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Aha Shake Heartbreak
by
Aha Shake Heartbreak Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 136 Ratings

  • Summary: Ethan Johns produced this sophomore album for southern rockers and brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill. (OK, so Matthew is only a cousin, but he was still allowed to join the band.)

Top Track

The Bucket
Wooooo! I'll be the one to show you the way You'll be the one to always complain Three in the morning come-a bang bang bang All out of fags and I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. E! Online
    100
    Now the melodies are sharper, the scissor kicks are higher and the grooves are, er, groovier.
  2. The Guardian
    80
    Ignore the lyric booklet and you have one of the more impressive albums of 2004.
  3. Drawer B
    80
    The lyrical terrain is insultingly common (girls, life on the road, girls), yet the band has such an idiosyncratic method of expression that makes these everyday themes sound – at least over the course of each song – radically inspired.
  4. 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.
  5. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    If Youth and Young Manhood was Kings of Leon tentatively using well-tested implements, Aha Shake Heartbreak is the sound of a group boldly forging a unique identity from common tools that have been stripped of all pretense and decoration.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    There's plenty to enjoy on the new album and Kings of Leon seem willing to play it slow and become a career act.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    20
    While this is drastically experimental by their standards, there is nothing here you haven't heard done infinitely better many times before.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 77
  3. Negative: 8 out of 77
  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.… Expand
  2. PaulJ
    May 31, 2005
    10
    simply amazing
  4. 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
  5. patricks
    Mar 20, 2005
    9
    Swashbuckin' stuff from the KoL. This album surpasses their debut. Stacked full of riffs, hooks reminisent of the Stones circa. Exile on Swashbuckin' stuff from the KoL. This album surpasses their debut. Stacked full of riffs, hooks reminisent of the Stones circa. Exile on Main Street. The album is consistent throughout with only perhaps one or two average songs. The Strokes ort to go to lessons again.… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. 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 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.… Expand
  8. AlanR
    Feb 2, 2005
    0
    Only the most emotionally crippled people with no respect for the original rock legends these guys spunk on could possibly enjoy this.

See all 77 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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