Youth And Young Manhood

There is a received wisdom that KoL were good in their early days, but declined when they went mainstream and got popular. This, their debut album, blows that theory out of the water and proves they were pretty bad from day one. Rating: 1.5/5 Playlist track: Red Morning Light Date listened: 21/12/23

I recently saw a reel that described Kings of Leon as “Southern Fried Strokes.” I thought it was a stretch. Then i heard this album. It is not a stretch.

I feel like Jeff Winger when he found out the study group was abbreviating Barenaked Ladies' name. Wow, three albums for Kings of Leon, really? They're so fundamental that we're celebrating their debut album? Call me a selfish, jaded ass, but that's too much. Best track: Joe's Head

Painfully boring. Annoying vocals and cliche instrumentation. Feels like the mix between Lynyrd Skynyrd, The White Stripes, and The Strokes went rancid in the fridge. And those were all, at best, 3s themselves. Cold garbage, solid 1.0

I feel like I should have enjoyed this more than I did. It was fine, but something just felt off for me which causes me to like it a lot less. Maybe it's the vocalists voice which I find just a little bit annoying. 2.5/5

If you actually like rock, you won’t like this.

Bland guitar rock with grating vocals. Never understood the appeal of this band and this album only made my opinion of them worse.

Go to your dad's car and find his CDs. I guaranteed you can find something better than what's in this album. You've heard this kind of rock before in bars, parties, and festivals. The lead singer has the voice and charisma of a goldfish with the band providing filler instrumentals. There's no passion to it; one song leads into the next and some do sound different (especially the pop sounding songs on here). It's by the numbers southern rock about the sad things in life. It's not enough to get a recommend from me though. Spend your time with something else.

Is this a true 4 or does it just remind me of a happier time in my life? I guess we will never know.

This is the Kings I remember before they got pretty and had their sex be on fire

Very generic mid-2000s rock. I'd heard a few of these, you know, they're fine, but I can't see how they've achieved a billion streams on one of their tunes. The singer had the sound of a less committed Damon Albarn.

This album is fucking awesome, I am bias and I will fight you if you disagree.

23rd June 2023 Listened while driving to camping with Joe and Adna outside Leicester. One of the cornerstones of my teenage years, an absolute stone cold banger.

It's interesting to hear the first album from a band that would become very popular. Sometimes it's the only opportunity to hear them before they are forced to contend with the weighty expectations of celebrity culture. Kings of Leon are a band that, anymore, I can only really think of as offensively inoffensive. Like it feels like they are as "just fine" as any band could be, and the big question I had going into this was if they were any more interesting on their debut. At this time, Kings of Leon kind of seem to sit in with the other kind of indie/garage rock bands of this time, but with a little more of a Southern Swamp Rock sound. Unfortunately, even here, I don't think they could really keep up with their contemporaries. They aren't as powerful and scuzzy as The White Stripes were, they didn't have the energy of something punkier like Yeah Yeah Yeahs at this time. And they didn't have the melodic sensibilities or performance of The Strokes, who they sound most similar to otherwise (they kind of both have the same "dry" sound that I wish I could put a finger on). Their sound is also just a little more "generic 2000s rock" than any of the former bands. I would like to mention the vocals here though. Caleb Followill digs in pretty hard on his delivery, and there are some standout moments, but his performances still somehow feel too restrained and never quite connect all the dots. This isn't bad per say, but like their later music, it just isn't interesting (let alone essential) in the landscape of rock they existed in.

Dull as heck. Why recommend this one when it's neither their best nor their most popular album?

I've never really been the biggest fan of Kings of Leon, this album definitely backs this statement up. I felt each track sounded very similar to the last, making my listening experience rather boring. Not to mention, I cannot stand the frontman's vocals; it sounds as if he's screaming with a bunch of marbles in his mouth. Long story, short, this album is just a bunch of distorted noise.

I'm really glad this was an older album from Kings Of Leon. I know a few older tracks and I like them all so was looking forward to hearing a full album. I'm glad it wasn't the newer more popular version of the band, with songs like 'Sex On Fire' and 'Use Somebody' which I really don't like at all. If I could try and describe it accurately. It's as if you took the garage rock sound of The White Stripes, mixed it up with the faster tunes of very early Bon Scott era AC/DC and sprinkled in some country vibes. It's a great sound and I don't think there's a dud track here. Some people won't like Caleb Followill's vocals but I enjoy them a lot. They sound a lot better with this type of music than they do with later Kings Of Leon stuff. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this but I'm very glad it was on the list and it makes me want to check out more of their earlier stuff.

I love this album! super southern, a bit grungy, really really good. To be fair I am an early Kings of Leon head. The sound hits my ears just right! Whole thing hits, but especially love: Red Morning Light, Happy Alone, California Waiting, Molly's Chamber, Talihina Sky

Great album. I haven't returned to it for a while and I'd forgotten how good it is. Not as good as Aha Shake Heartbreak, but still far better than anything else they have produced since. There was an intensity and a rawness to their sound that they lost when they became more polished (and when they began to sound more and more like a Strokes tribute act).

No private session used for Spotify. I have this CD somewhere, used to listen to this album a lot while on road trips or getting pumped up at the gym. Note to self, listen to this album more. This album just rocks.

This was a big album for me when I was 15 so it’s impossible to hear objectively. I used to turn my stereo balance all the way to one speaker so it would cut out one guitar part (that had been hard panned to one side) and play along on my guitar for hours. I never really got the strokes comparison, in my teenage brain this was more a mid 70s credence style sound rather than late 70s post punk sound like television, that the strokes seemed to be going for. I love the live sound of the album and the short impactful guitar solos. It’s an easy 5 for personal reasons but I do wonder why it’s on the list.

I wondered if this might make the list. I long for the days of old KoL.

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Red morning light, Happy alone, Wasted time, California waiting, Molly’s chamber, Holy roller novocaine

Hands down their best album. I mean COME ON these songs are so EXCITING! They captured a raw energy that was still present in their second album, but by albums 3 and 4 had shifted into something else - not something bad, but something different and less magical that what they captured here on their debut. I watched some YouTube video the other day where they attributed the shift in sound to opening up for U2 on tour, which made a lot of sense to me. They were new to big arenas, and after listening to U2 play mid tempo rock arena jams night after night, how could their sound not change? So what they captured on this album was a specific moment in time in their development, and I'm glad we have it. I love ALL of these songs and will continue to come back to this album as I have over many years.

I think it says a lot about an album when the final track makes you want to listen to the album again. Red Morning Light is a great start, Joe's Head certainly grabs your attention, California Waiting, and Molly's Chambers are great tracks but there's something I really love about Talihina Sky.

3.3 I've never truly vibes with Kings of Leon. I think I started off on a bad note with them when my brother went to uni and came back after first time acting like these were the coolest fucking band on earth and he was the coolest fucking person for being into them. Would have been after this album actually. It's fine, it's good in parts, but grating in others. Trani sounds like someone trying to take the piss out of his vocals, so fair play for putting that on your debut. There's not much further to fall after that I guess. Like all other Kings of Leon albums I've heard, it's alright, but feels like they're trying too hard to be cool.

Youth & Young Manhood I remember really liking this when it came out, right after the Strokes and White Stripes, with the same garage punk sensibility, but with a more bluesy, southern rock feel, which very much appealed to me back then. Listening now, it definitely still has a very appealing energy and directness, and the Stonesy riffs and licks still carry some charm, but overall it feels like it's missing some weight and substance. Whether it’s because we know what they kind of developed into, but it does feel a little insubstantial, the style is more of a veneer that something more profound Still there are some enjoyable songs if you don’t really think too much about it; Red Morning Light, Wasted Time, Joe’s Head (love the Allman Brothers guitars on this one), California Waiting, Molly’s Chambers, Dusty are all fun. I think this falls right in the middle of the 3s - some fun riffs and songs, a nice bit of nostalgic fluff but a confection that isn't all that satisfying. 👑👑👑 Playlist submission: Wasted Time

If Kings of Leon had à vocalist with a less annoying voice, better songs and a sensé of humour, I would like this a lot better. As it is, I don’t understand the inclusion on the list. Rolling Stones did this better 30-40 years estimer, and even they weren’t very good. I have to admit I like track 6. It’s got a great chorus. The others are totally forgettable

For what reason does there need to be three records from this band, on this list? They’re not that good. This is some fanboy bullshit.

Most of the songs sound the same but not in a way that’s exciting to me.

Overall it still sucked but I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would

rockin out. southern? bangers.

Kick ass album. Never really listened to this band but this groovy. I'll bet this was a good time live when they were young and hungry. I enjoyed this album a lot.

Great

I was expecting more pop along the lines of Use Somebody, instead it was down and dirty grungy rock, absolutely delightful.

A fucking blinder seemingly from left field. Still a brlliliant record today

Huh, they have multiple albums. Who knew? (apparently lots of people) First 30 seconds: ooh some interesting vocals. This could be a more interesting approach to post-punk(?). Yeah this album is fun and fresh. Love so many of these songs: California waiting and Joe's Head are a blast. Like the Modern Lovers with less grating of sensibilities. This is a great artist discovery; how did I never listen to these guys?!? Huge.

This is what we need, And when she get into your head you know she s there to stay

Classic. Always been a favourite and their best.

Wasn't really looking forward to this album due to being burned out on the hits that came with the following album. This album was a pleasant surprise, they seemed to be a little looser and having more fun with this album, maybe they were more youthful and experimental, I don't know, but the music seems more playful and fun.

i haven’t really listened to too much of kings of leon but i know this first album feels a bit different from their “sex on fire” era to me so this was cool to hear !!! I LIKE THE ALBUM COVER n their cute hairdos they were adorable in 2003 :)

Maybe I‘m boring, maybe I‘m nostalgic but this one is awesome! Never heard it before but it got the typical 2000s rock sound and is completely different to the KOL that became mainstream.

Good album, really liked all of it.

A wise old sound engineer once told me there are two things a great album can be made of. Great songs or great memories. And sometimes both. Well, the songs on Youth & Young Manhood are regularly great (Dusty, Trani, Holy Roller Novocaine, Red Morning Light…) but the memories are what make this an easy 5 for me. I went to university in 2002 believing nightclubs to be somewhere you went reluctantly so as not to be the only one home on a Saturday night, danced ironically to bad house music and tried desperately not to waste all your CD money for the month on sickly alcopops or horrible lager. I left in 2005 with great memories of nights at Fuzz Club and the Leadmill spent in my ripped jeans, t-shirt and tie, listening to great indie rock’n’roll and drinking (horrible AND sickly - but I didn’t care) snakebite til the early hours. It only takes the opening chords of Molly’s Chambers to transport me back. Yes, I grew out of those days around the time KoL grew out of them too and became a shit U2 tribute act without the tunes. But in those heady days of my own youth and young manhood, this was a firm favourite.

Joe's Head is their best song

Excellent alt rock album

01) Red Morning Light - 10,0 02) Happy Alone - 8,5 03) Wasted Time - 10,0 04) Joe's Head - 8,0 05) Trani - 8,0 06) California Waiting - 10,0 07) Spiral Staircase - 8,5 08) Molly's Chambers - 10,0 09) Genius - 8,5 10) Dusty - 8,0 11) Holly Roller Novocaine - 10,0 12) Talihina Sky - 10,0 TOTAL: 9,13 (91/100) Current ranking: 22/267 Kings Of Leon are one of my favorite bands from the early 2000s, this album is one of their better ones. "Molly's Chambers" is my favorite song on the album, and I had the opportunity to listen to them live twice.

Don't care what anyone thinks about KoL but this album is so good

fun rock album.

Love it

Great debut album from the Kings of Leon. It is a much rawer bit of southern garage rock and much less polished than their later efforts

From when KOL kicked ass! So much energy. Red Morning Light one of the top 3 all time uses of a cowbell! Surely? Can’t argue with that. Caleb’s vocals occasionally scream like a mad lunatic, sometimes completely incoherent but I still love them. The album captures all of their live energy - simple party rock and roll.

Fucking love their early work. So many bangers

Fun album. Still their best.

I don't know what my problem was with the prior Kings of Leon album we listened to but this one was totally my jam. Well, one of my jams at least. I dug it start to finish.

Nice

Like being a sophomore in college all over again.

Oh hell yea Kings Of Leon were my band for while in the 2000s into the 2010s. Come Around Sundown was maybe the last new album I bought on CD (at my beloved MusicWorld). Wild how they were a band that didn’t really last past that era though, even though they are putting out new music and are seemingly trying to build an audience on TikTok. This album is amazing. I go back and forth on which of their four albums are their best. This pretty much keep the momentum throughout so this is a likely winner.

I like this one. Had heard a few of their songs before. Really liked this.

So much better than I expected this to be. Wow. Great rock and roll that sounds classic yet modern, and a totally different sound than their poppier 2009 smash (which I also like). His voice was awesome and this just fun to hear.

LOVE THE OLD STUFF!

My favorite Kings of Leon, when they were raw, hillbilly-sounding rock. Everything later was more polished and produced. Still great, but this first album is the most fun.

Yes yes yes. No nonsense, full energy, distinct style. Came through like a breath of fresh air at the time. I saw them live after this album, then after then album that followed. The first gig they literally said nothing between the songs. Absolutely loved it. The second gig you could tell they hit the big time as they had a glitter ball on stage and I think they may have introduced themselves!

A fantastic album, been listening to it for years. Favourite tracks are: 'Red Morning Light,' 'Molly's Chambers,' 'Holy Roller Novocaine' & 'Talihina Sky'

Love this album

Really liked this album. It had me wanting more and had me going to Only By the Night. I think its a 5

ace

So many classics! I didn't know they were all on this album. Feels like Bob Dylan crawled into a punk basement in the UK in the 80s/90s.

I think History is going to be unkind to this band, but this first three album run and really first 4 album run is pretty spectacular. Then they just got so meteorically famous and the wheels kinda came off. But I will always have a lot of affinity for these first three albums. Probably like because the times best, then this one, and then aha shake heartbreak.

Summer 2003, I heard rumblings of this band but I was just heading out to spend the summer in New York doing Camp America. When I returned, my sister bought me this album for my birthday and I absolutely loved it. The Kings of Leon brought something slightly different at that time, with a southern drawl and appeal that actually made them cool, with stories that their mum cut their hair - all a bit shaggy looking like something out of the 70s. I really liked the 2nd album too, I believe it is on the list but it doesn’t need to be. What happened to them after that feels a bit like the record label suits got hold of them and polished them up and became dreadful. I cannot believe they have 3 albums on this list! It makes me very annoyed thinking about it, but this album, this deserves its place on the list.

Never gave them a fair shake, don't know why.

I got this album almost exactly 2 years ago! Here is my review: "Super fun! Definitely good ol' indie rock with a Southern influence. I liked the energy and song writing. Definitely want to revisit more of Kings of Leon." I can say that in the last 2 years, I have listened to this band more and gained a greater appreciation. Kings of Leon rocks. This album feels so much like The Strokes. I think what I like the most is that it feels like New York indie, but its very Southern influenced. I'm picking up The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, even The Velvet Underground. But it's unique in its own sound. This band has aged really well.

Southern rock meets grunge and a little punk and blues thrown in? - works for me!

Great modern rock album with bluesy influences

Perfectly pitched between Creedence Clearwater Revival’s good ole boy Southern rock and greasy garage rock, Kings of Leon’s debut album is assured and fun despite its general themes of heartbreak, the uselessness of love, and being sad and slutty. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Pooh to the nay-sayers! I love this. At the time, it sounded really fresh and clever to my 30-something Brit ears, being derived from old-school blues and southern rock, but delivered with (deadpan, slightly eccentric) humour and a modern swagger. I think I acquired it when my sons were about six and seven. We all liked it, and played it, and the KOL album which followed, on many a car journey. Sound-wise, this is my favourite of theirs, although California Waiting hints at the more conventional chug-chug to come on later albums (I'm not a fan of Sex On Fire, nor Use Somebody). I love the stripped-back sound. I haven't listened to it as an album for far too long, although Red Morning Light and Molly's Chambers are permanent fixtures on my playlist. Dusty is just great. The album is technically proficient, the songs have great energy, and crucially you shouldn't take it entirely seriously (however deeply the Followill sense of humour may be buried, trust me, it's there) in the same way that you shouldn't with anything Jack White does. Pretty darn brilliant.

800 plus albums into the project and it's becoming more and more difficult to come up with unique reviews, so let's just keep this simple. I liked it.

I love an able with notable and interesting bass lines, and they really keep the bass turned up here. Caleb Followill has such interesting vocals too. We of course all know Sex on Fire, but it's nice to listen to an album of simply their sound without the baggage that comes with a hit (this is not a negative connotation by the way). Great entry album by them and hey maybe I'll listen more often

Really enjoyed this album. I didn't expect so much southern rock influence. Clearly their sound has changed tremendously from the earlier albums to today.

I knew all these songs, but I don’t think I’d ever listened to them altogether before. This was a pretty cool debut album and I must’ve been in the mood for some great rock tunes.

4.5 One of the great things about music is you never know what’s gonna hit for you. You can make informed guesses, sure, but sometimes the first Kings of Leon album just VIBES with you. I love this?!? Am I crazy for hearing Diamond Dogs/Ziggy Stardust era-Bowie in the construction of the songs, in the singer’s voice? Just add a little more Southern rock to it! I listened to this like 4 times yesterday. I truly loved it.

I would have guessed that this style would get annoying to me but I really just liked it more and more as it went on.

Yes, Kings of Leon come with some retro baggage. These days they feel like they've taken their early raw energy of the first two albums, and tried to polish it for the masses, becoming a rock sausage-machine. But those first two albums are undeniably list-worthy. The blazing 'Red Morning Light' opens, and you question whether that energy was ever matched by them again. Absolutely rollicking. The album is more than just swamp rock of course. 'Joe's Head' is a breezy number, with clean arpeggios and an uplifting chord progression, into quite a Dylanesque chorus, and the bass working wonders (as it does in 'Wasted Time'). This and 'California Waiting' (the chorus rocking and bittersweet all at the same time) proves that they are not just simple chord-monkeys. There's a skill for interesting songwriting in these early years. It's not quite at the level of Aha Shake Heartbreak, which polished the sound but retained their edge. Nevertheless, on balance it's still fair to award high marks.

I orginally dismissed this band as Indie boys who wear scarves indoors - I mean, they did but they were actually a bit better than I gave them credit for. As a debut this isn't too bad, fairly decent Southern blend rock - though the vocals feel too much of an affectation. It's CCR but with a wink to the skinny tie indie rock boys of the early 2000s. Slightly marred by the fact that me and my mates were partying in Stockholm and these guys walked in (they were on the tour for this album) and were strutting around in their skinny jeans and too small t-shirts like their shit didn't stink. We threw our drinks over them and stole their scarves then went and hid in the dark. Youth and Young Manhood indeed. Best Tracks: Red Morning Light; Spiral Staircase; Molly's Chambers

I don’t believe I’ve listened to this album all the way through before but it’s a helluva debut album for Kings of Leon. It’s their typical fast-paced, controlled chaotic rock through most of the album with a couple slower blues-ey/folky songs that were pretty solid (could’ve been worse) for the filler songs. I’ve always thought KoL is great driving music, which I’m not positive if that’s a compliment or not, but I was driving while listening to this so it may have helped the rating.

I like the grungy blues rock the band brings to the table with this debut album. Only recognized "Molly's Chamber" which may be top track but I am undecided since the whole thing is really good. Better than I expected even having heard later records from the group which I do like but never loved. We will see at least one more album from these boys. 3.70 stars for this one.

That's a Fine Album! One of the best things that the 2000's rock got to offer. That was the first time I ever listened to this band, and it was a great experience. Not perfect, but great! I'm gonna leave 4 stars today.

I always forget how good these guys were before they became super lame. 4/5

I gave my friend some serious side eye when he recommended this album to me a while back. "Kings of Leon? Seriously?" But to my surprise, it was a seriously great album. And I still really enjoyed it on this listen. So much better than their later stuff. More bluesy, more punk rock, grittier. IDK, just better.

Enjoyable but his voice is just so affected…

Never given this band any time nor thought. Their other one was everywhere to the point I'd never have sought anything out by them. I thought this was *quite* good. It's almost enjoyable but never quite gets there. Singer sounds a bit like he's got something in his mouth, or he's too lazy to get the words out properly. No tracks stand out as real bangers, but the sound is alright overall. Solid mid.

Always though I should like this more than I do. Remember getting it when it came out because reviews sold me it was like bands I liked, and remember being somewhat underwhelmed, that it was missing something. And haven't heard again in 20 odd years. Noticing they became big along the way. Well it’s still the same inoffensive mildly ok rock that harkens back to much better music. Surprised(but shouldnt be as there is a definite correlation with music in here and british music awards nominations) that this is their 2nd album on here I've heard so far, not a band I personally feel warrants the exposure. At it's best, for me it's average guitar rock with vocals that don't really lean into their limitations, aping it's predecessors, in of itself being ok but nothing outstanding, 3 Star, being generous.

Hey this is pretty good fun you know. I really wasn’t into this scene as a kid, but I think these guys may have aged better than some of their contemporaries. The whole album is a consistent bop and much better than I thought it’d be. Musically it’s good. I particularly like the guitar work, which alternates between some nice acoustic work, to some upbeat twangy solo stuff, and down into that really grimy, thick sound. Underneath everything there’s some genuinely good grooves in there, and I routinely nodded my head along. I can’t understand a fucking thing he’s saying, but it kind of doesn’t register after a while. That kind of drawly, mumbly approach might grate elsewhere, but for some reason I’m ok with it here. 3.5 rounded down.

I didn't hate this. That wasn't a foregone conclusion when i started listening, thanks to this guy's voice and singing style. But it grew on me. I'm not sure we need 3 kings of leon albums on here, but this one was all right.

A nice surprise for me, I didn’t expect to enjoy it that much. I always thought KoL were just another late pop-punk clone, but I was wrong, the addition of the Southern blues-rock vibe to the punk act is indeed an excellent idea. A lot of catchy songs here, and a lot of energy. The lead singer should absolutely stop trying to imitate Janis Joplin, though. It doesn’t work and he sounds ridiculous (it absolutely ruins Trani, a song that would otherwise have been great). Even when he sings normally, I’m not a big fan of his voice anyway. A hard choice between a 3 and a 4*. It would have been a perfect 3,5*... I tried listening again in the evening, but a second listen was too much, and I found myself bored. It just lacks a little something I can’t define to make me really excited. 6/10

Apart from a few tracks I stumbled on by chance, I only knew this band by name. On first listen, I really dig the southern rock / garage vibe, with that very raw, laid-back voice that has such a unique tone… not to mention their terrible look for 2003. I get that the band has changed a lot over time, and this debut album definitely managed to spark my curiosity. I immediately jumped to their 3rd and 4th records (apparently the start of their worldwide success) but the smoother production didn’t grab me as fast. That said, it’s clear I enjoy this way more than most of the other garage stuff from the same era, and I’ll be happy to come back to this album and the next ones..

Good album with some decent tunes but didn’t think anything really stood out.

Good but not great. It’s like if the Strokes were from Tennessee. This is before they sold out so I respect it for that, but he sounds like he has marbles in his mouth half the time. Also the instrumental for Happy Alone just sounds like American Girl. Favorites were Red Morning Light, Joe’s Head, California Waiting, and Talihina Sky.

It's ok. Don't think I could pick out any single song that stood out. Only By The Night was much better.

I’ll hand it to Kings of Leon, each album I’ve heard has a different sound. They have range. I just don’t like their music. Here, they appear to be biting off a Red Hot Chili Pepper sound. It’s not great. Frontman still can’t sing, and I’m not interested in his whining. Still, it’s better than some of their albums that I’ve heard previously in this challenge. But not much better. It’s a 2.