Because of the Times

Kings of Leon's latest album, Because of the Times, proves the third time's the charm for the Nashville band of brothers (and one cousin). From the sprawling seven-minute opening track, "Knocked Up," to the lush "True Love Way" and "On Call," the album is filled with gems that really belong on the soundtrack of a great movie we've yet to see. The sons of a preacher man (papa Leon was a Pentecostal minister), the Followill boys seem to have taken a cue from the gospel of their tour mates Dylan, U2, and Pearl Jam, which has made for much bolder music. Now equipped with larger, arena-worthy guitars and perfectly placed vocal effects, these boys have grown from a good rock band to a great one and made it look easy.

Check out another review at Blender.com.