• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2007
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 16 out of 184

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  1. OzzL
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    Possibly their best album to date. Shame the sales weren't what they deserved to be. The first half of the album is rocky and aggressive. The second half of the album is mature and musically brilliant. On the whole a good album.
  2. Oct 10, 2010
    10
    best album of the decade. enough said.
  3. ArjenD
    May 8, 2007
    9
    Much, much better than their first two records. I didn't like them at all but Because of the Times is really wonderful! It is stuck on my iPod at the moment.
  4. StevenH.
    Mar 8, 2008
    7
    A little more up-and-down than most albums, but when it's up it's pretty damn catchy. Solid effort.
  5. TP
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Absolutely nothing to be disappointed about here. A Classic.
  6. jakeg
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    This bands sound is unique, catchy and it is great
  7. jd
    Apr 3, 2007
    9
    I admit, I was mislead by the music they have posted on MySpace. This album is refreshing. Straight up, head nodding beats. Great vocals. More good songs than bad. The song "Fans" is one of my new fave. songs.
  8. AndrewB
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    this album was so good it beats ford rovers!
  9. beckysfd
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    great work, boys
  10. Jamie
    Sep 6, 2007
    9
    The year is rapidly coming to a close and it's my favorite of the year too - and I hadn't owned anything of theirs previously and went out and bought all of it on the strength of this.
  11. Arte
    Feb 3, 2008
    9
    Has it's ups and downs like any CD and it certainly can't touch their marvellous debut, but a superb offerng nonetheless. Some fans of the band might not appreciate the new direction, but most Rock'n'Rollers will enjoy this one.
  12. TB2
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    Great album. A little more matured for the more matured rock your socks off listener. I believe "Filter" magazine had it right with "This is meat and 'taters rock mixed with the Devil's blood." Good stuff and mixes well with Black Crowes, Drive-by-Truckers, etc.
  13. JonathanE.
    Mar 30, 2007
    9
    I was surprised by this record. I liked their last record "Aha Shake Heartbreak", it had a few great songs but it was a bit unfocused and not quite all the way there. With "Because of the Times" Kings of Leon have finally arrived delivering a cohesive album full of brilliant songs. Great vocals, great guitar playing, and great mood throughout.
  14. JoachimH
    Mar 31, 2007
    9
    This is by far the best album of 2007! Caleb have not sounded better for years, and the rest of the band swings so cool. This bad-ass-rock-n-roll-album is a must for every fan of Jet, The Fratellis, The Vines or just for fans of good rock. The best number is the amazing single "On Call", and i strongly recommend this album to everyone!
  15. TrinaG.
    Mar 3, 2007
    9
    If nothing else I do believe the "Because Of The Times" will finally clue the US into what the UK has known for quite some time: that Kings of Leon are a musical force worthy of their constant praise. I've been listening to this album for 3 weeks and it's only gotten better. Known for their unique type of bruising, muscular and chucky southern fried rock they have had quite a If nothing else I do believe the "Because Of The Times" will finally clue the US into what the UK has known for quite some time: that Kings of Leon are a musical force worthy of their constant praise. I've been listening to this album for 3 weeks and it's only gotten better. Known for their unique type of bruising, muscular and chucky southern fried rock they have had quite a following since they hit the world stage as the opening band for U2 during their monster Vertigo tour. KOL could have easily made album #3 a near replica of albums # 1 and 2 and their fans would have probably loved it. But something happened in the past two years; I guess touring witht he like of U2, Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan is an education unlike anything else because those KOL gents seem to have grown up nicely (musically, if nothing else). The first single "On Call" is pure testament to that. When I first heard a live version of this song my initial reaction was: "Where the f*ck did that song come from?" The song is sexy, mature...the hollow effects, the vocal delivery...it's a very "adult" departure from their usual punchy, almost violent southern rock but it's still all their sound. That was my hook. There's a lot of musical variation to dig into from "Arizona", which is just dead lovely, to "True Love Way" to "Charmer" which makes me marvel at Caleb's vocal ability. And Caleb's vocals are flexing throughout this album; so much tone and texture to that voice I forget that he's do young If this album doesn't seal KOL into the musical minds of people, nothing will. Expand
  16. winstong
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Breath of fresh air,they needed to oull off a good album and theyve done it in style!!
  17. JosephA
    Apr 11, 2007
    9
    Wow, I thought their last album was complete crap with hints of promise and I absolutely was not interested in hearing their new one. Well, thank god I gave it a shot!! Those hints of promise have blossomed in a massive way, the album is excellent.
  18. Gina.P
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    This album is definitely a 10. You would have never expected it from them. It's emotional and rough at the same time. Like a jam session with emotion. Amazing, you should all listen.
  19. tonyS
    Apr 1, 2007
    7
    i enjoy alot of the songs, but think the score is a bit to high, id say it deserves about a 65-70, not at all a bad album, then again perhaps it needs to just grow on me. I do know one thing for sure, "charmer", the yelling is flat out annoying.
  20. RubS
    Apr 1, 2007
    9
    It's awesome - don't like a few moments on the songs, but it is still pretty cool!
  21. JimmyT
    Apr 17, 2007
    9
    Because of the time is an awe-inspiring album, a step up from the already high-flying Aha Shake Heartbreak. White this release Kings of Leon prove they are more than a one trick pony and pave their ways to rock superstardom
  22. Aric
    Apr 2, 2007
    9
    A more focused album by a brilliant band on the verge of a great career! 'Kings' have a sound that is a complex mix of many influences too often pigeon-holed as Southern Rock. Listen to tracks like "On Call", " Knocked Up", "Ragoo" and my personal favorite "McFearless" and you will hear music from a band too young for this amount of scope.
  23. luisv
    Apr 29, 2007
    7
    Algunos aprecian el hehco de arriesgarse a hacer algo diferente de llo que se espera. Los Kings of Leon se arriesgaron y apenas salieron a flote. El disco es diferente, sonbre todo del anterior y muy básico Aha Shake... El disco funciona mejor entre más oidas se le dé y mi última opinión es que es bueno a secas.
  24. tony
    Apr 30, 2007
    9
    The last album was great. I didn't expect this one to be as good. But i hate it when people expect every album from every band to be the same thing over and over. Its different but its just as good in its own way. It starts out with a great unexpected 7 minute song ... i dont think the last album was even 7 minutes long. That was the Kings of Leon telling you that they are older this The last album was great. I didn't expect this one to be as good. But i hate it when people expect every album from every band to be the same thing over and over. Its different but its just as good in its own way. It starts out with a great unexpected 7 minute song ... i dont think the last album was even 7 minutes long. That was the Kings of Leon telling you that they are older this album is different but you are going to like it. Buy it listen to it more than once and put it your regular collection. Expand
  25. BrentonL
    Apr 4, 2007
    7
    I've been a huge Kings of Leon fan every since their first album was released, and Because of the Times just doesn't measure up to the previous two LPs. The music doesn't strike you like their former songs do. The lyrics are lame for the most part and a lot of the music sounds like it was thrown together in a couple takes in the studio. The only reason I give it a 7 is I've been a huge Kings of Leon fan every since their first album was released, and Because of the Times just doesn't measure up to the previous two LPs. The music doesn't strike you like their former songs do. The lyrics are lame for the most part and a lot of the music sounds like it was thrown together in a couple takes in the studio. The only reason I give it a 7 is because I'm a fan of the band and Knocked Up is great song, maybe there best to date. Overall, however, the album is very disappointing. Expand
  26. salmanh
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    Iconic Album .. amazing
  27. MarkG
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    Definitely a 10.Having read some reviews it seems to me critics miss the point about records,if they sound good they are good and this one sounds great.It's also a grower.I've now listened to the full album over a dozen times & it keeps getting better.It doesn't matter if they sound a bit like this band or that band only that they make good songs doing it and these boys are Definitely a 10.Having read some reviews it seems to me critics miss the point about records,if they sound good they are good and this one sounds great.It's also a grower.I've now listened to the full album over a dozen times & it keeps getting better.It doesn't matter if they sound a bit like this band or that band only that they make good songs doing it and these boys are talented enough to carry it off.Can't wait for their next offering.Meanwhile i'll just play this album 'til my ears bleed.Keep up the good work boys,Scotland loves you. Expand
  28. WillL.
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Exceeds the promise shown on their first two albums, this is flawless. The band still have raw energy, but now play with atmosphere, acoustics and benefit from improved (Springsteen-esque) lyrics, previously their achilles heel.
  29. ZachP
    Dec 21, 2008
    9
    Flawed, spectacular and sprawling, Because of the Times is the Kings best album yet. it's contagious and insane and "On Call' is by far their best song since "California Waiting." If the bittersweet melody of that song and "Arizona" doesn't touch you in some way, you have no soul.
  30. SteveH
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    A work of genius that builds on the first two albums and gets so far into your head you can't get it out. Ragoo and Fans particular favourites and as good as anything they've done so far. The band extend their playing to the next level and Caleb has to be the best singer in rock.
  31. KyleN
    Mar 14, 2007
    9
    Listening to this album makes me feel like a badass
  32. tinat
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    by far their best album yet! the first two had great moments, but this has classic songs all the way through. i'm lucky to really enjoy 4-5 songs on any record. that is when i know i like it. i can easily listen to at least 9-10 of these at any given moment! this record is perfect for soundtracks to great movies. it's like explosions in the sky with shorter, poppier songs, a by far their best album yet! the first two had great moments, but this has classic songs all the way through. i'm lucky to really enjoy 4-5 songs on any record. that is when i know i like it. i can easily listen to at least 9-10 of these at any given moment! this record is perfect for soundtracks to great movies. it's like explosions in the sky with shorter, poppier songs, a singer and more distortion and reverb. Expand
  33. EDWARDS
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Buy this album!
  34. cathlinb
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    this album oozes greatness. and the followill family? they ooze greatness with a side of sex appeal. "knocked up" takes my breath away.
  35. DG
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    Shows a ton of growth since Aha Shake Heartbreak, both as musicians and songwriters. One of my favorites of 2007 so far.
  36. Oillhnhkk
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    fan fucking tastic!!
  37. RobH
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    Amazing album, continuing their tradition of pure class albums. you get the sense of a more mature band when you listen to this album.
  38. [Anonymous]
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    brilliant, a masterpiece. this album has everything, and i haven't heard anything so fresh in years. but it as soon as it comes out, i know i will. many standout tracks, great musicianship, great lyrics. just amazing.
  39. bretts
    Apr 1, 2007
    10
    F'n awesome!
  40. MichelleK
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    Great album. Shows the diversity and musical intelligence that the band has. awesome album best tracks: McFearless, Ragoo, On Call and Charmer.
  41. JohnnyS
    Apr 13, 2007
    9
    The Kings of Leon's songwriting expertise and musicianship are nothing short of jaw-dropping on this album. The guitars in particular are very tasteful and breathtakingly creative, in my opinion right up there with anything the Edge or Joey Santiago has done over the years. The only reason I deduct a point is because I don't particularly care for the singer. That and some of the The Kings of Leon's songwriting expertise and musicianship are nothing short of jaw-dropping on this album. The guitars in particular are very tasteful and breathtakingly creative, in my opinion right up there with anything the Edge or Joey Santiago has done over the years. The only reason I deduct a point is because I don't particularly care for the singer. That and some of the songs, while still top quality, are a little too country-fried for my sensibilities. Excellent album and well worth a listen for anyone who's a fan of rock music. Expand
  42. jim
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    great record! best yet! love them!
  43. Andrew
    Apr 24, 2007
    7
    Sometimes a band comes along and their first CD is OK, but you think, "Wow, once these guys get into a real studio, they are gonna be incredible." I remember the first Pearl Jam album and how the songs were great but it sounded like the producer was stuck in 1982. Once they got their studio sound refined it was one great album after another. Then you have bands like Kings of Leon who Sometimes a band comes along and their first CD is OK, but you think, "Wow, once these guys get into a real studio, they are gonna be incredible." I remember the first Pearl Jam album and how the songs were great but it sounded like the producer was stuck in 1982. Once they got their studio sound refined it was one great album after another. Then you have bands like Kings of Leon who shouldn't change a thing (I feel like that about the Strokes, too, but that's another story). I want to know where all that raw, jangly, Allman-Brothers-suffering-through-a-whiskey-hangover, redneck stomp from Youth and Young Manhood went. That was the sound I liked and much preferred from them. Not that this album isn't good, because it is. But that's the thing - it's just good. With the exception of the vocal tones, this has all been done in some form or fashion before. There are a few great songs, and the rest is like leftovers from the sessions where they created those songs. Some of the riffs are so similar I had to keep flipping back and forth to make sure I wasn't listening to the same track on repeat. You can definitely tell that the Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam and U2 influence weighed heavily on this album, and there are elements of Tom Petty and other classic American rock in there as well. I feel like it's just a little too much of those influences and not enough of what they do (or used to do) best. It's better than Aha, which was a big disappointment for me, but still not quite what I liked about them when I first heard them. Expand
  44. JustinP
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    The best album i've heard in years.
  45. matthewb
    Apr 3, 2007
    9
    Classic
  46. Rambow
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    Great album that benefits from multiple listens. Not more of the same but more great stuff either way.
  47. MattG
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    They just keep making original music without going overboard. I didn't think they would be able to beat the first two albums, but they did. Their best effort to date and if you've heard their first two, then that is a gigantic complement.
  48. ZacS
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    This album is great from start to finish. Its soul searching and makes you question yourself. All of it equals awesome. Pick it up! definitely one of the best of 2007
  49. AaronH
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2007.
  50. dana
    May 17, 2007
    10
    loved the first two albums but kol get better with each album. this is definatly the album of the year for me. so many good tracks, camero, black thumbnail, my party, mcfearless
  51. CathlinO
    May 2, 2007
    10
    I have to agree with Ilya R on this one, only I think it doesn't get much better than the entire album (though there may be notable exceptions)
  52. JonC
    May 4, 2007
    9
    Great record, great band. A breath of fresh air. The boys are stretching it out, people have to allow them to evolve.
  53. TimH
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Great stuff. I saw them live not too long ago, and they blew me away. "Knocked Up" is a classic.
  54. TBone
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    If you listen to Knocked Up, Charmer (Get past the yelp), On Call, True Love Way, Ragoo, Fans, McFearless, Black Thumbnail. I don't see how this scores less than a 7. It's good. Great for drinking whiskey in the dark or driving in the dark.
  55. MojoPiN
    Apr 19, 2008
    9
    While lyrically it's no masterpiece, the words still resonate as personal, impassioned tales that help carry the tunes, but ultimately, it's the depth of the music, the beautifully thick and well placed drum sounds and the soaring neo-shoegazing guitar work that makes this album a real gem of 2007.
  56. AaronH
    May 6, 2008
    10
    Best album of 2007.
  57. ZekeT.
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    A mature, beautiful third album from the new kings of southern rock.
  58. DiegoP
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    An amazing album by an amazing band!
  59. federicor
    Apr 23, 2007
    9
    A quite good album, I dare say!
  60. IlyaR
    Apr 25, 2007
    8
    Last album was rock solid. This album is even better. And while I like the U2-experimentation, I still think the Kings are at the top of their game while spitting out fast, "classic rock" thrums ("Black Thumbnail", "Camaro") and hopelessly catchy pop gems ("True Love Way", "Fans"). They have yet to dissapoint.
  61. GarethH.
    Jun 13, 2007
    9
    I only didn't give it 10 because no-one should get 10! Looking at all the reviews I am amazed that there is so little fuss about "Knocked Up"! It was about 3 days before I heard any other track on the album. Everything about that opening track had me hooked immediately. If these guys ever make a better song I will crawl on hands and knees to get a copy. Oh, and when I did get round I only didn't give it 10 because no-one should get 10! Looking at all the reviews I am amazed that there is so little fuss about "Knocked Up"! It was about 3 days before I heard any other track on the album. Everything about that opening track had me hooked immediately. If these guys ever make a better song I will crawl on hands and knees to get a copy. Oh, and when I did get round to it, the rest of the album is sublime, Idon't think one track is in the slightest disappointing. Wonderful stuff. Expand
  62. Joe
    Jun 15, 2007
    10
    best album of 2007 so far. no filler tracks, the album flows beautifully from beginning to end. every track is unique and awesome in its right...highly recommended.
  63. SpencerJ.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Just gets better and better with every listen. It's a shame they don't get as much attention in the states as they do over in Britain.
  64. TomO.
    Apr 18, 2008
    8
    Great new sound for KOL, not as passionate as they are on the previous records.
  65. Sep 17, 2010
    10
    Kings of leon changed their style for the better.They're half hard rock half soft rock style finally works on this record.My problem with old KOL was that theyre slower songs lacked feeling and were ultimitly boring.'Arizona' and 'The Runner' are highlights on this terrific album
  66. Oct 21, 2010
    10
    Arizona is one of the best songs I have ever heard, just one of the many highlights on this album. Big change in the kings sound in this album but it works perfectly.
  67. Dec 15, 2010
    9
    Because Of The Times is a great album. The Sound of it all sounds so much more unique from their previous albums. Caleb's voice has definitely matured. So many amazing tracks. The album starts off with the slow-burning "Knocked Up" which is just a great song to kick off the album with. "Charmer" is a really playful song. Caleb's yell catches your attention quick. "On Call", "My Party",Because Of The Times is a great album. The Sound of it all sounds so much more unique from their previous albums. Caleb's voice has definitely matured. So many amazing tracks. The album starts off with the slow-burning "Knocked Up" which is just a great song to kick off the album with. "Charmer" is a really playful song. Caleb's yell catches your attention quick. "On Call", "My Party", and "Ragoo" are all wonderful songs. All In All, "Because Of The Times" is The Kings Of Leon's second best album. A- Expand
  68. j30
    Feb 19, 2012
    8
    Because Of The Times is King of Leon's best album. The music doesn't have as much of a pop flavor as their previous efforts, but a raw rock sound that's different from anything they've done. This is kind of a turning point for them, unfortunately from here they took the wrong path.
  69. Dec 5, 2017
    9
    Kings of Leon keep the quality levels high on their 3rd record. A clear move is felt from alternative guitar rock to a denser, heavier rock aiming for the stadiums can be heard here. This is in contrast to what had gone before with the band. "Because Of The Times" is an out and out rock record it's the first time in the bands career that you can hear the songs being written for hugeKings of Leon keep the quality levels high on their 3rd record. A clear move is felt from alternative guitar rock to a denser, heavier rock aiming for the stadiums can be heard here. This is in contrast to what had gone before with the band. "Because Of The Times" is an out and out rock record it's the first time in the bands career that you can hear the songs being written for huge stadium gigs. The tunes are quite strong on this and the record helped propell the band to massive stardom. As time has passed this record, while not as blistering as it initially sounded, still holds up well. "Charmer", "On Call" and "Ragoo" rank as my favourite tracks from the album. Expand
  70. Oct 30, 2013
    10
    Without doubt kings of Leon's best piece of work. The album kicks off with the epic knocked up, seven and half minutes of jaw dropping music. This album blends kings of Leon's new massive sound with their old southern roots. A great album from start to finish.
  71. Jun 9, 2015
    8
    This one is a great record. It has lots of influences, some of them more recent than others, but in the end the songwriting is great and the swagger is high in the more "rock" tracks (ex. Charmer).
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. If less accessible on first hearing than its predecessors, the result is an epic wide-screen movie of a CD and the band's best to date.
  2. Although it's stylistically diverse, the album feels coherent.
  3. Kings of Leon often seem torn between their stadium rawk impulses and their hip underground aspirations.