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. Horror2018
    Jun 21, 2018
    8
    A lot of people complaining kinds of leon sold out on this one, I don’t see it. Great album from start to finish. Best songs, closer, crawl, I want you and cold desert.
  2. Ricko
    Dec 12, 2017
    9
    Most people probably think this is where KOL went downhill. I can understand this stance but personally disagree. For sure it takes the polish to an extreme level and is more more soft rock and radio friendly than their previous efforts but it's still full of strong tracks. If the singles off of this album hadn't been played to death in a manner normally reserved for the likes of U2 itMost people probably think this is where KOL went downhill. I can understand this stance but personally disagree. For sure it takes the polish to an extreme level and is more more soft rock and radio friendly than their previous efforts but it's still full of strong tracks. If the singles off of this album hadn't been played to death in a manner normally reserved for the likes of U2 it would have a lot more credibility as a rock record. It's inevitable that the more mainstream fans you gain the more alternative ones you lose. KOL were laughing all the way to the bank with this but it doesn't make it a bad record. While you'll be sick of the sound of massively overrated "Sex on Fire" and the straightforward "Use Somebody", tracks like "Closer", "Manhatten", "Be Somebody" and "I Want You" are all up there with their best work.… Expand
  3. normankant
    Jun 9, 2015
    4
    Kings of Leon in this album are no longer a band, but a brand capable of making lots of money. There are stadium-rock silly songs, rock songs, pop songs and a lot of useless songs. It's really hard to feel this record. Its strength relies on the fact that there are some great songs, as the single Sex on Fire, or the languid opener of the record Closer.
  4. Herecomesyourma
    Oct 30, 2013
    8
    There is no denying that kings of leon changed their sound on this one but it worked. Closer and crawl are two of the best songs they have ever created. Other stand out tracks are I want you and cold desert.
  5. 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
  6. axelkoch
    Nov 1, 2012
    8
    Very good album. The songs are diversified, relaxing but still rocking. Caleb Followill's voice is groovy, the guitar and bass riffs are remarkable and the lyrics also got me. You should go and hear this!
  7. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    A very solid alternative rock album. Yes its sound is much more commercial then their previous efforts but to that I'd say, "so what". If an album is good it's good. An there is nothing wrong with change, those who alienate them were never really fans to begin with. Crawl is unequivocally the best song on this Lp.
  8. WD1
    Apr 27, 2012
    5
    I see reviewers writing whole essays about this album, but I think one word can easily sum up Only By The Night: tame. "Crawl" is actually pretty good, though.
  9. j30
    Feb 19, 2012
    4
    To say Only By The Night is a horrible album would be a bit ignorant. Coming after their best album Because Of The Times this album feels underwhelming and very disappointing in the arena-rock direction they took.
  10. RoverJones
    May 29, 2011
    0
    Soul-crushingly bad.
  11. YFinnau
    May 6, 2011
    3
    First of all I'd like to thank KOL for the epic music gven to us in the first two albums (I haven't listened to the third one yet.) They were Rock n Roll at it's purest, just albums full of passion and fun and I couldn't get enough of them.

    Getting to Only By The Night, it is a dissapointment and it's a shame to see a band go down a path like this. The passion has gone and we're left    First of all I'd like to thank KOL for the epic music gven to us in the first two albums (I haven't listened to the third one yet.) They were Rock n Roll at it's purest, just albums full of passion and fun and I couldn't get enough of them.

    Getting to Only By The Night, it is a dissapointment and it's a shame to see a band go down a path like this. The passion has gone and we're left with an album that's designed to make money as opposed to tearing your face off. I dislike it. Revelry is a decent song but after a while gets boring and lifeless. There are many bands who do this kind of music but much better see Sigur Ros or early U2 or even some old british post punk bands (Joy Division, The Fall, New Order etc.)

    To finish I'd like to thank KOL for all the good music they have created and wish them a happy retirement    … Expand
  12. anonreview
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    Inconsistently excellent. Only By The Night is a good album with some good tracks, some great tracks, some outstanding tracks, and some terrible tracks.
  13. 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.
  14. Vampire25
    Dec 15, 2010
    8
    I don't agree with all the hate on this album. I personally love their sound on this album. They slowed their music down quite a bit. All the rip-roaring guitar riffs are cut out for the most part. It's more arena rock on this album and it sounds great. Caleb's voice just soars and it sounds the best on this album than any other album they have put out. The opener "Closer" is a dark songI don't agree with all the hate on this album. I personally love their sound on this album. They slowed their music down quite a bit. All the rip-roaring guitar riffs are cut out for the most part. It's more arena rock on this album and it sounds great. Caleb's voice just soars and it sounds the best on this album than any other album they have put out. The opener "Closer" is a dark song and it's a great way to start off the album with. "Be Somebody" is my personal favorite on the album and one of my favorite Kings Of Leon songs. The smash singles "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" are good songs but there are a lot better on the album. All In All, Only By The Night has a great sound and I love The Kings transformation from Southern rockers to more "easy on the ear" rockers. B+… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. Kernzzi
    Oct 10, 2010
    1
    absolutely **** terrible, to put it bluntly. because of the times was easily one of, if not THE best album of the decade. This would be one of the worst considering the potential this band has shown they have. only half decent song is Crawl which resembles because of the times
  17. boozm
    Oct 4, 2010
    0
    Never has an album stripped the credibility from a band in such dramatic fashion. 'Crawl' is probably the worst, weakest at the knees and ill-timed stab at political commentary ever written. Kings of Leon: I don't believe you.
  18. RickyP.
    Jan 25, 2010
    1
    This is perhaps one of the biggest sell out albums (if not THE biggest) of the past decade. A band with much talent goes and releases drivel in order to please people in clubs. There is no intelligence involved and no insight that made previous efforts worthwhile. Truly disappointing, in the context of their talent.
  19. Smitty
    Oct 15, 2009
    6
    For my 1st time listening to any of their albums, this was well composed. Every song offers a taste of their live performance whereas you could imagine seeing them on stage. It stands out b/c they have a sound almost bigger than any other band that's been out as long as they have.
  20. JoshH.
    Oct 15, 2009
    2
    I keep being told this album is a clean representation of a band selling out. "Sex On Fire" will be the thing that ultimately destroys what was a half-decent band. Commercial will love it though, god what don't they love.
  21. Rhys
    Oct 6, 2009
    1
    As a result of this album, I have completely lost faith in the Kings. It's a sell out that escapes into soft core stadium rock, almost completely lacking any of the original grit that defined the Kings as a band. The only throwback to that sound is the building tension in "Be Somebody," which is reminiscent of "Four Kicks," but is resolved with no dirty guitars or guttural vocals, As a result of this album, I have completely lost faith in the Kings. It's a sell out that escapes into soft core stadium rock, almost completely lacking any of the original grit that defined the Kings as a band. The only throwback to that sound is the building tension in "Be Somebody," which is reminiscent of "Four Kicks," but is resolved with no dirty guitars or guttural vocals, just a sweet, "easy" chorus. The only benefit of this album is that it made me able to appreciate "" as still retaining some of the magic seen on the first two albums, which is completely lost here. It's safe to say that after this, I'll be downloading the next album, if I bother with it at all.… Expand
  22. TomA
    Sep 25, 2009
    3
    At best, its fairly average. 2007's Because Of Times was one of the best albums of the last decade, but this fell along way short of that benchmark. There are 1 or 2 decent moments, but most of the songs are wastefully transparent, the lyrics are horribly cliched and any trace of that quirky edge ,which made the band so likeable in earlier albums, has been washed away in a tide of At best, its fairly average. 2007's Because Of Times was one of the best albums of the last decade, but this fell along way short of that benchmark. There are 1 or 2 decent moments, but most of the songs are wastefully transparent, the lyrics are horribly cliched and any trace of that quirky edge ,which made the band so likeable in earlier albums, has been washed away in a tide of indie-rock mediocrity. It seems that Kings of Leon have transcended from different but brilliant to uniform but sellable; pressure from their record company may not have helped, but the whole of this record seems to have slipped into the line of 'fashionable' music. A special mention, finally, for 'Use Somebody'. Quite simply, one of the worst songs ever written by any band with their level of talent. It really is awful - yet it has risen to new heights of adulation. And that, in a way, pretty much sums up this album.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. JonG
    Aug 28, 2009
    9
    Comical that critics pounced on this for being, ohmygosh, commercially successful. Meaning if a lot of people like it it must be dumb, because all people besides me, the critic/hipster, are dumb. Actually, this is a fantastic album, not going to appeal to the NPR/Paste magazine set but great rock music, with well constructed well written songs. Not for fans of The Decemberists.
  25. DmitryS
    Aug 3, 2009
    8
    Great album, remind me of u2 achtung baby and other great stuff. Very accessible, good music. don't care about words much though.
  26. BrianB
    Jul 23, 2009
    3
    When you consider their their first 2 records, this is a zero. But rating it against the field, I still have to give it some credit, there are 3 or 4 songs I don't mind listening to. I call this record their "get laid and paid in America" record. Because that's all it's good for. Congratulations guys, you were my favorite band, and now you have 10x as many fans but they are When you consider their their first 2 records, this is a zero. But rating it against the field, I still have to give it some credit, there are 3 or 4 songs I don't mind listening to. I call this record their "get laid and paid in America" record. Because that's all it's good for. Congratulations guys, you were my favorite band, and now you have 10x as many fans but they are all douche bags. So disappointing. Y&YM remains one of the greatest albums EVER!… Expand
  27. EvanT.
    Jul 23, 2009
    7
    The songs are well crafted, but kings of leon take no risks with this album. The lyrics are completely mindless though. And they picked the worst song on the album as their lead single. But overall its pretty good, at least as in what i was expecting.
  28. James
    Jul 20, 2009
    0
    I was a fan of Kings of Leon until this album. It represents the opposite of everything they were built on.
  29. danielc
    Jul 11, 2009
    7
    Having loved the first three records i wasn't impressed upon first listn and i still belive that the best album they made was Because of the Times but after a while this record has grown on me it's more experimental than before and if you forget about there other efforts that you find that it acctully suites them well. this album deserves more time and rewards it quite well.
  30. VinceG.
    Jun 15, 2009
    1
    Use Somebody was one of the worst songs I've heard in years. The rest of the album wasn't much better. The music doesn't change, it's just the same thing over and over again. Overall this album is terrible.
  31. StephenW
    Jun 12, 2009
    9
    I really wanted to give the album a 10, but it Just Slightly misses some of the down-to-earth qualities that I expect from a Southern Rock outfit. Honestly, you have to give the album a chance before giving it such a bad rating (for those throwing out 0's). I HATED it first two or three listens, then it grew on me big time. Just put this album against any of the current drivel out I really wanted to give the album a 10, but it Just Slightly misses some of the down-to-earth qualities that I expect from a Southern Rock outfit. Honestly, you have to give the album a chance before giving it such a bad rating (for those throwing out 0's). I HATED it first two or three listens, then it grew on me big time. Just put this album against any of the current drivel out there (ahem, The Killers) and it shows depth and attitude far beyond many of their peers. In the end, they have created a full album of gritty blues rock that has few weak moments.… Expand
  32. 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!
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. MattH-C
    Apr 23, 2009
    8
    This is a very solid album, Caleb's vocals are on fire.
  36. MateoG
    Mar 22, 2009
    9
    Very nicee record... One of my favs albums of the year... I know they've changed from their roots, but all bands need to change so we as fans don't get bored with the same music released with every new album... Very creative!
  37. MarliseG
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    K.O.L. (Kings Of Losers) makes the worst alternative rock albums from 2008, and the Grammy and Brit Awards gave awards now, for the losers and biggest mediocrity and terrible music that exist in this planet.
  38. ChristianC
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    thanks to this awful album Kings Of Lion was died for me and many people who loved their music, They can makes One Hit Wonders and going to disappear like Kaiser Chiefs. R.I.P. Kings Of Leon.
  39. ChrisS
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Only two words to say about it: HORRIBLE ALBUM.
  40. JuanP
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    This album killed me too!, I liked KOL music, but its terrible album, boring awful, horrible, i don't understand why wins a grammy and a brit awards, its awards for the mediocrity and merchandise plastic music? I'f Metacritic makes negative points i gave to it -10.
  41. JoseR
    Mar 16, 2009
    3
    This album killed me. I love KOL, I've seen them live 2x, but this album seems like a record execs idea of what they should sound like in order to sell some records toa more mainstream Audience. Gone is the raw sound and energy of Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heart Brake, instead we get sappy, boring songs. This CD hurts, Lord knows I tried to like it.
  42. MariaB
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    This CD is raw, seductive and hypnotic. Love it, Love them.
  43. OzzL
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    Progress from their previous albums. Perhaps lacking the rowdiness that we've come to associate with the Kings of Leon, but I still think it's better than their first two. Vocals are great, lyrics and lyric tunes are unique and wonderful, and musically a great effort too. The lead guitarist is brilliant in this album, sometimes chilled and effortless sometimes intense and Progress from their previous albums. Perhaps lacking the rowdiness that we've come to associate with the Kings of Leon, but I still think it's better than their first two. Vocals are great, lyrics and lyric tunes are unique and wonderful, and musically a great effort too. The lead guitarist is brilliant in this album, sometimes chilled and effortless sometimes intense and spikey. A great album which opens up the genres for this brilliant band.… Expand
  44. JhonatanY
    Feb 24, 2009
    0
    This album despite and is less than the previous albums, now Kings Of Leon sounds like a mediocrity copy of My Morning Jacket or a average alt rock band like Hinder or Nickelback, This album is one of big fakes of the decade.
  45. SatanicM
    Feb 10, 2009
    4
    Predictable, dull and extremely unorganic, this album is by far a dissappointing attemp to be U2. This is not KOL at all. This is a mainstream record that lacks innovations and lurks around repetitive pop references. It's boring. It doesn't have earlier work's edge nor greasy, cocky guitar licks and lyrics. It's like asking the Stones to be U2. I'm a HUGE KOL fan, Predictable, dull and extremely unorganic, this album is by far a dissappointing attemp to be U2. This is not KOL at all. This is a mainstream record that lacks innovations and lurks around repetitive pop references. It's boring. It doesn't have earlier work's edge nor greasy, cocky guitar licks and lyrics. It's like asking the Stones to be U2. I'm a HUGE KOL fan, but I'm utterly dissappointed. I hope they go back to basics and kick some ass.… Expand
  46. EarlL
    Jan 15, 2009
    1
    So disappointing; that a band I loved so much could be reduced to producing such dross nearly brought me to tears. It sounds at best like the worst efforts of all the bands I hate, and at worst like a terrible, shallow immitation of all the bands I love.
  47. 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.
  48. CribbB
    Jan 2, 2009
    3
    Kings of Leon are getting worse by the album. This has nothing on youth and young manhood or aha shake heartbreak. The band may have improved but the music they have produced for this album is just full of radio-friendly drivel with little redeeming aspects. Sellouts.
  49. ZachP
    Dec 21, 2008
    8
    It's a shame that this is the album that will make them famous. It's solid and incredible but pails in comparison to the epic-ness of their three previous. Still, all 13 tracks (counting bonuses) are incredible and the album is probably perfectly mixed.
  50. AdamC
    Dec 19, 2008
    4
    The year's biggest disappointment. Being a huge fan of KOL's two first albums and a so-so fan of their third, I was hoping for a return to their rougher sound. However, they've set aim for the commercial market and produced their worst album by far. What a joke that this album has ended up on many critics end of year polls.
  51. MarkP
    Dec 18, 2008
    3
    The first play through of this album may have been promising but on repeat listens it is clear that KOL have traded in their unique and exciting style for meaningless crap which appeals to anyone who doesn't like good music.
  52. 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
  53. 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".
  54. RandyS
    Nov 28, 2008
    1
    I don't believe in judging CD's on the coverart alone, but i feel like if i judged this CD on musical quality I would end up with a broken keyboard, bloody hand, and an annoying headache. So, on a scale of 0-1, 0 being a CD with coverart not similar to previous KOL CDs, and 1 being a CD that resembles coverart from previous KOL CDs, I give this CD a 1.
  55. 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
  56. ThomasG
    Nov 17, 2008
    0
    This band's first two records were a couple of the best records by anyone in the last ten years. This record, like their third effort, is dismal beyond belief. It's SO bad it's almost a "must hear" for music buffs, kind of like Plan 9 From Outer space is for film freaks. As the album unfolds, you just can't fathom how it can possibly be getting worse. Pretyy incredible This band's first two records were a couple of the best records by anyone in the last ten years. This record, like their third effort, is dismal beyond belief. It's SO bad it's almost a "must hear" for music buffs, kind of like Plan 9 From Outer space is for film freaks. As the album unfolds, you just can't fathom how it can possibly be getting worse. Pretyy incredible in its own way.… Expand
  57. HazHanson
    Nov 10, 2008
    7
    here is the deal. this album is good....at best. However, i just saw KOL live and they did play several songs on this album, including Closer, Crawl, Sex on Fire, Use Somebody, Manhattan and Cold Desert and the songs sounded amazing. They sounded a million times better live than on the album. The only way to appriciate this album, unlike the Kings last three efforts, is live.
  58. JyotirmayaD.
    Oct 25, 2008
    8
    I play this album much more than the previous two albums by KOL. I lke the fact that they sound different and have toned down the sometimes irritating "boogie-ing." Very good effort.
  59. FredP.
    Oct 24, 2008
    8
    It's different than their previous albums but still a solid piece of recognizable music of a very talented band.
  60. Cameron
    Oct 22, 2008
    6
    KOl of my favourite band and i was eagerly anticipating this album yet apart from 'Use Somebody', 'Crawl', 'Cold Desert' and perhaps 'Closer' the rest is not up to their colossal standards that were shown on the last 3 albums. To me it seems rushed with too many leftovers from their last album.
  61. JesJ.
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Very strong record - catchy songs - good production - their best so far.
  62. RyanP.
    Oct 14, 2008
    8
    Solid, not spectacular.
  63. GaryC.
    Oct 11, 2008
    10
    Fantastic Revelry is probably song of the year.
  64. 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.
  65. CoryB.
    Oct 4, 2008
    8
    One of the strongest rock vocal albums in a while.
  66. StevenH.
    Oct 2, 2008
    4
    Anybody could have writtent this album. Anybody. It's so weak compared to previous albums. It frustrates me that it's being reviewed so highly, do we really need to encourage Kings of Leon to be the next Coldplay or U2? I wish they'd just be Kings of Leon.
  67. MattL.
    Sep 30, 2008
    10
    Sex on Fire, Be Somebody, Manhattan, Notion, I Want You, and Be Somebody are good.
  68. 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.
  69. erike
    Sep 29, 2008
    1
    A turd by any other name would still be a turd...good god, what a piece of crap. all the promise of aha shake heartbreak is a distant memory at this point...this is a complete and total embarrassment...if i wanted to listen to a nickelback album, well...i would shoot myself...if you don't like radio friendly, cookie cutter, paint by numbers garbage...stay as far away from this as possible.
  70. 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
  71. Mislav
    Sep 27, 2008
    5
    I was surprised to learn that the Kings of Leon were releasing a CD so soon after Because of the Times. I thought maybe they could continue making strong music like they did on that album (which I wasn't a huge fan of, but I certainly enjoyed it). Closer was a wonderful opener and set my hopes high. Crawl was still pretty good, but I could tell that Closer wasn't going to be I was surprised to learn that the Kings of Leon were releasing a CD so soon after Because of the Times. I thought maybe they could continue making strong music like they did on that album (which I wasn't a huge fan of, but I certainly enjoyed it). Closer was a wonderful opener and set my hopes high. Crawl was still pretty good, but I could tell that Closer wasn't going to be matched throughout the album. After Crawl it just became by-the-books Kings of Leon, neither good nor bad, rather like how The Darkness epically failed on their second album. The tracks all kind of blend together in a monotonous mediocrity without anything interesting to pull you in. Any fan of Kings of Leon will find some redeeming qualities in this, but if you're looking for a good album, this doesn't quite cut it. It seems rushed and, as others have probably said, seems like they're trying to just make more money, very quickly. Get good reviews on a few albums and a rushed follow-up is a sure way to get more fans... just don't lose those who were with you at the start.… Collapse
  72. Jason
    Sep 26, 2008
    8
    Not at all like what i was expecting. I can see why some people are a little turned off by the new direction but after a few listens its really growing on me a lot.
  73. VincentB.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Grows on you, like all good music.
  74. Dan
    Sep 26, 2008
    7
    If this weren't by the Kings of Leon, I'd be impressed. However, after 3 outstanding albums, each one better than the last, this pretty good album is still a dissappointment.
  75. ColinR.
    Sep 26, 2008
    8
    Not perfect, but the closest album to it that I've heard this year. No fillers, although some songs do take a while to grow on you but give it a few listens and you'll be hooked.
  76. StuP.
    Sep 25, 2008
    6
    Still a good album, but nothing on the first two KOL albums or even Because of the Times! They're turning into U2 and its definitely not a good thing. What happened to their trademark southern swagger and indie guitar riffs? Way too processed.
  77. Jean-PhilippeD.
    Sep 25, 2008
    2
    Shocking demonstration from a formerly well hung rocking quartet. I haven't heard such a disappointing records since U2 "All That You Can't Leave Behind"... though everyone already expected that one to be a mere pile of teenage spitle. Sellouts!
  78. DavisF.
    Sep 25, 2008
    8
    Not their best ... but a couple of songs will rock as though they were!
  79. NicoleG.
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    Love the depth & torque of this album!
  80. sarahs
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Excellent cd - love it from beginning to end.
  81. TimT
    Sep 25, 2008
    6
    Definitely not the Kings of Leon that we love and are used to.
  82. KennyM
    Sep 24, 2008
    0
    Why do Kings of Leon suck now?
  83. ArnA.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Great album...better than the poser band Coldplay and their disgraceful garbage of an album.
  84. AlanL.
    Sep 24, 2008
    8
    I think this is a much better effort than the previous ones including the overrated "Because Of The Times". With "Only By The Night", Kings Of Leon show they're capable of creating intelligent, catchy and well structured music with incredible bass lines and a unique vocal style. This is like if My Morning Jacket had met U2. A really good and enjoyable album within the Top 25 of the I think this is a much better effort than the previous ones including the overrated "Because Of The Times". With "Only By The Night", Kings Of Leon show they're capable of creating intelligent, catchy and well structured music with incredible bass lines and a unique vocal style. This is like if My Morning Jacket had met U2. A really good and enjoyable album within the Top 25 of the year without a doubt.… Expand
  85. ReubenS.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    It's the kangs. That's why.
  86. 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.
  87. [Anonymous]
    Sep 24, 2008
    5
    The album is a good album for any random college band. But Kings of Leon could have made a good album wihtout losing their grit. That grit is exactly what was charismatic about their music before. I all for well-developed song structure, but you can still hold on to your roots. This is a frustrating album at best. A band with potential selling it's soul for stadium approval.
  88. 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
  89. TomB
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Loving it!!
  90. 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.
  91. CailyD.
    Sep 23, 2008
    0
    Pure cock rock drivel for scenesters. Why does the UK and Australia dig this banal crap so much?
  92. LewisR.
    Sep 23, 2008
    7
    On 1st listen it is great, sounds like my fav album of theirs, aha shake heartbreak, but doesnt stand up afta a few more listens, 'Manhattan' is a carbon copy of 1 of their earlier songs, summing up the lack of creativity and ambtion. Still a fun rock album, but where they used 2 tread the line between innovative pop and rock, they hav now moved a bit further towards the safe, On 1st listen it is great, sounds like my fav album of theirs, aha shake heartbreak, but doesnt stand up afta a few more listens, 'Manhattan' is a carbon copy of 1 of their earlier songs, summing up the lack of creativity and ambtion. Still a fun rock album, but where they used 2 tread the line between innovative pop and rock, they hav now moved a bit further towards the safe, popular, stadium rock sound. Still definatly worth a purchase, but i know they could do even more coz they r 1 of the very best rock and roll bands around 2day and i hope they r a bit more adventurous on the next 1!… Expand
  93. OwenP.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    I really like the route they took on this album. Nothing wrong here. It's a pleasure to listen to straight through.
  94. MichaelM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Not their best but certainly the best rock music around!
  95. andyh
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    To make it quick and easy - this is my favorite album of 2008. You must give it a listen.
  96. MattJ
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    A brilliant album, but a grower. The only low mark i can partly agree with is mojo in that it will help when this is in context of future albums however this is still a great album!
  97. ChK
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Pure greatness. It's almost as good as their debut.

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.
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  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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