Before Kings of Leon became MTV darlings, they were four young men from the deep south trying to make it big. Three brothers and their cousin came together with a passion for music. Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill were raised by Evangelist parents who traveled all over the southern states spreading their message. The band is actually named after their father. Their cousin, Nathan, became part of the band after Caleb and Nathan were signed to a record label.
The group's first album was released in 2003. Although they remained unknown by the masses, their song "Molly's Chambers" was used in a Volkswagon commercial. I came across them after their second album, Youth and Young Manhood, was released. The band received rave reviews from Rolling Stone. Their sound was raw and their lyrics were raunchy. Kings of Leon began cultivating a cult following. It wasn't until their fourth album, Only by the Night, that the group became popular in the United States. The two most popular songs off the album were "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody". It was Kings of Leon's first platinum-selling album in the U.S. The group's latest album already has a hit, "Radioactive".
The band has been touring internationally at a nearly constant rate due to their quick output of albums. I was lucky to see them at Lupo's in Providence, RI, after the release of their third album, Because of the Times. They filled the small venue with so much energy. Another great aspect was that they sounded exactly like they did on the album. Sometimes it can be disappointing to go to a concert and the band sounds horrendous. It was hands down one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I have no doubt that Kings of Leon will continue to provide its listening audience with innovative, interesting songs.
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