final song, “WALLS,” which explains the title of the album; the singer is breaking down the walls of his relationship. The song offers depth within its dark lyrics. This is a man that has lost a significant piece of himself, which is displayed in the overt pain of his voice.
The Kings of Leon have changed the tone of their songs, but the sound remains similar. If you enjoyed their last album, then you will probably enjoy this one as well. However, if you were looking for a band that rocks out a massive stadium, you’re out of luck.
