Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I hate “use somebody” so much I forgot that their early stuff ain’t so bad. Still not my cup of tea but absolutely listenable!
The music is quite enjoyable but in the end, I found the singer's voice grating.
I didn't expect to hate this. While KOL has never done much for me, and I really don't like "Sex on Fire" song, I don't have hostility toward them. At least I didn't until today! I couldn't wait for this to end. They're clearly good at what they do, but what they do is not my thing.
Годнота, универсальный альбом, хороший
Belle decouverte !!
Good Rock.
Ça m'a fait penser aux Stones au début. J'aime bien la dégaine du chanteur qui a l'air de chanter en se levant d'une brosse. Après, il y a des tounes très Dylanesque époque John Wesley Harding (Trani, Dusty) Et un habile mélange de punk à la Sex Pistols, grunge et hard rock à la Foo Fighters. Le tout garoché de façon très divertissante, il y a de la diversité sur cet album .
Meh. Du rock un peu southern mais assez générique. Je déteste sa voix. Molly’s chambers, California Waiting et Holly Roller Novocaine etaient bien.
mid
this band sucks and is totally overrated.
Loved this when it was released. Something different just rednecks singing redneck songs. Sure they because tripe soon after but there's not a bad song on this album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHwul7ussf8
One of the interesting things to me about this album is that the vocals sound very different from song to song. In fact, I seriously thought that there was more than one vocalist, but apparently that is not the case. The different vocals made the songs have some contrast, which is kinda cool. Some of them had a vibe similar to the last album I listened to ("Slayed?" by Slade), which I found interesting, as there was a 30-year span between them. A few of the songs I could tell the vocals were from the same guy who sang "Sex On Fire". But not all of them. I didn't hear a lot of autotune, which is rare for those type of rock albums these days. There were some songs that I was like "ok...?" (looking at you, "Trani") and some songs that were a bit repetitive ("Spiral Staircase"). But I didn't think this was too bad, I was expecting it to stomp more like their big hit. Glad it didn't. Top tracks: "Holly Roller Novocaine," "Molly's Chambers," "Joe's Head"
I like Kings of Leon but I think they grew into their sound. Though classified as garage rock I see them more as southern rock, and it's that unique southern twist that I think gets them multiple entries on this list. Still, they weren't great right from the start and on this debut album there are good songs and not as good songs. To me, the good ones are Red Morning Light, Happy Alone, Wasted Time, and Molly's Chambers. The rest were decent, and some really good at certain points of the song, but a little inconsistent.
They sure loved garage rock in the "aughts." This one is pretty basic, the music is interchangeable with a bunch of other bands, and the singer sings kind of weird. This has been removed from the 1001, along with its replacement album, "Only the Night." I agree on both counts. Tracks I liked: Wasted Time, Talihina Sky.
They're a tight rocking band. As far as early Kings of Leon go, this feels a lot less memorable and lasting than Aha Heartbreak though.
Interesting one.
Much better than their well-known albums 👍
Darling, don't you go and cut your hair. Do you think it's gonna make you a better band? Although I'm not a major fan of this album these days, there was certainly a time where debut albums by garage rock bands was my crack. The tracks here are still solid, and I wish KoL would've stayed the course of good ol boy rock.
There's a time and a place for Kings of Leon: never again, and not in my ears.
Bland music and crappy vocals. These guys remind me of bad mix of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jet - or maybe The Strokes. Either way, I did not like this album.
bland southern pop-rock. not awful, not remarkable- just lacking the spark that takes mediocre rock into the realm of something special. they'd be a good get for a bar, a shitty concert to attend.
America's chief contribution to the new millennium's indie landfill.
It's mostly dull, with bad vocals and good guitar. I'm not in the mood for this and can't believe they have 3 albums on the 1001.
I do like the band but this album disappoints a bit. Not too exciting. 3 stars
He just has the most irritating voice. If they switched out the singer, this could be a higher score, because I quite like the instrumentals. Edit to add: it would be nice if the drummer would learn more than one beat.
4/5
Not for me
Solid, upbeat rock and roll. KoL get brushed off now, but I will stand by their early stuff being worth a listen.
Yeah nah. Not familiar when I heard it, and it won't become so in future.
-interesting. seems like they were obviously going for a replication of the 70s garage rock sound, and i think they did a decent job at it -aside from that, it didn’t stand out TOO much from other garage rock revival bands. with the exception of a couple extremely solid songs -Favorites are Joe’s Head and Molly’s Chambers
2!?!?!?!? ER STAAN 2 KINGS OF LEON ALBUMS OP DEZE LIJST???? Bi-zar dit. Ik wist niet dat er daadwerkelijk mensen graag naar deze band luisterden. Maar goed, ik probeer me er over heen te zetten. Dit is hun debuutalbum, dus misschien is dit wel de old-school Kings of Leon sound die ik nooit heb begrepen? Ok, eerlijk, het eerste nummer rockt best wel fucking hard haha. JEZUS Trani is fucking verschrikkelijk, wat een gejank... Jammer want tot dan toe vind ik het eigenlijk een stuk beter dan verwacht! Hoe lang kan ik luisteren naar de Kings of Leon? Blijkbaar maximaal iets van 15 minuten... En gezien het album 3 kwartier duurt is dit best wel een beetje pittig. Dit album, het duurt maar 3 kwartier, maar het voelt voor mij nog steeds te lang. Jammer maar helaas! FAVO: Red Morning Light, Joe's Head, Holy Roller Novacaine
I only became familiar with this band with their big release in 2008, so this earlier vibe/sound was unknown to me. Initially I liked it, but over the whole album nothing changed - pitch, tone, sound, whatever you want to call it - and I was tired of it by the end.
Ok album
A nice set of musics
I've bever heard Kings of Leon, it wasn't half bad
Too hyper and boring. Nice vocals in the first song, thats it.
bro... red morning light- 4 happy alone- 4 wasted time- 4 Joe's head- 4 trani- 5 California waiting- 4 or 5 spiral staircase- 4 Molly's chambers- 4 genius- 4 dusty- 4 holy roller novocaine- 5 talihina sky- 4 it's not nice to judge an album by its cover but sometimes you just know it's going to be boring
Just fine. The most surprising thing was to have a third Kings Of Leon album.
Pretty good. Definitely 2003.
This was a fun listen, and I would probably revisit it!
Perfectly okay. Nice rocky energy, a little punky, not annoying, but mostly a background-listening thing.
4.2
Way better than I expected. 4.5 stars
Nice enough. Not super into it.
Love it.
It’s a rock sound but not super unique or that interesting to be honest.
It’s been a long time since I have heard this (2025) and it’s as I remember it…OK. Nothing special but it was nice to revisit it after so long. Molly’s Chambers is still a banger!
I feel like I should like it more, but I really don’t. There are a couple good tracks, but overall it’s just really boring and mundane rock music. I’d rather listen to other bands.
I've only ever listened to Only By The Night. This album in contrast just isn't very good. I didn't enjoy it.
Not vibing with it, the usual 2 stars.
Albeit better than their later work, it is still annoying music. The dude sounds like a whiny b and the instrumentals are bland
Pretty early in this album the lead vocals started sounding like Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump and it was hard to unhear. Kings of Leon does have some songs that I like...they just aren't on this album. This is honestly pretty mediocre mid 2000s rock. 4.5/10 (2.25/5)
Kings of Leon is annoying as a band. They started as an okay garage rock band that turned into the most 00s generic post-grunge band. Youth and Young Manhood is alright but nothing to write home about.
I was surprised with this one, amazing voice! Vocalist is talented as fuck, it's a shame they didn't kept up with this strong personality sound.
love at first sight!
Early KoL and they are sounding a lot looser and more southern than ever. Good stuff
Why does the wikipedia entry scream: look at how much these guys sold out on their debut album!! Early kings of leon is still moany kings of leon, talihina sky was so grating. 3* Recognized molly's chambers.
I like Kings of Leon, but this album is a bit too 'garage rock' compared to their more recent stuff. Not terrible but I don't think I'd revisit.
Turns out I have heard more than one Kings of Leon song before. They're alright, but I feel like this album could have used some fine-tuning.
I prefer early Kings of Leon before you can really understand what they're saying. There's some raw appeal to this album.
This is from the early oughts garage rock revival. But it sucks. Look, your white stripes from Temu arrived.
Sounded like they were trying to tap into the Strokes' sound but fell flat. It's in between a 2 and a 3 for me, but I liked some songs, so I'll go 3.
I liked the last song the most, but unfortunately that was my only enjoyment from this album.
I knew the name Kings of Leon, but apparently hadn't heard them before? I had no clue this is what they sounded like. Good album, nothing I'd seek to add to my collection. In the vein of Uncle Tupelo. Some sounded like Camper Van Beethoven but less interesting. I think the last song, Talihina Sky was one of my favorites. Alt country rock. Worth at least one listen before you die, I suppose.
I’m just not a fan for whatever reason. Does zero for me.
Rating: 2/10 Generic instrumentation with absolutely horrendous singing. This is shit.
Discazo. Parece un disco que bien pertenece al mejor rock de los seenta, pero que también se siente tremendamente actual. Me la pasé genial.
Album sounds like Lazy post punk Stones which works better on the second half of the album.
Like every other rock album of the 2000s it opens with a guitar going through a lo-fi pedal. Highlights are Wasted Time for some nice breakdowns, California Waiting for sounding a bit like Daydream Nation and Molly's Chamber for executing the thing they are trying to do well. Rest of the album is pretty forgettable. If I wanted to listen to garage rock I'd put on the Kinks. If I wanted to listen to garage revival I'd listen to the Strokes. Not sure what this adds.
Any day I don’t think about Kings of Leon is a good day. Obviously today has been ruined.
I'd probably like this a lot more if I hadn't been traumatised by the sheer quantity of over-listening of 'sex on fire' in my university days. Which shouldn't make as much of a difference as it does, but it does. Basically just The Strokes but with more of a southern voice and not as clever. So, there better be some Strokes on this list to compensate.
Not bad
Like many others, I believe that early KOL were supreme. In general, I think they write great stuff and stuff that isn’t that great. They truly only have one perfect album, Aha Shake, and many people disagree that that album is even “good”. However, that is undoubtably my peak for them, whereas this album is a formative precursor with its raw punk rock vibes and southern hospitality. It is not fully refined, but that is not a fault. Perhaps it’s real shortcoming is that they did not fully capture this sound until AHA, and then they broke away with BOtT, and Moreso with the pop success of OBtN. Shoot CASD is arguably my second favorite album and that is a far departure from this. It reckons to be that they had an explorative sound and I have taken the good with the bad. This album was the beginning of that Journey.
Rhythmic; easy listening. Easy to focus on other projects while this album plays background. Some of the instrumentation is a step away from being indie surf rock, but there are other influences in the album. Album feels a little incoherent, but is nevertheless underpinned by a steady nostalgic sound.
Nu er jeg jo ikke lige så stor en KoL hater som I er, men jeg synes virkelig de kæmpede med at skrive sange der passer til hans stemme. Hård at komme igennem. Lille 2'er.
Komplet ligegyldigt album. Bedre end Aha Shake Heartbreak, ikke lige så godt som Only by the Night (som havde et par bangers men heller ikke hører til på den her liste). Håber kraftedme at det her var det sidste KoL album.
What a bunch of trash
Kings of Leon is more complicated for me than they should be. The lead singer is cringey and I know because of how huge they were people got tired of them real quick. But these guys were popular when I was between the ages of 13 to 19— arguably when music is at its most impactful. I have some very fond memories that through no fault of my own have Kings of Leon inextricably entwined and I can’t help but love it. Those songs however do not appear on this album so this kinda sucked tbh. But I’m assuming this means there will be a few of their albums on here. At least I hope so— whichever one has McFearless ooo that takes me back.
Classic
Sounds like Forrest Gump singing over a band that really wants to be playing Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, but have been forced by the record company to try and sound like The Strokes a bit. Not for me, sorry.
Oh man. If I hear Sex on Fire one more time… I get it this made it big and I was happy for them as I knew them around this record - they were kind of a super light southern rock take on the New York strokes - and what a fun debut this is - I found my self dancing all day to it - with some truly killer tracks and heartfelt ballads. I grimaced when this record came out because I thought this band didn’t hold up - but every time I hear them - even the dratted one with Sex on Fire which I think I encountered on this list as well - they hold up. This is a good band whether I like it or not - and this record i definitely love.
Rating: 3.5/5 | Favorite Track: Molly's Cambers --- A decent album; I enjoyed the handful of garage rock songs more than the southern rock and blues rock. Unfortunately this sound is done better by other artists from the same era (most obviously The White Stripes) so I have less motivation to revisit this album.
Was not expecting to see 2 (so far) pre-Sex on Fire Kings of Leons albums here. Hmm. Solid rock n roll band and I'm all for that, but not much in the way of tuneage here.
Pretty crap, tbh. The took the soul out of southern rock.
Great album, love their style and energy, and loved every track
Pretty banging from front to back, his voice gives it a nice twang.
I guess I’m a bigger fan of Kings of Leon’s older tunes. Grittier and less pop driven than newer albums. Joe’s Head & Molly’s Chambers are the standouts. 8/10
Pretty basic rock with a bit of a Pixies twist, but the vocals really ruin what would otherwise be an enjoyable album. They're mixed so high, he's often intentionally not in tune or in time and I can barely understand a word he's saying with the accent he's putting on.
Não gostei deste álbum. Achei as músicas muito repetitivas e maçadoras.
Reminds me of the pixies. A lot of snare drum, strong rhythm guitar, bass in appropriate proportions, a lot of ‘talk/whine’ singing. I believe I would have lovedddd this album when I was on a pixies kick. I still really like it. California Waiting and Trani are favorites so far
Early kings of leon are pretty good honestly, like I’m not crazy about them but this is good fun especially mollys chambers 4/5
5.5/10. Boring. Really not my thing at all.
Obnoxious
Meh, was expecting something better.
Yep definitely a punk rock album
Yeah you know what, it was alright I know it’s not from this album but *gibby falling in slow motion*
I like the mix of rough garage vibes and southern rock- a bit more bluesy than I expected too. Feels sorta throwback, but its like everyone was doing that shit in the early 2000s. I think im only familiar with their popular stuff, but this was solid even if it feels very 2000s to me. Mid 3s for me
This is a perfect album. No skips, I wish they would’ve stayed on drugs making this dirty garage band music. It gets better and better the more times you listen to it.
Not my favorite Kings of Leon album, but solid nonetheless. Haven’t listened to this one in years. I had a burnt copy on an old IPod courtesy of The Indianapolis Public Library. Wish these cunts wouldn’t cancel so many concerts on me 😒
Hard to believe this is the same band that made Only By the Night and Come Around Sundown and whatever the hell else they're on these days. Love the rough garage sound and most of it...but nothing super memorable besides 'Molly's Chambers.' 3.5 rounding down.
4 - was not expecting this super country sound going in
Please let the record show that while the publishers of this list at one point felt it necessary to include 3 of Kings of Leon's first 4 albums on this list, they have since come to their senses and expunged all of them from the current version. I don't say this to be mean, they're a fine band, but I don't think their catalog belongs on a list like this in the modern music world, and it would appear that the makers of this list agree. These guys were great when they had their moment back in the mid 00s, but this album doesn't stand up to time they might have hoped it would. Favorite track: California Waiting
Solides Album, rockiger als erwartet
Daar zijn ze weer, de Koningen. Laatst gaf ik ze geheel onverwacht een 5, dus ik had eigenlijk wel zin in dit album. Ook deze keer wordt er een prima plaat afgeleverd. De zanger is nog steeds redelijk onverstaanbaar, de gitaren zijn weer lekker gruizig, het speelt allemaal lekker door en voor je het weet zitten de 40 minuten er weer op. Het is een beetje de oude Arctic Monkeys, maar dan wat redneckeriger qua geluid. Ik ga voor de 4 deze keer. Als ik moet kiezen zet ik net wat liever dat andere album van ze aan. Maar al met al zijn dit echt wel heel plezierige albums om aan te hebben staan vergeleken met de drek die je hier af en toe voor je kiezen krijgt.
Solid
"Youth and Young Manhood" by Kings of Leon combines elements of Southern rock and garage rock blues, infused with pinch of The Strokes and a hint of punk energy. While the recipe is there for something interesting, the outcome is rather mediocre. I found the vocals to be grating, and the repetitive nature of the lyrics on nearly every track quickly becomes tiresome. There are a couple of interesting songs on the album, such as "Joe's Head" and "Happy Alone," but overall, it largely represents a typical 2000s rock sound, lacking any significant sonic variety. It is a decent album, but not a great one.
Album art: 4
Vocal are dislikable, not bad necessarily, but they distract from whatever else is going on. Hard to redeem the album when the annoying vocals are put front and center.
08/04/2025 I was not looking forward to this album when it came up as I think this band are sellouts. But this was good.
I forgot how great this album is. Their later output had negatively spun how I remember this. But hearing it again takes me back. Hard rocking southern jams. Allman Brothers x Velvet Underground vibes.
Awful
In many ways this is a classic first album, in that it sounds like the sum total of all their influences; Lynyrd Skynyrd country rock, Stones blues, Lou Reed sleaze, all with an indie twist. That said, there’s plenty of variety and originality all round - neither mere copyists nor one trick ponies these. A great debut with a strong indication of more to come.
Early 2000's sex rock and not even the good album.
3.4 2x good but not great
Before Kings of Leon embraced a more polished, mainstream sound, they delivered Youth and Young Manhood—a raw, energetic debut that still holds up today. I’ve always loved this album; it’s a nostalgic time capsule that takes me right back to my youth. Hard to believe it’s been 22 years! I’m excited to revisit it with fresh ears and a new perspective. On reflection, I’d rate it a solid 4/5. There are some fantastic tracks around Molly Chambers, like Wasted Time, Happy Alone, and Genius, but there are also a few fillers and not a lot of variation in sound. That said, it still absolutely rocks! Favorite song: Molly Chambers—the ultimate going-out anthem of my younger years. What a tune! Least favorite song: Honestly, there isn’t a bad song on the album. Album artwork: A really cool cover that perfectly captures the album’s gritty vibe.
it's FINE.
Generic alt rock, nothing special and average.
You learn something new every day. Today, for instance, I learned that before doing mediocre indie rock, the Leon boys were doing even more mediocre southern rock.
I hate this dudes voice so much
Pre-"Sex On Fire" album from a band I've never been into. Feels like some other albums we've had where the instrumentals are pretty good, but the vocals drag down so many of the songs. 2.5 stars (lean closer to a 3).
Right off the bat I'm reminding how much I hate the singer of Kings of Leon. Something about his delivery is so punchable. I actually really enjoy Wasted Time, but I hate how fucking forward in the mix they put his vocals. Bury that shit like it is meant to be. Same can be said for Trani -- I like the messiness of the song itself, but I cannot stand his voice. Its as if he's tapping into a lispy adolescent Steven Tyler. Spiral Staircase sees the singer doing his best Brian Johnson (AC/DC) impression. Fine song though it doesn't really go anywhere. Well that was a delightful waste of my time. A few redeeming tracks, whose promising structures are completely squandered by awful vocals. Trending downward... Could be argued that this is a 2 because it isn't unlistenable; however, I have rarely found a 40 minute album to feel so long. And for that this gets a much coveted 1.
I wouldn't have guessed this was Kings of Leon if you gave me 1000 guesses. High 3.
Nice little rock album there. Whatever he was doing with his voice in Trani was certainly quite off putting, but the rest was good. Way better than their stupid second album that came up about 600 some albums ago
Interesting this came out before they blew up. Some of the songs on here were jams and others were meh. His voice still annoys tf out of my on some songs. He literally sounds like Cartman towards the end of California Waiting. Red Morning Light, Molly's Chambers, and Holy Roller Novacaine were all pretty solid.
It’s ok
Kings of Leon is NOT an important enough band to get three albums on this list. They’re certainly not more important than Weezer. THAT BEING SAID: this is probably their best album on this list. Definitely better than Aha Shake Heartbreak. I still don’t think there needs to be more than one KOL album here, and the one that deserves the spot is still the one with the hits.
Sounds like 70s rock. This list loves 70s rock. Still not for me.
3 but a fun 3.
Memory is a curious thing. I can't remember what I had for breakfat, but I can remember the tunes to songs a listened to a few times nearly 20 years ago. Not the words. No one knows the words to early Kings of Leon. Like a drunk Bob Dylan on speed. I much prefer it to their later, overly produced stuff.
9/10.
This is not bad. I found it enjoyable and easy to listen to. The singers voice can be a bit much sometimes, though.
Ditchwater dull. Sorry.
Hmmmmm. I remember when the Kins of Leon were the Flavour Of The Day, tho' I didn't specifically track down anything of their to listen to. Listening now..... I dodged a bullet there. This LP seems pretty dire. Like a local high school group aping some minor early eighties New Wave albums. Sub-par, IMHO
Well done but not very inspiring to me. Sounds like a cover band of 60s era songs
Me ha gustado mucho. Buena combinación de garage/indie rock de principios de los 2000 con mucha influencia sureña (country, blues) y derroche de energía. La voz carrasposa encaja perfectamente en el estilo del álbum, y su producción es simple pero más que suficiente. Un álbum muy auténtico y un soplo de aire fresco entre el indie de su época, que sonaba todo igual. El hillbilly indie debería haberse hecho más popular.
Man, I have got to stop judging and dismissing bands on their name alone. In this case, I assumed they were some sort of shoegaze that would bore the shit out of me. Wrong. This is balls-out rock’n’roll. Think White Stripes, one of my favorites. It’s a high 3 teetering on 4 if it got added to rotation. Still, I don’t really see myself playing this that much these days, so 3 it is. Might revisit that.
++: Red Morning Light, Happy Alone, Joe's Head, Trani, Spiral Staircase, Genius, Holy Roller Novocaine +: Wasted Time, Molly's Chambers, Dusty +-: California Waiting, Talihina Sky 7,9/10
Not for mij
I loved this album then and it’s still wonderful now
I didnt love this album before and another listen didnt really help that either.
I fucking loved this way too many times I caught myself bopping and partying to tracks like “Happy Alone” and “Genius”. Just damn good rock music for the era that it came from where everything seemed to lack that edge.
Not my favorite of their albums, but it’s nice to see they’ve been pretty consistent over the years. I appreciate their voice as one of their own. 3.3
More punk than I realized. Pretty cool
Very underwhelming. Like Lynyrd Skynyrd, but not as good. And LS is meh Flat vocals, uninspiring guitar riffs, very generic sounding. This is to rock music what Pabst Blue Ribbon is to beer.
I distinctly remember really enjoying the debut from Kings of Leon as well as their follow-up record. Listening now, I really don’t know why? The drums and percussion work are still nice, but it really is a run-of-the-mill garage rock album that would have been innovative 5-7 years earlier, but in 2003? Man, even The White Stripes were getting bored of the sound back then.
When looking at Kings Of Leon’s early discography, Youth And Young Manhood is probably the album to skip. Followill’s (the vocal one) singing is the highlight, but I’m a bit underwhelmed by Followill’s (the drum one) performance - on most other albums he is the centerpiece. It feels dated and their songwriting just isn’t as distinct as it would soon become.
I hadn't listened to this, though I have later albums. A varied and interesting start
Awesome debut
i hate kings of leon That being said, this is actually a bit better than the other two. Also I didn’t realize they made Supersoaker until Spotify played it after the album and that song is way better than any on their three albums here.
WHAT ON EARTH? You mean to tell me that Kings of Leon was actually good until they morphed into that "Sex on Fire" trash????? I cannot believe I'm giving Kings of fucking Leon 5 stars but this was legitimately highly enjoyable.
Very cool 70s sound. What I enjoyed most about this was the guitar work; while it was reminiscent of bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and the like, there’s a lot of originality in it as well.
One good song the rest is dreary
Listened to KoL a lot at the time but they haven't really stuck with me. It's fine.
Better than I expected! I only heard their popular hits and didn’t really like them that much
Ugh. I didn’t mind the music but the vocals got annoying really quickly.
Having heard “Molly’s Chamber” from this album I had expectations. Soon crushed by the mediocrity of the rest of the album, with the exception of “Spiral Staircase” and perhaps “Genius” at a push. It’s mostly forgettable otherwise.
With this I thought about whether I would actually want to listen to it over and over again. I had this album but I suspect the answer is "no". It's got a few great songs and I sort of like the sound but ultimately it's just not quite good enough to bring me back to it.
I would not have guessed this was Kings of Leon if I didn't already know. It's not bad, but their sound has definitely matured a lot since this debut
I like Kings of Leon and I will give 3 stars because they really make good music. But this is not their best album, at all...
Great band. Great sound for the whole album.
One fully endorses the mumbly vocals on the opener – they read authentic to one's ears. The middle of the record is strongest – "Joe's Head" and Trani" and "California Waiting" are all strong, with a touch of melancholic vibe overarching the tight hooks and compelling riffs. Last two cuts means we leave on quite a high note. Though one prefers the glittier and more tuneful later rectords, the template is clearly in good shape on this one. Their tendencies and techniques and general approach have an impressively large amount in common with the Stones, and are certainly more authentic in terms of a weirded-out, countrified, substance-abusive background. That's doubly true of latter-day Stones imitators (e.g., the Strokes, Franz Ferdinand). One admits being late to KOL party (and totally ignored them in real time – foolishly so, one should add), but is making up for lost time by digging them fully now.
Perfectly okay first album with little hints at the variety they'd come to write later on, but more interesting as a time capsule/prequel type situation that as the sort of essential Strokes contempories the music pressed seemed to position the band as at this time. 2.5*.
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.
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.
ugh. This was terrible, truly. Only reason it's not getting 1 star is that I save that for Kid Rock/Limp Biskit/Taylor Swift levels of garbage. This is slightly less horrendous. Slightly.
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
3+ Stars (9/15)
uneventful
Sweaty, scrappy, and just the right amount of unpolished. Feels like if The White Stripes and Lynyrd Skynyrd had a half-drunk jam session in someone’s garage. The attitude is great, the playing is raw, but the whole thing leans a little too hard on the same tricks. Fun for a couple spins, but you start wondering if these guys know any other chords. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Red Morning Light - California Waiting - Holy Roller Novocaine
kivaa lämpsytystä
Trevligt men inget särskilt som stod ut
The album and, indeed, early Kings of Leon, is straightforward. What takes this album a step above others of its year is Caleb’s voice. When unleashed, as it is on “Joe’s Head” and the chorus of “Molly’s Chambers,” you’re drawn in for a good time. “Trani” highlights the manipulations and Dylan-equestrian phrasing that he can be capable when he turns it on. But the band doesn’t always match his inventiveness and at times, such as with “California Waiting” and “Dusty,” sound uninspired. There are few secrets here but, if you like jingle jangly, frenetic rock with a driving drum beat, the kind you listen to on a road trip with the top down and cooler of Natty Light in the trunk, this is the album for you.
Fairly ok rock.
Boring retro rock that I don't have much time for. Craftwise you get what you deserve here and if you're into this kind of thing, it's an enjoyable ride, I guess.
This singer is so bad. Really brings the band down.
I just couldn't get into it. A couple of songs toward the end were okay, but that's about it.
• 4/5 • good debut, though I like the refinement of AHA Shake better
It's OK. Raw, has a 60s rockiness to it. But not "great". Lyrics are kinda weak.
Enjoyed this album, having never heard it before. I've heard of the group but am not familiar with any of their songs. This was a good listen. Greasy, grungy, fuzzy. Sounded like listening to a friend's band in a backyard garage party in 2001. No song really stood out as amazing, but overall it's a good album to have on in the background in your house party in 2025. 3/5
Группа звучит нормально, но выделить какой-то трек не выйдет, просто само звучание...норм
Ну рок, я уже устал от него на этом сайте нахуй
Early Kings of Leon sounds like the Strokes aping Dylan. Not as good as either, but fine for background music.
3 Sterne
Only heard their most popular singles so it was funny listening to their first album that has a different sound. Don't know if I'm a fan of this sound tho, just your regular boring garage rock revival. Molly's Chambers sounds almost exactly like Dress by PJ Harvey, she should sue. Hardly a revolutionary or original album. 1/5
4.5
it wasn't bad but not sure what I think
eh
Suprisingly like the album more than I thought. Knew KoL later stuff but never heard their first album
2.5. I gotta be honest, I didn't think this was great.
Great
I think I probably danced to half of these songs every Friday night in Ramshackle in Bristol. But in contrast to say the Killers, or the Fratellis, or all the other 2000s-ish indie bands I can't say I really remember any of these songs. Maybe due to my mental state at the time, or, perhaps, because they are all quite forgettable. Best songs: Red Morning Light Molly's Chambers California Waiting Talihina Sky
4.5 stars. This debut is more garage-y rock (with the southern/blues influence) than their latter albums and I personally like it. Rolling Stones influence (tuning of the guitars in leadoff "Red Morning Light"). Had only heard "Molly's Chambers" before this listen-through but "Holy Roller Novocaine", "California Waiting", and "Joe's Head".
Pixies, Jesus and Mary Chain, Slowdive, Prefab Sprout, the Clash, Blue Oyster Cult, Comsat Angels, B-52s, Nanci Griffith, The Jam...just some of the artists more deserving of 3, 2 or even one place on this list instead of the third from this amazingly mediocre band.
I was expecting more pop along the lines of Use Somebody, instead it was down and dirty grungy rock, absolutely delightful.
It all feels a bit clichéd and samey to me and I'm not that keen on the singer's vocals but it's ok.
Better than i was expecting but worthy of the list!!!!
I was never their greatest fan but this was an ok start, shame it went downhill from here
I've a soft spot for Kind of Leon, because my former flatmate Tim loves them so much. Laid back and rocky Americana.
Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex #TIL Kings of Leon are a family band (3 brothers and a cousin). My knowledge of Kings of Leon is limited to a dislike of the overplayed "Sex On Fire" and nauseating "Use Somebody". So I surprised myself that I quite enjoyed this debut album.
Red Morning Light // Joe’s Head // Trani // California Waiting // Molly’s Chamber // 3.5/5
Good transitions between songs. I really hate this singer's voice. I don't like how rock music tends to disregard their lead singers having good voices. At least it's unique. I recognized this band because of their song "Use Somebody", which I expected to be in this album, but it wasn't. Favourite Tracks: N/A
A bit uneven but some pleasant surprises. Real 2003 energy
Made me feel like I was 15 and ready for a show at Maxwell’s; i.e., really enjoyed this! Muuuuuch prefer it to the stuff that came after (thinking mostly the singles off the 2008 record), which I’ve always found extremely annoying. Also feel like the music supervisor for The Hills licensed the crap out of this 😂
Thought I’d like this more.
Southern rock by way of The Strokes. Everything here feels very samey
I think this is what’s meant by “caterwauling”
I thought I would like this one more.
This was a bit underwhelming—generic '00-Rock, weak production.
Great debut album with some good tunes delivered in their unique don’t care style.
3 maybe 4
Nothing too creative, but good rock music.
Was kind of expecting to hate this after the first few songs, but California Waiting on was actually a pretty decent run. Or maybe I just got into the flow of the album more at that point. I can respect what KoL are going for here, and it's cool to hear them being so experimental and weird in their earlier work. But I don't think I'll need to go back to this one. 2.5/5
Leon has no king. Leon NEEDS no king
I must say, the production on this really feels like a debut album. That it is, of course, but it doesn’t need to be so noticeable. From what I had previously heard from them, this is a lot more raw, which I enjoy. Less commercialized pop-rock, more authentic telling of their boyhood. Not to say the lyrics and writing are anything revolutionary. Fairly on par. What I would expect. The songwriting isn’t the most original, but unique enough to keep things interesting. I found “Joe’s Head” particularly entertaining. Big late sixties early seventies soft rock vibe. Ultimately, I’m not bothered by this album, but see no reason for its inclusion on the list. Furthermore, I find its addition to be a tad insulting given the omission of other works by better artists that are certainly more worthy than this collection of mediocre, derivative, and relatively uninspired rock tracks. 3/5
Fun album! Enjoyed, but quality a little below most of the 4/5 stars
A fucking blinder seemingly from left field. Still a brlliliant record today
Eh, I've found only one good song on this album
this album slaps from front to back. it's missing some catchy classics but it's a banger all the way through
What a stunning debut! I rarely use exclamation marks in my reviews. The first track is a classic. It is such a shame that "Only by the Night" wasn't as good as "Youth and Young Manhood". The latter album has a great hidden track at the end, a very rare phenomenon. 4 stars for "Youth and Young Manhood".
Very much playing into southern rock which I enjoy more than later albums. Good energy. Can imagine listening to this at an outside bar in the summer. Or watching rally cars. I can see this one scoring low if you don’t already like kings of Leon or this genre. Nothing jumps off the album but I think would be really fun to listen live. Standout track genius.
I'm sort of shocked this made it into the top 1000 albums given that it's pretty generic rock. Not that they are perfectly comparable since Kings of Leon has more of a Southern spin, but aren't there like 3 Red Hot Chili Pepper albums better than this?
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.
Did I enjoy the return to a bygone era of early aughts rock? Yes. Will I forget that this album exists in the next few days? Also yes. Favorite song of the album: Joe's Head
Very nostalgic album for me. Early KoL was a major component of my intro to alt rock. I recall enjoying their next two albums more than this one, but given this is the OG record it deserves extra credit.
this isn't the kings of leon (derogatory) that i know (appreciative)
Just... average. Seen better, seen worse. The instrumentation isn't bad per se, but the vocals get annoying quick. And apparently no, Kings of Leon were not better in the beginning.
Something between fun songs and annoying vocals. favourite: "Red Morning Light", "Molly's Chambers" worst: "Trani"
This is what we need, And when she get into your head you know she s there to stay
Tbh this could be somewhat entertaining at times, and I feel like I would like it better if the album actually came out in the 70s and not 30 years later. So, nothing really stood out and I don't think this should be on the list at all. Fav track: Happy Alone, Joe's Head 2.5/5
Asshat southern rock?
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.
Maybe I would have liked this if they weren’t trying so hard to be the Black Crows? I’m starting to think most of the retro sounding bands from the early aughts weren’t that good.
Rock n roll at its best. Confidence of youth on full display.
Absolutely beautiful album from start to finish.
Dang, even the singer was bored, little to no musical variety.
Not the 90s buttrock voice
This is a good album, but not a great one. I love the energy, the pace and the consistency of the album as a whole. Lots of rock and bluesy touches that give it colour and lots of good hooks to keep the attention. Maybe a bit lacking in depth for a great album but i enjoyed the hour.
So much mumble
Southern punk blues rock. Lyrically it’s ok, not offering much that isn’t tried and true adjacent. Vocally it’s sometimes grating. But… Musically, this album absolutely delivers. Every song throws in something extra. Totally in the zone.
Classic. Always been a favourite and their best.
Ugh
8/10 I’d fs listen to it again especially if I ever get in a bar fight I’ve always heard good things about the band and this album makes me wants to listen to more of them and I probably will Favorite song - “Molly’s chambers” Least favorite - “dusty” Most unique - “spiral staircase”
Not a fan. Sounds like 70's garage rock.
These guys have always just washed over me. Modern Southern US rock. Earnest. Dull.
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 :)
these songs ranged from “whatever” to “actively bad” in my opinion, although i will be honest—there wasn’t a single one that i felt compelled to listen to all the way through, except for the last two. a lot of the instrumentals (and some of the vocal phrasing) kinda reminded me of the band, if the band had no charm whatsoever. [damon albarn voice] that’s the album of a charmless band…
wait a minute…..that was really good… Admittedly the only thing I knew of Kings of Leon was that they had really annoying radio hits when I was in middle school. But I didn’t know they were actually good before that. I really appreciated the 60s influences here and the album ended with a really beautiful song that fit in with the album but was still pretty different from what else was on there. sorry kings of leon I wasn’t familiar with your game… *Best tracks: Red Morning Light, Talihina Sky*
Great voice, shame you can't understand a single thing with all the mumbling going on. Kinda found it to be generic 2000s rock but it wasn't bad, just makes you wanting something better. 6/10.
My expectations were low, but this was *shockingly* bad.
I think I'm at a point in my life now where I don't hate Kings of Leon anymore. Never thought I'd get here. That being said, I'm still not a fan yet.
Reminds me of the clash debut. It's raw, but the songwriting is there under the scrappy vocals and crunchy guitars. It'll all come together on their next one.
hate his voice but like the songs
Had a burned cd of this one while I was in university. First 3 KoL albums are really good (especially because of the times).
3.8 Pretty good Rock and Roll. They were the cool kids on the block when they first came out and I liked the first few KOL albums, they lost me with Sex on Fire.
I liked this album at the time. But that was then. Very hummable but ultimately a bit throwaway. And despite knowing this album well, I don’t think I had ever heard the last track, so clearly always skipped that one.
What's with the voice, dude? Stop screaming at me. Another example of shitty US indie for the masses. Listen to some Glenn Miller instead.
So these guys were a lot more interesting before they became popular, and sold out for sure. Bilut this still sucks.
I definitely prefer the earlier, bluesy Kings of Leon to the later version who focused on arena singalong anthems. This is nothing groundbreaking but it's a good time
I really wanted to like this more, but man that guy sure has an annoying voice.
Sounds like The Strokes drank too much moonshine.
Chilly
This was annoying
Why do these knobs have 3 albums on this list? It's like rock music for people who don't know what rock music is. Fuckin granola rock for people who want to "listen to something heavier". Dude.... You can't hit high notes.... Stop squeaking on tape..... You can't even sing ffs. Sounds like he has marbles in his mouth. Favourite songs: Spiral Staircase, Molly's Chambers, Holy Roller Novocaine, Joe's Head, Happy Alone Least favourite songs: Trani 3/5
Second Kings of Leon album in a week?? I quite enjoyed the last one, but I guess I'm already tired of them as this one I found pretty boring. The last two tracks though (Holy Roller Novocaine, and Talihina Sky) were great
Kings of Leon? More like Stinks of Pee(on)!! Seriously though I knew I had a vague distaste for these guys, based on singles after they went mega big, but this is their debut. Shouldn’t it be kinda cool or interesting or something??
Actuyally lit
Was not a fan of this one I much prefer their other stuff, but even then I always thought they were a bit of a two hit wonder? Surprised to see them on this list 2 ⭐️
It's ok. Don't think I could pick out any single song that stood out. Only By The Night was much better.
I hate Kings Of Leon. Why is this the second album I get from them? I wanna meet the guy that decided it was great to put them on the list TWICE. THERE IS NOTHING GOOD ABOUT THEM. I just don't get it...
Most of the songs sound the same but not in a way that’s exciting to me.
I was all prepared to hate this album, but then realised that for years I’d been mixing up the Kings of Leon with the Gipsy Kings, probably because of the long hair. Doh! Anyhoo, it turns out that this is quite acceptable indie rock with a bit of a garage rock vibe and the huge plus point that it’s an album from 2003 that crucially doesn’t sound like Coldplay. Highlight is Holy Roller Novocaine which has a lovely bouncy bass line. Not Coldplay-tastic!
Boring revival rock from the early '00. It has everything you can hate from this kind of bands: unnerving voice, clichés riffs, the mandatory (power) balad.
Talihina Sky was a pleasant surprise at the end. I played this to death when it came out, but my copy must have been missing the extra track at the end.
What a blast! Kings of Leon were really fun and wild in their early days! They sound particularly influenced by The Rolling Stones and AC/DC (the latter band’s style showing in lead singer Caleb Followill’s wild rock star screaming) with plenty of blues rock played at lightning fast speeds. A lot of young bands rely on pastiche on their debut albums but few have as much fun with it as Kings of Leon do here.
I've really gone back and forth on this band for years and it was only until recently- within the past year or two that I started to appreciate them as being an enjoyable rock band with some standout tracks. Their stadium-rock sound is nice to me; it simply rocks. I'm not sure if I like this record though. At first listen I was enjoying the more raw and less refined version of the band that I have become accustomed to, but towards the middle of the record I started to really dislike the vocals. It's like he is trying so hard to be a bit too edgy and punkish. "Spiral Staircase" is particularly kind of... annoying? But then it's brought right back up to something I'm more into with the track "Molly's Chambers", which is like a 90s apathetic alt rock track with a great verse melody and a cool chorus. It's nice to be in the midst of them discovering themselves with this album, but the duality of the sound makes this ride a little hard to hang on to. It's a high 2, like a 2.8, and enough for it to be rounded to a 3.
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
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Happy Alone, Joe's Head, California Waiting, Spiral Staircase, Genius, Dusty, Holy Roller Novocaine Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Only knew their mega hits, was surprised at how raw and messy (complimentary) this is. The South's response to The Strokes. Here's y'all's 4.
3.5/5. Underrated. This one has a coherent energy and gives me authentic joy. Have other artists done a better job with this sort of thing? Yes - but it is distinct enough to be an enduring effort.
Probably a three-and-a-half, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Rock that just keeps moving you along with no let-up. Red Morning Light is a fantastic start, Happy Alone and Molly's Chambers are crackers.
Overall it still sucked but I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would
The Good: They are Kings of Leon, not Dukes… The Bad: It seems royalty is overrated, so they might as well have called themselves the Council The Ugly: seems politics is overrated too… When I first heard of KoL (as those who know refer to them) it was via the Sex is on Fire song. I recall liking it when it came out. I also recall starting to find it boring after a while… So, with this their freshman attempt, I was hoping to hear something interesting. And I was treated to something bland. It’s neither here nor there, fish or meat, blond or brunette. I guess the title gave it away that this band has been trying too hard at being special, and failing in the attempt. 2* as I do not want to see rock die completely… but I could have been spared this album...
It is alright.
I liked this better than the later Kings of Leon albums, it sounds much grittier. I really didn't like the vocals here though, like he wasn't enunciating at all. First song kind of pulled me in but the slow songs were awful.
Great sound. Upbeat; pretty solid but a few tracks keep it from 5 stars
Okay. Good.
Early Kings of Leon has that rough, raw, garage rock sound that suits them really well - I still think they got so much worse when fame got to them and they started making radio safe almost-pop and Jared got condition lessons - give me fuzzy guitars and even fuzzier lyrics, dammit!
It’s a good debut album and shows off the bluesy stoner rock bones of which they’re capable. Bonus star for my name-drop.
In the background it sounded fine but when I gave more attention it was not as good. More southern than I was expecting.
I wasn't not in the mood for this but I wasn't in the mood for this either... think this was a little hit or miss for me??? enjoyed the overall tempo tho
5/10 - His voice was kind of annoying. The middle songs were bad the last song was decent.
It was pretty enjoyable to listen to. Right between a 3 and 4 for me, gonna give it a 3 because I have a feeling I'll like it less the more I listen. And also it's a little annoying at times
Decent collection of songs but missing out on a top score
Enjoyable sound, with a momentum that doesn't stop until the entire album is over. After only one listen I have time for, no songs stood out on their own
Another one? Ok, Aha Shake Heartbreak was a pleasant surprise so maybe…uh…oh wow…this is super irritating and monotonous. Made multiple attempts to get through this album and I just can’t.
Enh, it's okay.
I've never listened to these guys, other than their radio singles. Was pleasantly surprised by their sound on this debut album.
Decent album. They didn't have that specific Kings of Leon sound yet, which I actually liked better.