Aha Shake Heartbreak

a 7/10 album that loses 2 stars for having the worst fucking singer I’ve ever heard in my life, jesus christ I hope his fucking balls get crushed zero variation too, it’s like he just found the single most annoying sound he could make with his voice and made an entire career out of it 3/10

I’m not sure where Leon is but they need to violently overthrow the monarchy

Imagine a band where every single artistic decision doesn't even come remotely close to landing. I present: Kings of Leon

A problem with the original version of this book being released in 2006 is that every awful dudebro indie group that got popular in response to nu-metal was still fresh on people’s minds and as a result I have to listen to Kings of Leon 18 years later.

Oh, this one is so boring! I like some things from Kings of Leon, but this album is so background your brain ignores it completely.

Album #: 272 first impressions: *shudder* I just got the Black Keys two days ago, isn't that enough unchecked testosterone for one week. after listening through: barely coherent horny mumbling and moaning over bluesy, crunchy garage-y rock. it clearly shows they've listened to a lot of the classics (for better or worse,) but it does not seem like it should be allowed to be listened to in the daytime or around children. Except, you know, for a Jeep commercial or something. That's Kings of Leon for you. I do not think anyone was shocked to learn these guys had serious problems w alcohol. but anyway, i guess it was more fun than expected if you simply pretend this man isn't trying to sing in English. post-reading reviews/wiki: i do not want to believe how many people like this. i guess that's what happens when u get a lot of sweaty young (white) men doing these reviews recommended for: montages of the type of bros who call women "chicks" in public and "females" online trying to act swaggy at dingy bars w sticky floors; finding motivation to take a shower.

Kings Of Leon Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004) Back in 2003, I was a fresh-faced twenty-something-year-old intern at Sony Music. It was my dream job, despite the gruelling hours and lack of pay. The upside? I got to hear albums months before their official release and received a heap of records and merch. One of these albums was Kings of Leon's follow-up to their debut Youth & Young Manhood. But let me be honest: there wasn’t exactly a buzz around the office. This was just another record to push out, with much more attention given to a certain diet Pepsi version of The Clash that shall remain nameless. Perhaps unsurprisingly with such indifference from their own label at first, Aha Shake Heartbreak didn’t immediately grab the mainstream spotlight. But over time, something began to shift. The album earned the band a solid following and critical praise for its energy, lyrical maturity, and perfect balance of roughness and polish. Slowly, people at Sony started to pay attention. The album felt like a sharper version of their debut, which was already gaining cult status, and marked a fundamental stepping stone in the band's evolution. Aha Shake Heartbreak solidified the band’s unique voice, laying the groundwork for the massively underrated Because of the Times and the more commercially accessible Only by the Night. I enjoyed this album at the time, but if anything, as I’ve aged and delved deeper into the band's Southern rock influences, my appreciation has only grown. Listening today, the music still stands out for its infectious energy and emotional depth. The gritty swagger of King of the Rodeo captures the band’s Southern rock roots, while Taper Jean Girl brings a punchy, punk-infused edge. The Bucket perfectly balances anthemic energy with urgency, while Pistol of Fire delivers explosive choruses that feel like the musical embodiment of a spark igniting. Tracks like Milk and Razz reveal a quieter side to the band, showcasing their ability to move between hard-hitting rockers and introspective moments. Meanwhile, Four Kicks stands out with its dynamic power and melodic catchiness, exemplifying their tight songwriting. What really makes Aha Shake Heartbreak a key album in Kings of Leon’s discography is how it navigates the space between their Southern rock roots and their desire to explore more expansive sounds. It's a record that feels both like a natural progression and an ambitious leap, capturing their energy, vulnerability, and boldness in equal measure. The album marked the last moment Kings of Leon could truly be considered young upstarts rather than credible contenders. Here they found their footing and, in doing so, eventually solidified their place in the annals of rock history. The Followills are quoted as saying that their 2005 arena tour with U2 pushed them to change their sound to be more adaptable to this massive setting. In other words, we have Bono to blame for Kings of Leon's loss of innocence. But at least Kings of Leon didn’t develop a sudden urge to wear sunglasses indoors and release a song about peace and love every other album. To conclude on a personal note, I still own a signed vinyl copy of this album, which I was gifted by my boss after a particularly gruelling day. She didn’t seem to realize how big this band would eventually get. Did/Do I own this release? Yes, on vinyl and at least 3 promo CD copies. Does this release belong on the list? Aha Shake Heartbreak marked Kings of Leon’s leap from indie-rock upstarts to a band mastering the balance between critical acclaim and commercial success. Would this release make my personal list? I love the first few releases by this band, but I struggle to pick one over another. Will I be listening to it again? Yes.

Had no idea that was the name of this album. Devastated to realise this is nearly 20 years old too... I bet they'd be great fun to see at a festival but I can't see myself thinking "Ooh you know what, I'm going to put on some Kings of Leon, that'll hit the spot"

So this is how the Kings of Leon started out... as another nameless indie rock band. No real surprise lol. It's "bluesy" and "southern rock" in that way people say Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is: not at all, but hipsters need to pretend they're listening to more than just nameless indie rock. Singer is pretty bad, guess he took lessons at some point after this album. Not that he's exactly Pavarotti now, but there's been a marked improvement. This was short enough and didn't honestly suck, but we all know it's a retroactive addition based on their later success. Wouldn't ever listen again, and I don't like their later stuff either, but it's a safe 3/5.

Songs about being horny

Music for christian high school girls going through their rebellious phase.

Trying to be The Strokes, but missing the vital ingredients - originality and charisma. A decent song, but the fact I always thought 'The Bucket' was by The Magic Numbers shows just how lacking in edge KoL are. Rating: 1.5/5 Playlist track: The Bucket Date listened: 08/12/23

I liked this a lot more than I expected. I guess all I've heard by them is that Sex on Fire song which I don't care for. I thought there was something vaguely evangelical about them or that they were what Foo Fighters fans listened to when they were feeling "arty" ( I kid, the Foo Fighters are great) but this is some solid slightly psychedelic, slightly cock rocky, slightly southern, rock and roll music, sung with kind of a weird accent. Also, am I the first person to get this album? There don't seem to be any reviews or even an average rating. I'm giving it a 4.

It was fun, and had some good songs, but so much of the album felt like them trying their very best to be a Strokes knockoff.

I find it crazy that there were 3 Kings of Leon albums originally in the book editions, and then crazier they removed them. Their music is so bland I really don't understand why they're on this list at all.

I don't know why this guy sings so unintelligibly. I think I prefer their later output, but this was fine.

Good music. I'm just not sure what exactly it is supposed to be. There's not much to remember about these guys.

Du rock très fade, aucunement intéressant. Cet album n'est pas atrocement mauvais, mais il n'a aucune raison d'apparaître sur un palmarès comme ça. 3/10

Drinking bleach, tearing off fingernails, hot sauce enima, self-circumcision - a list of things more enjoyable than listening to kings of leon. Not only are there at least TWO albums from this talentless, shit-stain of a band on this list, but this one is an early release for them even before the horrible hits off of their later album. I truly hope I'll never need to listen to this band again. This is my new top pick for worst addition to this list, and is time in my life I'll never get back. 0/5

Surely one of the best second albums of all time. It's a pity they suck now

This is why KoL are held in such high regard. It was consistently downhill a couple of albums later.

Not much else to say but pre SOF King's of Leon put out some incredible tunes over those first three albums. Where Nobody Knows, Four Kicks and Taper Jeans Girl are the easy highlights. Nothing tops Charmer off the next album though.

Oh man, I hadn't listened to this album in probably ten years or so, and I forgot how much I loved it. My first exposure to KoL was probably when "Sex is on Fire" was getting played non-stop on the local alternative rock station. I hated that song so much, but my cousin persuaded me to check out some of KoL's older catalog, so I bought Aha Shake Heartbreak, and absolutely fell in love. The first three tracks are just absolute perfection, closing out their incredible run with "Taper Jean Girl," which has my favorite drumming of the whole album. The guitar on "Taper Jean Girl" is perfect too, and I can't help but bob my head along each time I listen. As much as I love the first three tracks, "The Bucket" is my favorite track on the album; the drum fills during the chorus, combined with the high-pitched guitars provide the perfect contrast to their counterparts during the verses. I feel like KoL set the perfect blueprint for other established Indie rock artists like The Black Keys and Portugal. The Man to break into the mainstream. I know that Caleb Followill's vocals aren't for everyone, but I really love his singing on this album, especially on "Day Old Blues;" there's just such a unique timbre to his voice that I really enjoy. For me, this album is the picture perfect example of Indie Rock from the aughts, right up there with "Is This It" and "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning."

Could be the nostalgia talking but this still sounds pretty good to me. I actually think their third album is better but if you were to listen to just one KoL record before you die Aha Shake Heartbreak is also a good option. Raucous tails of debauchery (presumably - Caleb tended not to enunciate properly in those days) set mostly to southern fried rock’n’roll but with some pensive interludes. I agree with the school of thought that says Jared was the band’s secret weapon - a lot of the most inventive, melodic hooks are his basslines.

Lots of my favorite KOL songs. Great album front to back. His voice is less polished that later on and I like it that way.

an album full of b-sides. Its fine, if you're a Kings of Leon fan you'll enjoy it, but there is nothing here that really stood out as great.

Lead singer gives me the heebie jeebies.

3.0 - Seeing one KOL record on this list felt surprising, two borders on lunacy. While I do like the Strokes-esque guitar work on here, the mumble-babble vocals do nothing to elevate any of these songs beyond a few occasional head bops.

When I saw the name I groaned. I think it might have aged well which is unusual given it was a Beaujolais rather than a Bordeaux.

Sounded like horny rock the whole time: like I guess it wasn't that bad with a decent beat to it and a nice guitar BUT it sounded so late 00's early 10's and I wasn't a fan of that. It just hasn't aged very well for my ears and almost was underwhelming as to what I thought it could be, a half decent modern rock album. Alas it was mid and nothing could save it from that fact.

That band sucks

The lead singers vocals are almost unintelligible. The melodies/music only interesting on a few of the songs. For me, I’m not sure how this one made the list! Mumble Rock.

It's not a good sign when within the first minute of an album if I honestly hafta wonder if the singer is even singing English. Y'know, lately i"ve been taking notes on the album I listen to. I think it's led to better reviews — certainly longer ones on average than when I just winged them off the dome. That's a thing I wanna keep up. But, like... Gawd, it's not even worth it to do it here, 'coz frankly, I'm not sure if I would write anything down beyond "This is boringly fine" and "What the hell is this guy saying?" I mean, seriously, is this a joke? Is this man taking the Mick? What did he think he was doing here? I don't wanna exaggerate too much and give the idea that it pisses me off **that much**, but it's the only thing on this album I find even remotely interesting. I mean, the instrumentals? Bland 2000's rock, without even the courtesy to be sub-U2 like the last Kings Of Leon album we got was. And the lyrics? As I've said many times before, I don't really pay attention to them on a first listen — and besides, you get that I'd hafta **understand what this guy's saying** to fully be able to pay attention to the lyrics, right? Besides, if what another group member says is true, I probably wouldn't like them anyway. I just can't understand why this album is on this list. What makes it so special that it **needed** a spot on here alongside ABBEY ROAD and WISH YOU WERE HERE and all of these Bowie albums? Hell, I gained more from TROUT MASK REPLICA, KOLLAPS and LOCUST ABORTION TECHNICIAN than I did from this, and I'll for sure get more out of stuff like DUCK STAB!/BUSTER & GLEN and SCUM. Goodness, all those albums at least have **something going on**. Like... Gawd, it's a 2. I just don't give a shit about this album, and the way this guy sings doesn't help anything. There's not even a "Sex Of Fire" anywhere to keep me pacified. And you're telling me there's **one more album** from these guys on here? Goodness. Besides that one song, I just don't get the hype. Of course, don't get me wrong: I've heard **worse**. There's only six albums I've ever given a 1, and they've had to **earn it**. This album isn't even worthy of that. Just a bunch of concrete grey slop topped with confused garnish. Not a fan, whatsoever.

Oh, that's the band from the worst song of this century, no? The STD one? Right, that's them. And they had three (3!) of their albums in this book? And now none, haha? Yeah, this is bad. Garage rock revival 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦 à la it wishes it was British, mate, innit? There are some hints of those guys' geographical upbringing here and there - Pistol of Fire reminded me of that Bay Area band who donned the southern swamp rock thing, (which isn't meant as a jibe against CCR) - but by and large, this is music without identity. And the weird, put-on accent doesn't help. However, seeing how *that* song is not on here, presumably there's still room towards the bottom. 2 stars.

How is there a single Kings of Leon album on this list and now this is the THIRD (3rd) one. Wtf?! I only liked the first song and just can't deal with the guys voice. There better not be a 4th one ugh. 2 star but only because I managed to listen to It all

I understand one mildly..fine..(?) Kings of Leon album in the generator. But another, even more boring and corny, Kings of Leon album? Why is this here?

What to make of this, the third(!) Kings of Leon album I’ve listened to because of this project. What. The. Fuck. Seriously, THREE of their albums are so important that you MUST listen to before you die? Give me a break. Besides the uninspired rip-offs (The Strokes), I mostly could not tell what the lead singer was saying most of the time. He has a grating voice, and it’s not aided by whatever weird affect he decided to adopt. I just don’t agree that Kings of Leon, outside of being kind of popular in the mid-2000s, will have a lasting impact on music culture.

Why does this band have so many albums on this list? Anyway, this is pretty bad.

Kinda wack. No thanks.

Why this album... They made way better songs later on. It doesn't deserve to be on this list.

I like quite a few of Kings' of Leon songs... but none of the songs on this album were any good! What even was going on with the lyrics on "Taper Jean Girl" and "The Bucket?" The latter was the only song that sounded like the Kings I loved in the mid-aughts.

Parfois, on peut penser que quelque chose est sur le point de se produire en écoutant Kings of Leon. Et en fait, non.

Faux rock. I feel like Kings of Leon made music just to get famous instead of trying to create art. This screams of corporate dick sucking

I feel like the fact that this is the THIRD Kings of Leon album I've had on the list is a war crime.

Top 5 recurring characters on Late Night with Conan O’Brien: Number 5: FedEx Pope Number 4: Pimpbot 5000 Number 3: Andy’s Little Sister Number 2: The Masturbating Bear Number 1: Triumph the Insult Comic Dog

Meh

I’d say this album aged poorly, but there’s just no way people didn’t see a ton of red flags with this album on release, both lyrically and sonically. When I can’t understand the lyrics, I just hear grating babble. When I can understand the lyrics, most of the time I end up wishing I didn’t. Multiple kings of Leon albums on this list are an affront to the dedicated listeners time

why?

- I read the reviews on this project and so many times think "There are so many people who just don't know shit about music; the history or how to listen anything, new or old." This is unquestionably a great album. The writing, the composition, the playing - it has it all. This record is clearly their own, referencing music history while bringing their own voice to the output. -

Great classic cover to cover.

Took me back to my teens. Surprised by how many if the songs I could sing all the words to! Taper jean girl, the bucket, four kicks, rememo! So good

It's such a good album, still holds up super strong. Loads of memories tied to this one

Great

Lost my review. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

Over het algemeen luister ik niet heel goed naar de teksten en dat komt bij dit album toevallig heel goed uit, want je verstaat sowieso geen zak van wat die zanger allemaal loopt te vertellen. Maar dat vind ik helemaal geen probleem. Ik zet dit album aan en ben na een paar nummers redelijk verrast. Als ik €25,- zou kunnen betalen om nooit meer Sex on Fire of de Hollandse variant ervan te hoeven horen dan zou ik het meteen doen en ik zag dus ook wel op tegen een heel album Kings of Leon. Die té gelikte rocksound waar de radiostations in die tijd iets teveel van smulden ben ik namelijk compleet beu, omdat ik er zonder consent een overdosis van heb gehad. Maar dat nummer (en dat soort nummers) staan niet op dit album. Dit album heeft veel meer dat lekkere vroege 2000's indie gevoel, gecombineerd met net genoeg yeehaw om het leuk te maken. The Strokes zonder het megafooneffect, Franz Ferdinand en/of Kaiser Chiefs want wie kan hen ooit uit elkaar houden, Maxïmo Park, dat idee. Nogmaals, ik versta geen zak van die zanger maar ik vind het wel lekker wat 'ie toevoegt, met z'n kettingzaagvormige stembanden. De gitaren, bas en drums maken er ook een feestje van. Bijvoorbeeld bij de track 'Razz', dat stukje Rockafellar Skank in een stoffige boerenschuur: Heerlijk. Bijna 37 minuten aan plezier (die één na laatste track is wat meh) en geen irritatie. Ik heb een paar nummers in playlists gestopt en dit album gaat binnenkort nog wel een keer van voor naar achter aan. Bam, 5 sterren.

This is another formative album for me, impossible to rate subjectively! These guys were the height of coolness when I was a teenager, and this is them at their best. Not a bad song on here, and there's even one about Whiskey Dick. Don't think I've ever heard another band address that phenomenon, so it's got that going for it.

So so so good, i want his voice injected in my veins i cant get enough

Liked it a lot. Brought back some memories as I used to listen to it a lot but it has fallen off my radar.

Still long before selling out, Kings of Leon were absolutely swaggering at this point. They also weren't making huge waves in America, which was fine as it meant we got to appreciate them on the smaller-venue scene in the UK while they were absolutely battering tracks like The Bucket, Pistol of Fire and Four Kicks. There's definitely an argument that there's too much unchecked testosterone and not enough finesse on display here but I didn't particularly care then and I'm not about to pretend I'm too highbrow now to enjoy it still. Rise and shine, all you gold-diggin' mothers.

I like this

I thought this was fun and I enjoyed it. I should give it a 4, but there was no song I didn’t like so I’ll give it the full points.

Nice easy listening.

I have such a soft spot for this album. One of the first albums I bought myself and still stands the test of time. Through to bucket doesn’t really miss a beat

Absolute banger of an album. They move away from their NME indie darling status and make a more grungy, smelly, brewer's droopy, coke fuelled road album. They'd never hit this peak again. Best Tracks: The Bucket; Soft; Four Kicks

Ei yhtään huonoa biisiä tai filleriä, siistiä mutta autotalli kuuluu, kitarat hyvän indiehköt, makee aksentti laulussa ja taitoa huudossa, yks mun suosikkilevyjä ehdottomasti.

2004 Bill would give this album 5 stars and you know what… 2024 Bill is going to give it 5 stars!

Great album. Been a while since I heard it

I don’t know what to tell you, this is a good album. With less overt Country elements than their debut, Aha Shake Heartbreak doubles down on the harder elements of KoL’s sound and perfects their nervy, edgy, indie-inspired take on Southern Rock

Maybe I’m a Kings Of Leon fan now. The vibes are locked in 💯. The music is really really good. As noted in my Youth And Young Manhood review, dude is still mumbling here but I don’t mind.

5/.5

Got a soft spot for this one. I actually really like Caleb's voice and it's my wife's favourite band so gotta give em a 5.

The peak kings of Leon

Yes.

Perfect combination of edgy songs, a raw sound and charismatic vocals.

classic, one of my favorites, resonates with my mid 20s and a fun time in my life

I don’t understand the complaints about Caleb’s singing He’s like a horny early rockier Michael Stipe But then my 2nd born is called Caleb Was the world crying out for the 2nd KoL album to be this good? No it wasn’t. Was the 2nd KoL album banger after banger? Yes it was

ok

Really really liked it, good stuff

Love this album

An album showing the maturity of the band. Recommended.

What an album! So many hard knockers in here. This band truly had something special. Such a shame they went after the money and mainstream. Standout tracks: Slow Night, So Long, King Of The Rodeo, Taper Jean Girl, Milk, The Bucket, Soft, Razz, Day Old Blues, Four Kicks, Velvet Snow, Rememo, Where Nobody Knows. 9,5 out of 10

I think pre-mainstream Kings of Leon were a super fun band - and this album is the richest of the two. For me it brings good memories too since it was out during a specific period of my life - I don't think I can find any fault in this album to be honest - it's perfectly paced, good songs, never overstays it's welcome, and it makes great music for running to.

Has velvet snow. + 3 stars. Is nearly as good as their debut. + 3 stars. ******

Ook zo'n band waarvan je de sound van mijlenver herkent. Goed plaatje

Immediately nostalgic. - Still pretty unique and exciting

This album used to be played almost every other day in a flat I was in during my uni years . I can’t help but love it for the nostalgia it gives me

This is an album that you have to let grow on you. I didn’t understand it fully when I heard it as a good, but I thought it was unique and had a mystique to it. Caleb’s voice is mesmerizing to me, I think those who do not like it can consider their opinion valid, but I would credit the polarizing atmosphere of this album to the chances this album took, it’s like punk country. Small town Oklahoma boys, ripping up some guitar and laying some delicious drum fills to some expert bass lines and the vocals are not to be understood, but to be felt. It’s primal, and it’s fucking punk rock!

Love this album. There are some super fun songs, mixed with more mellow and reflective tracks.

Wow, that was an amazing listening. I really loved it from start to end, I like the vibe so much. The rythm of the album is super good and it alternates calmer moments with catchy parts. Favorite Tracks : Soft, Four Kicks Rating : 4.5 / 5

Top dit! Vette, originele sound, leuke nummers. Jammer dat ze later zo zijn afgez(w)akt.

Really, really ,really enjoyed listening to this

Surprising for what I've always thought of as a pop rock band. More blues, great lyrics, great vocals! Thoroughly enjoyed!

La 31eme écoute est la meilleure

Much preferred to the Arena rock they become later. A fun album with a distinct sound. "Soft" a standout track. Would give it 3.5 stars if I could.

I wasn't familiar with their earlier work. It's a little less polished, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit.

I owned a digital copy of this in that odd period before Spotify but after we stopped buying CDs. And like many of those albums from that period, totally forgot it existed. Still rocks although doesn't really have any "hits." Unexpected to see it here.

Hasta la cancion ’Milk’ son unos temones super indie/rock, él tiene una voz y un tono característicos que hacen que las canciones se te peguen, y la viola tambien los representa. Tema fav “slow night, so long” es genial abrir con eso. “The bucket” tiene una bateria zarpada, tambien me gusta.

One of my favorite bands of all time! This is such a good first album! It really is just a great album!

Really good album! I was was a fan of Kings of Leon at the time this was released, and I think this album represents when they were at their peak and making interesting music. They really lost me after their next album (Because Of The Times) when they cashed in and began to make soulless, bland, mainstream radio rock. But good for them I guess. 7.5/10

22/1001 I have had many encounters with Kings of Leon, from their giant hits, to some of the b-sides and always enjoyed their music. But I’ve never actually listened to a full album of their’s and none of the songs on this album sounded familiar. I really enjoyed this record, it was raw but still had great musicianship, vocals, and lyrics. It was kind of short and left me wanting more, but that’s a good thing to me. The arrangement was fantastic, one song flowed into the next seamlessly at times to where I had to see off in fact the track had changed. 4 seems a bit too low, but this wasn’t a perfect 5. 4.25/5.