Come Around Sundown
by Kings of Leon
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 19, 2010
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 132
  3. Negative: 22 out of 132
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  1. innocentbystand
    Oct 23, 2010
    7
    I liked their first 3 albums better, I will agree on that but this one is a pretty good record too, it is just playing it in safer waters, they are not experimenting so much, as if they found the formula of the success and they want to enjoy it for a while. but still it's much more likable than only by the night melodically. the problem is: it's not as real as because of the times, whichI liked their first 3 albums better, I will agree on that but this one is a pretty good record too, it is just playing it in safer waters, they are not experimenting so much, as if they found the formula of the success and they want to enjoy it for a while. but still it's much more likable than only by the night melodically. the problem is: it's not as real as because of the times, which is their best effort up to date. but hey can we blame them, these people are enjoying fame and making millions, unfortunately happy and rich people have less interesting stories to tell.… Expand
  2. I_Like_Stuff
    Oct 24, 2010
    8
    It's a good album but not ground-breaking stuff by any means. Ignore the 1's and 0's, some people are just musical snobs who reject a band once they become popular. Thankfully there is no song on this album which is going to be overplayed like 'Sex on Fire' and 'Use Somebody' so 2 months later and you should still like it. But if you are somebody who hated the last album then why evenIt's a good album but not ground-breaking stuff by any means. Ignore the 1's and 0's, some people are just musical snobs who reject a band once they become popular. Thankfully there is no song on this album which is going to be overplayed like 'Sex on Fire' and 'Use Somebody' so 2 months later and you should still like it. But if you are somebody who hated the last album then why even bother reading these reviews cos your mind's been made prior to release.… Expand
  3. jyo_tirmaya
    Jan 9, 2011
    7
    A solid rockin' album from the Kings of Leon. Different than all of their other albums, it shows them using their creativity to make BIG music. Would love to see them do some of these songs live. Go Kings! (btw Pitchfork, you are too full of yourselves. This album is much better than you say it is!)
  4. Gracianne
    Oct 27, 2010
    8
    I'm not sure why there's been such a bitter reaction to this album - sure, it isn't their best album, but it's a whole lot better than the (IMO) overrated Youth & Young Manhood, and is a massive improvement on their last, meaning that it sits in the middle behind Aha Shake and Because of the Times, their unquestionable best albums. But that shouldn't be such a bad thing. Come Around hasI'm not sure why there's been such a bitter reaction to this album - sure, it isn't their best album, but it's a whole lot better than the (IMO) overrated Youth & Young Manhood, and is a massive improvement on their last, meaning that it sits in the middle behind Aha Shake and Because of the Times, their unquestionable best albums. But that shouldn't be such a bad thing. Come Around has some of the best tracks of their career - Mary, The Face, Pyro, The Immortals, Mi Amigo, Pickup Truck are all excellent and Back Down South is wonderfully different for them. Overall, I think that it's a solid reinterpretation of their old formula. True, it's not groundbreaking, poetic, artistic or intelligent, but it's a great rock record, and there sure is a chronic lack of those around these days.… Expand
  5. EthanPeter
    Oct 26, 2010
    5
    For every interesting moment, there's a dull one. None of the songs compel me to make a return visit, though I suppose it could sound better after repeat listens. Not because the music's complex, but because it might sound familiar and comfortable after a while.
  6. bravado883
    Oct 28, 2010
    8
    This is one of those albums that, if you're a musical elitist, will give you trouble at first. It is certainly a radio rock album, and nine times out of ten it seems artists are forced to sacrifice musicality for radio friendliness. This album, however, is one of those happy exceptions that manages to be a pop album without sacrificing musicianship. Once I got past the fact that theThis is one of those albums that, if you're a musical elitist, will give you trouble at first. It is certainly a radio rock album, and nine times out of ten it seems artists are forced to sacrifice musicality for radio friendliness. This album, however, is one of those happy exceptions that manages to be a pop album without sacrificing musicianship. Once I got past the fact that the album is, admittedly, overproduced, I realized how damn good the songs are. Am I the only one that thinks that this newest itteration of KOL sounds a lot like Springsteen?… Expand
  7. bakertpaul
    Dec 1, 2010
    9
    All the tracks on this album seem to flow well together and you get the feeling that Come Around Sundown has a sort of theme behind it. The feel good vibes seem to radiate from each track in continuance of their more recent mainstream alternative swing. Those who are looking to rekindle their love of the early Kings sound will have to keep looking as this album is a great follow-up toAll the tracks on this album seem to flow well together and you get the feeling that Come Around Sundown has a sort of theme behind it. The feel good vibes seem to radiate from each track in continuance of their more recent mainstream alternative swing. Those who are looking to rekindle their love of the early Kings sound will have to keep looking as this album is a great follow-up to the anthemic sounds of "Only by the Night". Enjoy !!… Expand
  8. Ricko
    Feb 15, 2012
    8
    As records go it's generally a good one, however it doesn't quite stand up to this bands back catalogue. There are some gems on here - Pyro, The Immortals and No Money are great, but too many tracks are mid tempo or are a little bit soulless which is never something that could have been said about a KOL record before. If it was put out by any other band it would be a good record and that'sAs records go it's generally a good one, however it doesn't quite stand up to this bands back catalogue. There are some gems on here - Pyro, The Immortals and No Money are great, but too many tracks are mid tempo or are a little bit soulless which is never something that could have been said about a KOL record before. If it was put out by any other band it would be a good record and that's how I'm rating it but it's a bit disappointing in parts for a KOL record.… Expand
  9. axelkoch
    Nov 1, 2012
    6
    They still got a nice flair in their songs, but it's not that special as in 'Only By The Night'. The lyrics got ruder, the whole appearance of the CD is kind of drab. Yet, they've got a couple of great songs on here, too, so you won't do bad with checking it out. They still make nice music.
  10. humblefolks
    Oct 25, 2010
    5
    it's not good, it's not horrible, it's just blah: background music for coffee shops. the album is well recorded (it does sound really nice), but poorly written. the songs left me absolutely unaffected emotionally, and the few moments that caught my attention musically unfortunately did so for all the wrong reasons. they are simply too reminiscent of certain things the band did before. init's not good, it's not horrible, it's just blah: background music for coffee shops. the album is well recorded (it does sound really nice), but poorly written. the songs left me absolutely unaffected emotionally, and the few moments that caught my attention musically unfortunately did so for all the wrong reasons. they are simply too reminiscent of certain things the band did before. in other words, they're rehashing some old bits and pieces almost note for note, capitalizing on "the formula", presumably (or perhaps they were just too busy counting the revenue generated by the "break-through" to come up with anything new).… Expand
  11. rfowl009
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    A stellar followup to their breakout album "Only By Night", Kings of Leon continues delivering rousing anthem rock with a resonant emotional undercurrent. It's great work, and people who protest ought to take note that they're not "pushing the envelope" because they don't have to and that they haven't "sold out" because their sound, while on a grander scale here, still retains the soulfulA stellar followup to their breakout album "Only By Night", Kings of Leon continues delivering rousing anthem rock with a resonant emotional undercurrent. It's great work, and people who protest ought to take note that they're not "pushing the envelope" because they don't have to and that they haven't "sold out" because their sound, while on a grander scale here, still retains the soulful spirit of their first three albums.… Expand
  12. BigJ1970
    Oct 21, 2010
    3
    Although this album isn't as bad as the last two, I still feel cheated. Although there are brushes with greatness, KOL doesn't quite commit. Almost as if they believe that if they churn out something actually resembling rock that they are "cheapening" their artistic greatness. Ultimately KOL has become a clique, a perfect example of what happens when a great band starts believing theirAlthough this album isn't as bad as the last two, I still feel cheated. Although there are brushes with greatness, KOL doesn't quite commit. Almost as if they believe that if they churn out something actually resembling rock that they are "cheapening" their artistic greatness. Ultimately KOL has become a clique, a perfect example of what happens when a great band starts believing their own press.… Expand
  13. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 20, 2010
    8
    I think Kings of Leon has always been a remarkable group. The soulful rock anthems contained in this great new album, such as "Radioactive", "The End", and the remarkably catchy "Mary". There are almost more tastes of southern rock and gospel-tinged four-minute-epics than any other of their albums. Judging from their breakthrough album, "Only By The Night", this album may be just as good.I think Kings of Leon has always been a remarkable group. The soulful rock anthems contained in this great new album, such as "Radioactive", "The End", and the remarkably catchy "Mary". There are almost more tastes of southern rock and gospel-tinged four-minute-epics than any other of their albums. Judging from their breakthrough album, "Only By The Night", this album may be just as good. Not to mention the horrible fanbase that Kings of Leon has, full of idiots who complain whenever they change their sound a little.… Expand
  14. centurysleuth
    Oct 21, 2010
    9
    Die hard Kings of Leon fan, starting from first album on. Didn't much care for their last album, and liked about half of Because of the Times, but still respected the quality of the tracks I did like. This album was full on pop upon first spin, but after two more spins, I gotta say, this is a great album. It will be on my Top Ten for the year. It's not terribly deep, and I would haveDie hard Kings of Leon fan, starting from first album on. Didn't much care for their last album, and liked about half of Because of the Times, but still respected the quality of the tracks I did like. This album was full on pop upon first spin, but after two more spins, I gotta say, this is a great album. It will be on my Top Ten for the year. It's not terribly deep, and I would have enjoyed more angst. It reminded me of My Morning Jacket's Evil Urges album - took a little time to get used to, but talent is talent. I see the press has already killed this band and tortured them as sellouts, which I'm sure half of their devout fans did as soon as they'd scored their 1st hit in 2008. But who the hell knows what a sellout is. I'm sick of hipsters anyhow. This is a good band, with a great voice.… Expand
  15. Thejaywhip
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    I honestly am not getting the hate on this album. If you liked Because of the Times how can you not like this? I would say Come Around Sundown is a mix of all their styles put together. Lyrically Come Around Sundown is just as good as the rest of the albums. The songs still have a lot of emotion and heart to them (ala The End, Pyro, Pickup Truck). I just don't understand why people can'tI honestly am not getting the hate on this album. If you liked Because of the Times how can you not like this? I would say Come Around Sundown is a mix of all their styles put together. Lyrically Come Around Sundown is just as good as the rest of the albums. The songs still have a lot of emotion and heart to them (ala The End, Pyro, Pickup Truck). I just don't understand why people can't accept they made a chill/relaxing record. Yes, this album is a little slower than their past work. So what!? Yes there is not as many crazy songs like "Charmer." This is an album for a party where you can sit back on the beach or go boating. And for those that say this is a mainstream album, it is by far from it. This album will not do as good Only By The Night because there is no Sex on Fire or Use Somebody singles. This album needs to be taken in as a whole and for many that will turn them off. You so called fans are not fans at all. I've loved them from the first CD right down to this one. They are not even comparable to bands like Nickelback. What you so called fans need to realize is just because they have changed their style of music, they have never ever given up that emotion they bring to every song. From Milk to Pickup Truck, from Trani to Closer, they are all tied together with one thing, true raw emotion. Every song tells a story and Come Around Sundown is no different. Quit being so god damn picky musically and listen to the stories being told through the lyrics. Just because they have beefed up their sound doesn't derail them from being rock legends or better than every single thing on mainstream radio right now.… Expand
  16. Brylovesmusic
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    As soon as the first track plays u know ur listening to Kings of Leon. The powerful, thumping bass line in KOL's new album "Come Around Sundown" is dominant throughout the album. These guys are REALLY good, and the album is GREAT! 9/10!! MUST BUY!
  17. Jaytch
    May 12, 2011
    7
    Their best album to date. None of the tracks are as strong as Sex on Fire or Taper Jean Girl as singles. But as a collective effort, much better than the past. The playing is also much better than before. They've progress as individual and collective musicians. It's refreshing that there is some variety in the writing, and arrangements. The repetitiveness of their previous albumsTheir best album to date. None of the tracks are as strong as Sex on Fire or Taper Jean Girl as singles. But as a collective effort, much better than the past. The playing is also much better than before. They've progress as individual and collective musicians. It's refreshing that there is some variety in the writing, and arrangements. The repetitiveness of their previous albums drove me crazy. I couldn't listen to those albums for more than 10 minutes without switching to a new CD. I can listen to this entire record and not get bored.… Expand
  18. boozm
    Oct 19, 2010
    1
    This is the sound of a band losing all its credibility, the sound of a band failing to recreate any sense of emotional authenticity that they once successfully postured. What an insult to the noble notion of rock and roll. What dull rubbish fed blindly to the (mostly British) tone-deaf masses. What filth. With the last album and this one, which is only marginally better, the Kings of LeonThis is the sound of a band losing all its credibility, the sound of a band failing to recreate any sense of emotional authenticity that they once successfully postured. What an insult to the noble notion of rock and roll. What dull rubbish fed blindly to the (mostly British) tone-deaf masses. What filth. With the last album and this one, which is only marginally better, the Kings of Leon have discredited the worth of all their previous work. An awful collection of songs that say nothing, literally nor emotionally. 1 point for not having anything closely resembling 'Sex on Fire'.… Expand
  19. Armington
    Oct 21, 2010
    2
    Before 'Come Around Sundown' the quality of Kings of Leon's albums have taken on a distinct pattern:

    1st - Youth and Young Manhood - Brilliant, their best work 9/10 2nd - Aha Shake Heartbreak - OK but rushed 6/10 3rd - Because of the Times - Return to form 8/10 4th - We Are The Night - 3 decent tracks, otherwise dull 4/10 So. 1st and 3rd were good. 2nd and 4th not so good. Therefore,    Before 'Come Around Sundown' the quality of Kings of Leon's albums have taken on a distinct pattern:

    1st - Youth and Young Manhood - Brilliant, their best work 9/10
    2nd - Aha Shake Heartbreak - OK but rushed 6/10
    3rd - Because of the Times - Return to form 8/10
    4th - We Are The Night - 3 decent tracks, otherwise dull 4/10

    So. 1st and 3rd were good. 2nd and 4th not so good. Therefore, according to this good-bad formula, I had faint hopes for 'Come Around Sundown'. How unfortunate then that their 5th, and worst, album sees them plunging headlong into the toned-down, wishy-washy nonsense that inhabited much of their last album. What a shame. In 2003 this was an exciting band, rattling out a riotous brand of hillbilly rock n roll. In 2010, they bore me senseless    … Expand
  20. ardaigh
    Oct 23, 2010
    0
    The last thing this world needs is another bloody arena-rock band. With Kings of Leon jumping aboard with bands like of Muse and Nickelback, it's no wonder the youth of today can't keep their attentions focused. With boring snot like "Come Around Sundown" (whose ass did that title fall out of, by the way?), the music industry seems not to care for artists anymore. Commercialization isThe last thing this world needs is another bloody arena-rock band. With Kings of Leon jumping aboard with bands like of Muse and Nickelback, it's no wonder the youth of today can't keep their attentions focused. With boring snot like "Come Around Sundown" (whose ass did that title fall out of, by the way?), the music industry seems not to care for artists anymore. Commercialization is the name, and Capitalism is the game. Get used to it folks, doesn't seem like things are going to turn around anytime soon.… Expand
  21. jimmypowder
    Oct 23, 2010
    2
    Geez,after a couple of great albums with a unique sound they turn to this slop.

    Not worth listening to.Sell outs! They may wanna be U2(which they will never get close to being) but at least they had a unique sound that made them quite interesting.Unique sounding bands like Radiohead,U2,Beach House,etc are the ones who will never sell out their fundamental sound. This band needs to get    Geez,after a couple of great albums with a unique sound they turn to this slop.

    Not worth listening to.Sell outs!

    They may wanna be U2(which they will never get close to being) but at least they had a unique sound that made them quite interesting.Unique sounding bands like Radiohead,U2,Beach House,etc are the ones who will never sell out their fundamental sound.

    This band needs to get back to the drawing board.Rick Rubin ,please help these lost lads.    … Expand
  22. KateGlover
    Oct 20, 2010
    0
    After listening to Youth and Young Manhood, Aha Shake Heart Break and Because of the times and bloody loving them, I now find my self feeling cheated and pissed off by their latest failure. Kings of Leon have turned into the laughing stock of music. They are quiet possibly the most un-humble group of ex-musicians i can think of. Their credibility is now in the negatives. Gutted.
  23. DOWNEY2010
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    Kol have alot of haters out there it shows when people give this zero outta 10. This is a great ablum from a great band, songs like: mary, the face, pony up, birthday and pickup truck are major highlights on the album. kol will continue to get better and they will remain the best band on the planet for some time.
  24. Kaapie
    Oct 26, 2010
    1
    Sell Out! I was working in a bar in Ireland in 2003 - before I opened up I turned on the Q music channel and heard this hill billy band from the South belt out Molly for the first time - I thought the sound was farging awesome... I was a convert.

    Now - all I hear is a drone of whiny yet gutteral over produced pop rock - pretentious sell outs. Where did the hicks go? At least Black    Sell Out! I was working in a bar in Ireland in 2003 - before I opened up I turned on the Q music channel and heard this hill billy band from the South belt out Molly for the first time - I thought the sound was farging awesome... I was a convert.

    Now - all I hear is a drone of whiny yet gutteral over produced pop rock - pretentious sell outs. Where did the hicks go?

    At least Black Crowes never sold out.    … Expand
  25. Kernzzi
    Oct 19, 2010
    0
    Utter garbage. cannot believe this is the same band that produced 3 outstanding albums to start off their music careers. Because of the times is one of, if not my favourite album of the 2000's. This doesn't even deserve to be compared to their first 3 albums, let alone put in the same sentence.
  26. jimsnyder66
    Oct 20, 2010
    0
    What a disappointment. I was hoping for something more innovative rather than some mundane, ho hum, material that falls way short of my expectations. I guess I will have be content listening to their previous efforts. What happened to the band I so loved?
  27. pumpkinmate
    Dec 18, 2010
    3
    The only way I can describe this album is - lacking in emotional connection, dull, boring, nothing groundbreaking. Only partly saved by 2 or 3 decent tracks. If KOL continue down this track they will be irrelevant in the next few years.
  28. germangirl
    Nov 7, 2010
    2
    mmh I'm disappointed. I have the feeling, these guys don't have ideas anymore. maybe its a creative crisis, but this album sounds boring. If Caleb wouldn't have his great distinctive voice, nobody would buy this album.
  29. DashRendar
    Oct 28, 2010
    4
    This is the fifth album for the Tennessee based band and unlike the whiskey the state is known so well for, The Kings of Leon have not matured well with age. Coming off their pop success of Only by the Night, this album also lacks the soul of earlier albums like Because of the Times or Youth and Young Manhood. The teenage girl/soccer mom sing alongs like Radioactive & Pyro don't provideThis is the fifth album for the Tennessee based band and unlike the whiskey the state is known so well for, The Kings of Leon have not matured well with age. Coming off their pop success of Only by the Night, this album also lacks the soul of earlier albums like Because of the Times or Youth and Young Manhood. The teenage girl/soccer mom sing alongs like Radioactive & Pyro don't provide any emotional lyrics to really latch on to. Mary is your atypical 50s slow song with a variation of two alternating electric guitar chords blaring in the background. Lyrically, KOL is trying imagery of being back home in Tennessee; tired and homesick from touring. The lyrics feel infant, unimagined and cheap compared to songs like McFearless or Charmer. Go out and listen to Because of the Times if you truly want a sense of what this band is made of. Song Redemption : (couldn't find one)
    http://clockcatcher.blogspot.com/    … Expand
  30. sody2001
    Oct 29, 2010
    9
    I love Kings of Leon, I bought Youth and Young Manhood on its day of release and all the subsequent albums. I like the fact that they have developed as a band as I think if they were still churning out the same style of tune as in the first album, there would be plenty of people criticising them for constantly sounding the same. The album isn't as instantly catchy as Only by the Night,I love Kings of Leon, I bought Youth and Young Manhood on its day of release and all the subsequent albums. I like the fact that they have developed as a band as I think if they were still churning out the same style of tune as in the first album, there would be plenty of people criticising them for constantly sounding the same. The album isn't as instantly catchy as Only by the Night, but a few listens and it has real depth. If you say this has no emotion in in the you know nothing about music. Stan out tracks are Birthday, Mary and Beach Side.

    My only criticism is that the Deluxe CD version isn't worth the extra money, as the track Celebration isn't that strong and the remixes aren't up to much. Would have been nice to have some live tracks and some video for the extra money.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2010
89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Pitchfork
    Dec 22, 2010
    36
    Come Around Sundown is, and it ends up being no different from a lot of the phony populism in the air these days.
    Read full review
  2. No Ripcord
    Dec 21, 2010
    60
    While enjoyable and familiar, this set of songs reflects a band who knows what music they don't want to be making but haven't--at least, not yet--determined what it is they want to be defined by instead.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    Dec 21, 2010
    60
    Sundown is still considerably boring when compared to the likes of the Kings' first three albums. It's also too long, the back end sacked with faceless mid-tempo songs devoid of hooks that can't compare to the mini-epics up front.
    Read full review
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