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. MattC
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    This is an absolutely brilliant album and a great follow-up to their UK debut album. Usually the second album is hard for artists, but Kings Of Leon have mastered the skill with their southern country/rock tones.
  2. Borat
    Apr 7, 2005
    10
    Jagshemesh!!! Nice! I Like!
  3. zackg
    Jan 1, 2005
    10
    This is a spectacular album. Their first was great, but Aha Shake Heartbreak is twice as good. These guys are really good, and hopefully their music is heard by more ears in the future, because people are missing out on some great sound.
  4. AmerB
    Jan 8, 2005
    10
    A pleasant surprise, indeed. This album is great. After listening to their first album, you could feel there's something great in their sound. Their confidence was appealing..and with their sound now being improved..KOF is one hell of a great band. Shorter songs..faster beats..and the slow numbers hit the mark as well. The only thing that can be improved now is the lyrics. But A pleasant surprise, indeed. This album is great. After listening to their first album, you could feel there's something great in their sound. Their confidence was appealing..and with their sound now being improved..KOF is one hell of a great band. Shorter songs..faster beats..and the slow numbers hit the mark as well. The only thing that can be improved now is the lyrics. But overall, this album is really refreshing.… Expand
  5. goatiestoatie
    Feb 6, 2005
    10
    awesome
  6. KOLRoXYeah
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    This album definately lives up to it expectations. With amazing songs like 4 Kicks, King of the Rodeo, and Velvet Snow, this alblum is jam-packed with HITS, Calebs vocals are original and addicting to listen to. I campare them to band like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Rock music can be saved and the Kings Of Leon are here to help!
  7. Rory
    May 5, 2005
    10
    Caleb's abrasive, yet tuneful, "two packs a day" vocals juxtaposed and the innovative anchoring of Jared has made this album my favourite of all time. Drawing, or should the be re-drawing, from numerous musical stylings and centering them around the freedom of rock, has led to an explosive and refined listen. In other words: F*cking love it, so fresh and innovation, numero 3 shall be Caleb's abrasive, yet tuneful, "two packs a day" vocals juxtaposed and the innovative anchoring of Jared has made this album my favourite of all time. Drawing, or should the be re-drawing, from numerous musical stylings and centering them around the freedom of rock, has led to an explosive and refined listen. In other words: F*cking love it, so fresh and innovation, numero 3 shall be good, and finally give them the level of respec they deserve.… Expand
  8. RadimH
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    One of the best CD I ever heard.
  9. KitT
    May 3, 2007
    10
    One of my favourite albums of all time, 'nuff said...
  10. nickb
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Easily the finest album I have heard in many many years. Not one bad track it just gets better with every listen. Far superior to there critically acclaimed last outing. For some it may need a couple of listens to trully appreciate. If this is the case for you then stick with it I promise you will not be dissapointed.
  11. Maggie
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    How con you not love this? Every bit as good as Youth and Young Manhood. You should see them live if you get the chance. The shows are incredible.
  12. Anthony
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    This album has it all
  13. JessicaG
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    this album fucking rocks they have some really great lyrics ... i fucking love it
  14. BigBrad
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    Fantastic. The best rock'nroll band since the 70's. Aha rocks
  15. bobb
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    what an album celeb vocals are just amazing
  16. 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!"
  17. PaulJ
    May 31, 2005
    10
    simply amazing
  18. 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
  19. SteveT
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Wow! Stripped down licks and sassy attitude.
  20. 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
  21. 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!
  22. 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.
  23. JamieK
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    this album deserved to be best album of the year.
  24. 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
  25. JerryHello
    Nov 27, 2004
    10
    Better than the first. Plain brilliant and fun. Rockin' good news.
  26. JamieO
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    Quality!!This album is full of pounding tunes that will make you want to listen to this album again and again!!Rock 'n' Roll!!
  27. MarioPPPP
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    I don't know what the guy who gave it a 4 meant. It sounds really good, it's produced way better (it doesn't sound like Ryan Adams) than the debut record because you can dance to it and it sounds fresher. Some beats have grown, and you can't call 'em "Southern Strokes" anymore because the guitars have their own style right now.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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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