Mechanical Bull is Kings of Leon’s 6th LP and their first since 2010’s Come Around Sundown. The official release is set for September 24, 2013. Thanks to a live stream on itunes we are able to review this a bit early. Come Around sundown followed the Grammy winning Only By the Night that saw the Kings of Leon rise to stardom that was long over due. Four years of straight touring between the two albums and no real time to enjoy their success everything came to a boiling point July 29, 2011 at Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX when lead singer Caleb Followill got completely wasted telling the fans in attendance, “I’m gonna go back stage for a second, i’m gonna vomit, i’m gonna drink a beer and i’m gonna come back out and play three more songs.” Caleb never came out and the band cancelled 26 dates on the tour. After some much needed time off the Kings seem to be rejuvenated in their latest effort. Here is a review of a few key tracks.
The first single and first track “Supersoaker,” (below) is quintessential KOL with an up-tempo beat and a catchy chorus line. It is easily one of their best tracks and gives flashes of their earlier days. “Rock City,” is a laid back cool bluesy tune.
“Don’t Matter,” shows off a heavy bass line “It’s always the same and i’m always the same,” moans Caleb… “It don’t matter to me.” This song may just be a middle finger to critics. The song is already being compared to Queens of the Stone Age for its hard hitting sound. “Beautiful War” slows down for a balad about love worth fighting for. This is sure to attract lighters and cell phones waving in the air during future stadium tours. “Temple” an easy rocking tune about doing anything for a women. It has a catchy chorus with Caleb’s crooning on “I’d take one in the temple, i’d take one for you.” KOL switches up the groove with “Family Tree,” possibly the best track on the album. It’s a little funk mixed with a little southern rock. This will definitely be a fun live sing along.
Don’t expect Youth and Young Manhood with this album or the next Only By the Night. Mechanical Bull definitely stands on it’s own in the Kings of Leon collection. At times the album is a bit on the slow side, but there are definitely some gems in here. Overall it is a solid effort by the boys and will continue to be in my rotation.
