What makes Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon notable?

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received generally positive reviews from critics. It marked a continuation of the band's mainstream appeal while also showcasing a more mature sound, influencing other artists in the alternative rock genre during this period. Released on October 15, 2010, 'Come Around Sundown' is Kings of Leon's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Only by the Night'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as stadium rockers after achieving commercial success and critical acclaim, leading to heightened expectations for this release.

Who is Come Around Sundown for?

Come Around Sundown works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Come Around Sundown?

Come Around Sundown has 13 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Released 16 years ago this October

Come Around Sundown

Kings of Leon · 2010

47 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of anthemic rock and introspective ballads that captures a sense of Southern nostalgia and modern longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Radioactive — This track stands out with its infectious hooks and anthemic chorus, embodying the album's energetic spirit while addressing themes of renewal and transformation.
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Pyro — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, 'Pyro' represents the emotional depth of the album, exploring themes of loss and longing.
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Back Down South — This track captures a rustic charm with its warm instrumentation and storytelling lyrics about homecoming, reflecting the band's Southern roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of anthemic and introspective tracks but lacks strong cohesion throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features more anthemic tracks, while the second half shifts towards slower, introspective ballads.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar harmonies and echoing vocals, creating a spacious sound that evokes a sense of longing.
The track 'Radioactive' employs a driving beat and repetitive chorus, contrasting with the more subdued arrangements found in tracks like 'Mary' and 'Beach Side'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues the band's mainstream appeal while showcasing artistic growth.
Career context: Released on October 15, 2010, 'Come Around Sundown' is Kings of Leon's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Only by the Night'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as stadium rockers after achieving commercial success and critical acclaim, leading to heightened expectations for this release.
Stylistic neighbors: The National· Band of Horses· My Morning Jacket