Who would’ve believed that the three sons raised by a preacher man in the Deep South would turn out to be one of today’s most respected and successful rock groups? Brothers Nathan, Caleb, and Jared spent their early years following their father’s church missions across several Southern states, but when a hostile divorce hit their family, the sons found a way to cope together through music. In 2000, the three brothers decided to join forces with their cousin, Matthew, to take on the city of Nashville as a group that would later become known as the country-infused rock band, Kings of Leon. Their first EP, Holy Roller Novocaine, and LP, Youth and Young Manhood, were released in 2003 and immediately embraced by the UK. Their British fan base grew larger and even spread to other countries in Europe with their follow-up releases, Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004) and Because of the Times (2007). It wasn’t until their fourth studio album release, Only by the Night (2008), that the US really started to take notice of what this band had to offer. With edgy singles, “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon quickly became a household name which made for another internationally successful release in 2010, Come Around Sundown.
After a three-year hiatus, Kings of Leon has quite literally taken the bull by the horns and their listeners on a ride with their latest studio album release, Mechanical Bull. The band has been able to carry on their legacy of producing sultry rock n’ roll with powerful lyrics and upbeat melodies in a way that still feels and sounds brand new to their fans. Mechanical Bull lures its listeners in immediately with the first track, “Supersoaker.” Caleb’s deep, raspy vocals are as captivating as the catchy lyrics in the hook, “Cause I’m the supersoaker red, white / and blew ‘em all away / With the kisses unclean as the words that you say.” It’s no wonder the band selected this song to be their first single from the album. The Southern-esque inspiration is definitely heard in the second track, “Rock City,” which features a more simplistic beat so as to put the focus on the gritty, soulful vocals. “Don’t Matter” is definitely a feel good rock n’ roll song. With a faster tempo and a darker, edgy sound, it’s impossible to not tap your foot along to the steady rhythm. The Mechanical Bull ride slows down with its next track, “Beautiful War,” one of the longest songs on the album. Starting off quiet and slow, this love song truly evolves into something powerful as it progresses. The highs and lows of the guitar chords are symbolic to the highs and lows of falling in love, which is the main message of the song. The pace of the album starts to pick up with pop-rock tune, “Temple” as Caleb sings the relatable lyrics “I’ve got my hands in my pockets / And I’m crossing my fingers / I just want to be noticed.” But what’s arguably the best song on Mechanical Bull is the next track, “Wait For Me.” There’s a lot of speculation that this song is an apology song from the band to their fans for everything that caused their three-year hiatus from the music industry. The lyrics, vocals, and music together feel so personal and sincere, like they are asking their fans to wait for them and not give up on them just yet. Hand in hand with this song, is the track “Comeback Story,” which is also thought to be the ultimate drive behind the creation of Mechanical Bull. Following this, are two pop-inspired rock songs that aren’t easily forgotten. The haunting guitar melodies paired with such clever lyrics will leave songs “Tonight” and “Coming Back Again” stuck in your head for days on end. These songs are probably the most radio-friendly tracks of the album. Mechanical Bull definitely carries Kings of Leon’s tradition on of mixing southern soul with modern-day rock and this is especially true in closing track “On The Chin.” This is a solid choice for a closing song because it ends up being a spot on summary of the entire album. The band has had its hardships over the past few years, but in their final track they send out the message that despite what’s happened in the past, they are back for their fans with a drive that is so strong, they won’t be knocked off the mechanical bull anytime soon.
Mechanical Bull is way more than just an 11-track album. It’s a “never say never” to anyone who doubted the return of Kings of Leon. It’s an homage to the fans who never gave up and chose to stand by their favorite band through the tough times. It’s a visceral of hope for anyone who is going through tough times that with enough passion, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a solid album featuring some incredible tracks and lyrical magic, proving that Kings of Leon didn’t lose their edge over the years. However, aside from the powerful message this album gives, there wasn’t much progression musically. While everything sounds great, it’s what you would expect from Kings of Leon and after a three-year hiatus, it would’ve been cool to hear something out of the box. Cryptic Rock gives Mechanical Bull 4 out of 5 stars.
RCA
Written by Vanessa Carlucci
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