Aha Shake Heartbreak
by Kings of Leon
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Dot Music
    50
    What remains... is a jerky, cocksure indie group striving to be accepted as a proper grown-up Southern Rock band, without the guts, depth or tunes to carry it off.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Musically, at least, Kings of Leon have matured during their two years on the road and, if you ignore some of the less than elegant lyrics, they have produced an acceptable second album.
  3. Paste Magazine
    50
    In song after song there are moments where it sounds like the band is weaving its way into a fantastic instrumental jam section, only to have the new idea abruptly cut short by the track’s end or an obligatory return to the next verse.
  5. Pitchfork
    49
    The album's one redeeming element is the band itself, who-- over the course of one EP and two albums-- have improved tenfold.
  6. Uncut
    40
    Nothing more than the uncomfortable sound of a band escaping their svengali. [Dec 2004, p.142]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Village Voice
    40
    Only once do the Kings offer an identity worth bugging out in a club over, on the reckless and fantastic "Taper Jean Girl." The rest of the time, it all seems more confused and cynically gimmicked than inspired.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2005
67
#67 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 136
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 136
  3. Negative: 11 out of 136
  1. DOWNEY2010
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    there is not one bad song on this album, all the songs fit together like a glove. Caleb talks about not getting it up, taking cocaine, women'sthere is not one bad song on this album, all the songs fit together like a glove. Caleb talks about not getting it up, taking cocaine, women's nipples and having sex with hookers, he leaves no stone unturned, callsic album.… Full Review »
  2. KonK
    Apr 25, 2007
    9
    Fantastic album. The band has developed a lot since their debut. It actually sounds like a new band. I liked their debut album, and Fantastic album. The band has developed a lot since their debut. It actually sounds like a new band. I liked their debut album, and din't buy this second one for a while, unsure whether it would match the quality of the first. But now, I look back at the first and think, wow- that's nothing compared to this. One of the best contemporary rock albums I have by a band that is talented, can actually play their instruments, and play really well.… Full Review »
  3. SidVicious
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    Hype can be an artists best friend or worst enemy. Kings of Leon recieved a hell of alot of hype. Hype usually deters me - if only becuase Hype can be an artists best friend or worst enemy. Kings of Leon recieved a hell of alot of hype. Hype usually deters me - if only becuase I've been burnt in the past by the hype machine. But I was crazy for the song 'Red Morning Light' off Youth and Young Manhood - So there you go, huh? And guess what fellows? Aha Shake Heartbreak is fecking fantastic! Buy it. Listen to it. Make sweet love to it. You'll thank me later.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »