The Kings of Leon Because of the Times on Limited Edition Vinyl LP 

Hit 2007 Studio Set Helped Propel Band to Mainstream Arena-Rock Status 

Aha Shake Heartbreak may have blown open the doors of fame for Kings of Leon, but their third full-length album (named for a United Pentecostal Church ministers' conference) ushered the Nashville foursome directly to rock and roll's zenith. The three Followill brothers and their cousin, along with producer Ethan Johns, mine a smorgasbord of musical influences while utilizing a cacophonous ensemble of guitar, bass, and drums to drive the rock-centric Because of the Times.

A trio of relentless rockers--"My Party," "Camaro," and the sarcastic "Charmer"--follow along the lines of Kings of Leon's original Southern-etched sound, yet the band uses the album as a jumping-off platform for a broader, more ambitious approach. Reverb guitar, echo-laden vocals, and a "whoo-whoo" chorus add a sinister aspect to "Trunk," while the radio smash 'Knocked Up' features a laissez-faire Caleb Followill crooning "She don't care what her mama said/She's gonna have my baby." The seven-minute fatherhood revelation leads into the U2-influenced "McFearless," a reggae-splashed 'Ragoo,' and the rambling English blues "Black Thumbnail."

Kings of Leon possess a rogue element that every great rock album requires, so it's no surprise Because the Times was the quartet's best album to date.

Kings of Leon Because of the Times Track Listing:

1. Knocked Up
2. Charmer
3. On Call
4. McFearless
5. Black Thumbnail
6. My Party
7. True Love Way
8. Ragoo
9. Fans
10. The Runner
11. Trunk
12. Camaro
13. Arizona