WXPN Radio

The premier guide for new and significant artists in rock, blues, and folk - including NPR-syndicated World Cafe

XPN2 - XPoNential Radio

24/7 Musical discovery. A unique mix of emerging and heritage blues, rock, world, folk, and alt-country artists.

World Cafe Archives

Join the World Cafe through performances and interviews with celebrated and emerging artists.
Listen
  • font size decrease font size decrease font size increase font size increase font size

Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown - RCA

Kings of Leon were propelled to stardom with the release of their 2008 Grammy nominated album Only By The Night. Their 5th studio album Come Around Sundown, another collection of undeniable rock anthems, comes almost exactly two years after and does little to lessen the argument that the Followill family currently reign as the biggest rock band in America.



Since the release of their last album, Kings of Leon have embraced their success continuing to tour for what seems non-stop over the last two years. In fact, it’s wondrous how they had time to make a record somewhere over that course. Nonetheless, the songs of Come Around Sundown brim with confidence and a sonic landscape that is as varied as it is unique to this band. Frontman Caleb Followill’s growly vocals have become a modern day rock trademark as is evidence on the soaring first single “Radioactive.” And whether the rock landscape shifts to more subdued moments like the aptly titled “Back Down South” the Tennessee born Kings leader sounds right at home.

In many ways the songs of Come Around Sundown pick up right where the last record left off. Aside from the unmistakable vocals, the guitars on this collection again power the record. Matt Followill delivers an almost Edge-like riff on the stadium ready song “The Immortals” and proves his own versatility painting a perfect coastline picture on the summery “Beach Side.” In a day where rock doesn’t dominate the mainstream as it has in the past, Kings of Leon have no problem shouldering the load with Come Around Sundown.