The Daily Spin II

Kings of Leon | Only By The Night

Welcome back to the Daily Spin. For the uninitiated, this is the series in which I review an album every day of 2025.

As was the case two years ago, my favorite song from each album can be found at the playlist linked here.

Album: Only By The Night (2008)

Artist: Kings of Leon

Link:

Public opinion seems to have turned on Kings of Leon well before 2008’s Only By The Night - though Pitchfork hit them hard with a 3.8, comparing them rather unfavorably to a Southern U2, it was with the air that Clark Griswold regarded Cousin Eddie - like a family member that you don’t really want to put up, but not one you’re going to send packing.

Most of this record is of that feeling - much of it is filler material, and not particularly good filler at that. Dated references, some even for the time, inane and oft-unnecessary sexualization, and a whole lot of muddled and mediocre lyricism that is, for the most part, a strong drag down.

And yet - despite it all - I can’t really help my soft spot for the band or this record. There’s something about the grungy guitars, halfway between 3 Doors Down and Coldplay - as much as it was a diss, the U2 comparison really isn’t that far off in the sense of the instrumentation on the record - and what’s more impressive is the few moments in which it really works.

I don’t think I’ll ever seek out the record again, frankly. It’s not great in full, and those few shining spots are best enjoyed away from company, but it’s not one to shut the door fully on.

Rating: 5/10

Best Tracks: Use Somebody

Worst Tracks: 17