Kings of Leon: Only By the Night. . . .

Sounds Likes: the kinks meets allman brothers (just be glad there's no strokes comparison in there)

Favorite Tracks: Sex on Fire, Crawl

I was never a fan of their first two albums, so I was quite surprised when I wore out (can you do that on an iPod?) Because of the Times, their 2007 album. That album seemed to be either a love it or hate it affair for most rock critics. In Britain, however, it managed to go number one on the billboard.

So this is supposed to be the "break out" album of the Tennessee natives. And does it ever show! Echoing the latest release from Hold Steady (which I think was done much better), every song is packaged neatly to be played at the arena nearest you. I use that as a compliment for a few songs (Crawl, Be Somebody), and as a complaint for others (Use Somebody, which sound be on some WB show dealing with High School).

This album comes across as a B-side of Because of the Times. Every song could have been fit into their last album, though most would be subpar to one of last year's best album.

Scores: B