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Because of the Times (by Kings of Leon, Alternative Rock)

common sense media says

Moody, atmospheric rock is OK for teens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Southern garage rock band is suffused with a not-so-catchy rock twang that speaks to those who seem to be stuck in warped drama. Major themes are breaking free from small-town doldrums, courageous manifestos that either make or break careers, and the gratifying, gravitational pull of women. There are also placid moments, like one crystallized in the song "The Runner," where the band sincerely appeals to Jesus for salvation. Real life through the lens of this band is a turbulent roller coaster of romance, but at least it's a band that manages to pull off an entire album with only one questionable word ("asshole") and little else to be worried about.

Positive messages: "Knocked Up" is a wedlocked couple's manifeso: We will have a baby -- no matter what. Thoughts that "dangerous" women lead the band into sin. Demons, dying days, blinding vision, and cold hearts are all crazy byproducts of surrendering to unrequited romance.
Violence: Liner notes feature spewed blood. Angst-ridden song "Ragoo" references domestic violence. A line: "She could kill me just like she did before."
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: One swear word: "asshole."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Liquor and cigarettes are used minimally as a way to shake the blues and to adapt to a rough-and-tumble lifestyle: "She's such a brat now I'm packing her cigarettes."
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More on Because of the Times

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this band expresses themselves in songs that are one-dimensional time capsules. What does the lyricist believe in and why? How accurate is this portrait? Families can discuss the difference between subjective (emotional and abstract) and objective (words with rational, fair aim) content. Families with teens can also talk about how music portrays love. Why do some bands only talk about love as angst-ridden if it's also multifaceted?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A weird thing happened to Kings of Leon on the way to the studio to record BECAUSE OF THE TIMES. Brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared, and cousin Matthew threw out their former rock sound for darker, deliberately obtuse rock with a slight pop-punk feel. What results is music worthy of teeth-clenching and fist-pumping swaying throughout the entire album. Though there are a few placid moments (in "The Runner," the band sincerely appeals to Jesus for salvation), the album otherwise zeros in on soulful but lost themes that are on the tormented, pessimistic side. For example, "Knocked Up" and "True Love Way" exhibit a heart-wrenching perspective about love as all or nothing. Words resound over guitar riffs that slowly build up as the tale of hurt reaches an apex in "True Love Way" ("For a young man it's a heck of a wage/ I'm still shaky when I see your face").

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Kings of Leon opt for melodrama in lyrics, but cushion the blow with expansive instrumentals that add a spaciousness to the other content. Parents should know that the lovers in "Knocked Up" believe in having a baby out of wedlock: "People call us renegades because we like living crazy…I don't care what nobody says/no I'm going to be her lover." The final track, "Arizona," is a lighter, well-balanced song stripped down to an organic sound resembling a meeting between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: April 3, 2007
Label: RCA
Genre: Alternative Rock
This review was written by Karen Fu
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Geoff.
adult
13
 
Because of the times (KOL's 3rd CD)
the kings of leon's previous CD's; "Youth & Youngmanhood" and "Aha shake heartbreak" are in my perspective [alot] better than "Because of the times" that reason being, it doesnt really sound like the original KOL. Now if you look at the present, the 4th KOL CD, called "Only By The Night" is breakthrough material and kicks the bajesus out of "Because of the times"
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cheese-process
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Great album from the Kings!
This album is much different from their first two albums, which is a good sign of a maturing band. This is even better than their newest album, Come Around Sundown, but don't expect it to be as good as Only By the Night, which is obviously their best. I like this album because it has catchy rock songs, like "On Call" and "Black Thumbnail," but some songs are WAAAY different than their normal thing, like "The Runner", "Trunk", and "Ragoo" (which is the catchiest song on the whole album). The way the album begins, with "Knocked Up", is a very unique way to open the album. The guy's screaming in "Charmer" scared the pee out of me. Love it!
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Tom_Gamer_Tom
adult
11
 
Kings of Leon are sometimes mature, but a great band.
Kings of Leon are one of my favourite bands, and not because of Sex on Fire. They have some depressing feel to songs though and they are sometimes sexual. I'm talking about all Kings Of Leon songs and not just this specific album. A few mature bits but its alright for pre teens.
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