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. igorwrightsilva
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Besides the whole pressure to back it up Only By The Night success, Come Around Sundown sounds better, more inspired and beautier than any other KOL record ever done.… Expand
  2. clem666
    Aug 20, 2020
    6
    'Come Around Sundown' is another building block in the work of Kings of Leon. It's always a pleasure to listen to this album, which holds some powerful and great surprises. Unfortunately the magic just lasts for some songs, barely half of the project. Kings of Leon is still perfectly capable of creating great expansive crescendos in which voice and instruments complement each other, but we'Come Around Sundown' is another building block in the work of Kings of Leon. It's always a pleasure to listen to this album, which holds some powerful and great surprises. Unfortunately the magic just lasts for some songs, barely half of the project. Kings of Leon is still perfectly capable of creating great expansive crescendos in which voice and instruments complement each other, but we all know that: it's about the classic formula they apply. And it hasn't changed for years. This regrettably makes the band popular and mainstream but repetitive and just basic in a certain way.… Expand
  3. Herecomesyourma
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    Solid effort after the major breakthrough of only by the night! pyro, pony up, pickup truck are the stand out tracks on this album. also good to see that there was no sex on fires or use somebody's on this album.
  4. 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.
  5. JiminiCriket
    Aug 7, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Les Kings of Leon sont fidèles à eux-mêmes et sortent un nouvel album solide bien que classique dans leur répertoire. Ceux qui découvriront ce groupe avec cet album adoreront les précédents, mais trouveront que le premier album, Youth and Young Manhood, détonne un peu dans le répertoire.
    Ce dernier opus ne dépasse cependant pas en qualité, à mon sens, Aha Shake Heratbreak, Because of The Times et We Are The Nights.    … Expand
  6. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    7
    Experimenting with country elements is an avenue Kings of Leon really should not be going down. An how ironic is it that, the very thing they've been taking a lot of heat for (sounding more commercial) is what saves this album from being a failure. Contrary to popular belief Pyro is not the standout track. That honor would have to go to "The Immortals" a song with true conviction.
  7. j30
    Feb 19, 2012
    4
    Once you've accepted that Kings of Leon have lost their edge, Come Around Sundown goes down a little bit easier. That's until you listen to a track from Because Of The Times, Aha Shake Heartbreak, or Youth and Young Manhood than you hate it.
  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. Nigel
    Jan 6, 2012
    6
    Come Around Sundown is a true portrait of how the band has gradually declined in quality since their first superb record, Youth & Young Manhood. Although the melancholy album shows the odd glimpse of the exciting Kings of the past (in songs such as Mary), the record as a whole ultimately fails to grasp the imagination, relying on lazy regurgitation of 'Only By the Night'-esque anthems andCome Around Sundown is a true portrait of how the band has gradually declined in quality since their first superb record, Youth & Young Manhood. Although the melancholy album shows the odd glimpse of the exciting Kings of the past (in songs such as Mary), the record as a whole ultimately fails to grasp the imagination, relying on lazy regurgitation of 'Only By the Night'-esque anthems and sounds. Whilst listening to The End (the opening song) I found myself inevitably wondering how the band could fall from such raw grit of songs like Four Kicks and Pistol Of Fire, to the contrived and empty numbers of Only By the Night and Come Around Sundown. Here's to hoping the Followills will rediscover their musical heart and soul next time around!… Expand
  10. ali_g_84uk
    Oct 31, 2011
    10
    On another note, people who like the new albums always criticize people using the term "sell out". I get it, it's a ubiquitous word used to describe any small time band that managed to get success. I've never described any band as a sell out until kings of leon, they completely abandoned their humble background, their style, their music taste etc to gain mass appeal. In an interview inOn another note, people who like the new albums always criticize people using the term "sell out". I get it, it's a ubiquitous word used to describe any small time band that managed to get success. I've never described any band as a sell out until kings of leon, they completely abandoned their humble background, their style, their music taste etc to gain mass appeal. In an interview in talihina sky (think it was Nathan), he goes on about radio just playing trash music the whole time and what do you have to do to get onto the radio...then use somebody comes on, thatâ… Expand
  11. DND
    Oct 14, 2011
    9
    Nice album, every song impacted with such positive emotions. If you come home after hard working day you just turn on KOL's "Come Around Sundown" and your day definitely becomes better.
  12. TheVillageDrunk
    May 17, 2011
    3
    All I can say is what happened to the Kings? They went from fearless young rock warriors to uninspired, bored pop-rock robots in the space of a couple of years. My theory is they stumbled onto Sex On Fire, which the masses obviously wolfed down & demanded more of & now they need time out to recharge & get the creative juices flowing again. We all know they're capable of so much moreAll I can say is what happened to the Kings? They went from fearless young rock warriors to uninspired, bored pop-rock robots in the space of a couple of years. My theory is they stumbled onto Sex On Fire, which the masses obviously wolfed down & demanded more of & now they need time out to recharge & get the creative juices flowing again. We all know they're capable of so much more than Come around Sundown even came close to achieving. It's dull as dishwater, it can't even muster up a Crawl & at their best Kings are just electrifying. I'll let them off with this one & await their comeback. I'd advise you do the same.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. tomfarrell
    Mar 27, 2011
    8
    Forget the naysayers and take it from me; this album has truth, a commodity that isn't too easy to come by these days. If you don't believe me then go listen to "The Immortals". Blast it. Tell me that Caleb's gut-wrenching vocal performance, coupled with Nathan's primal, unbridled, drum-banging fury about a minute in, doesn't move you. Tell me that you don't feel your stomach drop andForget the naysayers and take it from me; this album has truth, a commodity that isn't too easy to come by these days. If you don't believe me then go listen to "The Immortals". Blast it. Tell me that Caleb's gut-wrenching vocal performance, coupled with Nathan's primal, unbridled, drum-banging fury about a minute in, doesn't move you. Tell me that you don't feel your stomach drop and your heart yearn for a loved one like it hasn't in years. While the album as a whole may drag its heels in places, the raw emotion woven into the first six tracks is nothing short of unforgettable. My God is it good.

    Other standouts on the album include Radioactive, Pyro, Mi Amigo, and Pickup Truck. KOL is the truth and they bring it straight from the heart. Come Around Sundown is a testament to the simple beauty of voices and percussion.    … Expand
  15. kol25
    Mar 4, 2011
    10
    After a few listens come around sundown is def grower. Songs like the end, pyro, pony, birthday are instant hits but after a few listens songs like pickup truck and mary really grow on you. quality album
  16. football101
    Feb 4, 2011
    9
    I truly enjoyed this album. And I still do. It is a very simple album, with a nice layer to it. It's no Because of the Times, or Only By the Night, but it has some value. It takes a handful of listens, but once it sticks it has a nice sound and message. Pickup Truck is one of the best songs of the past year. It is utterly riveting. The drums on the album have a great sound as usual. CalebI truly enjoyed this album. And I still do. It is a very simple album, with a nice layer to it. It's no Because of the Times, or Only By the Night, but it has some value. It takes a handful of listens, but once it sticks it has a nice sound and message. Pickup Truck is one of the best songs of the past year. It is utterly riveting. The drums on the album have a great sound as usual. Caleb was a little weak in his delivery, as far as lyrics go, but not bad. I would rate this as a good album. Not great. Not bad. It is at least worth a listen.… Expand
  17. 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!)
  18. xipicango
    Jan 9, 2011
    9
    es un disco cojonudo
    aunque le falta un temazo del estilo de use somebody
  19. suturno
    Dec 31, 2010
    8
    (8.0) Formidable rock/pop album (even if the classic pop elements are not around most of the time, you can definitely feel the pop-song all around "Come around sundown").
  20. 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.
  21. Vampire25
    Dec 17, 2010
    8
    Come Around Sundown is getting critically panned and these users are hating it also. I don't quite understand why. Band members grow up and mature there sound as a band. And that's exactly what Kings Of Leon have done with this album. They've grown up. They are not Southern rockers anymore like there old stuff. Songs like "The End" and "Pyro" really show that too. Granit, it's the least ofCome Around Sundown is getting critically panned and these users are hating it also. I don't quite understand why. Band members grow up and mature there sound as a band. And that's exactly what Kings Of Leon have done with this album. They've grown up. They are not Southern rockers anymore like there old stuff. Songs like "The End" and "Pyro" really show that too. Granit, it's the least of The Kings Of Leon albums, but nevertheless a very well made album. I love their sound and the direction they went for. Arena rock really suits The Kings well. All In All, the tracks are catchy and Caleb's voice is incredible on this album. Took me a few tries to like it but now I think it's a very well made album. B… Expand
  22. big-bad-bear
    Dec 2, 2010
    7
    Not a bad effort by the kings of Leon but for me it was still a considerable difference from their best album. still its a must listen for all kings of Leon fans and offers a few good tracks.
  23. 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
  24. TheSage
    Nov 11, 2010
    7
    Yes, this is Kings of Leon's weakest album. There aren't very memorable songs on the album, there are no songs as great a Molly's Chambers, Four Kicks, On Call, or Use Somebody. Yet, every song is somewhat enjoyable. I didn't hate any of the songs on the album, I didn't love any of the songs, but I did like a lot of the songs. There is nothing special on this album, but it's stillYes, this is Kings of Leon's weakest album. There aren't very memorable songs on the album, there are no songs as great a Molly's Chambers, Four Kicks, On Call, or Use Somebody. Yet, every song is somewhat enjoyable. I didn't hate any of the songs on the album, I didn't love any of the songs, but I did like a lot of the songs. There is nothing special on this album, but it's still enjoyable and worth a listen of two… Expand
  25. Murray
    Nov 9, 2010
    7
    The problem for King's of Leon is the indie/alternative strength of the first albums. If you loved the first stuff this new stuff is indulgent, crass commercialization - though a good album in it's own right. (Much like U2's later direction - you couldn't sell it to me - but I grew up on, and lived and died by, Under a Blood Red Sky.) For a fifty year old who stopped in his tracks when heThe problem for King's of Leon is the indie/alternative strength of the first albums. If you loved the first stuff this new stuff is indulgent, crass commercialization - though a good album in it's own right. (Much like U2's later direction - you couldn't sell it to me - but I grew up on, and lived and died by, Under a Blood Red Sky.) For a fifty year old who stopped in his tracks when he heard "Red Morning Light", "The Bucket" etc, this one hardly wobbled the radar.… Expand
  26. Nene
    Nov 8, 2010
    7
    It's not like it's a bad record! It sounds really good! And I must have heard it like a million times by now... But (there's always a but!) there's something missing... I think it's a mix between the way they sounded on their first 3 records and Only By The Night and all the fuzz created around it! Fine, I love these guys and I guess you can say I'm an unconditional fan but, the truth is,It's not like it's a bad record! It sounds really good! And I must have heard it like a million times by now... But (there's always a but!) there's something missing... I think it's a mix between the way they sounded on their first 3 records and Only By The Night and all the fuzz created around it! Fine, I love these guys and I guess you can say I'm an unconditional fan but, the truth is, if this was their first record I wouldn't have been as crazy about them as I am... There are some good songs, Pyro, The End, Back Down South, Pickup Truck, being those songs (Beach Side is kind of a guilty pleasure: it doesn't really add anything but I love Caleb's voice on this one!) and great lyrics! Not everything is lost! I think Matthew just keeps getting better and better and it's a cohesive record, all things considered... But honestly, i think they should just tell everyone to piss off and do whatever the hell they want! Because when you do what you want, people can tell! I just don't think I can tell on this one...… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  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. 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
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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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