Aha Shake Heartbreak
by Kings of Leon
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

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  1. TerribleCoin9
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    A very raw and crisp southern rock record. This solidified the band's position of rejuvenating a love for rock music
  2. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    This is definitely Kings of Leon's greatest album. It's incredibly addictive, youthful and spontaneous.
  3. Carrick
    Jul 23, 2019
    9
    My personal favorite album of Kings Of Leon’s. The best tracks on here are The Bucket, King of the Rodeo, Razz, and Slow Night, So Long.
  4. Ricko
    Oct 26, 2017
    9
    Brilliant follow up to their impressive debut "Youth and Young Manhood". More mature musically but still with the exciting sound where your not sure quite what they will throw out at you. Sometimes frantic, sometimes quiet and subtle it's a very accomplished record and one that improves on what went before with catchy rock riffs a plenty. "King of the Rodeo", "Milk", "The Bucket", "Soft"Brilliant follow up to their impressive debut "Youth and Young Manhood". More mature musically but still with the exciting sound where your not sure quite what they will throw out at you. Sometimes frantic, sometimes quiet and subtle it's a very accomplished record and one that improves on what went before with catchy rock riffs a plenty. "King of the Rodeo", "Milk", "The Bucket", "Soft" are all classic KOL tracks and blow pretty much all of what they've done over the last 10 years out of the water. I would argue despite album number 3 "Because of the Times" being quite decent, that it was "Aha Shake Heartbreak" that saw KOL at their peak as a band. Still sounds great today and can be listened to over and over again without ever tiring of it.… Expand
  5. dead_beat_dave
    Oct 24, 2014
    7
    Ethan James comes up to the plate for the second time on the King's sophomore release and produces an album which synthesizes the band's raunchy roots with some slick and positively refined sounds.

    The King's sound has matured, moving away from the more dubious moments of Youth and Young Manhood while holding on to and building on the positive aspects of their debut. Aha Shake    Ethan James comes up to the plate for the second time on the King's sophomore release and produces an album which synthesizes the band's raunchy roots with some slick and positively refined sounds.

    The King's sound has matured, moving away from the more dubious moments of Youth and Young Manhood while holding on to and building on the positive aspects of their debut. Aha Shake Heartbreak marks an intermittent sound, itself a refinement suggestive of the incredible exploits soon to follow.

    Aha Shake Heartbreak presents a record which benefits from an increased sense of unity brought by the band to their new material, both in terms of sonic architecture and subject matter. Brothers Nathan, Jared and vocalist cum rhythm guitarist Caleb comprise a tight rhythm section which delivers a dynamic range of tones - from southern infused garages to more subdued and reflective grooves - underpinning cousin Mathew's raw and colorful guitar work. All the while Caleb sings about the extremities of fame ("Bucket"), worn out sexual preoccupation ("Milk"), the madness of gang and gun violence ("Four Kicks") and the consequences of heavy cocaine consumption ("Velvet Snow"), among other themes.

    All in all, Aha Shake Heartbreak captures a band transformed for the better after the crazy antics of Youth & Young Manhood. The dreaded sophomore album can make or break a band, and in this case, I would say with resounding praise that Aha Shake Heartbreak is the record which establishes Kings of Leon as a top band of the noughties, into the band we now know, and which did much to lead them down the road into becoming a sensation.

    Track Picks: King of the Rodeo || Pistol of Fire || Bucket || Four Kicks    … Expand
  6. StoneColdCrazy
    May 7, 2012
    10
    Kings of Leon made an amazing, if not better, follow-up to Youth and Young Manhood in 2004 with Aha Shake Heartbreak. This is, to me, the last album KOL made in which I love every single song. It starts calmly with Slow Night, So Long but there are a mixture of songs on this album. It is definitely in my top 10 album list, an album everyone should listen to at least once.
  7. j30
    Feb 19, 2012
    7
    Aha Shake Hearbreak is s fun pop rock album with some solid tracks such as "The Bucket," "Four Kicks," "King of the Rodeo" and "Taper Jean Girl."
  8. schmageggey
    Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Not only is this one of the best albums of all time, in my top 10, but it is the best Kings of Leon album, and I have all there albums, so I know. This album kicks major ass. The lyrics are hilariously realistic, Caleb's voice is uniquely eccentric, and the instrumentation is perfect. They set up the sound they wanted to start with on "Youth and Young Manhood" and they just perfected it.Not only is this one of the best albums of all time, in my top 10, but it is the best Kings of Leon album, and I have all there albums, so I know. This album kicks major ass. The lyrics are hilariously realistic, Caleb's voice is uniquely eccentric, and the instrumentation is perfect. They set up the sound they wanted to start with on "Youth and Young Manhood" and they just perfected it. This album has a sound and feel that no other album has ever invoked on me before. There is not one bad song on this album. I have listened to each song multiple times, and have listened to this album in it's entirety countless times. This is what music should be.… Expand
  9. Vampire25
    Dec 14, 2010
    9
    Aha Shake Heartbreak is a major improvement from their first album. They slowed down their songs so much so it's an easier and smoother listen. It's a great sound and a wonderful listen. All In All, Aha Shake Heartbreak is a improvement from their fist album. A-
  10. mbagely
    Nov 7, 2010
    10
    This album is fantastic, whenever I hear it it reminds me why Only By the Night sucked so bad. Its god damn rock n roll. First three tracks are perfect, and fit together brilliantly
  11. 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's nipples and having sex with hookers, he leaves no stone unturned, callsic album.
  12. WillL.
    Jun 5, 2007
    9
    This album has a very live feel, in terms of little overdubs, tracks don't hang around long with the album just about 35 mins. 'The Bucket' and 'King of the Rodeo' are my favourites, it's only flaw is it fizzles out a little near the end.
  13. KitT
    May 3, 2007
    10
    One of my favourite albums of all time, 'nuff said...
  14. 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 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 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.… Expand
  15. 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 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 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.… Expand
  16. RadimH
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    One of the best CD I ever heard.
  17. JamieK
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    this album deserved to be best album of the year.
  18. KimP
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    This is one of the albums i never get tired of listening to. Music is supposed to be raw and full of passion, and this album is a perfect display of that. As for Caleb's voice, I think it's beautiful. Perfect voiced singers bore me.
  19. joel
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    i feel this album is being given less credit than it deserves, a great follow up album to youth and young manhood! slownight so long and day old blues are the highlights of a fantastic album!
  20. SteveT
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Wow! Stripped down licks and sassy attitude.
  21. JaviM
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    Amazing sound. Great songs, they're not all the same so it gives a great feeling to the listener. Plus some of the lyrics are just great
  22. ScottM
    Nov 21, 2005
    8
    can't get Taper Jean Girl out of my head....
  23. Satanic_Majesty,Colombia
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    Aha Shake HeartBreak is the "far beyond driven" outcome of a jagged Youth and Young Manhood. It's got the most intimate and authentic elements of a realistic band, coming up from a roary/garage gig debut. What elements? It's amazing and never_heard simplistics, with such a hooky voice that takes you to a particular geography, full of visions, smells, flavors and of course, Aha Shake HeartBreak is the "far beyond driven" outcome of a jagged Youth and Young Manhood. It's got the most intimate and authentic elements of a realistic band, coming up from a roary/garage gig debut. What elements? It's amazing and never_heard simplistics, with such a hooky voice that takes you to a particular geography, full of visions, smells, flavors and of course, sounds. A majestic display of both rythmic and lead guitars, groovy drums and full_bodied bass sound. On the whole, this album amazingly shows that this band is a blend of a never_heard 70's cocky rock psychedelia, with new arrangements of america's traditional music. Among The Strokes, The Vines and The Hives, KOL are the most original band. But one thing is for sure: you've got to be a Classic Rocker to dig these guys, cuz if you like the other post_modern crap -say, the groups noted down before- don't waste your meaningless critics on this wonderfull band. Viva Colombia Carajo!!!… Expand
  24. TBoneM
    Jul 12, 2005
    8
    This album definitely grows on you. Slow Night, So Long is probably the best song on the album. Taper Jean Girl is very good as is The Bucket. This is a good album that is getting sold short by some people. If your ear is used to 80s New Wave retreads, electronic stuff or some other more radio friendly sound, you might have a hard time adjusting.
  25. PaulJ
    May 31, 2005
    10
    simply amazing
  26. BrandonB
    May 23, 2005
    7
    Interesting sounds, good storytelling but good luck understanding it. Lacks the flow and sing-a-long choruses of their debut.
  27. carlos
    May 17, 2005
    7
    ummm....okay album but they still bring good songs.
  28. TravisS
    May 17, 2005
    9
    I've had this album for about 7 months now and still enjoy it as much as the day I bought it. I think KOL's style isn't anything ground-breaking but is definitely catchy as hell and has a lot of energy.
  29. AngieH
    May 16, 2005
    10
    This album is brilliant, the Kings of Leon are one of the best indie acts yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Four kicks whos strutting now!"
  30. timmyp
    May 13, 2005
    9
    Makes you want to dance and punch people at the same time.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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. Stylus Magazine
    80
    Apart from Caleb Followill’s distinctive, growly vocals--half-man half-grizzly--this could be a completely different band. A much better band. It’s quite an incredible transformation--and I’ll say this upfront: it doesn’t matter what you thought of their debut, you should listen to this album.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It would seem from the evidence presented here that [King Of Leon] are intent on rebuilding themselves from scratch, drawing on whatever wild and wonderful influences they've tripped over in their race to live five lifetimes in every day. [30 Oct 2004, p.63]
  3. cokemachineglow
    80
    With shorter, tighter songs far more reminiscent of 80’s post-punk than Southern AOR, Aha Shake Heartbreak can only be considered a pleasant surprise.
    Read full review
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