Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

In a sign of these fickle times, we now have the difficult 'second' album. The Kings of Leon, now on album three, could be considered veterans of the Rock n' Roll scene. Have they played it safe by sticking to what they know? Well, yes and no actually. The Southern fried rock we've seen previously is now tempered with a healthy side salad in the form of effect-laden build-ups and more intricate guitar playing from these sons of preachers. The influences of Pearl Jam and U2 (touring buddies) can be seen on the stadium-designed anthem Black Thumbnail. Caleb's voice still caterwauls and drools in equal measures on the rapid-fire McFearless (maybe the stand-out track) and seven-minute opener Knocked Up, but seems to straighten itself out on slushy tune The Runner. Thoughtful, considered, Because of the Times appears carefully sculpted as a grower. [Wilbur Kane]