When You See Yourself
by Kings of Leon
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 5, 2021
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 60
  3. Negative: 3 out of 60
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  1. igorwrightsilva
    Mar 6, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A long awaited shift on lyric and music composition. This record shows they finally embraced being adults.… Expand
  2. Noiseblock
    Mar 16, 2021
    8
    With WYSY, Kings of Leon have shed a good portion of the baggage they had accumulated over the years. Not only were they still expected to harken back to their giddy Southern-garage-rock in many regards, they also were expected to deliver the stadium-bursting anthems of their OBTN-area, which may have always been too much of a tonal divide for the band to navigate gracefully. After OBTN,With WYSY, Kings of Leon have shed a good portion of the baggage they had accumulated over the years. Not only were they still expected to harken back to their giddy Southern-garage-rock in many regards, they also were expected to deliver the stadium-bursting anthems of their OBTN-area, which may have always been too much of a tonal divide for the band to navigate gracefully. After OBTN, the direct two successors largely struggled to unite the two concepts and fell smack dab in a middle that was unsurprisingly solid - KOL do know how to create melodies and are great instrumentalists all around -, but it would be an exaggeration that they set the world on fire as one of their biggest hits suggests. With WALLS, a more contemplative, tempered approach took the spotlight, which was a very welcome shakeup for me personally, but it still lacked a bit of a unique selling point to fully convince me of wholly of their new concept.

    On When You See Yourself, it becomes very apparent that WALLS was not just experimentation, but a logical step for a band that is now more evidently than ever over trying to please everyone. WYSY is confidently exploring the mid-tempo, electronic-leaning spheric soundscapes of WALLS whithout any trace of even attempting a true stadium-anthem. It does not need to, honestly; the tracks are distinct and performed assuredly, production is immaculate - one of the best-produced albums I have heard this year and last - and even lyrically, where KOL have sometimes been rightfully called bland and non-commital, they flex their muscles. Partly beautifully evocative and impressionistic - "A Wave"/"Time In Disguise"/"Golden Restless Age" -, partly great Southern folk-leaning stroytelling - "The Bandit"/"Claire and Eddie"/"Echoing" -, Kings of Leon have created something here that is, while ironically reducing their breackneck guitar riffs eying the next big stadium smasher, not easily foregttable. It is an assuredly flowing, confident album with an actual thematic and emotional core. Where has this commitment to a single vision been all these years, Kings of Leon?

    So Kings of Leon are now fully Southern-dream-pop-rock, yes. Well. it suits them. For the first time since their beginnings this seems to be a style that actually comes from their collective identity as a band. If the material is and stays this good, who am I to complain?    … Expand
  3. sshpv
    Mar 12, 2021
    8
    Surprisingly solid record. Best since their debut for sure. Fav track "Wave".
  4. Dizzyd2323
    Mar 5, 2021
    9
    Okay, only one time through the album (so a way too early take on the album), but this thing grooves. Its everything you should expect from the "stadium rockers". After a few medicore albums, which the band sounded forced to create music, they bounce back with their best in more than a decade. Don't expect a lyrical masterpiece, remember their greatest mainstream success was the song "SexOkay, only one time through the album (so a way too early take on the album), but this thing grooves. Its everything you should expect from the "stadium rockers". After a few medicore albums, which the band sounded forced to create music, they bounce back with their best in more than a decade. Don't expect a lyrical masterpiece, remember their greatest mainstream success was the song "Sex on Fire". Overall, a good tempo album that gets the job done.… Expand
  5. eternity_tlf
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    Cria uma atmosfera sonora muito pertinente no tempo em que vivemos, sendo bem conectado entre as faixas e trazendo como sempre faixas icônicas e que logo se tornarão lembradas e muito escutadas, a distribuição das faixas também foi um ponto alto, mantendo o álbum interessante do início ao fim.
  6. DOWNEY2010
    Oct 18, 2021
    10
    A great return to form for KOL. Much improved on Walls.

    top tracks - When you see yourself, stormy weather ,golden restless age and the Bandit.
  7. Ricko
    Mar 25, 2021
    7
    Almost 20 years now since their debut and 8 albums in, the Kings of Leon show that they are still more than capable of banging out a great tune. The 2 singles I heard before the albums release, "The Bandit" and "100,000 People" are 2 of their better singles from the last 10 years or so. The rest of the album has enough to keep me going back to it but it is a frontloaded album. It's gotAlmost 20 years now since their debut and 8 albums in, the Kings of Leon show that they are still more than capable of banging out a great tune. The 2 singles I heard before the albums release, "The Bandit" and "100,000 People" are 2 of their better singles from the last 10 years or so. The rest of the album has enough to keep me going back to it but it is a frontloaded album. It's got lots of melodies and catchy licks, traditional rock but with the bands trademark all over it. The 2nd side of the album falters a bit and limps along at the end but the first side is as a good a half album as they've put out since 2008's "Only By The Night". To still generate any degree of international buzz 8 albums into a career is a fair achievement. They have come along way, survived the wobbles and have managed not to be swallowed by the industry. They may not be the mercurial force they once were but I could list on one hand those bands who retain the magic after 20 years together.… Expand
  8. MJStorey23
    May 10, 2021
    8
    Continuing with the more mature themes and sounds of WALLS, When You See Yourself is another step in the right direction.

    Stand out tracks - A Wave, Claire & Eddie and Fairytale.
  9. Horror2018
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Massive experimentation from kol
    Here with great results. Favourite tracks, when you see yourself, the bandit, stormy weather and golden restless age.
  10. Theedmondxp
    Mar 4, 2021
    8
    Es un álbum que debe ser escuchado con delicadeza y paciencia ante cada pieza, es en si un álbum consistente que te lleva por un viaje tranquilo, pero emocionante, algunas canciones no alcanzan todo su potencial y se quedan con poca vibra, la producción es buena pero nada más, y se le debe exigir más al potencial vocal de Caleb que en esta ocasión y desde su álbum WALLS está quedandoEs un álbum que debe ser escuchado con delicadeza y paciencia ante cada pieza, es en si un álbum consistente que te lleva por un viaje tranquilo, pero emocionante, algunas canciones no alcanzan todo su potencial y se quedan con poca vibra, la producción es buena pero nada más, y se le debe exigir más al potencial vocal de Caleb que en esta ocasión y desde su álbum WALLS está quedando corto, falta energía en la batería, los riffs en la guitarra de matthew son sencillos,. Un poco más de emoción no hubiera estado de mas,. Pero aún así las líneas de bajo de Jared hacen un gran son de gran ayuda para dar al album un tono más emocionante como en sus álbumes previos come Around Sundown y Because Of the times.
    En resumen es un álbum decente, consistente que deja un buen sabor de boca y que no es necesario escuchar varias veces para que sea agradable.    … Expand
  11. moonpie1979
    Mar 7, 2021
    8
    It may or may not be oversimplifying matters to suggest that the band’s output might be divided into three eras - pre ‘Only By the Night’ era, ‘Only By the Night’ era and post-‘Only By the Night’ era. In the first incarnation, the band were raw and raucous, energetic and electrified. In the second, worldwide superstardom arrived - and this seemed to bring the band more riches thanIt may or may not be oversimplifying matters to suggest that the band’s output might be divided into three eras - pre ‘Only By the Night’ era, ‘Only By the Night’ era and post-‘Only By the Night’ era. In the first incarnation, the band were raw and raucous, energetic and electrified. In the second, worldwide superstardom arrived - and this seemed to bring the band more riches than contentment. They seemed less comfortable in their skin, less enthused perhaps, than in their formative years. One might be tempted to ponder - do they even LIKE Sex on Fire?! In the third, and most underwhelming incarnation, generally rather bland albums were peppered with tunes which were good if superficial - I have enjoyed lots of their latter-day tracks on first listen but then never really craved repeat listens. It’s all been a little soulless, a little safe. Where, then, does 2021’s output fit into all of this? A revisit of the early rawness? No. Another shot at commercially ambitious stadium rock? No. A continuation of this prolonged third era? That might be unkind and unjust. It’s the strongest and most likeable collection of songs KoL have presented for many years. None of these songs are going to be played at a wedding reception, and none of them are ever going to be sung along to word-for-word at the band’s next arena gig. But it’s an album that invites - and rewards - further listens.… Expand
  12. Wwilliams23
    Jun 2, 2022
    7
    Kings of Leon is probably my all time favorite band, so just understand that as I write my review. I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible. I bought the vinyl Day 1 and have listened to this thing a thousand times.
    This is is certainly “different” when compared to other KOL records. It’s more mellow and Caleb’s voice takes a backseat to everything else. Which is odd, because his voice is    Kings of Leon is probably my all time favorite band, so just understand that as I write my review. I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible. I bought the vinyl Day 1 and have listened to this thing a thousand times.
    This is is certainly “different” when compared to other KOL records. It’s more mellow and Caleb’s voice takes a backseat to everything else. Which is odd, because his voice is the band’s greatest strength. That’s one qualm I have with the entire thing.

    Stormy Weather is strong, with Jared’s bass taking center stage. It’s a really groovy and upbeat track.

    Golden Restless Age may be my favorite track of all, but the chorus is way better than the verses, lyrically. It’s a beautiful track with great vocals.

    Time in Disguise is another favorite of mine. It sounds grand and comes through strong in every way.

    Claire and Eddie is just boring to me, lacking anything of substance.

    The same goes for Supermarket. It just kind of treads along. Although the bass is solid.

    WYSY, the title track, is okay. It falls somewhere in the middle.

    A Wave is really cool, one of the best on the album. It’s exciting and all of the instruments shine.

    100,000 People may be too slow and laggy for some, even repetitive. But I actually find it to be the best on the album when it comes to lyrics.

    Echoing is classic KOL, bringing back memories of their first two records.

    The Bandit has the charisma to be the lead single, with more energy than the other tracks. It has a cool vibe.

    Fairytale is super underrated in my opinion. It’s slow but very reflective and somber. I find it to be deep and every enjoyable.

    This is such an interesting album from KOL. It’s not their best, but it shows they are still relevant today and continue to do great work. But they could be even greater. Personally, I think they need to move on from Dravs as producer. Mechanical Bill was the last album with their old producer and that album was way better than Walls or WYSY. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.    … Expand
  13. egeguneserciyes
    Mar 7, 2021
    9
    The album attracted me, although it was different from other albums. It may be the best album of the band in many ways. Matt and Jared did most valuable jobs. Caleb and Nathan are also doing pretty well. All of the songs are musically good and original. The album is an artistically integrated masterpiece. The reason I gave it 9/10 is because all songs do not contain catchy and strikingThe album attracted me, although it was different from other albums. It may be the best album of the band in many ways. Matt and Jared did most valuable jobs. Caleb and Nathan are also doing pretty well. All of the songs are musically good and original. The album is an artistically integrated masterpiece. The reason I gave it 9/10 is because all songs do not contain catchy and striking elements in the lyrical sense.… Expand
  14. Robbbaaaa
    Mar 5, 2021
    10
    It’s a beautiful album which shows the maturity of their sound and how they’ve gained confidence in themselves to try new things. You won’t lose the guitars but find a true masterpiece.
  15. Qmark
    Mar 6, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good album! KOL is back to the roots! Clean and professional work! 11 Perfect Songs! The Bandit is very cool! Exciting guitar chords to highlight the bass guitar in every song. Next to which the drum flows perfectly.… Expand
  16. BiffyNick
    Mar 7, 2021
    7
    When You See Yourself marks a gorgeous, ethereal departure from the boisterous arena rock of WALLS. The Kings sound mellower and more comfortable on this record. The production on this album is outstanding - the drums sound deliciously dry and 70s, Jared Followill's funky and melodic bass playing is deservedly high in the mix, bolstered by full and punchy tones and Matt Followill'sWhen You See Yourself marks a gorgeous, ethereal departure from the boisterous arena rock of WALLS. The Kings sound mellower and more comfortable on this record. The production on this album is outstanding - the drums sound deliciously dry and 70s, Jared Followill's funky and melodic bass playing is deservedly high in the mix, bolstered by full and punchy tones and Matt Followill's experimentation with vintage synthesisers has really paid off as they add a layer of colour and texture to the tracks. Caleb's vocals this time are markedly reserved and relatively low in the mix; which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you view the album as something to wash over you in all its tender goodness. The songwriting here is a lot more measured and refined than on previous efforts - the Kings have clearly done away with trying to create neatly packaged three-minute pop songs by allowing a lot of the songs to stretch to five minutes, something I am greatly in favour of. While the songs here are all very nicely crafted, I would say that the album lacks momentum in places with much fewer high-energy moments breaking up the pacing. If you're hoping for a return to the 'Aha Shake' days, you will be disappointed. 'Echoing' could be the one exception here, with crunchy guitars and bass harkening back the their old moustachioed days. This also happens to be one of the stand-out tracks on the album, alongside '100,000' People, 'A Wave', 'Clair & Eddie' 'Golden Restless Age' and 'Fairytale'. This is the sound of an ageing band pushing their limits, branching out, doing away with old conventions and beginning a period of self-reflection. While it doesn't quite pay off in all aspects, this is certainly an exciting step in a new direction.… Expand
  17. trxstxssx
    Mar 9, 2021
    7
    This album felt like the first album they really wanted to make since 2010's Come Around Sundown. The songs felt new and exciting. Standout tracks incl. The Bandit, A Wave, Fairy tale & Supermarket.
  18. on_eric95
    Mar 11, 2021
    8
    é top, uma primazia.......
    ouçam no repeating Time in Disguise ..... nmmnnnbm...
  19. Gibbo909
    Mar 13, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like it a lot, golden restless age and Time in disguise both belters. Seem to be reading a lot of reviews of Pepe complaining it's not the first album, well what did you expect?… Expand
  20. AlecTwenty
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    There are so many great songs on this album, it’s already my favorite album of this year.
  21. JasJasJas
    Oct 23, 2021
    8
    I enjoy the whole album; I do not skip any of the songs on it. I think the melodies are all strong.
  22. titanoneday
    Nov 7, 2022
    10
    Listened to this album a year later once again and it's still one of the best releases of these past couple of years.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Pitchfork
    Mar 9, 2021
    48
    It’s hard to imagine the wild-maned early incarnation of Kings of Leon even wanting to listen to a band like this, let alone play in one. In truth, their current iteration doesn’t sound all that thrilled about it, either.
    Read full review
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 9, 2021
    80
    When You See Yourself is a welcoming return to form for Kings of Leon. It’s a nostalgia sucker punch for those in the right time, in the right place. It's an album that their fanbase will revel in.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    Mar 8, 2021
    60
    With the band’s musicianship in peak form, it’s Caleb’s songwriting that limits the album’s impact. Marriage and fatherhood have expanded his inner monologue beyond fratboy misogyny and rock-star posturing. But he still doesn’t have much of interest to say.
    Read full review
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