Because Of The Times
by Kings of Leon
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2007
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 153 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 184
  3. Negative: 16 out of 184

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  1. Ricko
    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
  2. normankant
    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).
  3. Herecomesyourma
    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.
  4. 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.
  5. Vampire25
    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
  6. DOWNEY2010
    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.
  7. Kernzzi
    Oct 10, 2010
    10
    best album of the decade. enough said.
  8. MattBellamy
    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
  9. JonathonS
    Jul 18, 2009
    3
    I was let down, some good songs here and there, but in general this isn't the kings I used to love. I hope with the next cd they return to their roots. p.d. Zeke this cd is their FOURTH LP.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. TimB
    Dec 17, 2008
    5
    The greatness of the Kings of Leons first couple of discs was the fact that they made sleazy slurring rock n' roll and sported fashions that COMPLETELY ignored current trends and fashions. On this CD, they turn their back on their previous stance and jump the latest haircuts, fashions, and sounds in quest of the top of the latest-greatest heap. Congratulations dudes, you're a The greatness of the Kings of Leons first couple of discs was the fact that they made sleazy slurring rock n' roll and sported fashions that COMPLETELY ignored current trends and fashions. On this CD, they turn their back on their previous stance and jump the latest haircuts, fashions, and sounds in quest of the top of the latest-greatest heap. Congratulations dudes, you're a success and...you suck like everybody else.… Expand
  13. AaronH
    May 6, 2008
    10
    Best album of 2007.
  14. 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.
  15. TomO.
    Apr 18, 2008
    8
    Great new sound for KOL, not as passionate as they are on the previous records.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. ZekeT.
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    A mature, beautiful third album from the new kings of southern rock.
  19. DanA.
    Sep 17, 2007
    5
    Initially a promising record, but after a few more listens reveals itself to be as mediocre as their other records. there are plenty of better records from 2007, don't bother with this.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. KitT
    May 3, 2007
    6
    None of the songs are bad, I don't think and there's some good melodies in between the songs, but none of the songs are killers either. Some of the music gets too stagnant, and if you'd expected something that will blow your mind like 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' you may be disappointed. That being said, they're still my favourite band at the moment.
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Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2007
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    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.
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  2. Hartford Courant
    80
    Although it's stylistically diverse, the album feels coherent.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    60
    Kings of Leon often seem torn between their stadium rawk impulses and their hip underground aspirations.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »