What makes Walls by Kings of Leon notable?

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing its immediate commercial success. Critics noted 'Walls' for its lyrical depth and cohesive production, contributing to the band's ongoing evolution within the alternative rock scene. Released on October 14, 2016, 'Walls' is the seventh studio album from Kings of Leon, following their commercial peak with 'Mechanical Bull' in 2013. At this point, the band sought to present a more intimate and personal sound compared to their earlier works, reflecting a maturation in both their songwriting and musical exploration.

Walls works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective listening for solitude and heartfelt melodies for quiet evenings.

How many songs are on Walls?

Walls has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago this October

Walls

Kings of Leon · 2016

42 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

An introspective blend of alternative rock and anthemic choruses, merging personal themes with expansive soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waste a Moment — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythm, capturing the band's signature sound while introducing the themes of longing and reflection that permeate the record.
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Reverend — A standout moment on the album, this song delves into themes of faith and redemption, featuring poignant lyrics layered over a haunting melody that encapsulates the emotional core of 'Walls'.
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WALLS — The title track serves as a powerful conclusion to the album, blending vulnerability with anthemic energy as it explores themes of isolation and connection in a rapidly changing world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album balances personal themes with expansive soundscapes, showcasing a shift in the band's approach.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build towards anthemic choruses, particularly in 'Waste a Moment' and 'Find Me'.
The album's closing track, 'WALLS', employs a minimalist arrangement with a focus on piano and vocals, contrasting with the earlier instrumentation.

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: 8/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective listening for solitude
heartfelt melodies for quiet evenings
thoughtful background for conversations

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification
prefer high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and depth in songwriting after a commercial peak.
Career context: Released on October 14, 2016, 'Walls' is the seventh studio album from Kings of Leon, following their commercial peak with 'Mechanical Bull' in 2013. At this point, the band sought to present a more intimate and personal sound compared to their earlier works, reflecting a maturation in both their songwriting and musical exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: The National· Band of Horses· My Morning Jacket