Although fans have undoubtedly already heard the record by now, Kings of Leon officially released their fourth LP today, “Only By The Night”. 

I think it’s safe to say that this band won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. The sound on the new record can only be described as BIGGER. It’s KOL for the masses - anthemic choruses that are sure to take them from auditorium and club venues to the arenas. 

Personally, I love it; but I think that a lot of fans are going to have a hard time making the jump from KOL’s more raw, southern rock-tinged material that we’re used to. You can probably also expect a relentless wave of negative reviews from critics; but I’m willing to bet that a string of sold-out arena dates are just around the corner - and you can’t argue with that. 

Anyway, check out the album’s opening track Closer below. You can sample or buy the rest of the album here (iTunes).

Mike’s top picks from “Only By The Night”: I Want You, Use Somebody, Manhattan