An Album Review Of WALLS; By Kings Of Leon | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

An Album Review Of WALLS; By Kings Of Leon

An album with great music and zero disappointments? Sounds too good to be true!

16
An Album Review Of WALLS; By Kings Of Leon
Rolling Stone

On Friday, October 14, Kings of Leon released their highly anticipated seventh-studio album, WALLS, after a three year wait following 2013's Mechanical Bull. The album is receiving mixed, yet mostly average, reviews from critics, but I am telling you that you need this album in your music library and, more importantly, in your life.

Rolling Stone:3 stars (out of 5); "Radio-buff rock & roll that could spoon between One Republic's genre-splicing power moves and the Head and the Heart's folk-pop uplift."

The Guardian: 3 stars (out of 5); "It’s as though Kings of Leon’s sound has been put through an unexpected series of aural Instagram filters that really don’t do the band a disservice."

NME: 4 stars (out of 5); "Here they sound more focused and alive than they have for a while."

If you're thinking to yourself, "who are Kings of Leon?" then think again, because you definitely know at least one song by them: the smash-hit, "Use Somebody." The alternative rock band, which hails from Nashville, Tennessee, is made up of three brothers, Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, and their cousin, Matthew Followill. They released their first album, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003, and despite reinventing their sound since then, WALLS has been perceived as a settlement into the sound by them that we know and love.

Going along with the trend of making their album titles five syllables long, WALLS is actually an acronym for "We Are Like Love Songs," which perfectly embodies the songs on this album. WALLS is a well-balanced compilation of upbeat songs that make you want to jam out and slower songs that tug at the heart strings, symbolizing the highs and lows of "when the walls come down" between two people.

The album starts out on an upbeat high with the sounds of songs like "Waste A Moment," "Reverend," and "Around The World," all of which could fill an entire stadium. Then, once you hit "Over," you know you've gotten to the heartier part of the album, the relentless chorus repeating, "don't say it's over, anymore"; a song you can easily relate to if you've ever experienced a break-up or a falling-out with a friend. The next track, "Muchacho," with its stripped-down and calm sound immediately pulls you further out of the world and into the music. The album doesn't necessarily leave off on a high note, but it ends on a pensive note with "Wild" and "Walls," making you feel as if you've just finished watching an emotional whirlwind of a movie.

See below to take a listen to one of the best albums of the year on Spotify, and, if you really like it, check out Kings of Leon's tour schedule to see them live in a city near you!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24267
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10155
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7429
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments