Only By The Night
by Kings of Leon
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2008
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 223 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 154 out of 223
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 223
  3. Negative: 40 out of 223

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  1. GaryC.
    Oct 11, 2008
    10
    Fantastic Revelry is probably song of the year.
  2. LisaZ.
    Dec 4, 2008
    10
    Maybe they have changed their sound - more like evolved, which is normal for a group of young guys. Well...these are no ordinary guys...they're story is unique and amazing, and their music continues to amaze. There is plenty to love on this album, and the huge hit they've had with "Sex on Fire" has won them a whole new fan base, which may be a bummer for those of us who have Maybe they have changed their sound - more like evolved, which is normal for a group of young guys. Well...these are no ordinary guys...they're story is unique and amazing, and their music continues to amaze. There is plenty to love on this album, and the huge hit they've had with "Sex on Fire" has won them a whole new fan base, which may be a bummer for those of us who have loved them from the beginning and had hoped to keep them to ourselves, but at the same time it's great to see them get the recognition they deserve. They still play their hearts out at every live show...I know that we can expect only more great things to come from them in the future.… Expand
  3. MichaelM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Not their best but certainly the best rock music around!
  4. zoy
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Well i think it's great album,i can't get enough of specialy the first 3 tracks.in this album kings of leon look more relaxed and more focused.i think it deserves a little more appreciation and a good listen. enjoy it.
  5. MattL.
    Sep 30, 2008
    10
    Sex on Fire, Be Somebody, Manhattan, Notion, I Want You, and Be Somebody are good.
  6. MegB
    Jan 11, 2009
    10
    Great album! They may have side stepped some of the down home grit that made their audience love them early on but the polish of this album showcases how they are maturing as musicians. Caleb Followill's vocals have never sounded better.
  7. JohnV
    May 4, 2009
    10
    Wow. One of the best albums I have ever heard. Very creative, groovy, and powerful all at the same time. Calebs voice is amazing.
  8. ChK
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Pure greatness. It's almost as good as their debut.
  9. Nick
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    This album is amazing. Yes, it's a departure from their more eccentric style seen on Aha, Shake, Heartbreak and Youth and Young Manhood, but it's a natural extension of the style they began to cultivate in Because of the Times. The record is cohesive, tight without being overproduced, and more melodic than the vast majority of so-called "stadium rock". These critics have their This album is amazing. Yes, it's a departure from their more eccentric style seen on Aha, Shake, Heartbreak and Youth and Young Manhood, but it's a natural extension of the style they began to cultivate in Because of the Times. The record is cohesive, tight without being overproduced, and more melodic than the vast majority of so-called "stadium rock". These critics have their collective head in the sand.… Expand
  10. FilazaferX
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    This album sounded like a classic the first time I heard it. Many critics don't like music that is radio-friendly. But, good music is good music, period. An excellent cd.
  11. MariaB
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    This CD is raw, seductive and hypnotic. Love it, Love them.
  12. SouthernRocker
    May 25, 2009
    10
    10..an easy 10. This album is great all the way through. Excellent lyrics. Expertly produced. Some may not like the progression and changes bands go through, but if album 4 sounds just like album 3, wouldn't that be a little boring? I can't put the CD down. Guess I'll play it again!
  13. ChrisH
    May 6, 2009
    10
    One of the best rock albums in recent memory. with a taste of 80's beat and feel that somehow works. Well done
  14. ethanc
    Dec 3, 2008
    10
    Kings of leon are one of the best bands out there and this album is amazingly produced. they build the songs with their of the raw and thick sound. a perfect album some of the best tracks are "be somebody" "i want you" "closer" "revelry".
  15. andyh
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    To make it quick and easy - this is my favorite album of 2008. You must give it a listen.
  16. TomB
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Loving it!!
  17. JoshK
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Don't believe the negative crap, this album is GREAT. It's a more mature and confident sound for the band, great tunes there as well, there isn't a single dud on this record. I have a feeling most of the negative votes come from Pitchfork (who I respect but they aren't always right) and from those hipster kids who can't form their own opinions and rely on Don't believe the negative crap, this album is GREAT. It's a more mature and confident sound for the band, great tunes there as well, there isn't a single dud on this record. I have a feeling most of the negative votes come from Pitchfork (who I respect but they aren't always right) and from those hipster kids who can't form their own opinions and rely on Pitchfork to do it for them. P.S. I rated it 10, which, on the second thought is probably a little bit too much. But it'll somewhat counteract the negative feedback, so it's all good.… Expand
  18. ReubenS.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    It's the kangs. That's why.
  19. ArnA.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Great album...better than the poser band Coldplay and their disgraceful garbage of an album.
  20. sarahs
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Excellent cd - love it from beginning to end.
  21. VincentB.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Grows on you, like all good music.
  22. fredr.
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    This album has been at or near the top of the Soundscan album sales chart since its release. KOL obviously know what they are doing. It makes me wonder whether their critics were paying customers.
  23. DOWNEY2010
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    def the worst album outta the five though its far from bad. still some great songs on this album, sex on fire, cold desert, manhattan, crawl and i want you are great kings songs.
  24. kol25
    Mar 4, 2011
    10
    kol have made a great soft rock album here. i do prefer the earlier sound but bands change, thats what bands do. Crawl, i want you, manhattan, cold desert and revlery are the stand out tracks.
  25. wade22fan
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    Simply brilliant. All of the band's albums before this were genius and nothing has changed. Only by the Night is diverse and unique. Each track is totally different and it will be known as one of the best rock albums of our generation. It's truly one of the best albums I have ever heard by one of the best bands I have ever heard. Well done, Kings of Leon. My favorite tracks are BeSimply brilliant. All of the band's albums before this were genius and nothing has changed. Only by the Night is diverse and unique. Each track is totally different and it will be known as one of the best rock albums of our generation. It's truly one of the best albums I have ever heard by one of the best bands I have ever heard. Well done, Kings of Leon. My favorite tracks are Be Somebody, Closer, Crawl, Notion, Cold Desert and Revelry.… Expand
  26. GrenL.
    Oct 8, 2008
    9
    Took the risk to become stars. One of the best bands out now. Sex on fire is one the best rock songs in the last 5years.
  27. DanielC.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    Strong effort. After hearing "Sex on Fire," I felt like giving these guys another chane. My purchase was well worth it. Don't buy the negative reviews. These guys are trying to be nothing more than they are. Who cares if they have left garage-rock for arena rock? I consider this a better sound for them.
  28. NicoleG.
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    Love the depth & torque of this album!
  29. ChrisB.
    Nov 18, 2008
    9
    Yes, this album is not the Kings of Leon we have all become to love. There's less of the Energy fuelled guitar rifts and they've dampned the 'get up and go' rythm. But for me and most of my friends, this album is a beautifully written very inspiring collection of moving songs. With just enough of the attitude we know, in songs like crawl and sex on fire but also Yes, this album is not the Kings of Leon we have all become to love. There's less of the Energy fuelled guitar rifts and they've dampned the 'get up and go' rythm. But for me and most of my friends, this album is a beautifully written very inspiring collection of moving songs. With just enough of the attitude we know, in songs like crawl and sex on fire but also showing maturety and possibly a 'nice change' for the band themselves in tracks like notion and use sombody. These slower, more emotionally charged songs remind me of previous work such as dusty, milk and on call. So to the 'Die Hard' fans that slate this album ask yourself - did you really not see it coming??… Expand
  30. JesJ.
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Very strong record - catchy songs - good production - their best so far.
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2008
60
#60 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. Mojo
    60
    Only By The Night is best viewed as a transitional record from a band who have quite literally done their growing up in public. [Oct 2008, p.98]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    The dreamy 'Cold Desert' is the perfect maudlin end to this short, sharp, 42-minute, no-filler album, revelling in every miserable blues-rocker cliché as Matthew's guitar goes all shoegazey and then briefly threatens to turn the whole thing into a 'Purple Rain' wig-out.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    80
    As it is, it's a very fine record from a band who are seemingly growing in stature, confidence, and ability by the day.
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