Because of the Times
Kings of Leon · 2007
51 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling blend of Southern rock and alternative melodies, weaving intricate narratives over driving rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Knocked Up — The opening track features an expansive arrangement that juxtaposes raw emotion with soaring instrumentals, setting a compelling tone for the entire album.
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On Call — This song’s infectious groove and introspective lyrics reflect a shift towards more personal storytelling, marking a maturation in the band's songwriting approach.
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Black Thumbnail — With its driving beat and vivid imagery, this track encapsulates the band's Southern roots while embracing a more polished rock sound, highlighting their evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has moments that feel less cohesive, impacting its overall impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Knocked Up', featuring layered instrumentation that gradually intensifies before the tempo shifts in subsequent tracks.
- Several tracks, such as 'On Call' and 'Black Thumbnail', incorporate anthemic choruses that contrast with more subdued verses, creating dynamic shifts in energy.
- The last three tracks feature a noticeable drop in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Expanded the band's audience and established mainstream success.
- Career context
- Released on March 30, 2007, Because of the Times marked Kings of Leon's third studio album during a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from underground favorites to mainstream success. Following their breakthrough with Aha Shake Heartbreak in 2004, this album solidified their position in the rock landscape while showcasing a more refined sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Band of Horses· My Morning Jacket
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Knocked Up 7:10
- 2 Charmer 2:56
- 3 On Call 3:21
- 4 McFearless 3:09
- 5 Black Thumbnail 3:59
- 6 My Party 4:10
- 7 True Love Way 4:02
- 8 Ragoo 3:01
- 9 Fans 3:36
- 10 The Runner 4:16
- 11 Trunk 3:57
- 12 Camaro 3:06
- 13 Arizona 4:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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